The oldest rocks found in Butter Pot Provincial Park belong to the Harbour Main group. They date back to the Precambrian era and are approximately 600 million years old. During the last glaciation approximately 10,000 years ago, great sheets of ice scraped the land, gouging out river valleys and dragging boulders, thus changing the landscape. When the climate changed and the weather became warmer, the ice began to melt and retreat. As it did, huge boulders were deposited along the way. These displaced boulders are called erratics and many of them can be seen in this park. The best place to view them is along the trail to Butter Pot Hill and on the hill itself.

The main vegetation type is Boreal forest, a dense-growing coniferous forest dominated by black spruce and balsam fir with some tamarack and white birch. On the abundant barren regions, the shallow soil is usually quite acidic. The plants supported by such a soil include sheep laurel, Labrador tea, rhoddora, and blueberry. Exposure, and a severe forest fire late in the last century formed the barrens within the park. The fire was so intense that much of the already shallow soil was burned to the bedrock, resulting in even less soil than was originally present. The park area also contains much peatland, shrub and heathland. The variety of habitats result in a diversity of wildflowers such as the bunchberry, crowberry, northern honeysuckle, and pitcher plant (the floral emblem of Newfoundland). Within the park, 230 plant species have been found and identified.

In total, 175 campsites are provided at Butter Pot Provincial Park. Each campsite has a picnic table, fireplace, garbage can, and space for your vehicle. Pit toilets and drinking water taps are located throughout the park. Two comfort stations with showers and laundry facilities are located within the camping area. The trailer dumping station is situated off the main entrance road. Picnic areas are located in the day-use section of the park near Big Otter Pond. The picnic areas are equipped with toilets, a water tap, and picnic tables. Bring your camp stove or barbecue and enjoy the park. Provincial Parks interpretation is designed to explain the natural and cultural history of the Park to you through a variety of exciting and interesting programs.

At Butter Pot Provincial Park, a variety of interpretive activities are scheduled for your participation. Activities include: guided hikes, amphitheatre programs (films and slide shows), campfire sing-a-longs, games, and crafts.

Number of Camp Sites: 175

Maximum Campsite Spur Length: Seasonal sites available from May through to park closing in September

Nightly Fee: $15.00 nightly fee plus vehicle entry fee ($5.00 a night or $20 for the season which can be used in any provincial park across the province)

Campground has Universally Accessible Sites

The Park is located on the Avalon Peninsula approximately 36 km (22 mi) southwest of St. John's along the Trans Canada Highway.

Seasons Open: May - September