183 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Camping options around Chico, California range from developed RV parks to more rustic state recreation areas. The Sacramento River corridor features several established campgrounds including Woodson Bridge State Recreation Area and the adjacent Woodson Bridge Mobile Home & RV Park in Corning, both providing access to riverfront areas. Lake Oroville State Recreation Area, which includes Limesaddle and Bidwell Canyon campgrounds, offers both tent and RV sites approximately 30 minutes from Chico. The region also includes one free dispersed camping area at Olive Pit Dispersed Lot in Corning, though amenities are limited.
Road quality varies considerably between the established campgrounds and more remote areas. Several visitors mentioned that weather conditions impact the camping experience throughout the year. "We stayed one night on our way from southern Oregon to Fort Bragg, CA. It's clean and convenient," noted one camper about Parkway RV Resort. Many campgrounds in the Chico region remain open year-round, though summer temperatures frequently exceed 100°F, making spring and fall more comfortable for tent camping. Most established campgrounds require reservations, particularly on weekends and during peak summer months. Cell service is generally reliable near developed sites but may be limited in more remote areas around Lake Oroville.
The campgrounds near water sources receive consistently higher ratings from visitors. Limesaddle Campground at Lake Oroville is particularly appreciated for its views and quiet setting, with one visitor noting, "Love camping here when visiting my daughter who attends Chico State... the views, quiet and beauty is worth the 30 min into town." Woodson Bridge State Recreation Area provides access to the Sacramento River, though recent reviews indicate river access has been affected by erosion. Most RV parks offer full hookups and clean facilities, with several including amenities like swimming pools at Parkway RV Resort. Campers frequently mention the importance of shade during hot summer months, with oak trees at Woodson Bridge State Recreation Area providing natural cooling. Wildlife viewing opportunities exist throughout the region, particularly in the refuges adjacent to some campgrounds.
"Stayed here for a second time driving from Southern California to Oregon. The sites are spacious and there is a pool to cool down during the hot summers. There is wine tasting as well."
"I have stayed here several times as a waypoint on my travels between California to Washington.  It is a nice safe quiet park that has many pull through spaces for RVs spending the night.  I have used"
"Love camping here when visiting my daughter who attends Chico State… we could stay closer but the views, quiet and beauty is worth the 30 min into town!"
"Overall a nice campground that is on the hills and above the lake. Some sites have lake views."
from $25 - $125 / night
Check Availability"Casino nearby has multiple restaurants and entertainment, including golf. Cheap gas for California. Little bit of a hike to clean restrooms. Quiet. Convenient location for traveling down I-5."
"Conveniently located just off I-5, far enough away from the noise. Casino, restaurants, doggy daycare and golf just next door. Sites are level 75 ft pull through sites. We will stay again."
from $49 - $69 / night
Check Availability"It would have been a two-hour drive to get to this place from where we were but with all the wildfires in recent years in this part of California, many campgrounds have closed."
"The only issue we had was there was no trashcans anywhere close to us and also our campground happened to be by the entrance and by the busy street, so instead of waking up to birds and nature it was loud"
from $31 / night
Check Availability"There's also a fish cleaning station and a seasonal fishing dock and water access to a small beach for dipping your toes in."
from $40 - $50 / night
Check Availability"If you are looking for a small campground with full hookups, on the lake, close to Table Mountain and Feather Falls, this is for you."
"Really enjoyed this campground which is part of the Lake Oroville State Recreation Area. The staff where we checked in were helpful with all of our questions about the area."
from $45 / night
Check Availability"Location is great especially if you have a boat to launch or just enjoy being at the river. Campsites were nicely laid out. Being in the summer, busy as you might expect."
"Right behind a casino, but a really nice park. Excellent bathrooms and showers. A pool area and dog park. Good Wi-Fi and amenities."
"Every time we’ve been into the store the customer service was superb and security drives around at all time to check the place out. 🤩 The amenities were great but some surprise bonus’ were the big game"
TravelerWe are only staying one night but this campground was simple to book online, easy to get to, and each campsite has plenty of space. An electric hook-up, a flush toilet and quarter-operated showers — you can’t beat that anywhere for this price!
GuideThey let us check in early it is all paved but not level!
TravelerThe forest road is super accessible with a bunch of different spots to choose from as you traverse down the road. There are some fire rings in some of the spots. No water, bathroom, etc. Road is fairly well maintained but drive with caution if no 4WD or AWD and low clearance. Only 3.5 miles from the entrance so it’s a perfect place to stay before or after going through Lassen NP.
TravelerSimply put, I am embarrassed to say that this one was opened with major safety issues. I was even told by a person at the Almanor Ranger Office in Chester that they were forced to open this campground.
Safety issues:
-Trees were fell and slash was left behind without cleanup by contractor.
-Boulders were moved and above mentioned slash was covering the holes left by the moved boulders creating major safety trip/fall hazards. These hazards could cause twisted and/or broken legs and feet and more.
-Fire Hazard: Above mentioned slash was left behind everywhere for it to dry out an become a major fire hazard. Yes, the camp site around the table and fire ring was cleared, but only by about 10-15 feet.
-Limited walking areas: As the slash was left behind, areas for walking or the kids playing was like walking in a minefield. Even on the paved drive path, there is holes and to move out of the way for trucks/campers requires movement onto the above ,mentioned slash that was not cleaned up.
I grew up in this area and after being gone in the military for over 30 years, I came home. This poor campground is a disgrace and I am deeply saddened by the condition the USFS and it's contractor left it in. If I was in charge, I would not have let it open for public use due to the safety issues.
What a shame.
GuideAll grass with plenty of shade tress. A lot of spaces to choose from, they have a camp host who patrols the area. Gates are locked at night so some what secure. There is a dump station that you can use if you rent a space. Very nice !
GuideThis place was so easy to get in and out. There was a small opening to walk to the Sacramento River and do a little fishing. Quiet and clean. We will definitely be back
LegendThe campsites are on both sides of the forest service road. We were never able to locate site 1 so it must have been eliminated.
If you enjoy camping and OHV riding then this should be on your list of campgrounds to visit.
LegendDeanes campground was empty when we visited. There are sites that provide ample space and our 26’ toy hauler would fit in with no trouble.
Vault toilet was clean and most of the camp sites were well maintained.
Of the three campgrounds in this area, Deanes was my favorite.
LegendThis campground is situated between the creek and meadow. At 6100 feet it offers some relief from the valley heat.
When we visited there were three sites, 4-6, which were the nicest of all the sites.
Site 6 is close to the meadow and when we visited this campground there were two deer enjoying the tall grass in the meadow.
Site 5 is closest to the creek and the creek sounds are enjoyable and relaxing.
Site 4 is the largest of all the sites and site 3 is not only small but the road to access the site is in poor condition which makes access difficult.
Camping options near Chico, California extend beyond developed facilities to include river access points, mountain retreats, and casino-adjacent campgrounds. The region sits at approximately 200 feet elevation within the Sacramento Valley, where summer temperatures regularly reach 90-105°F from June through September. Winter camping is possible with temperatures ranging from 30-60°F, and spring brings wildflower displays at higher elevations around Lake Oroville.
Fishing opportunities: Limesaddle - Lake Oroville State Rec Area maintains boat launch access when lake levels permit. "Had a blast it was perfect weather day or night didnt see no wild animals which was good loved all the stars at night also it was my first time camping but definitly going back," noted a camper about their experience at the lake.
Casino entertainment: Oroville-Feather Falls Casino KOA offers direct access to gambling and dining options adjacent to the campground. A recent visitor mentioned the diverse amenities: "Electric hookups, sewer, clean grounds, playground, swimming pool, club house with bar and pool tables, and the casino and brewery are right there."
River activities: Sacramento River access points near several campgrounds allow for swimming, fishing and wildlife viewing. Water levels fluctuate seasonally, affecting accessibility. "The campsite we had was feet from the feather River. Who wouldn't be able to relax and enjoy with this as a background," reported one camper at River Reflections RV Park.
Clean facilities: The Parkway RV Resort & Campground receives high marks for maintenance standards. "The sites are spacious and there is a pool to cool down during the hot summers. There is wine tasting as well. Management kept in communication with us through text (my preferred method)," noted one visitor.
Shade availability: Oak trees at several campgrounds provide crucial relief during hot summer days. "Green & leafy campground right on the Sacramento River! Full hookups (30 amp), with very clean bathhouse and a community lodge available during the day and also picnic and grill area," reported a visitor at Woodson Bridge Mobile Home & RV Park.
Wildlife viewing: Multiple campgrounds offer opportunities to spot local wildlife. "Beautifully kept... well maintained grounds friendly and helpful," observed a camper at River Reflections RV Park, while another visitor to Limesaddle mentioned "the views, quiet and beauty is worth the 30 min into town."
Weather considerations: Summer camping requires preparation for extreme heat, while spring brings more moderate temperatures. "We enjoyed an overnight stay here. Clean facilities, well maintained grounds and friendly neighbors. Conveniently located just off I-5, far enough away from the noise," mentioned a visitor at Rolling Hills Casino Truck Lot.
Reservation requirements: Most established campgrounds require advance bookings, especially during peak seasons. Many campgrounds use online reservation systems with after-hours check-in options. "Made a reservation 44 minutes before arriving. Quick check in. Great for overnight. Or casino patronage. No frills, but full hookups," noted one RVer.
Free camping options: Limited free dispersed camping exists in the area, primarily for self-contained vehicles. "Just a small parking lot with 8 or 9 pull through sites in the middle of a small downtown commercial area. The parking lot is next to two restaurants and a bar," reported a visitor at Olive Pit Dispersed Lot in Corning.
Swimming access: Look for campgrounds with maintained beach or pool facilities during summer months. "We enjoyed a pull thru full hookup spot. We had our dogs and 5 year old with us. There was a fair amount of space between sites. We all enjoyed a meal at the steak house," shared a family staying at Rolling Hills Casino.
Playground availability: Some campgrounds maintain dedicated play areas for children. "BEST campground (resort) we've ever stayed! Even without the countless amenities, this KOA has incredible staff & service. The front desk was super welcoming. They gave us treats and toys for each of our pups," reported a family staying at Oroville-Feather Falls Casino KOA.
Educational opportunities: Bidwell Canyon Campground — Lake Oroville State Recreation Area provides access to the Lake Oroville Visitor Center with interpretive displays. "Really enjoyed this campground which is part of the Lake Oroville State Recreation Area. The staff where we checked in were helpful with all of our questions about the area," noted a family with children.
Site leveling: Many area campgrounds have uneven terrain requiring leveling equipment. "We arrived late to the campground. The office personnel had our information taped to the lobby door with directions on how to find our spot, and wifi info," shared an RV camper at River Reflections RV Park.
Hookup considerations: Electric service varies between campgrounds, with some offering limited amperage. "Spaces are perfect size and flat (even ground), which is imperative for the type of RV that we have. Also, check in on line was super easy," reported one RVer with a 40-foot motorhome at Almond Tree RV Park.
Overnight stopover options: Multiple RV parks along I-5 corridor serve as convenient stopover locations. "We use this park as a stopover on our trips from Central Oregon to the CA Central Coast. Quiet and clean. The owners are fabulous," noted one visitor about The Parkway RV Resort.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where are the best campgrounds near Chico, CA?
Chico offers several excellent camping options within a short drive. Butte Meadows Campground is a top choice about an hour from town, situated right on the river with convenient access to hiking trails and local businesses. For those seeking a quieter experience, Yellow Creek Campground provides an escape from busier spots with stunning views of Northern California. It's less crowded than nearby Lake Almanor campgrounds while still offering beautiful surroundings. Other solid options include Cal-Ida near the highway with river access, and Limesaddle at Lake Oroville for those willing to drive about 30 minutes for scenic views and a peaceful atmosphere.
Are there any campgrounds with bathroom facilities near Chico?
Several campgrounds near Chico offer bathroom facilities for campers. The Parkway RV Resort & Campground provides clean restrooms along with other amenities like spacious sites and a pool for cooling off during hot summer days. It's conveniently located with easy access to I-5. Cal-Ida features bathrooms that are popular with visitors, including hunters, bikers, and off-roaders who stop by to use the facilities. For those staying at Lake Oroville, Bidwell Canyon Campground offers toilet facilities, while Mendocino National Forest Lake Red Bluff Recreation Area includes basic bathroom amenities for campers enjoying the riverside location.
What lake camping options are available near Chico, California?
Chico-area campers have several excellent lake camping options within driving distance. Limesaddle - Lake Oroville State Rec Area is about 30 minutes from Chico, offering beautiful views, a quiet atmosphere, and lake access. Many visitors appreciate this spot when visiting Chico State students. Collins Lake Recreation Area provides another quality option with lakeside camping facilities. For those willing to drive a bit further, Lake Almanor has multiple campgrounds including Alder Creek Campground, which offers creek-side sites tucked among the trees. Bidwell Canyon Campground at Lake Oroville State Recreation Area provides another option with lake views and water access for boating and fishing enthusiasts.
Is glamping available in the Chico area?
While traditional glamping options are limited directly in Chico, there are comfortable alternatives that provide elevated camping experiences. Oroville-Feather Falls Casino KOA offers a resort-like experience with amenities beyond standard camping, including proximity to casino entertainment. Rolling Hills Casino Truck Lot provides large pull-through sites with vegetation between spaces, access to multiple restaurants, entertainment options, and golf - creating a more comfortable stay than traditional camping. For those seeking upscale RV accommodations, River Reflections RV Park near Oroville and Almond Tree RV Park closer to Chico offer amenities that bridge the gap between camping and glamping with full hookups and additional comforts.
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