Kayaking, fishing, and lakeside camping draw visitors to Bidwell Canyon Campground, one of the more full-featured options within Lake Oroville State Recreation Area. With water and sewer hookups, flush toilets, and coin-free token-operated showers, the campground is set up to handle longer stays, not just quick overnights. Reservations are available, and the automated after-hours check-in accepts cards, which matters if you're arriving late.
The 137 sites are spread across three groups, and the campground rarely feels packed. Reviewers arriving on weekday evenings in summer have found only a handful of other occupied sites. The tradeoff is terrain: many sites run uneven or terraced, and tent campers with large setups should know the flat area per site can be limited. Cell service is described as spotty by some visitors and workable by others, so plan accordingly if connectivity matters. The bathrooms, however, draw consistent praise. Jessica P. calls them "top notch clean," and that sentiment shows up across multiple reviews.
Lake Oroville's water level fluctuates significantly with drought conditions, and several reviewers note that what was once a beach swimming area has at times become dry meadow. That said, boat launches are on-site, and fishing directly from camp or by kayak on the lake remains a consistent draw. The surrounding area gives campers access to Feather Falls and Table Mountain, both noted as day-trip destinations. Nearby campgrounds within the same recreation area include Bidwell Canyon (Sites 40-75) - Lake Oroville State Recreational Area and Loafer Creek Horse Campground, which suits equestrian campers.
Summer highs can push well past 100 degrees at this elevation, and at least one reviewer suggests late September or October as a more comfortable window. Campers who want a broader look at campgrounds around Oroville will find several alternatives in the region, including Loafer Creek Glamping for those interested in a different setup within the same state recreation area.
Description
Bidwell Canyon Campground is part of the Lake Oroville State Recreation Area and is a great place for Lake Oroville camping. The campground is located near the Bidwell Marina on the south side of the lake, adjacent to the boat launch ramps. Bidwell Canyon Campground features 75 campsites divided into two loops on either side of the marina - Big Pine Campground (sites 1-39) and Gold Flat Campground (sites 40-75). The sites accommodate RVs, trailers, and tents. All the sites have full hook-ups. Reservations can be made for your chosen campsite.
Warning 7 Alerts are In Effect
There are 7 alerts for this campground. Camp safely!
Warning 7 Alerts are In Effect
There are 7 alerts for this campground. Camp safely!
Boat-In Sites:
The Bloomer Point, Bloomer Knoll, and Foreman Creek Boat-In fees also include ONE boat pass.
The Group Boat-In Area fee also includes ONE boat pass and the fees for 3 vehicles.
Campgrounds – Bidwell Canyon, Lime Saddle, and Loafer Creek (Tent, Hook-up, Group, and Boat-In) 15-day stay limit with required 48-hour vacancy before return. (Maximum 30-day total per unit each calendar year.)
Floating Campsites – 7-day stay limit with required 48-hour vacancy before return. (Maximum 30-day total per calendar year.)
For questions regarding the park including current launch ramp availability and lake conditions, please contact the Northern Buttes District Office at (530) 538-2200. Discount Pass must be presented at the time of check in. Your DMV Disabled Placard/License Plate does not automatically give you a discount on your campsite. You will need to obtain a CA State Parks issued Disabled Discount Pass (DDP) or Distinguished Veterans Pass (DVP). Spillway launch ramp is now open. Bloomer North Fork Trail Camp is closed until further notice. Floating Campsite reservations must check in at the Loafer Creek Kiosk (beginning 5/24/22). Please note that pets are prohibited on floating campsites. Visitors who wish to make reservations for the Bloomer Group Boat-In Campsite, please be advised that there may be a moderate hike into the campground from the shoreline depending on lake levels. Fees include entry for 1 vehicle and 1 legally towed vehicle or trailer ONLY.
Check-in is 4:00 p.m. for the Floating Campsites, and Check-out is 12:00 p.m.
DPR Discount Passes (Distinguished Veteran Pass and the Disabled Discount Pass) are NOT accepted on the Floating Campsites.
Additional vehicles will be charged per night at the park. Although your site may hold 2 or more vehicles, your reservation only covers 1 vehicle (except for group or specialty sites). To book a group site you must have at least NINE occupants. FLOATING CAMPSITE: Visitors will need to bring a padlock with them to secure property in the storage locker on the Floating campsites. Pets are prohibited on the floating campsites. Your specific location may be subject to change based upon changes in lake levels or other unforeseen issues. Contact the park at 530-538-2200 for current locations. Customers arriving on Friday or Saturday must reserve a minimum of 2 nights. On a holiday 2 night minimum is also required.
Craig Saddle Boat-in Campground AND Foreman Creek Boat-In Campground will be first-come, first-served year-round. This is water level dependent, so those who are interested in utilizing a boat-in site, should call the Headquarters Office (530) 538-2200 in advance to check on the status.
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsBidwell Canyon Campground is located in California near Oroville
Public CampgroundAddress
Visitor Center<Br>917 Kelly Ridge Road
Oroville, CA 95966-9222
Coordinates
39.5325 N
121.4575 W
Connectivity
T-Mobile5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 8/13/26- Verizon5GExcellent Coverage
AT&TNo CoverageVerified by 9 usersLast on 8/13/26
Connectivity
- T-Mobile5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 8/13/26
- Verizon5GExcellent Coverage
- AT&TNo CoverageVerified by 9 usersLast on 8/13/26
Access
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Group
- Equestrian
Features
For Campers
- Market
- Picnic Table
- Firewood Available
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Showers
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Sewer Hookups
- Water Hookups
- Big Rig Friendly
Contact
General Info
Reservations
Drive Time
- 45 min from Yuba City, CA
- 1 hr 20 min from Sacramento, CA
- 2 hrs 16 min from Reno, NV
