Fishing, paddling, and lakeside hiking give campers plenty of reasons to base themselves at Loafer Creek Horse Campground within Lake Oroville State Recreation Area. The campground is designed for equestrian use, set in a wooded area near Loafer Creek, and open year-round. Sites include picnic tables, fire pits, and shade from established trees. Water pumps are located near the sites, and the facility has vault toilets along with hot showers.
The lake itself is not visible from camp. Reaching the water requires a walk of close to a mile to the nearest boat ramp, and the beach area is farther still. Lake levels can vary significantly by season, and at least one visitor noted the reservoir running very low in October. Campers who come primarily for swimming or beach access should factor that distance into their plans. Noise from neighboring sites has been an issue on busy weekends, particularly late at night.
Bonnie M. describes the sites as having "plenty of shade" and notes that camp hosts are consistently on-site. October visits have seen light crowds. Nearby options within the same recreation area include Loafer Creek Campground — Lake Oroville State Recreational Area and Bidwell Canyon Campground — Lake Oroville State Recreation Area, both less than a mile away. Reservations are available and worth booking ahead of summer weekends, when group use tends to increase.
Description
Loafer Creek Horse Campground
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 & DirectionsLoafer Creek Horse Campground is located in California near Oroville
Directions
Located 68 miles north of Sacramento on Highway 70 to Highway 162. 9.5 miles east on Highway 162 to Loafer Creek, left into the park.
Address
Visitor Center<Br>917 Kelly Ridge Road
Oroville, CA 95966-9222
Coordinates
39.5225 N
121.455278 W
Connectivity
- T-Mobile5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 8/7/26
- Verizon5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 6 usersLast on 8/7/26
- AT&TNo CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 8/7/26
Connectivity
- T-Mobile5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 8/7/26
- Verizon5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 6 usersLast on 8/7/26
- AT&TNo CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 8/7/26
Access
Site Types
- Group
- Equestrian
Features
For Campers
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Showers
- Toilets
- Pets
- Fires
Contact
General Info
Reservations
Drive Time
- 42 min from Yuba City, CA
- 1 hr 18 min from Sacramento, CA
- 2 hrs 13 min from Reno, NV








