The best camping in Lake Oroville State Recreation Area, CA

Spanning more than 15,000 surface acres and offering 167 miles of shoreline, Lake Oroville is the largest reservoir in northern California. Created by the tallest earthen dam in the country, the area is a popular outdoor recreation area. Enjoy boating, sailing, paddling, swimming, watersports, and fishing on the lake, or explore miles of hiking and biking trails nearby. A visitor center complex offers a museum, shop, and viewing tower with telescopes. More than 20 campgrounds feature a variety of ways to stay overnight, including tent sites, RV sites, boat-in campsites, floating campsites, and equestrian campsites. 

• Best for unique on-lake camping experience: Ten Floating Campsites on double decker pontoons each offer room for up to 15 to stay overnight on the lake itself.
• Best for RVs and amenities: Bidwell Canyon Campground is the only campground offering full hook-ups, and easy access to the visitor center and marina.
• Best for equestrians: Loafer Creek Horse Camp offers 15 sites and includes corrals, horse exercise and washing stations, accessible restrooms, and shows.

1. For dates between Memorial Day and Labor Day, reserve a campsite as soon as you know your dates. Reservations can be made from two days and up to six months in advance.
2. If you don’t have a reservation but you do have a boat, arrive first thing in the morning to grab a first-come, first-served, boat-in campsite.
3. If your plans are flexible, visit during the week or during non-holiday periods to beat the crowds.

The lake sees the most visitors in summer, especially when temperatures soar, and on weekends. Visit in spring for impressive wildflower displays and the best fishing. Fall is a good time for sunsets and to see spawning at the fish hatchery, while winter brings fewer crowds and cold—though rarely freezing—weather.

• Campers at the floating and boat-in campsites need to bring their own drinking water.
• Marinas at Bidwell Canyon and Lime Saddle offer boat rentals, fuel, supplies, store, and snack bar. Non-motorized watercraft can be rented from the Aquatic Center in the North Forebay, which doesn’t allow motor boats.
• The only designated swim areas, where boats and fishing are not allowed, are at Loafer Creek and near the Aquatic Center. Lifeguards are only available seasonally.
• Fishing licenses are required for those 16 and older. Slot limit regulations may apply for black bass.
• Accessible areas include the visitor center, some campsites, restrooms, and some portions of the marinas, fish cleaning stations, and trails.
• Fires are permitted only in designated fire rings, subject to fire restrictions. Driftwood may be collected and used, or purchased from camp hosts.