Day Use:
Three self-guided nature trails offer quiet, pleasurable hikes through the rolling oak foothills. The Buckhorn Recreation Area includes a playground for active tots. Families will enjoy the shady and well maintained picnic facilities available at several locations around the lake.
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, pay 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 caling 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 (Apr. 1 - Oct. 31) |
$100 - $175 |
$4
$30 Annual Pass
|
$50 - $2500 |
| $18 (Nov. 1 - Mar. 31) |
The Golden Age and Golden Access passport program expired Dec. 31, 2006. However, both passes are still honored as evidence of eligibility for related discounts at U.S. Army Corps of Engineers parks. Corps parks also honor two of the America the Beautiful - The National Parks and Federal Recreation Lands Passes: the Interagency Senior and Interagency Access passes. The Corps does not sell or issue either pass.
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers sells an annual pass for $30. The Corps Annual Pass gives unlimited access to day-use areas at any Corps park for one calendar year, and is sold at all Corps parks.
Ranger Programs:
Group dam tours and 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. Sail-boarding 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, spotted bass, striped bass, channel catfish, Florida bluegill and green sunfish 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 this week.
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.