Cool Springs Campground is on the eastern shore of Butt Valley Reservoir (also known as Butt Lake), 6⅓ miles southwest of Lake Almanor and 2⅓ miles south of Ponderosa Flat Campground. Butt Valley Reservoir is known as an excellent fishing lake as well as a haven for non-motorized boats such as kayaks, canoes, and sailboats. Motorized fishing boats are allowed, but kept to a 5 MPH speed limit. A mile north of the campground is Ray Adams Boat Launch Ramp. Swimming and picnicking are popular at the ramp, but trailer parking is limited.
Cool Springs Campground has 25 campsites for RVs, trailers, and tents. Five of the sites are for tents-only with a short walk from the parking area to the sites. Nearly every site at Cool Springs has a view of the lake. The level campground is shaded by towering conifers. Many campers set up shade tents along the shore and relax in camping chairs, watching swimmers, boaters, and passing water fowl. Smaller and less-well-known than nearby Ponderosa Flat Campground, Cool Springs is welcomed as a quiet retreat away from the bustle of city life.
Cool Springs Campground Basics
Cool Springs Campground Location:
Butt Valley Road, 5 miles east of Highway 89 near Prattville
Elevation:
4,170 feet
Mileage and driving time from gateway city:
Red Bluff - 81 miles, 1:41
Number of Sites:
25
Open - Closed:
Late May through mid-September
Max. People per Site:
6 (including children)
Vehicles per Site:
1 vehicle ($5 for additional vehicles)
Pets:
on leash, always attended, $2 per day
Operated by
Pacific Gas & Electric
Information:
(530) 284-1785
Reservations for Cool Springs Campground
Reservations available for
Reservations can be made for camping dates from early June through mid-September.
Take advantage of the Ray Adams Boat Launch Ramp for boating, swimming and picnicking. Enjoy the waters of Butt Valley Reservoir by canoe, kayak, sailboat, or slow-speed (5 MPH) fishing boat. Fish the lake for trout. Spend the day at nearby Lake Almanor boating, waterskiing, and fishing. Visit the Miller Family Cemetery 2½ miles south of the campground.
Pacific Gas & Electric Company Campground Reservation Information for 2024
PG&E has updated its reservations dates for 2024.
April 15, 8:00 AM - Reservations become available for camping dates one week or longer.
April 22, 8:00 AM - Reservations become available for stays less than one week.
Many PG&E campgrounds (except group campgrounds), including those with reservations available, also have some first-come, first-serve sites.
General Camping Information
Opening and closing dates of campgrounds are only estimates, usually dependent on snow conditions. Not all campsites can accommodate trailers or RVs of all lengths. Check carefully on the website when you make your reservation to be sure your vehicle will fit your campsite.
In order to prevent the spread of invasive insects, firewood from outside the area is not permitted.
Accessible Sites
Designated Accessible sites are reserved for people with disabilities who have a vehicle displaying an accessible parking placard or license plate.
Local Attractions and Activities
Four and a half-mile-long Butt Valley Reservoir is known for its relaxed boating and superior fishing. Campers at Cool Springs Campground have both Butt Valley Reservoir to explore but also nearby Lake Almanor.
Enjoy boating and fishing on Butt Valley Reservoir. Take advantage of the paved Ray Adams Boat Launch Ramp. No waterskiing or jet skis are allowed. Boat speed limit is 5 MPH. Boat height limit is 30', including mast.
Visit the Miller Family Cemetery 2&fac12; miles south of ol Springs Campground. The William H. Miller family were perhaps the earliest settlers in the Butt Valley. William died in 1879.
Enjoy catch and release fly fishing in nearby Yellow Creek.
Take your boat out onto the water of 28,000-acre Lake Almanor.
Enjoy waterskiing, wakeboarding, jet skiing, and fishing at Lake Almanor.
