Leave the road behind and cruise to your own corner of Lake Oroville!
Whether it’s by kayak, fishing pontoon, or ski boat, you can access a unique floating or boat-in camping experience you won’t soon forget. Bring your own ride or rent one at either the Bidwell Canyon Marina or Lake Oroville Marina.
Floating Campsites: A California Exclusive
Many lakes in California offer lakeside camping, but Lake Oroville is home to the only campsites in the state where you can picnic, barbecue, and pitch your tent right on the lake! These unique floating campsites make a perfect home base in between your other adventures on Lake Oroville.
Lake Oroville’s 10 floating campsites are double-decker platforms designed for convenience and adventure:
- Capacity: Up to 15 visitors and three vessels (two personal watercraft count as one vessel).
- Amenities: Each site features a propane barbecue, shaded picnic table, sink, restroom, and a storage closet.
- Sleeping: Pitch several tents on the flat upper deck or sleep under the stars.
Where to Find Them
- Sites #1, #2, #3, #5 & #6: Located near Bidwell Canyon Marina and the Spillway/Loafer Creek ramps.
- Site #4: Located on the North Fork; closest to Lime Saddle.
- Sites #7 – #10: Located east of the Bidwell Bar Bridge near the Enterprise ramp.
How to Book
Visit Reserve California, search for “Lake Oroville SRA”, and select the “Floating Camping Area.”
Reserve Today
Reservations can be made up to 6 months in advance of arrival date. Fees are $175 per night.
Know Before You Go
- Check Water Levels: Lake Oroville is a reservoir; boat ramp availability and campsite distances to the water can change based on current water levels.
- Pack It In, Pack It Out: While garbage cans are provided, helping keep the lake clean ensures these unique sites remain beautiful for everyone.
- Supplies: Stock up on ice and fuel at the marinas before heading to your site, as it can be a long boat ride back.
Secluded Boat-In Campgrounds
For a wilder Butte County adventure, head to the boat-in campgrounds nestled in the scenic oak woodlands surrounding the lake. These sites offer a true “getaway” feel, accessible only by water.
The Essentials
- Reservations: Most are first-come, first-serve. Check in at a Lake Oroville entrance station for directions and availability.
- Site Features: Picnic table, fire ring, and garbage can. Vault toilets are available at each campground.
- Important: Bring your own water; no potable water is available at boat-in sites.
Boat-In Locations
- Foreman Creek (26 sites): Centrally located; closest to the Spillway and Bidwell Canyon.
- Craig Saddle (18 sites): Tucked between the Middle and South Forks.
- Goat Ranch (5 sites): A small, quiet area near Lime Saddle.
- Bloomer Point (25 sites) & Bloomer Knoll (5 sites): Located along the North Fork between the Dam and Lime Saddle.
- Group Camping: Groups of up to 75 people and 25 watercraft can reserve the boat-in Bloomer Group Camp via Reserve California.
Directions & Access
Bidwell Canyon/Spillway Area: From Hwy 70, exit east onto Oro Dam Blvd (Exit 46).
Lime Saddle Area: Continue north on Hwy 70 (approx. 12 miles past Oroville) and turn left onto Pentz Road. The entrance is two miles ahead on the left.
From the North (Chico): Take Hwy 99 south to the Hwy 149 split toward Oroville. Access Lime Saddle via Hwy 70 North to Pentz Road, or continue to Exit 46 for the Dam.
Check out the Lake Oroville State Recreation Area Campground Map to help you find your way!