Join us for observing sessions at Black Butte Lake. From time to time we will reserve the exclusive large group use area in the Buckhorn campground at Black Butte Lake, near Orland, California. We'll have a paved parking area big enough for a dozen or more RVs. Telescopes can be set up next to the RVs. There are tent-camping sites as well, and lots of open space.

Black Butte Lake is the perfect place for a star party. The skies are dark and comparable to Shingletown or Adin. HOW DARK IS IT- REALLY? Access is easy and the roads are excellent. Camping and RV sites are clean and spacious. Water, restrooms, hot showers, an on-site dump station, wildlife and cooperative rangers all will contribute to a comfortable and pleasant stay. All lights will be controlled by the park rangers in the campground, so light pollution will be at a minimum.

Few places in California combine such pastoral character with dark skies and comfortable camping. And in spring, the rolling oak foothills will be carpeted with green grass.

Because of limits on the number of people and vehicles, this star party is private. Attendance is by invitation only! HOW CAN I GET INVITED?

NO EVENTS SCHEDULED AT THIS TIME

Time

  

Place

Cost

  • The group use are (Where's this?) is reserved...the fee of $400 for the site has been prepaid

  • We'll divide the cost equally between all attendees on a per-night, per-site basis (How's this?)

  • We'll mail you an admission pass before the star party
  

Directions

  • From Sacramento drive north on I-5 to Orland
  • Take CA 32 exit (619) and turn left on CA 32/County Rd 200/Newville Rd
  • Drive west 12.1 mi. to Buckhorn Rd. and turn left into Buckhorn area (Where's this?)
  • Stop at gate and show your admission pass
  • Continue past gate and take first right
  • Pass through the gate (will be unlocked) and enter the group use area (Where's this?)

Facilities

  • A large 156' x 156' parking area at far end of group area for RVs and telescopes
  • Other RV and tent-camping sites are located throughout the reserved group area
  • One electrical outlet in the group area gazebo for recharging, but no hookups
  • Water is available in group use area
  • Dump station in the group area
  • 3- restrooms in group area(2 flush,1 camp style)
  • 2- hot showers in the group area
  • Other restrooms in Buckhorn Campground have sinks, power and showers see Buckhorn Campground map
  

Local Attractions

2010 Attendees

  1. Jack and Beverly Sales
  2. Bruce and Jeanne Sayre
  3. Bill and Fran Thomas
  4. Keith Myers
  5. Jim, Nancy and Dillon Collins
  6. David Samuels
  7. Frank and Joan Dann
  8. Art and Terry Maxwell
  

2010 Telescopes

  1. 11" Celestron C11 (Sales)
  2. 22" binocular (Sayre)
  3. 22" Dobsonian (Thomas)
  4. 10" DSI- RC10C Ritchey-Chrétien Astrograph (Myers)
  5. 11" Nexstar 11 gps (Collins)
  6. 12.5" Meade Lightbridge Dobsonian (Samuels)
  7. 12" Meade LX90 ACF Schmidt Cassegrain (Dann)

Weather

Worried about rain? Check forecasts for nearby locations:

  • 30-day forecast for Orland ( DRYDAY)
  • 30-day forecast for Willows (DRYDAY)
  • 30-day forecast for Corning (DRYDAY)
  • 7-day forecast for Orland (National Weather Service)
  • 10-day forecast for Orland (Intellicast)
  • Jetstream position for west coast (WeatherBank)
  • Clear Sky Chart Orland (A. Danko)

Past Star Party Pics

     

Photos

Most of these photos were taken in mid-October 2009 by Jack Sales. (What are these about?)