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Best Campgrounds near Chico, CA

335 Reviews

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.

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Best Camping Sites Near Chico, California (178)

    1. Almond Tree RV Park

    1 Review
    Chico, CA
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (530) 899-1271

    2. The Parkway RV Resort & Campground

    13 Reviews
    Orland, CA
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (530) 865-9188

    "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"

    3. Limesaddle - Lake Oroville State Rec Area

    3 Reviews
    Paradise, CA
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (530) 538-2200

    "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!"

    4. Rolling Hills Casino Truck Lot

    11 Reviews
    Corning, CA
    22 miles
    Website
    +1 (530) 528-3586

    $49 - $69 / night

    "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."

    5. Woodson Bridge State Recreation Area

    6 Reviews
    Corning, CA
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (530) 538-2200

    $31 / night

    "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"

    6. Woodson Bridge Mobile Home & RV Park

    5 Reviews
    Corning, CA
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (530) 839-2151

    $40 - $50 / night

    "There's also a fish cleaning station and a seasonal fishing dock and water access to a small beach for dipping your toes in."

    7. Bidwell Canyon Campground — Lake Oroville State Recreation Area

    11 Reviews
    Oroville, CA
    24 miles
    Website
    +1 (530) 538-2200

    $45 / night

    "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."

    8. Olive Pit Dispersed Lot

    8 Reviews
    Corning, CA
    24 miles
    Website

    ".

    + Very safe and heavily traffic location. Lots of travelers here spending the evening!"

    "I was worried at 1stvas there was a situation that was happening when arrive. Police were there surveying which made me feel safe. It was quite through the night."

    9. River Reflections RV Park

    6 Reviews
    Oroville, CA
    22 miles
    Website
    +1 (530) 533-1995

    "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."

    10. Oroville-Feather Falls Casino KOA

    5 Reviews
    Oroville, CA
    25 miles
    Website
    +1 (530) 533-9020

    "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"

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Recent Camping Photos near Chico, CA

171 Photos of 178 Chico Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Chico, CA

335 Reviews of 178 Chico Campgrounds

  • T
    Sep. 17, 2025

    PG&E Lassen National Forest Rocky Point Campground

    Fall camping

    This campground is beautiful with pine trees , lava rock, boulders and the lake just a short walk down the bike path. There are pit toilets throughout with garbage bins and water spigots .The only problem in September is they are logging to thin the trees for fire safety, so not as quiet during the week days

  • Steve M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 4, 2025

    Perry Riffle Trailhead

    Simple but clean and nice level sites with picnic tables

    Just staying one night on my way to Nevada but this is an easy location with decent cell service and a clean bathroom and garbage receptacles in a hiking and equestrian area

  • Matt S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 31, 2025

    Christie Hill Basecamp

    Under Construction

    There appears to be logging or construction going on, as a previous review stated most of the pull ins are just areas that the bulldozer is pushed everything back. There is one a few hundred yards in that is decent nice and quiet, but very dusty.

  • Ibeya A.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 26, 2025

    Perry Riffle Trailhead

    Great spot for a short stop over

    This is just a gravel parking lot, but it's quiet, peaceful, and about a 2 min walk from the river. Several horse and hiking trails start from here. There's a pit toilet, garbage, and recycling. We enjoyed our stay for one night, but I wouldn't want to stay here for more than a few days. It was roasting in August; the river was a nice way to cool off.

  • Diana R.
    Aug. 25, 2025

    Red Bluff KOA Journey

    Messed up reservations, staff rude.

    This campground has a lot of live ins: there animals are not well behaved, barked most of the night, stray cats wandering around bothering our animals.  We made reservations and reserved a campsite number, was not told we had to pay $25 more to reserve a site, they put us in the site I requested not to have, the excuse was the computer rearranged the campsite. Asked to speak to management who never appeared and lady at desk was rude.

  • John L.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 20, 2025

    Collins Lake Recreation Area

    Family Friendly Campgrounds

    This is our second time camping at Collins Lake, and we loved it just as much as the first! We stayed at site 60A Lake Front View, which had stunning water views and a spacious setup 🤩👌🏽. The site gets a lot of sun in the morning and afternoon, so bring a popup canopy for shade—it made a big difference for us! Overall, the campground is clean, peaceful, and perfect for a relaxing getaway. Highly recommend!

  • B. Douglas J.
    Aug. 7, 2025

    Sycamore Ranch RV Park

    One of our favorite campgrounds

    We live just up the road (Nevada City) yet we ignored this campground for years thinking it was full of trailer trash. But years ago Yuba County did a great job of cleaning this place up and putting in hookups and paving the campground and adding irrigation systems that keep the grass green all year long.

    My favorite thing about this campground is the birds! I use the Merlin app to identify the birds here and so far this place holds my record of around 18 birds not including the more silent ones we saw. There are turtles and otters in the creek to check out as well. 

    The camp host (Jan The Man) is the best camp host ever!

    Weekdays are the best when there are few people but on weekends it does fill up. We did camp one time and some folks were having a karaoke party late into the night (somehow I suspect they will never be back). Usually everyone's respectful and its a great place to be.

  • John L.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 7, 2025

    Collins Lake Recreation Area

    Collins Lake was awesome!

    Great campground! Our first stay at Collins Lake was fantastic. The lake views were beautiful, the campsites were clean and spacious, and the staff was friendly. Plenty of activities for the family, like fishing and hiking. We’ll definitely be back!

  • N
    Aug. 7, 2025

    Carlton

    Meh

    We left 1 day into our 4 day stay. The scenery, beautiful. The river, stunning. The campsite, tiny and awkwardly set up (Site12 specifically), good shade though. Prior occupants left a bunch of trash (as in an entire tent.....) in the bear box that we had to dispose of. Clean enough bathrooms. No firewood on site (which we were sdvised there would be) at the camp host site, don't think we had one, if we did they're hard of hearing. Drove up the road to a different campsite per the info board and got wood there **CASH ONLY**

    Awful site neighbors, incredibly loud, watching reality TV shows at top volume, even waking me up at 0400 talking full volume 10 feet from our tent. Another neighbor with a generator on until almost 11pm. 

    *****ROAD NOISE. So. Much. Road. Noise. There was next to zero peaceful outdoor serenity. Not only the noise from the road, but the headlights hit our tent all night as well. 

    Won't be back, sad to end the week early, but no way were we able to stay with all of that going on. Was supposed to be a peaceful, quiet, relaxing week away from the sounds of a loud city......all we did was add a few trees 🤷‍♀️

Guide to Chico

Camping near Chico, CA, offers a variety of experiences for outdoor lovers. From serene lakes to bustling campgrounds, there’s something for everyone looking to escape into nature.

What to do:

  • Hiking: Explore the stunning trails around Lassen Volcanic National Park. One camper mentioned, “The hiking is incredible and there is a trail that goes around the lake” at Manzanita Lake Campground — Lassen Volcanic National Park.
  • Fishing: Try your luck at Collins Lake, where one visitor said, “The lake is stocked with fish.” This makes it a great spot for anglers looking to catch dinner.
  • Kayaking: Rent a kayak at Collins Lake Recreation Area and paddle around the beautiful waters. A reviewer noted, “It was a good trip despite the heat,” highlighting the fun you can have on the water.

What campers like:

What you should know:

  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, like Cache Creek Regional Park Campground, lack drinking water and electric hookups. A visitor pointed out, “There is no dispersed camping,” so plan accordingly.
  • Crowded During Peak Season: Campgrounds can get busy, especially on weekends. One camper at Manzanita Lake Campground noted, “This campground is huge and busy.”
  • Cell Service Issues: Many areas have spotty cell service. A reviewer at Collins Lake Recreation Area mentioned, “There is zero cell service in the campground.”

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for spots with amenities like playgrounds and swimming pools. Parkway RV Resort & Campground has a refreshing pool, which is great for kids, as one reviewer said, “The pool was refreshing in 95-degree heat.”
  • Plan Activities: Bring bikes for easy exploration. One camper at Collins Lake Recreation Area suggested, “Bring your bikes if you have them because the ride to the dam is nice.”
  • Pack Snacks: Keep the kids happy with snacks on hand. A visitor at Inn Town Campground mentioned, “Great place to stay... packed with great restaurants for vegans and organic lovers alike.”

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Levels: Some sites may not be level, so check before booking. A camper at Manzanita Lake Campground noted, “We would be highly selective in our choice of sites.”
  • Bring Extra Hoses: If you’re using sewer hookups, one reviewer at Rolling Hills Casino Truck Lot mentioned needing “two hoses” to connect properly.
  • Enjoy Nearby Amenities: Many campgrounds are close to stores and restaurants. A visitor at Parkway RV Resort & Campground appreciated the “friendly staff” and “clean facilities” right next to a casino.

Camping near Chico, CA, has its perks and quirks, but with the right planning, it can be a fantastic outdoor adventure!

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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