Day Use:
The lake has over 20 miles of hiking, mountain biking and nature trails, all of which provide scenic vistas and opportunities for wildlife viewing. The Buckhorn Recreation Area includes a playground and exercise area for active children. Families will enjoy the shady and well maintained picnic facilities available at several locations around the lake.
Black Butte Lake Facilities Map
Trail Map
Camping:
There are two campgrounds at Black Butte Lake: Buckhorn and Orland Buttes. Both provide drinking water, picnic tables, fire pits, launch ramps, trailer dump stations, emergency telephones and restroom facilities with showers. Many campsites can easily accommodate recreational vehicles up to 35 feet in length. No electrical hookups are available.
The Buckhorn Campground is open all year and contains 65 developed campsites.
Buckhorn Campground Map
Orland Buttes Campground is open April through September and has 35 campsites.
Orland Buttes Campground Map
Reservations for both campgrounds can be made by calling toll free 1-877-444-6777. Or visit RECREATION.GOV for on-line reservations for Buckhorn Campground or Orland Buttes Campground. Individual campsites can be reserved up to 240 days in advance.
Group Camping:
Group camping is available at both the Buckhorn and Orland Buttes areas. Advance reservations through
RECREATION.GOV are required. Reservations for the group use areas may be made up to 360 days in advance.
Fees:
| Camping |
Group Camping |
Day Use |
Special Use
|
| $20 - all year |
$100 - $175 |
$5
$40 Annual Pass
|
$50 - $2500 |
|
The Corps of Engineers is now included in the America the Beautiful interagency pass! For a one time purchase of $80, you have access to all of your favorite Corps parks in addition to all the other federal public lands and national parks for one year after the date of purchase.
Individuals 62 years or older can buy a $10 lifetime senior pass, which does not expire. All other passes and kids 15 years or younger are free of charge at all federal recreation areas. Senior and access pass holders also receive a 50 percent discount on campsites at Corps-managed campgrounds.
Be sure to pick up your America the Beautiful pass at any of our parks as the money is turned right around and invested in the facilities to improve your recreational experience.
Get details about the America the Beautiful pass series here http://1.usa.gov/1T6TRMt.
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers sells an annual pass for $40. The Corps Annual Pass gives unlimited access to day-use areas at any Corps park for 12 months, and is sold at all Corps parks.
Ranger Programs:
Ranger programs can be scheduled by calling 530-865-4781. A centrally located amphitheater offers summer campfire programs.
Boating:
Powerboats, personal watercraft and sailboats will find ample room for water fun throughout the "V" shaped lake. Sailboarding is especially popular. Boat ramps are located at Buckhorn, Orland Buttes and Eagle Pass Recreation Areas. Be aware of shallow areas and other hazards that may appear as the lake level changes.
Fishing:
Black Butte is well-known throughout California as an excellent warm water fishery, with the best fishing during the spring and early summer. Crappie, largemouth and smallmouth bass and channel catfish are the major game fish. A valid State of California fishing license is required.
Wildflowers:
Over a several month period in the spring, wildflowers put on an abundant show for all. Fiddlenecks, California poppies, baby blue eyes, and lupine are just a few of the wildflowers that make an appearance. This is a very good time to take a hike or go for a drive to see what is blooming.
Equestrian Areas:
Black Butte Lake is very popular with horseback riders looking for a quiet and scenic place to ride. Grizzly Flat and Burris Creek are undeveloped day use areas that have everything the equestrian is looking for. Trails wind through oak woodlands with gentle hills and valleys, offering frequent views of the lake through the trees.
Disc Golf:
An 18-hole disc golf course with concrete tee pads is located adjacent to Orland Buttes Campground and is available year-round.
Disc Golf Course Map