Break out the s’mores and your favorite tent — summertime is camping season in Butte County! The high country of Butte County includes several camping opportunities in Lassen National Forest and Plumas National Forest. Bring your fishing poles, hiking shoes, and kayaks, too, because these campgrounds are near many exciting adventures! Most Forest Service campgrounds in Butte County are open late May through early October and have access to drinking water and vault restrooms. Fire safety is a big deal so be sure to check for any restrictions before enjoying a fire at your campsite.
Trip Tips
Make sure to #RecreateResponsibly and follow Leave No Trace principles (especially when it comes to campfire safety) as you explore.
Lassen National Forest
Butte Meadows Campground
The Butte Meadows campground is a perfect spot for families wanting to get away without being too far from amenities. With Butte Creek rushing nearby and a huge canopy of trees overhead, you might not realize that you’re within walking distance of the Butte Meadows Mercantile or a burger at the Bambi Inn.
Each of the 13 camping sites have picnic tables and a fire ring.
Get there: It’s about a 40 minute drive from Highway 99 in Chico. Travel 26.7 miles up the hill on Highway 32 and turn right onto Humboldt Road. The campground is on your right in about five miles just after the CAL FIRE Station.
Cherry Hill Campground
The well-shaded Cherry Hill Campground is found alongside Butte Creek upstream of Butte Meadows and gets you really close to many recreational areas—including the historic Jonesville area, Colby Mountain Lookout, and the Pacific Crest Trail.
There are 26 sites total with several walk-in sites available across Butte Creek for extra solitude.
Get there: Cherry Hill Campground is on Humboldt Road 8.8 miles after the turnoff from Highway 32.
Philbrook Campground
The Philbrook Campground is located by Philbrook Reservoir, which sits over a mile high in Lassen National Forest and is a peaceful place to paddle or go fishing for trout. Day-users and campers can use the car-top boat ramp or visit the picnic area.
Philbrook Campground is operated by PG&E and includes first-come, first-serve campsites as well as reservable sites (2‑night minimum for reservations). To make a reservation, go to PG&E’s campground reservation website and enter your desired dates.
Get there: Philbrook Road is off of Humbug Summit Road and can be reached via the Skyway (6 miles south of Butte Meadows or 22 miles north of the Magalia Reservoir Dam).
Plumas National Forest
Strawberry Campground
With 17 total sites, Strawberry Campground is nestled in a lushly forested area alongside Sly Creek just before it enters the 562-acre Sly Creek Reservoir. Don’t forget your kayak or paddleboard!
Get there: This campground is about one hour from Highway 70 in Oroville if traveling via Highway 162 & Forbestown Road. To visit Strawberry Campground, continue east on La Porte Road through the community of Strawberry Valley and turn left at the campground sign. There will be a one and a half mile long access road.