provided by
Near the City of Oroville this man-made lake was formed by the tallest earth-filled dam (770 feet above the stream bed of the Feather River) in the country.
The lake offers a wide variety of outdoor activities including camping, picnicking, horseback riding, hiking, sail and power boating, water-skiing, fishing, swimming, boat-in camping, floating campsites and horse camping.
Lake Oroville Visitor Center has a museum, exhibits, videos and a gift shop. The view from the 47-foot tower, with two high-powered telescopes, is a spectacular panoramic view of the lake, Sierra Nevadas, valley, foothills, and the Sutter Buttes mountain range (smallest in the world).
The area includes the Feather River Fish Hatchery, built by the Department of Water Resources to replace lost spawning areas for salmon and steelhead. Displays on the State Water Project and the area's natural and cultural history are featured at the Visitor Center.
Getting There
From Highway 70, take the Highway 162 exit (Oroville Dam Blvd.) and proceed east. Continue bearing east as Highway 162 evolves into Olive Highway; then after approximately 6 miles, make a left turn onto Kelly Ridge Road. After two miles Kelly Ridge Road ends at the Visitor Center parking lot.
Latitude/Longitude: 39.5389 / -121.4844
From Highway 70, take the Highway 162 exit (Oroville Dam Blvd.) and proceed east. Continue bearing east as Highway 162 evolves into Olive Highway; then after approximately 6 miles, make a left turn onto Kelly Ridge Road. After two miles Kelly Ridge Road ends at the Visitor Center parking lot.
Latitude/Longitude: 39.5389 / -121.4844
Seasons/Climate/Recommended Clothing
The Lake Oroville area has four very distinct seasons; a Mediterranean-type climate.
Winter months are cool to cold, seldom freezing temperatures, and some occasional fog. Temperatures run from mid-to-high 50s down to the 30s.
Springtime is beautiful with a vivid array of wildflowers and very pleasant temperatures, normally in the high 60s to 70s.
Summers are warm to extremely warm. The temperatures range from the low 80s up to the low 100s.
Fall season usually brings a little humidity, but not much. It cools off at night and the Northern California autumn sunsets are incredible.
Bring appropriate clothing to fit the season. Layered clothing is advised. Campers should bring sweatshirts during the summer months, because it can get somewhat cooler in the evenings and out on the water.
The Lake Oroville area has four very distinct seasons; a Mediterranean-type climate.
Winter months are cool to cold, seldom freezing temperatures, and some occasional fog. Temperatures run from mid-to-high 50s down to the 30s.
Springtime is beautiful with a vivid array of wildflowers and very pleasant temperatures, normally in the high 60s to 70s.
Summers are warm to extremely warm. The temperatures range from the low 80s up to the low 100s.
Fall season usually brings a little humidity, but not much. It cools off at night and the Northern California autumn sunsets are incredible.
Bring appropriate clothing to fit the season. Layered clothing is advised. Campers should bring sweatshirts during the summer months, because it can get somewhat cooler in the evenings and out on the water.
Operating Hours & Contact
The park is open from 8am to 8pm.
For the best answers to questions concerning any visitor information, please contact the Lake Oroville Visitor Center at 530-538-2219
The park is open from 8am to 8pm.
For the best answers to questions concerning any visitor information, please contact the Lake Oroville Visitor Center at 530-538-2219
Camping
Loafer Creek: 137 sites at the Loafer Creek Coyote Campground can accommodate tents or trailers up to 31 feet and campers or motor homes up to 40 feet (no hookups). Drinking water and restrooms, coin-operated showers and laundry tubs are nearby. An RV sanitation station is available. Six group sites accommodate up to 25 persons each (limit of eight vehicles per site). A horse camp features 15 campsites, a restroom with showers, a corral and a horse tethering and feeding station (limit of two horses per site). Large groups may reserve more than one site. A launch ramp is available.
Bidwell Canyon: 75 sites with hookups accommodate trailers up to 31 feet and campers or motor homes up to 40 feet. Facilities include a lakeside marina with a launch ramp, store, snack bar, fuel dock, boat rental and a pumping station for boat holding tanks.
Spillway: Shaded picnic sites and overnight camping for self-contained RVs are located at the north end of the dam (available for one night only with a 9 AM checkout). Drive across Oroville Dam to reach the facilities, which include a launch ramp and restrooms.
Lime Saddle: Both the hookup and non-hookup sites at this campground accommodate RVs. Features include a five-lane launch ramp, picnic facilities and restrooms. The nearby marina includes a store, snackbar, fuel dock, boat rental and a pumping station for boat holding tanks.
Floating Campsites
You will need your own boat to reach the ten 20’ x 24’ floating sites. Each site sleeps up to 15 people with a camp table, sink, propane barbecue grill (the park provides the propane), a food locker, a lockable closet, an accessible restroom, a covered living area, an upper sun deck/sleeping area and room for tents. (Each site accommodates up to three 24-foot boats. Two personal watercrafts equal one boat.) Bring your own drinking water.
Boat-in Camps
Boat-in camping is first-come, first-served, and only in designated campsites identified by signs at beach areas around the lake. Ask directions to your camp at the park entrance or the launching area. Each camp has six to twenty-six individual campsites; boat camps are located at Craig Saddle, Foreman Point, Goat Ranch and the Bloomer Primitive Area at Bloomer Point - Bloomer Knoll, Bloomer Cove and Bloomer Group Camp. The Bloomer group camp accommodates up to 75 people. Sites have tables, stoves, pit toilets and garbage cans. Bring your own drinking water.
Make Campground Reservations
Max Camper Length: 40 Feet
Max Trailer Length: 35 Feet
Loafer Creek: 137 sites at the Loafer Creek Coyote Campground can accommodate tents or trailers up to 31 feet and campers or motor homes up to 40 feet (no hookups). Drinking water and restrooms, coin-operated showers and laundry tubs are nearby. An RV sanitation station is available. Six group sites accommodate up to 25 persons each (limit of eight vehicles per site). A horse camp features 15 campsites, a restroom with showers, a corral and a horse tethering and feeding station (limit of two horses per site). Large groups may reserve more than one site. A launch ramp is available.
Bidwell Canyon: 75 sites with hookups accommodate trailers up to 31 feet and campers or motor homes up to 40 feet. Facilities include a lakeside marina with a launch ramp, store, snack bar, fuel dock, boat rental and a pumping station for boat holding tanks.
Spillway: Shaded picnic sites and overnight camping for self-contained RVs are located at the north end of the dam (available for one night only with a 9 AM checkout). Drive across Oroville Dam to reach the facilities, which include a launch ramp and restrooms.
Lime Saddle: Both the hookup and non-hookup sites at this campground accommodate RVs. Features include a five-lane launch ramp, picnic facilities and restrooms. The nearby marina includes a store, snackbar, fuel dock, boat rental and a pumping station for boat holding tanks.
Floating Campsites
You will need your own boat to reach the ten 20’ x 24’ floating sites. Each site sleeps up to 15 people with a camp table, sink, propane barbecue grill (the park provides the propane), a food locker, a lockable closet, an accessible restroom, a covered living area, an upper sun deck/sleeping area and room for tents. (Each site accommodates up to three 24-foot boats. Two personal watercrafts equal one boat.) Bring your own drinking water.
Boat-in Camps
Boat-in camping is first-come, first-served, and only in designated campsites identified by signs at beach areas around the lake. Ask directions to your camp at the park entrance or the launching area. Each camp has six to twenty-six individual campsites; boat camps are located at Craig Saddle, Foreman Point, Goat Ranch and the Bloomer Primitive Area at Bloomer Point - Bloomer Knoll, Bloomer Cove and Bloomer Group Camp. The Bloomer group camp accommodates up to 75 people. Sites have tables, stoves, pit toilets and garbage cans. Bring your own drinking water.
Make Campground Reservations
Max Camper Length: 40 Feet
Max Trailer Length: 35 Feet
Activities
Boating
North Thermalito Forebay is reserved exclusively for sailboats, canoes, and other non-motorized boats. The shaded, grassy day-use areas have barbecue stoves and picnic tables. Four shaded ramadas can be reserved for picnic groups. A 200-yard sandy swimming beach has restrooms for men and women. Piped drinking water and restrooms are nearby.
The Forebay Aquatic Center is located at the North Forebay near the boat launch. Boat rentals and watercraft classes are offered through a collaborative effort between the Associated Students of CSU Chico, California State Parks, Dept. of Water Resources and Dept. of Boating and Waterways.
South Forebay has a launch ramp, paved parking and restrooms. Drinking water is not available. Power-boating and fishing are the main attractions in this area.
Overnight boating is permitted, but boats must have self-contained sanitary facilities, and all waste and water outlets on board must be sealed. Use sanitation stations around the lake.
Boat mooring is permitted except where posted otherwise; marina berths are leased by prior arrangement. Overnight camping on shore while boating is not permitted, with the exception of the boat-in campsites, but boaters are welcome to go ashore for day-use.
Boat ramps are located conveniently along the perimeter of the lake. Due to changes in water levels not all ramps may be open. The following ramps are available for car top launches only: Enterprise, Stringtown, Foreman Creek, Vinton Gulch, Nelson Bar, and Dark Canyon. Loafer Creek, Bidwell Canyon, Lake Oroville Marina, and South Forebay offers full launch capabilities. North Forebay is available for non-powered boats with trailer launch capabilities.
Swimming
The Loafer Creek area and North Forebay near the Aquatic Center are the only designated swimming areas at the lake. Limited lifeguard service is available at Loafer Creek and the North Forebay; do not allow children to swim unattended.
Fishing
Rainbow and German-brown trout, large and small-mouth bass, and some catfish and salmon are caught here. All anglers over age 16 must possess a California sport fishing license. Check at the visitor center for “Slot Limit” regulations for black bass. Shore and boat fishing are permitted in the North and South Forebays, but no motorized boats are allowed in the North. Fishing and boating are not allowed in designated swimming areas.
Boating
North Thermalito Forebay is reserved exclusively for sailboats, canoes, and other non-motorized boats. The shaded, grassy day-use areas have barbecue stoves and picnic tables. Four shaded ramadas can be reserved for picnic groups. A 200-yard sandy swimming beach has restrooms for men and women. Piped drinking water and restrooms are nearby.
The Forebay Aquatic Center is located at the North Forebay near the boat launch. Boat rentals and watercraft classes are offered through a collaborative effort between the Associated Students of CSU Chico, California State Parks, Dept. of Water Resources and Dept. of Boating and Waterways.
South Forebay has a launch ramp, paved parking and restrooms. Drinking water is not available. Power-boating and fishing are the main attractions in this area.
Overnight boating is permitted, but boats must have self-contained sanitary facilities, and all waste and water outlets on board must be sealed. Use sanitation stations around the lake.
Boat mooring is permitted except where posted otherwise; marina berths are leased by prior arrangement. Overnight camping on shore while boating is not permitted, with the exception of the boat-in campsites, but boaters are welcome to go ashore for day-use.
Boat ramps are located conveniently along the perimeter of the lake. Due to changes in water levels not all ramps may be open. The following ramps are available for car top launches only: Enterprise, Stringtown, Foreman Creek, Vinton Gulch, Nelson Bar, and Dark Canyon. Loafer Creek, Bidwell Canyon, Lake Oroville Marina, and South Forebay offers full launch capabilities. North Forebay is available for non-powered boats with trailer launch capabilities.
Swimming
The Loafer Creek area and North Forebay near the Aquatic Center are the only designated swimming areas at the lake. Limited lifeguard service is available at Loafer Creek and the North Forebay; do not allow children to swim unattended.
Fishing
Rainbow and German-brown trout, large and small-mouth bass, and some catfish and salmon are caught here. All anglers over age 16 must possess a California sport fishing license. Check at the visitor center for “Slot Limit” regulations for black bass. Shore and boat fishing are permitted in the North and South Forebays, but no motorized boats are allowed in the North. Fishing and boating are not allowed in designated swimming areas.
Wildlife
An abundant, varied wildlife population inhabits Lake Oroville. Resident species include raccoons, turkeys, opossums, coyotes, tree and ground squirrels, rabbits, deer, skunks, ringtails, bears, and many kinds of native birds.
An abundant, varied wildlife population inhabits Lake Oroville. Resident species include raccoons, turkeys, opossums, coyotes, tree and ground squirrels, rabbits, deer, skunks, ringtails, bears, and many kinds of native birds.
Native History
For thousands of years, this area was home to the Northwest Maidu people. A typical village might consist of a few families, or it might have 500 or more inhabitants. Often there was a “main” village with sweathouses and other common-use ceremonial buildings. The Maidu were hunters and gatherers. Acorns were their main food source, and nutritional variety came from large and small game, nuts, berries, seeds, and fish from what is now the Feather River.
In 1820 Captain Luis Arguello was exploring the area and named the river Río de las Plumas (River of Feathers) after he saw what appeared to be many feathers floating on its surface. The lives of the Maidu were disrupted after the 1848 gold discovery. When the Feather River was found to be rich in gold, entrepreneurs and gold seekers flooded into the area, taking Maidu land and establishing several small mining towns.
Most towns are now under the lake. A tent city named Ophir became the present city of Oroville. The newcomers also brought diseases to which the native people had no resistance, so their numbers dwindled. Today many Maidu people live on local rancherias, including those at Oroville and Chico.
For thousands of years, this area was home to the Northwest Maidu people. A typical village might consist of a few families, or it might have 500 or more inhabitants. Often there was a “main” village with sweathouses and other common-use ceremonial buildings. The Maidu were hunters and gatherers. Acorns were their main food source, and nutritional variety came from large and small game, nuts, berries, seeds, and fish from what is now the Feather River.
In 1820 Captain Luis Arguello was exploring the area and named the river Río de las Plumas (River of Feathers) after he saw what appeared to be many feathers floating on its surface. The lives of the Maidu were disrupted after the 1848 gold discovery. When the Feather River was found to be rich in gold, entrepreneurs and gold seekers flooded into the area, taking Maidu land and establishing several small mining towns.
Most towns are now under the lake. A tent city named Ophir became the present city of Oroville. The newcomers also brought diseases to which the native people had no resistance, so their numbers dwindled. Today many Maidu people live on local rancherias, including those at Oroville and Chico.
The Dam
In 1967 Lake Oroville was created by Oroville Dam, at 770 feet the nation’s tallest earthen dam. The lake conserves water distributed by the State Water Project to homes, farms and industries in the San Francisco Bay area, the San Joaquin Valley and Southern California. Oroville’s facilities provide flood control, smog-free generation of electric power, and recreation. At its maximum elevation of 900 feet, the lake includes some 15,500 surface acres for recreation; 167 miles of shoreline allow boaters to land and explore the surrounding country.
In 1967 Lake Oroville was created by Oroville Dam, at 770 feet the nation’s tallest earthen dam. The lake conserves water distributed by the State Water Project to homes, farms and industries in the San Francisco Bay area, the San Joaquin Valley and Southern California. Oroville’s facilities provide flood control, smog-free generation of electric power, and recreation. At its maximum elevation of 900 feet, the lake includes some 15,500 surface acres for recreation; 167 miles of shoreline allow boaters to land and explore the surrounding country.
Accessible Features
Camping
Loafer Creek Area
The campfire center is has accessible seating and paths or travel and offers listening assistance devices.
Coyote Campground has 137 sites that are mostly accessible. Restrooms: Six new comfort stations each have two accessibly designed unisex toilet rooms. Routes of Travel: Most paths of travel to unisex toilet rooms are generally accessible.
Horse Camp Accessible campsites and a combination restroom and shower facility are available. Each site has a corral to accommodate 2 horses. Additional amenities include a riding ring and hitching posts.
Bidwell Canyon Area
Big Pine Campground Accessible campsites and combination restroom/shower facilities are available.
Gold Flat Campground Accessible campsites and combination restroom/shower facilities are available.
Lime Saddle Area
Lime Saddle Campground Accessible campsites and combination restroom/shower facilities are available.
Picnic Area
South Thermalito Forebay Day-Use Area. Accessibly designed tables are available. Accessible fish cleaning station and adjacent parking and non-flush restroom.
North Thermalito Forebay Day-Use Area. This prime bird-watching territory has six new accessible picnic sites on accessible routes. Accessible spaces, including two van accessible, are available. An accessible restroom is available.
Swim Beach Day-Use Area. Accessible picnic tables, water spigots, and parking are available.
Trails
The North Forebay Trail is a beach access trail that allows waterfront hiking along the fore bay and is accessible for 0.8 mile. Trailhead, parking and accessible restrooms are at the North Forebay.
The Potters Ravine Trail is accessible for .7 miles, round trip. Trailhead and parking are located near the spillway.
The Wyk Island Trail is a lakeside trail that is accessible for 0.20 mile. Trailhead and accessible parking are at the Bidwell Canyon Boat Launch Parking area.
The Chaparral Interpretive Trail: Located adjacent to the visitor center, the Chaparral Interpretive Trail offers visitors a short .2 mile loop trail through a microcosm of environments found around the lake. This trail contains many interpretive panels to learn about the diverse local ecosystem. The trail surface is constructed of compacted soil. Accessible parking and restrooms are located at the visitor center.
The Bidwell Canyon Multi-Use Trail is barrier-free, for 4.9 miles through a foothills environment. It may be usable and challenging for strong wheelchair users. Trailhead, dirt parking lot and an accessible non-flush restroom are at Saddle Dam.
Beach/Shore Access
North Thermalito Forebay Day-Use Area: A new accessible paved path weaves from the parking area through the picnic area and to the water's edge. Accessible parking and restroom are nearby. An outdoor rinsing shower is accessibly designed. See photo below.
Exhibits/Programs
Lake Oroville Visitor Center: The structure is generally accessible, and further accessibility modifications are nearly complete. Exhibits are generally accessible. Captioned video. Restrooms: Exterior restrooms are generally accessible. Parking lot includes two accessible spaces in front and two behind the visitor center. The route of travel to the building from the front spaces is accessible.
Bidwell Canyon Area: The Toll House visitor center is accessible and provides interesting history of the area. Accessible parking and restroom are available. A short path across the bridge is accessible.
Fishing
Loafer Creek Area: Accessible parking, restroom, and restroom with showers are available.
Bidwell Canyon Area: Tollhouse. An accessible fish cleaning table and a few accessible picnic tables are nearby.
Spillway Area: An accessible fish cleaning station is available, including accessible parking in both upper and lower (pull-through) lots.
Camping
Loafer Creek Area
The campfire center is has accessible seating and paths or travel and offers listening assistance devices.
Coyote Campground has 137 sites that are mostly accessible. Restrooms: Six new comfort stations each have two accessibly designed unisex toilet rooms. Routes of Travel: Most paths of travel to unisex toilet rooms are generally accessible.
Horse Camp Accessible campsites and a combination restroom and shower facility are available. Each site has a corral to accommodate 2 horses. Additional amenities include a riding ring and hitching posts.
Bidwell Canyon Area
Big Pine Campground Accessible campsites and combination restroom/shower facilities are available.
Gold Flat Campground Accessible campsites and combination restroom/shower facilities are available.
Lime Saddle Area
Lime Saddle Campground Accessible campsites and combination restroom/shower facilities are available.
Picnic Area
South Thermalito Forebay Day-Use Area. Accessibly designed tables are available. Accessible fish cleaning station and adjacent parking and non-flush restroom.
North Thermalito Forebay Day-Use Area. This prime bird-watching territory has six new accessible picnic sites on accessible routes. Accessible spaces, including two van accessible, are available. An accessible restroom is available.
Swim Beach Day-Use Area. Accessible picnic tables, water spigots, and parking are available.
Trails
The North Forebay Trail is a beach access trail that allows waterfront hiking along the fore bay and is accessible for 0.8 mile. Trailhead, parking and accessible restrooms are at the North Forebay.
The Potters Ravine Trail is accessible for .7 miles, round trip. Trailhead and parking are located near the spillway.
The Wyk Island Trail is a lakeside trail that is accessible for 0.20 mile. Trailhead and accessible parking are at the Bidwell Canyon Boat Launch Parking area.
The Chaparral Interpretive Trail: Located adjacent to the visitor center, the Chaparral Interpretive Trail offers visitors a short .2 mile loop trail through a microcosm of environments found around the lake. This trail contains many interpretive panels to learn about the diverse local ecosystem. The trail surface is constructed of compacted soil. Accessible parking and restrooms are located at the visitor center.
The Bidwell Canyon Multi-Use Trail is barrier-free, for 4.9 miles through a foothills environment. It may be usable and challenging for strong wheelchair users. Trailhead, dirt parking lot and an accessible non-flush restroom are at Saddle Dam.
Beach/Shore Access
North Thermalito Forebay Day-Use Area: A new accessible paved path weaves from the parking area through the picnic area and to the water's edge. Accessible parking and restroom are nearby. An outdoor rinsing shower is accessibly designed. See photo below.
Exhibits/Programs
Lake Oroville Visitor Center: The structure is generally accessible, and further accessibility modifications are nearly complete. Exhibits are generally accessible. Captioned video. Restrooms: Exterior restrooms are generally accessible. Parking lot includes two accessible spaces in front and two behind the visitor center. The route of travel to the building from the front spaces is accessible.
Bidwell Canyon Area: The Toll House visitor center is accessible and provides interesting history of the area. Accessible parking and restroom are available. A short path across the bridge is accessible.
Fishing
Loafer Creek Area: Accessible parking, restroom, and restroom with showers are available.
Bidwell Canyon Area: Tollhouse. An accessible fish cleaning table and a few accessible picnic tables are nearby.
Spillway Area: An accessible fish cleaning station is available, including accessible parking in both upper and lower (pull-through) lots.
Trails
Summary
Difficulty
Distance
Guides
Lake Oroville SRA
Community Trips
Lake is down quite a bit since my last ride in this area.
