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Butte Lake Campground

Remote lakeside campground with easy Cinder Cone trail access

Butte Lake Campground, Lassen Volcanic National Park
Image credit: National Park Service

Pros & cons

PROS

  • Trailhead access to Cinder Cone, Painted Dunes, and Snag Lake
  • Non‑motorized lake steps away for kayaking, swimming, and trout fishing

CONS

  • Reached by a rough, 6‑mile gravel/dirt road off Highway 44
  • No hookups; potable water and flush toilets are seasonal

Overview

If you want Lassen’s quiet side, this is it. Butte Lake Campground sits in the park’s remote northeast corner, reached by a slow 6‑mile gravel road. The payoff: dark lava shores, a serene non‑motorized lake, and trailheads to some of the park’s most unique volcanic scenery.

Why camp here

This is the spot for easy access to the Cinder Cone climb and the Painted Dunes’ surreal palette, plus calm-water paddling on Butte Lake. With no motors allowed on the water and no services nearby, the vibe stays peaceful even in peak season.

Campsites and facilities

There are 101 sites, plus nearby group sites and a stock corral. Standard sites include a picnic table, fire ring, and bear-resistant food locker. In summer, the water system is on and you’ll find potable water and flush toilets; outside peak season, expect vault toilets and plan to bring your own water. There are no hookups, and RVs/trailers up to about 35 feet can fit, but you’ll be dry camping.

Getting there

Access is via a 6‑mile gravel/dirt road off Highway 44. It’s passable in passenger cars if you take it slow, but expect washboards, dust, and occasional potholes. This is a remote corner of the park with no other services; when the campground is closed, water isn’t available here.

On the water and on the trail

Butte Lake is non‑motorized—perfect for canoes, kayaks, and paddleboards—and popular for trout fishing. There’s a day‑use area and boat launch near the shoreline. From camp, you can walk to the Cinder Cone trailhead for a steep, sandy ascent to sweeping views over the Painted Dunes, Snag Lake, and the Fantastic Lava Beds.

Wildlife

You’re camping beside forest and water, so expect the usual mix of birds and small mammals, plus trout in the lake. Use the provided bear boxes and keep a clean camp.

Best time to visit

Summer is the sweet spot when the water system and flush toilets are on and lake days shine. Start the Cinder Cone hike early—cinder underfoot gets hot and the route is exposed. Shoulder season can be lovely and quiet, but plan for vault toilets and to bring all your water.

Need-to-know

  • Reservations are required for campsites and group sites.
  • A park entrance pass is required.
  • Pets must be on a 6‑foot leash and aren’t allowed on park trails.
  • No motorized boats on Butte Lake; wear life jackets and follow posted boating rules.
  • Food storage is mandatory—use the bear lockers.

Where it is

40.5646, -121.3030
Butte Lake Campground
4 places & 4 trails nearbyGet the offline map

Tips for Butte Lake Campground

  1. 01Allow 20–30 minutes for the 6‑mile gravel approach and drive slowly to avoid flats.
  2. 02Reservations are required—book ahead during peak season [recreation.gov](https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/234156) or check details on [nps.gov](https://www.nps.gov/lavo/planyourvisit/butte-lake-campground.htm).
  3. 03Bring large water jugs; late season often means vault toilets and no running water [nps.gov](https://www.nps.gov/lavo/planyourvisit/butte-lake-campground.htm).
  4. 04Start the Cinder Cone hike early and carry plenty of water; there are no services in this area [nps.gov](https://www.nps.gov/places/cinder_cone.htm).
  5. 05Pack PFDs for boating and remember the lake is non‑motorized [recreation.gov](https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/234156).

Amenities

TrailheadRestroomParkingPicnic TableCampground

Near Butte Lake Campground

All places →All trails →
Butte Lake to Widow Lake Trail, Lassen Volcanic National Park0 mi awayButte Lake to Widow Lake TrailSandy, sun-baked climb to a quiet lake through Dixie Fire scarsModerate · 8 mi · 5 hrPainted Dunes, Lassen Volcanic National Park0 mi awayPainted DunesOxidized rainbow ash fields best seen from atop Cinder ConeScenic ViewpointCinder Cone Trail, Lassen Volcanic National Park0.1 mi awayCinder Cone TrailSteep cinder slog to surreal Painted Dunes and crater rim viewsChallenging · 4 mi · 3 hrSnag Lake Loop, Lassen Volcanic National Park0.1 mi awaySnag Lake LoopVolcanic sand, big views, and a quiet lakeshore in one loopModerate · 12.3 mi · 5.7 hrButte Lake, Lassen Volcanic National Park0.6 mi awayButte LakeRemote volcanic lake with paddling, trout, and a cinder cone next doorTrailhead · RestroomFantastic Lava Beds, Lassen Volcanic National Park1.3 mi awayFantastic Lava BedsRugged black lava rivers framed by Painted Dunes and blue lakesTrailhead · ParkingCinder Cone, Lassen Volcanic National Park1.5 mi awayCinder ConeSteep volcanic climb to sweeping Painted Dunes and lava bedsTrailhead · ParkingIndian Lake Trail, Lassen Volcanic National Park6.8 mi awayIndian Lake TrailClear blue lakes and quiet backcountry on a moderate loopModerate · 6.4 mi · 3 hr

More about Butte Lake Campground

campsitelakepaddlefishingtrailheadhikingquiet

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