Lake guide
Black Butte Lake
Orland, Tehama County, CA
Overview
Black Butte Lake is a U.S. Army Corps of Engineers reservoir on Stony Creek, about 8 miles west of Interstate 5 at Orland, at the north end of the Sacramento Valley. Black Butte Dam was finished in 1963, and the lake spans Tehama and Glenn counties, with about 4,460 acres of water and roughly 40 miles of shoreline at full pool. Dark volcanic buttes give the lake its name. It's about 100 miles north of Sacramento and 60 miles south of Redding.
Layout
The Corps lists three launch sites. Eagle Pass on the north shore is the biggest, with three boarding floats and 250 trailer spaces. Buckhorn, also on the north side, has a ramp the Corps widened to double its size in 2011, plus marina services. Orland Buttes on the south shore launches off County Road 206. Buckhorn and Orland Buttes also have campgrounds.
What's different here
This is a flood-control reservoir, so its level changes through the year. Not every recreation area is open at once: the Corps posts open, partial and closed status for each area, so check current status and lake level before towing. There's a state mercury advisory for fish caught here.
Getting there & access
By road
From I-5, take the Orland/Highway 32 exit and head west about 8 miles on Road 200/Newville Road, then follow the signs. The Corps office is at 19225 Newville Road.
Eagle Pass ramp
The largest launch, with three boarding floats and 250 parking spaces for cars with trailers, plus a fish-cleaning station, restrooms and showers nearby.
Buckhorn ramp
On the north shore at the Buckhorn Recreation Area. The ramp was widened to double its old size in 2011, with expanded parking, solar lighting and a courtesy dock. The state lists it for boats 12 to 24 feet. The Corps has listed the Buckhorn area as closed at times, so check status first.
Orland Buttes ramp
On the south (Glenn County) side of the lake off County Road 206, next to the Orland Buttes campground.
Amenities
- Fuel — Fuel sales listed at the Buckhorn marina facility
- Boat rentals and store — Listed at the Buckhorn marina: rentals, convenience store, tackle and ice
- Dry storage — 20 spaces listed at Buckhorn
- Courtesy and fishing docks — At several recreation areas
- Fish-cleaning station — At Eagle Pass
- Camping — Buckhorn and Orland Buttes campgrounds, reservable on Recreation.gov
Rules & official resources
- Federal Title 36 regulations for Corps of Engineers lakes apply at all recreation areas
- Recreation areas open and close independently; check the Corps status list before you go
- Buckhorn marina launch is listed for boats 12 to 24 feet
- Boats used in fresh water must display a current California Mussel Fee sticker on the hull next to the registration sticker
- California Boater Card required for all operators of motorized vessels, regardless of age, since January 1, 2025
Common boat service needs here
Engine cooling and service
Summer heat in the northern Sacramento Valley is hard on outboards and sterndrives. Impeller replacement and cooling-system checks are routine for boats used here.
Find Marine Mechanics & Engine Service providers →Gelcoat and oxidation care
Boats stored outside in valley sun chalk and fade fast. Regular polish and wax, or oxidation removal, keeps gelcoat from breaking down.
Find Gelcoat, Oxidation & Paint Correction providers →Covers and upholstery
UV and heat crack vinyl and wear out canvas. Fitted covers and upholstery repair are common needs for trailered boats here.
Find Canvas, Covers & Upholstery providers →Trailer and transport
Most boats here are trailered from Orland, Chico, Red Bluff or farther. Trailer maintenance and transport help keep low-water ramp changes from becoming a problem.
Find Boat Transport, Towing & Delivery providers →Guides & FAQs
Nearby providers
No providers listed near this location yet — check back soon.
Sources
Last verified October 6, 2026