The lake was named after John Buttle, geologist and botanist from Kew Gardens, London, who came to the area with the Royal Engineers.

[3]: 34 During 1955–1958, the Strathcona Dam was built on Upper Campbell Lake, raising the water level by 30 metres (98 ft).

[5] At times of low water, there exist mudflats with stumps remaining from the forests that formerly stood there.

[6] The lake is accessed via Strathcona Provincial Park which is located almost in the center of Vancouver Island.

The main access to the park is via Highway 28, which connects with Gold River on the west coast of Vancouver Island.