The 630-acre Thermalito Forebay is a day use area featuring cool, clear water from Lake Oroville and located in low rolling foothills, with scenic views of Table Mountain to the east.
North Forebay
The Thermalito Forebay North features 300 surface acres of water, a 200-yard swimming area with a sandy beach, and plenty of shade. There are men’s and women’s dressing rooms, flush toilets, a drinking fountain, and a disabled-accessible fishing pier. There are 117 tables, large and small shared BBQ grills, additional picnic sites near the Forebay Aquatic Center, and a trail that circles the lagoon.
The North Forebay is reserved exclusively for sailboats, canoes, kayaks, paddle boards, and other non-power driven boats. The gravel boat launch closes at sundown.
Dogs are prohibited on the beach and turf areas.
Two paved boat ramps are available: one with 2 lanes and one with 3 lanes.
See an overview of the available amenities and locations using the map of the North Forebay.
South Forebay
The Thermalito Forebay South has a parking lot, 2‑lane boat launch ramp, picnic tables, 10 shaded picnic tables, 10 BBQs, a sandy beach, and chemical toilets. There is no drinking water available, so plan accordingly.
The main attractions in the South Forebay are power boating and fishing, though shoreline swimming also takes place here.
Other Activities
- Birding: The Nelson Road bridge over the Forebay provides ideal vantage points for a great host of waterbirds, including five species of grebes, common and Barrow’s goldeneye, and an occasional rare Pacific or red-throated loon. You’ll also discover more rare raptor sightings than anywhere else in the area, including rough-legged hawk, ferruginous hawk, golden eagle and others.
- Fishing: The North Forebay has frequent trout plants for people to enjoy.
- Camping: The North Forebay has an en-route campground, which is designed for one-night stays for self-contained vehicles only. There are 15 en-route RV parking spaces with no hookups adjacent to the day use area.
