Swimming in Butte Lake, hiking the Cinder Cone, and launching a kayak or canoe from the boat ramp are the main draws at this campground on the remote northeastern edge of Lassen Volcanic National Park. The lake sits a short walk from the sites, and while no campsite has a direct water view, the day-use area on the shore is easy to reach on foot. The water runs clear, the shoreline is formed from volcanic material, and the lake is closed to motorized boats, which keeps the surface quiet for paddlers and swimmers.
The campground layout spreads sites widely through open pine forest with tall trees and minimal undergrowth. Sites are large and well-spaced. Reviewers consistently note that the campground can feel surprisingly uncrowded even when reservations are nearly full, though some note that kids on bikes and loose dogs can reduce the sense of separation between sites. There is no cell service here. Bear boxes are present and required. Butte Lake Group — Lassen Volcanic National Park is a nearby option for larger parties.
Drinking water is available only at the restroom buildings, roughly four locations throughout the campground, and there is no hookup access or dump station. Bill T. notes "there is no way to hook up a hose," so plan to fill jugs and carry them. After the summer season ends, water may be shut off entirely, making late-season visits effectively dry camping. Firewood and supplies are available in Old Station, where campgrounds around Old Station can serve as a staging point.
Getting here requires driving roughly six miles of gravel road. Most reviewers describe it as manageable rather than punishing, and rigs over 30 feet have made the trip without issue, though drivers who are uneasy on unpaved roads should factor that in. The road's length likely contributes to the lower crowds compared to campgrounds along the main park highway. Reservations are required and pets are not permitted. The campground runs from mid-June through late October, weather permitting.
This campground works best for campers who want lake access, volcanic trail systems, and a degree of separation from the busier sections of the park, and who are comfortable with limited facilities and a gravel-road approach.
Description
Overview
Butte Lake Stock Corral (elevation 6,100 ft.) is located in the northeastern section of Lassen Volcanic National Park in northern California. It is fairly remote and within walking distance of Butte Lake, which is popular for fishing, canoeing, kayaking and swimming. Several trails are located nearby. The facility is 45 minutes from the main park road.
Recreation
Outdoor enthusiasts stay at Butte Lake Stock Corral for its many recreation opportunities. The lake is popular for trout fishing, as well as non-motorized boating. Trailheads within the facility include the hike to Snag Lake, trails leading to the interior of the park, and the Cluster Lakes loop. Longer trails nearby will take you to Juniper Lake and Summit Lake. The Pacific Crest Trail can also be accessed from Butte Lake and runs through the park.
Facilities
The stock corral area has two adjacent metal corrals with water troughs and spigots. A vault toilet is located next to the facility for the use of those reserving the corral. This facility is remote and you must travel on a six-mile gravel road to access the facility.
Natural Features
The area is dominated by Ponderosa pines and surrounded by soft volcanic soils. Extending into Butte Lake is a large black lava flow, creating rocky shores and interesting views for visitors in kayaks and canoes to explore. Trails suitable for horses are easily accessed from the corral and numerous forest roads just outside the park boundary. The national park is known for its volcanic history, as well as its diversity of plants and animals. It contains 300 active volcanic domes and many hydrothermal features, such as mud pots and steam vents. Lassen Peak is the southernmost active volcano in the Cascades, and the second most recent volcano to erupt in the lower 48 of the United States before Mount Saint Helens. Lassen Volcanic National Park boasts over 700 species of flowering plants and 250 species of vertebrates, including birds, mammals, reptiles and fish. The park is at the junction of the Cascade Mountains, the Sierra Nevada Mountains and the Great Basin, thus providing many unique habitats.
Nearby Attractions
The Caribou Wilderness area is managed by the Forest Service has numerous trails that are suitable for stock use and can be accessed directly from the park via the Widow Lake trail.
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsButte Lake Campground is located in California near Old Station
Directions
From Redding, California, drive 63 miles east on state Highway 44 to Old Station. From the intersection of Highway 44 and State Highway 89 , continue east on Highway 44 for 11 miles. Watch for sign to Butte Lake Campground. Turn right and continue for six miles on a rough gravel road. The stock corral road is located directly left of the Butte Lake self-registration entrance station. Turn left up the hill and take the immediate road to the right. Continue up the hill to the campsite and the corrals.
Address
P. O. Box 100
Mineral, CA 96063
Coordinates
40.565 N
121.3052778 W
Connectivity
T-MobileNo Coverage- VerizonNo Coverage
- AT&TNo Coverage
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo Coverage
- VerizonNo Coverage
- AT&TNo Coverage
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Group
- Equestrian
Features
For Campers
- Trash
- Picnic Table
- Reservable
- Drinking Water
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Pull-Through Sites
- Big Rig Friendly
Contact
General Info
Reservations
Drive Time
- 1 hr 42 min from Redding, CA
- 2 hrs 41 min from Reno, NV
- 3 hrs 17 min from Yuba City, CA
