Ponderosa Flat Campground
Butt Valley Reservoir

Lake Almanor, CA
Lake Almanor, CA

Ponderosa Flat Campground
Butt Valley Reservoir


Ponderosa Flat Campground

Ponderosa Flat Campground is on the northeastern shore of Butt Valley Reservoir (also known as Butt Lake), 4 miles southwest of Lake Almanor. Visitors to the area enjoy sailing (30' boat-height limit, including mast), canoeing, kayaking and fishing in the lake.

A mile from the campground is the Ray Adams Boat Launch Ramp. While some are out boating, others enjoy swimming and picnicking around the area of the ramp.

Ponderosa Flat Campground features 63 campsites for RVs, trailers, and tents. Many of the sites are close to the lake. Mature pine trees offer good shade for campers. Reservations are available.

Ponderosa Flat Campground also has 4 group campsites.



Ponderosa Flat Campground Basics
Ponderosa Flat Campground Location: Butt Valley Road, 3.2 miles east of Highway 89 near Prattville
Elevation: 4,170 feet
Mileage and driving time from gateway city: Red Bluff - 79 miles, 1:38
Number of Sites: 63
Open - Closed: Early May through mid-October
Max. People per Site: 6 (including children)
Vehicles per Site: 1 vehicle ($5 for additional vehicles)
Pets: on leash, always attended, $2 per day
Information: (530) 284-1785

Reservations for Ponderosa Flat Campground
Reservations available for Reservtions can be made for camping dates from early June through mid-September.
Booking Window: See PG&E's Reservation Information below
Maximum RV/trailer Length: 30 feet
ADA Wheelchair Accessible Sites: #14, 16, 36, 37
Fees: $30 per night
Reservations: PG&E Campground Reservations
Check-in, check-out: 2:00 PM, check-out 11:00 AM

Ponderosa Flat Campground Amenities
Campsites: Picnic table, food locker, fire ring with grill; no hook-ups
Campground: Vault toilets, tap water
Showers: No
Dump station: No
Attractions near Ponderosa Flat Campground: Visit 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.


Ponderosa Flat Group Campsites

Ponderosa Flat Campground includes 4 group Pods, A-D. Group pods were created from a portion of the former overflow camping area. Each pod contains a group fire ring, standing BBQ, and picnic tables. Group campsites must be reserved for a minimum of 2-nights. Multiple pods may be reserved for larger groups.

  • Pod A has 5 campsites and can accommodate up to 30 people.
  • Pod B contains 6 campsites for up to 36 people.
  • Pod C has 4 campsites and can hold up to 24 people.
  • Pod D consists of 3 campsites for up to 18 people.

Fee: A $180 per night, B $180, C $120, and D $90
Reservations: PG&E Campground Reservations

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 Ponderosa Flat 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.
  • Rent a boat at Big Cove Resort, Majors Outpost, or Knotty Pines Resort at Lake Almanor.
  • Enjoy a picnic and a swim at Marvin Alexander Beach, East Shore or Canyon Dam.
  • Hike on the Lake Almanor Recreation Trail for great views of Lake Almanor.
  • Rent a kayak from Lake Almanor Kayak Rentals.
  • Take a day trip to Mountain Meadows Reservoir or Round Valley Reservoir.

Key Ponderosa Flat Campground Regulations

  1. Build fires in provided fire rings.
  2. Obtain firewood locally to avoid bringing in pests.
  3. To avoid problems with bears, food and similar items must be stored in bear-proof lockers.

Visit PG&E Campgrounds for any campground updates.


Ponderosa Flat Campground Map, Butt Valley Reservoir, CA