Orland Buttes Recreation Area

Although we have passed the signs to Black Butte Lake multiple times, we never considered camping there, as we are always in a hurry to get pass that stretch of highway. But on this particular trip we wanted to seek out an alternative stop that was a fair distance from the I-5 corridor traffic, that was not an rv park and surrounded by natural beauty. Orland Buttes did not disappoint.

This wonderful US Army Corps of Engineers was secluded, quiet and had amenities normally not associated with a dry camping park. Although paved sites did not offer electric, water or sewer, I counted nine water faucets located around each loop to fill up your tank and there is a free dump station at the entrance to the campground. Two restroom/shower buildings are located convenient to all sites and they were very clean.

There were many sites that could accommodate a 35 foot rig, pull throughs and back ins and many of the pads looked close to level. Multiple sites were shaded or offered shade around the picnic table area. Those on hillside above lake offered 180º views of lake. Our site was a pull through, offered a partial view of lake and tree covered hillsides, and was exposed enough to crank out enough solar power to keep batteries topped off.

We had heard that of the two campgrounds around Black Butte Lake, Orland Buttes was the quietest. During our stay, which was through the weekend, the campground was only half full and very quiet. Park staff drive through campground a few times per day and Bear, the camphost, does regular patrols. He did say though, that during the prime of summer, the campground is full, even with the intense heat. Water sports recreation and fishing is a big draw for this lake. There is lake access at or near boat ramp.

There are hiking trails around the lake, but only one near Orland Buttes. The Paul Thomas Trail trailhead is right near the entrance...under an occupied Osprey platform nest. The trail takes you to a historic bridge site. Good walking trail for our dogs to run loose and explore. You can make the short drive to Buckhorn Campground to access the Buckhorn Interpretive Trail.

We were surprised by this beautiful dry camping spot. Even on a Saturday in June most of the sites were unoccupied. All sites are paved and looked level. (Ours was completely level.) Our site (18) overlooked the lake and had an amazing view of the sunset in the evening. There are trees that provide some shade in many of the sites. We were pulling plenty of power on our solar panel to run our fans.

There was lake access and hiking trails. We didn’t make use of the trails as it was over 100 degrees, but we did put our feet in the water. The area was pretty windy throughout the day and night, but it helped with the heat and kept the bugs at bay. The campground host was attentive and friendly.

I was fully prepared to be underwhelmed by the Central Valley, but I think Orland Buttes Recreation Area would've blown me away even if I had been expecting something incredible.

This campground, managed by the Army Corps of Engineers, has no hookups and is available at $9/night for Interagency Passholders (they can sell you an America the Beautiful pass at the entrance station at the Buckhorn Recreation Area on the other side of the lake). It's much quieter than its counterpart at Buckhorn on the other side of the lake--a bit mystifying as the cell signal seems stronger over here.

Most of the sites are within view of the lake, and all of them are within easy walking distance of it. You won't do any swimming here, though--there is a boat ramp, and cliffs, and that's it. There is a nice walking trail from the campground to a cool overlook with pieces of a historic bridge. Also, if you visit in the spring like we did, you'll be amazed at the variety of birds (bald eagles, all sorts of hawks and large birds of prey, and vultures, plus songbirds). There were days we were the only ones here.

While there are no hookups at the sites, there are water spigots around the campground that are available for fill-ups (though you can't remain hooked up to them), and there's a dump station at the entrance. Park staff swing by around daily, able to help with anything you need.

We loved this place, and we'll definitely be back!