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.
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
Strong>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.
Pacific Gas & Electric Company Campground Reservation Information for 2025 TBA
PG&E has updated its reservations dates for 2023:
April 10, 8:00 AM - Reservations become available for camping dates one week or longer.
April 17, 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.
Reviews from Previous Campers
2021 - 2024
Quiet campground.
Paved roads great for bike riding.
Great fishing.
Enjoyable kayaking.
Tight fit for larger RVs
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 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.
Reviews from Previous Campers
2021 - 2024