Welcome to a grand reservoir playground at Lake Oroville State Recreation Area. It is nestled in the Sierra Nevada foothills just northeast of Oroville, California. This expansive outdoor complex wraps around California’s second-largest reservoir, offering a unique blend of water-based thrills, wildlife-rich shorelines, and rich historical and environmental education.
What Makes Lake Oroville Unique
Formed by Oroville Dam—the tallest earth-filled dam in the U.S.—this recreation area features over 15,500 surface acres and 167 miles of shoreline. It’s a keystone of the State Water Project and a magnet for anglers, boaters, hikers, and families. Float-in campsites, horse campgrounds, and an interpretive visitor center round out a truly multifaceted park.
Top Activities & Amenities
🚤 Boating & Marinas
Launch your adventure at boat ramps in Bidwell Canyon, Lime Saddle, Spillway and more. Marinas rent motorboats, pontoons, kayaks, sailboats, and more. The lake encourages relaxed cruising with a 10 mph speed limit and provides a bustling marina experience.
🎣 Fishing & Wildlife Viewing
Lake Oroville is renowned as California’s top bass lake and also hosts Chinook salmon, trout, catfish, sturgeon and crappie. Shore anglers and boaters alike bring their lines year-round. The shoreline and nearby wildlife refuge are alive with deer, waterfowl, raptors, and migratory birds.
🏕️ Camping Options
The park offers diverse overnight accommodations:
- Family campsites with RV hookups, tent sites, fire rings and hot showers at Bidwell Canyon.
- Equestrian camp at Loafer Creek with corrals, wash racks and horse staging area.
- Floating and boat-in campsites—accessible only by water—for a rustic lakeside experience.
- Group campsites supporting large gatherings with picnic shelters and BBQ pits.
🥾 Hiking, Biking & Equestrian Trails
Explore over 92 miles of trails through oak woodlands, rolling chaparral and canyon terrain. Options range from gentle lakeside promenades to rugged equestrian/biking routes that connect campgrounds and backcountry zones.
🧺 Picnicking & Group Facilities
Numerous picnic tables and BBQ grills dot day-use areas near beaches, trailheads and marinas. A central campfire amphitheater hosts ranger-led programs, live performances and Story Nights.
🏊 Swimming & Water Sports
Two swim beaches at Loafer Creek and North Forebay are lifeguarded seasonally. The marina provides paddleboards and sailboat rentals, while water-skiing and windsurfing are popular summer pastimes.
🏛️ Visitor Center & Interpretive Exhibits
The well-equipped visitor center boasts interactive displays about dam construction, geology, native wildlife and tribal history. A 47-foot observation tower with telescopes offers sweeping views of Oroville Dam, the reservoir, Sierra Nevada and even the Sutter Buttes. Free guided tours and school visits are regular features.
🚻 Essential Facilities
Flush toilets, hot showers (coin-operated), drinking water stations, and a functioning RV dump station ensure visitor comfort. ADA-accessible features include select campsites, restrooms, trails and viewing tower access.
Visitor Tips
- Fees & Reservations: Day-use vehicle fee applies. Campgrounds, group sites and floating campsites require reservations via ReserveCalifornia. Floating sites fill fast in summer.
- Boat Launch & Mussel Inspection: All boats must undergo invasive mussel inspection before launching into reservoir ramps.
- Pets: Leashed dogs are allowed in developed areas; prohibited in swim beaches and visitor center.
- Water Conditions: Watch for seasonal algae blooms and floating wood debris, especially after storms and spring melting.
- Boating Rules: Obey the 10 mph speed limit near marinas and campsites. Hydrofoils and e‑foils are not permitted.
- Trail Etiquette: Bikers, hikers and horses share trail corridors—yield and respect designated use.
- Wildfire Risk: Fire restrictions may close open campfires. Propane cookers are a good backup.
- Seasonal Closures: Ramp and swim beach access may shift as lake elevation fluctuates—check park alerts.
- Cell & Wi-Fi: Reception is limited. Some Wi-Fi available near Visitor Center and marinas.
Local Insight & Seasonal Tip
For serene summer magic, paddle to a floating campsite at dusk. Enjoy dinner with a lakeview. Stargazing in the near-dark skies is unforgettable. Late spring brings trophy bass and trout in the shallows and meters of wildflowers along canyon trails. Fall highlights include salmon runs in the Feather River and golden oak hillsides. For a silent sunrise, bike the North Forebay path before daily crowds arrive. After your lake time, swing by the Feather River Fish Hatchery below the dam to observe salmon and steelhead, especially during their fall runs.