Leave the road behind and cruise to your own private corner of Lake Oroville.
Whether you’re in a kayak, a fishing pontoon, or a ski boat, Lake Oroville offers an only-in-California camping experience you won’t soon forget. Spend the day on the water and the night under the stars.
Bring your own boat or rent one at either the Bidwell Canyon or Lake Oroville Marinas.
Floating Campsites: A California Exclusive
While many lakes in California offer lakeside camping, Lake Oroville is the only place in the state where you can pitch your tent, barbecue, and eat right on the water!
These unique floating campsites make a perfect home base in between your other adventures on Lake Oroville.
Site Details & Amenities
- The Setup: Each of the 10 floating sites is a double-decker platform. You can pitch several tents on the flat upper deck or stay on the main level.
- Amenities: Each site includes a propane barbecue, a shaded picnic table, a sink, a restroom, and a storage closet for gear.
- Bring Your Own Water: There is no potable water at these sites, so pack plenty for your stay.
- Capacity: Each site fits up to 15 people and three vessels (two personal watercraft count as one vessel).
Where to Find Them
- Sites #1, #2, #3, #5 & #6: Located near the main body of the lake, close to Bidwell Canyon Marina and the Spillway.
- Site #4: Located on the North Fork; this is the closest site 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” to secure your spot. Make sure to book early; weekend reservations fill up fast!
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: As a reservoir, Lake Oroville’s water levels fluctuate. This can change how far your site is from the water or which boat ramps are open.
- Stock Up: It can be a long boat ride back to civilization. Get your ice, fuel, and extra supplies at the marinas before heading to your site.
- Pack It Out: While there are garbage cans at the sites, helping keep the lake clean ensures these spots stay open and well-maintained.
- Get There with Ease: Check out the Lake Oroville State Recreation Area Campground Map to help you find your way.
Secluded Boat-In Campgrounds
For a wilder, more remote experience, head to the boat-in campgrounds tucked into the oak woodlands around the shoreline. These sites are accessible only by water, making them much more secluded than the drive-in areas of the park.
Site Details & Amenities
- Reservations: Most are first-come, first-served. Check in at a Lake Oroville entrance station for current availability.
- Site Features: Each site includes a picnic table, fire ring, and garbage can. Vault toilets are available at each campground area.
- Bring Your Own Water: There is no potable water at these sites, so pack plenty for your stay.
Where to Find Them
- Foreman Creek (26 sites): Centrally located and close to the Spillway.
- 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.
- Group Camping: For groups up to 75 people, the Bloomer Group Camp can be reserved 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.