Butterfly Garden
01 review5325 LA Highway 8 Bentley, LA 71407-9726
Butterfly Garden
$0.00 - $0.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$0.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
No fees are required to visit the Butterfly Lake Campground or the Butterfly Garden.
Share this campground
USFSProvider
About this campground
Nestled along the breathtaking Mirror Lake Scenic Byway, Butterfly Lake Campground offers an intimate escape into Utah's high country. This hidden gem combines secluded walk-in tent sites with peaceful loop camping near the pristine waters of Butterfly Lake, creating the perfect basecamp for adventurers who crave both solitude and spectacular mountain scenery. Its small size ensures a quiet, uncrowded experience that feels worlds away from civilization.
Butterfly Lake Campground provides dispersed camping opportunities with a mix of designated tent and combined-use sites. It is primarily suited for tent camping.
Weather and SeasonsAt this elevation, Mother Nature writes her own rules. Summer days bring crisp, invigorating air with temperatures hovering around a pleasant 60°F, while nights dip to a refreshing 40°F—perfect for campfire gatherings and stargazing. As autumn approaches, the mercury drops further, painting the landscape in golden hues while reminding visitors to pack extra layers. Mountain weather can change on a whim here, transforming sunny mornings into afternoon thunderstorms, making each day an adventure in itself.
ElevationPerched at a breathtaking 10,300 feet above sea level, Butterfly Lake Campground ranks among the loftiest camping destinations in the region. This alpine setting puts you closer to the stars but demands respect—the thin air at this elevation can leave even seasoned hikers catching their breath. Take it slow your first day, drink plenty of water, and let your body adjust to life in the clouds.
Natural Features and SceneryImmerse yourself in a landscape where ancient spruce and fir forests create a natural cathedral around your campsite. The loop sites open onto sun-drenched meadows carpeted with wildflowers, offering minimal shade but maximum views of the jagged Uinta Mountain peaks that pierce the sky. This gateway to the High Uintas Wilderness delivers an authentic alpine experience, where pristine lakes mirror the heavens and untouched forests whisper stories of the wild. Every sunrise paints these rugged peaks in alpenglow, while evenings bring a symphony of wilderness sounds.
Geological RegionButterfly Lake Campground sits within the remarkable Uinta Mountains, a unique east-west running range that stands as one of North America's highest. This geological wonderland showcases the power of ancient forces, with glacially carved valleys and pristine alpine lakes telling the story of ice ages past. The area's commitment to conservation ensures these diverse ecosystems remain protected for generations of nature lovers to explore and cherish.
Campsite details
AccessibilityNo wheelchair-friendly toilets are available, and accessibility features are generally limited.
Sites SizeStandard-sized campsites are present, but no specific measurements are provided.
Sites PrivacyThe sites near the meadow offer limited shade and privacy, whereas those in the dense spruce and fir forest may provide more seclusion.
Total Campsites20 campsites
Recommended CampsitesSites near the grassy meadow receive more sunlight and have open views, while the walk-in tent sites offer more privacy and shade.
Reserving a campsite
Stay Limit
Maximum stay is 7 days.
Groups
No group-specific sites or details are provided.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutThe campground is configured like a loop on a stem. Walk-in tent sites are on the stem, and loop sites are on the grassy meadow.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen seasonally from July 12 through September 1, depending on weather conditions.
Walk-in AvailabilityAll sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Amenities available
Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Activities at Butterfly Lake Campground include wildlife viewing, fishing, and hiking. Featuring proximity to the Highline Trail #083 and the High Uintas Wilderness, the campground offers access to various outdoor adventures.
Hiking
"The campground is convenient to the Highline Trail #083 which accesses the High Uintas Wilderness and a network of trails." These trails offer opportunities for extended hikes with spectacular views.Fishing
Rainbow and Albino trout are available for fishing in Butterfly Lake, which spans 5.2 acres.Boating
Non-motorized boating (e.g., kayaking, canoeing) is permitted. The lake allows boat carry-down access but lacks a boat ramp.Wildlife viewing
"Wildlife viewing is possible from the campground." Specific species are not mentioned, but the area is known for its forest and meadow habitats.Cultural and Educational Programs
Ranger-led interpretive programs were previously offered but are becoming increasingly rare. Visitors are encouraged to participate if available.Winter Activities
No specific details about winter activities are provided.Water Sports
Non-motorized water sports such as kayaking and canoeing can be enjoyed on Butterfly Lake.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Campfires are likely allowed within designated fire rings, subject to seasonal restrictions.
Hazards
General hazardsPotential hazards include wildlife such as bears and temperature drops at night due to the high elevation.
Weather forecast
90
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 43%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 5.9 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Clear sky
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
Catahoula Ranger District Office: 5325 LA Highway 8 Bentley, LA 71407-9726, Phone: 318-765-3554. Office hours may vary due to staffing issues and are closed on federal holidays.
Good to know
Trash and recyclingNo specific information on trash and recycling facilities is available.
Proximity to water featuresButterfly Lake, a 5.2-acre lake, is adjacent to the campground and offers opportunities for non-motorized boating and fishing.
Campground Map
5325 LA Highway 8 Bentley, LA 71407-9726
Driving directionsFrom Alexandria, drive north on U.S. Hwy 167 to Bentley, Louisiana. At the intersection of U.S. Hwy 167 and Louisiana Hwy 8 turn right (east) and travel 3 miles to the Catahoula Ranger District Office on the right (south). Turn right on FR 145 and the Catahoula Hummingbird and Butterfly Garden is on the right. Visitors may park at the District Office and walk across to the garden if they wish.
The site is conveniently located near major highways. Roads are paved, and there is a large parking lot near the site.Nearby places
Alexandria: approximately 30 miles southwest, Bentley: approximately 3 miles west.
Nearby supplies
Supplies are not available at the site. Visitors are advised to stock up in Bentley, LA, or Alexandria, LA, before visiting.
Camper Reviews
0.0
1 reviews
Butterfly Garden has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
The campground offers a serene natural setting with access to trails and a picturesque lake. However, some users have mentioned maintenance issues.
Review Summaries
Based on 1 reviews
What Campers Love
The proximity to the Highline Trail and access to fishing and wildlife viewing are noted as standout features. The campground's high elevation adds to the scenic beauty.
Based on 1 reviewsCommon Concerns
"Needs attention and cleaning," according to one user review. Maintenance could be improved.
Based on 1 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Users recommend practicing bear safety due to the presence of wildlife and making use of the scenic trails.
Based on 1 reviewsSeasonal Insights
The campground is open seasonally from July 12 through September 1, with weather conditions being highly variable due to its high elevation.
Based on 1 reviewsCamper Quotes
"This sweet little campground... is configured like a loop on a stem. Walk-in tent sites are located on the stem portion and are the closest camping sites to the lily-pad-dotted Butterfly Lake."
Based on 1 reviewsSite-Specific Reviews
No specific site reviews, but the walk-in tent sites are highlighted for their proximity to the lake.
Based on 1 reviewsAccessibility Features
No accessibility-specific reviews are available.
Based on 1 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
No specific reviews regarding pets, but pets are allowed on-site.
Based on 1 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025