NORTHERN CALIFORNIA Tourism Recreation & Hospitality Council

Butt Valley Reservoir

Welcome to Butt Valley Reservoir in Plumas County,  Northern California. This picturesque mountain lake lies at an elevation of 4,150 feet and is five miles long and about three-quarters of a mile across. Owned by PG&E, Butt Valley Reservoir is connected to nearby Lake Almanor and is the second level of PG&E's "Stairway of Power." It is widely known as a great fishery for trout, and nearby Yellow Creek is a favorite with catch and release fly-fishermen. Several campgrounds here are maintained by PG&E.

Canoeing, kayaking and sail boating are popular activities on the lake. Motorized fishing boats are allowed, but water skiing and jet skiing are not. Boat speed is limited to 5mph with a 30' height restriction, including mast. The Ray Adams Boat Launch has a paved boat ramp and places to swim and picnic.

Directions: From Hwy 36, turn onto Hwy 89 and drive about 7 miles to Butt Valley Road.  Turn right on Butt Valley Road and drive 3.2 miles where you'll find the first campground. Continue on this partially unpaved road to a second campground and the Ray Adams boat launch.

 

Camping

Cool Springs Campground

530-284-1785

Expected open dates       
East shore of reservoir
25 sites, 5 walk-in sites, tents and RV's, vault toilets, piped water, boat ramp, 6 persons per campsite


  For reservation visit PGE.

Ponderosa Flat Campground
Butt Valley Reservoir

530-284-1785

Expected open dates         
Fee, 63 sites, RV's and tents, boat ramp, vault toilets, piped water, 6 persons per campsite
$25/night
$2/pet/night
Reservations Available  

Ponderosa Flat Group Camp A

530-284-1785

Ponderosa Flat Group Site A
Expected open dates         
North end of reservoir on East shore
Fee, 5 sites, RV's and tents, boat ramp, vault toilets, piped water


By Reservation Only  

Ponderosa Flat Group Camp B

530-284-1785

Expected open dates         
North end of reservoir on East shore
Fee, 6 sites, RV's and tents, boat ramp, vault toilets, piped water


By Reservation Only

Ponderosa Flat Group Camp C

530-284-1785

Expected open dates         
North end of reservoir on East shore
Fee, 4 sites, RV's and tents, boat ramp, vault toilets, piped water


By Reservation Only

Ponderosa Flat Group Camp D

530-284-1785

Expected open dates         
North end of reservoir on East shore
Fee, 3 sites, RV's and tents, boat ramp, vault toilets, piped water


By Reservation Only

Yellow Creek Campground
Butt Valley Reservoir

530-284-1785

Expected open dates       TBD
Humbug Valley Road, off Hwy. 89,
Southwest of Lake Almanor
11 sites, tents and RV's, vault toilets, piped water, 6 persons per campsite



Take Humbug Rd. off Hwy. 89. Drive .6 miles to intersection. Take the road to the left (following sign for Humbug Rd) . Go 1.2 miles to fork in road. Take road to right (Following sign for Longville). Drive 5.4 miles to Humbug Valley and road intersection. Take road to left, go .4 miles to Soda Springs Historic Site. Continue past hisotrical site .8 miles to fork in road, take road to right, go .3 miles.

Plumas County

info@plumascounty.org | 530-927-5180

This site is operated by the Plumas County Tourism Recreation & Hospitality Council and paid for by sponsorship from local businesses. Click here for sponsorship form.