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A cloud bank lit orange over Slim Lake at sunset, reflected across the width of the water

Lake trip · Jefferson County, New York

NR

Where to stay at Butterfield Lake

Butterfield Lake covers - in Jefferson County and is Not Rated for water quality: clarity is on file, but total phosphorus, total nitrogen, chlorophyll-a, and turbidity are incomplete for a letter. NR is not an F. Compare cabins, resorts, and vacation rentals below. Late spring through early fall, with June through August the peak season for swimming, boating, and fishing.

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Places to stay near Butterfield Lake

Cabins, resorts, hotels, and vacation rentals near Butterfield Lake in Jefferson County, New York — live availability and prices. Add your dates to see totals.

Top-rated places to stay near Butterfield Lake

Prices for Sep 11–13, 4 adults. Change dates on the map below.

Availability and prices from Stay22 partners (Booking.com, Vrbo, Expedia). We may earn a commission from bookings, at no extra cost to you.

About the water

Butterfield Lake is Not Rated for water quality. Not Rated: one monitoring station are on record, but they measured water clarity only. LakeQuality’s A–F method grades total phosphorus, total nitrogen, chlorophyll-a, and turbidity; clarity is shown, not scored. NR is not an F. Water clarity is about 11.3 ft of visibility. A missing letter is not a reason to skip cabins and rentals around the lake.

See the full Butterfield Lake water-quality report →

Best time to visit

Late spring through early fall, with June through August the peak season for swimming, boating, and fishing.

Check the National Weather Service forecast for Butterfield Lake

About Butterfield Lake

Surface area
-
Max depth
-
Public boat launches
1
Public beaches

Fishing & license

New York fishing license

$25 resident$50 non-resident

A fishing license is required for anyone age 16 and older fishing for freshwater fish species; children 15 and younger fish license-free. Resident seniors age 70+ qualify for a reduced $5 annual license, and free licenses are available to legally blind NY residents, active-duty members of the NYS Organized Militia/U.S. Reserve Forces, and enrolled members of the Shinnecock, Unkechaug, or Haudenosaunee Nations on NY reservations; resident veterans with a 40%+ service-related disability pay $5. · New York fishing licenses are valid for 365 days from the date of purchase, and many species (yellow perch, sunfish, crappie) are open year-round. Statewide, inland trout streams are open April 1 - Oct 15 (catch-and-release, artificial lures only Oct 16 - Mar 31); black bass harvest runs June 15 - Nov 30 (catch-and-release, artificial lures only the rest of the year); walleye, northern pike, and pickerel run May 1 - Mar 15.

Prices as published by New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, 2026.

Camping & RV near Butterfield Lake

Search public campgrounds and RV sites near Butterfield Lake on Recreation.gov, then compare cabins, resorts, and rentals on the map above.

Find campgrounds & RV sites on Recreation.gov →

Common questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Cabins, resorts, and vacation rentals around Butterfield Lake in Jefferson County, New York are on the map above with live availability and nightly prices. Waterfront rentals put you on the dock; lodging in the nearest town is usually cheaper with more choice.

Butterfield Lake has no water-quality letter. Not Rated: one monitoring station are on record, but they measured water clarity only. LakeQuality’s A–F method grades total phosphorus, total nitrogen, chlorophyll-a, and turbidity; clarity is shown, not scored. NR is not an F. That is a gap in the grading record, not a verdict on the water. Always check local health-department advisories before swimming.

Late spring through early fall, with June through August the peak season for swimming, boating, and fishing.

Guide

LakeQuality Lake Trip Planner (2026)

Free trip-planning guide for Butterfield Lake: how to pick a clean lake, the water-quality signals that matter, best swimming and fishing windows, and where to stay.

Lodging availability and prices are provided by Stay22 and its booking partners (Booking.com, Vrbo, Expedia); LakeQuality may earn a commission from bookings at no extra cost to you. Water-quality grades are independent of lodging listings. Always check current health-department advisories and managing-agency conditions before you travel.