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Established Camping

Collins Lake Recreation Area

Collins Lake Recreation Area, near Oregon House, California, is a fantastic spot for campers looking to enjoy the great outdoors. With a mix of tent, RV, cabin, and glamping options, there's something for everyone, whether you're a seasoned camper or just starting out.

The campground boasts clean facilities and a well-stocked market, making it easy to grab essentials or treat yourself to some ice cream. Many visitors rave about the stunning views and the peaceful atmosphere, perfect for unwinding after a day of fishing or kayaking. One camper noted, “The lake is stocked with fish,” which is a big draw for those looking to cast a line.

For those who enjoy a bit of adventure, the area offers great hiking trails and a safe swimming area, although some rocky spots along the beach require a bit of caution. Campers have mentioned that bringing water shoes can help navigate the shoreline more comfortably. The campground also features picnic tables and fire rings, ideal for gathering around the fire and sharing stories under the stars.

Collins Lake is a popular choice for families and friends looking to escape the hustle and bustle. While it can get busy during peak times, the friendly vibe and variety of activities keep everyone entertained. Whether you're here for a quick getaway or a longer stay, Collins Lake has plenty to offer for a memorable camping experience.

Description

Collins Lake is a favorite Northern California destination for families. This 1,600 acre recreation area offers LAKEFRONT RV& TENT camping with excellent fishing and wakeboarding. Collins Lake has California’s largest private trophy trout planting program of any lake north of Sacramento and equally famous for bass, crappie& catfish. Facilities include RV hookups, cabins, hot showers, laundry, marina, rental boats, sandy beach, playground, store with huge ice creams& espresso drinks. Family friendly with movies under the stars and live music every summer summer. Located only 70 miles northeast of Sacramento at 1200’ elevation. Family owned and operated since 1972.

Location

Collins Lake Recreation Area is located in California

Detail location of campground

Directions

From jct Hwy 70 & Hwy 20 (Marysville): Go 12 mi E on Hwy 20, then 10 mi N on CRE-21 (Marysville Rd), then 1/4 mi E on Collins Lk Rd.

Coordinates

39.33661104 N
121.3284964 W

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Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site
  • Walk-In
    Park in a lot, walk to your site.
  • Hike-In
    Backcountry sites.
  • Boat-In
    Sites accessible by watercraft.

Stay Connected

  • WiFi
    Good
  • Verizon
    Available
  • AT&T
    Good
  • T-Mobile
    Available

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • RV Sites
  • Standard (Tent/RV)
  • Dispersed
  • Group
  • Cabins
  • Tent Cabin

Features

For Campers

  • Market
  • ADA Access
  • Trash
  • Picnic Table
  • Firewood Available
  • Phone Service
  • Reservable
  • WiFi
  • Showers
  • Drinking Water
  • Electric Hookups
  • Toilets
  • Alcohol
  • Pets
  • Fires

For Vehicles

  • Sanitary Dump
  • Sewer Hookups
  • Water Hookups
  • Pull-Through Sites
  • 30 Amp Hookups

Drive Time


Reviews

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4.5

out of 5

20 Reviews

Reviewed Jul. 17, 2024

Lakeside

*pros: great little market, very nice staff, clean, great views *cons: rocky watch your step, especially at the beach and a long the shore. Recommend water shoes, although this may only help a little as the rocks are quite large and when can trip over them as much as step on them. they are not round river rocks, but pointy and painful to traverse. *my stay: I was only here for two nights and on the second morning some people pulled in and pitched a tent at 4:30 in the morning. They weren’t particularly loud, but they did curse and had their flashlight bright enough that it shone into my site and RV. Overall, it was still a very pleasant stay for the two nights.

Site452
Month of VisitJuly
  • wildlife (birds, squirrels, dear)
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Reviewed Sep. 22, 2023

Hot

Overall Collins Lake was a nice camping resort. They have a lot of sites and the facilities are clean. We went towards the end of July and it was 107 degrees. Dogs aren’t allowed on the beaches so we didn’t go down to the lake, which would have been nice to cool off.

It was a good trip despite the heat. It would definitely be better if we had a boat or water “toys”. I would go back, but not in the summer.

Site351
Month of VisitJuly
  • Review photo of Collins Lake Recreation Area by Troy L., September 22, 2023
  • Review photo of Collins Lake Recreation Area by Troy L., September 22, 2023
  • Review photo of Collins Lake Recreation Area by Troy L., September 22, 2023
  • (6) View All
Reviewed Apr. 17, 2023

Great spot close to home

We’ve been to Collins Lake a few times and we love it! Lots of different camping spots and the lake is stocked with fish. Ice cream at the store is a must. Wi-Fi connection at the campsite was better than good. Don’t recommend using the last shower on the left in the bathhouse close to the beach. No water pressure at all. Bring your bikes if you have them because the ride to the dam is nice. Spot 73 is an okay spot. Water spigot is way too short and there was a lot of mud and water that wouldn’t drain from site. It’s not listed as such but you can pull through. Anyone that says this place is too crowded with RVs so close to each other has never been to an RV park. At least this place has trees!

Site73
Month of VisitApril
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  • Review photo of Collins Lake Recreation Area by Clarissa , April 17, 2023
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  • (10) View All
Reviewed Sep. 18, 2022

Collins Lake Campground

Huge campground with plenty of great spots with electric and water hookup’s

Site9
Month of VisitSeptember
  • Review photo of Collins Lake Recreation Area by Travis C., September 18, 2022
  • Review photo of Collins Lake Recreation Area by Travis C., September 18, 2022
  • Review photo of Collins Lake Recreation Area by Travis C., September 18, 2022
  • (4) View All
Reviewed Feb. 20, 2022

Quick get away

Was able to squeeze a couple of days in. Only caught one trout but being out and next to the lake was well worth it. I’ve always done a day trip. First time staying for a couple of nights. Have to reserve well in advance to get a great spot close to the water.

Site317
Month of VisitAugust
Reviewed Jun. 13, 2021

VERY well-maintained family campground, with sometching for everyone!

More family oriented than “upscale,” what struck me was even though it maintains a substantial trout fishery, the surface tempin early June was z74 — PERFECT for swimming, tubing, etc.

Although the lake level is sadly representative of CA drought conditions, fishing was good. We caught 7 rainbows 14-17”, all but one caught deep via downrigger. A neighbor caught 3 nice bass to 5#. Full service resort, as indicated. We’ll probably be back...

ONE dramatic highlight (video) was a lengthy thunderstorm which featured some SERIOUS hail!! Midweek lake traffic was light.

Site362
Month of VisitJune
  • Review photo of Collins Lake Recreation Area by Larry W., June 13, 2021
  • Review photo of Collins Lake Recreation Area by Larry W., June 13, 2021
  • Review photo of Collins Lake Recreation Area by Larry W., June 13, 2021
Reviewed Jun. 3, 2021

Go to spot

Being close to home doesn't hurt. Love going during the week. Less crowded that way. Good fishing. When the water is up, my favorite spot is 396. I can kayak right from camp.

Site396
Month of VisitFebruary
  • Review photo of Collins Lake Recreation Area by Outdoordude D., June 3, 2021
Reviewed Sep. 30, 2020

Love Collins lake!

We have been here 5 times already this year. We love the lake, hookups for the motorhome and ice cream! Wonderful place!

Reviewed Jul. 29, 2020

Great camping near lake with safe swim area

We have been to this camping spot a few times. It is big with a nice store. Music on the weekends on the deck. Some sites on waterside are nice. Nice beach. Can get crowded but we liked it. No issues. RV or Tent sites. Roads are steep in spots but no problems getting into site. You can boat and fish here but we didn't do either. Might be nice in the winter when nobody is around?

Site64
  • Review photo of Collins Lake Recreation Area by Carina B., July 29, 2020
  • Review photo of Collins Lake Recreation Area by Carina B., July 29, 2020
  • Review photo of Collins Lake Recreation Area by Carina B., July 29, 2020
  • (4) View All
Reviewed Apr. 22, 2020

A GREAT Campground for your Spring and Late Fall Getaway

We camped here TWICE in 2019. First time in mid April and 2nd time on the first weekend of November. Both times were AWESOME!!!
Both campsites, #66 and #116 had power, water and sewage. They were both lake front campsites, which meant the water or shoreline was right at our "front door" from our 27' travel trailer. They were both back in spots but with ample room to maneuver the trailer into a great spot, unhitch our truck and park the truck next to the Travel Trailer. Site #66 was closer to the camp store which was one of the best ones I have been to so far. They sell quite a bit of camping and fishing needs. They also have a great ice cream parlor. Don't miss out on that if you do decide to camp here!!!
The fishing is awesome on Collins Lake! We fished from kayaks and always caught fish for dinner :-) There are nice hiking and biking trails in and around the campground as well. 
Just an FYI, in the Spring, the water level is much higher so the water line is closer to the campsites, especially #66. In the fall, pre-winter, the water level is much lower. It was about a 50 yard walk down to the water from #116 camp site, which is a lake front site. They do have a nice dump station row just outside the camping sites, so it is not necessary to have RV sewage at your campsite, which saves you a few $$.
The campground also rents different types of boats and cabins at this campground. See website for details :-)

Site#66 in April #116 in November
Month of VisitApril
  • Review photo of Collins Lake Recreation Area by Ed E., April 22, 2020
  • Review photo of Collins Lake Recreation Area by Ed E., April 22, 2020
  • Review photo of Collins Lake Recreation Area by Ed E., April 22, 2020
  • (21) View All
Reviewed Feb. 11, 2020

Beautiful shoreline camping

Open camping options make this a great spur of the moment option. We camped along the lake shore. They also have lots of great spots higher up, among the trees that come with picnic tables, firepits and water available. Portable toilets, so if your neighbors are clean, you're safe. Great little store with coffee and ice cream. Great place for boating and kayaking too.

  • Review photo of Collins Lake Recreation Area by Bonnie M., February 11, 2020
Reviewed Sep. 17, 2019

Beautiful camping grounds

I love this camp ground. Really nice lake always stocked with fish. Quiet at night and not rowdy during the day. Great place for family camping. They also have boat rentals.

Month of VisitMay
  • Review photo of Collins Lake Recreation Area by Veronica N., September 17, 2019
Reviewed Aug. 3, 2019

Nice place

Very nice campsite good staff beautiful place only down take is it’s very crowded they have there sites very close together so having dogs is a hassle at times..But overall great place to camp..

  • Review photo of Collins Lake Recreation Area by Brian H., August 3, 2019
Reviewed May. 29, 2019

Packed

Not a bad campsite, but was surrounded by RVs and people walking around. Can’t bring dogs onto the beach area which was a bummer, but was too crowded anyways

Reviewed May. 27, 2019

We love Collins

Collins lake has become our destination for spring break. In early April it’s relatively quiet. Staff is great, facilities are clean, kids love the playground, and the ice cream is oh so tasty.

  • Review photo of Collins Lake Recreation Area by Kimberlee M., May 27, 2019
  • Review photo of Collins Lake Recreation Area by Kimberlee M., May 27, 2019
  • Review photo of Collins Lake Recreation Area by Kimberlee M., May 27, 2019
  • (5) View All
Reviewed Aug. 29, 2018

City Camping

This campground to us is city camping. The spots are right next to each other and there are a ton of people. The only good thing it has is the lake. You can just play in the water all day and it is right there. If you want to be close to the water and don't mind people then this is the place for you. **the ice cream is sooooo worth it!! DO IT!!!

Month of VisitJuly
Reviewed Aug. 13, 2018

clean and friendly

We love Collins!! Very nice for paddle boarding and kayaking. Clean sites and pet friendly. We took the boat on our last trip here and had a great time. Great fishing spots!!

  • Review photo of Collins Lake Recreation Area by michaelle P., August 13, 2018
  • Review photo of Collins Lake Recreation Area by michaelle P., August 13, 2018
  • Review photo of Collins Lake Recreation Area by michaelle P., August 13, 2018
  • (4) View All
Reviewed Aug. 12, 2018

Lovely lake

Had a great site big enough for a couple of tents. Nice clean site near lake. Hubby enjoyed fishing. Kids loved canoeing out onto the lake. Amazed to watch a bald eagle grab a fish and fly away.

Month of VisitAugust

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Does Collins Lake Recreation Area have RV hookups?

    According to TheDyrt.com, Collins Lake Recreation Area has 30 amp electric hookups, water hookups and sewer hookups.

  • What is the max vehicle length at Collins Lake Recreation Area?

    Collins Lake Recreation Area allows vehicles up to 40 feet.

  • Are fires allowed at Collins Lake Recreation Area?

    Yes, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, fires are allowed at Collins Lake Recreation Area, although make sure to check current fire restrictions in the area.

  • Does Collins Lake Recreation Area have wifi?

    Yes, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, Collins Lake Recreation Area does have wifi.

  • Is there cell phone reception at Collins Lake Recreation Area?

    According to campers on TheDyrt.com, Verizon signal is available, AT&T is good, and T-Mobile is available.