Camping near Chico, California centers on Sacramento River access points and the surrounding foothills of the Sierra Nevada range. At elevations from 200 to 2,500 feet, these campgrounds experience hot, dry summers with temperatures routinely exceeding 90°F from June through September, while spring and fall offer milder conditions. Winter camping remains viable at lower elevations despite occasional rainfall from November to March.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: At Battle Creek Campground, the creek provides accessible fishing without needing extensive hiking. "The Creek is a refreshing sight and good fishing if you like to fish. We just like to camp and relax there with no agenda," notes one regular visitor. Grocery stores are within short driving distance if you need to restock supplies.
Kayaking options: The Yuba River offers paddling experiences for various skill levels. "I took advantage of the water and after getting shuttled up to the bridge kayaked down the Yuba and up dry creek all the way to our campsite!" reports a camper at Sycamore Ranch RV Park. Many campgrounds maintain boat launches for easy water access.
Wildlife viewing: The campgrounds around Chico feature abundant wildlife watching opportunities. "We saw a river otter playing in the creek, so there is life in it," notes a visitor at Sycamore Ranch. Another camper mentions, "Each day a family of deer came thru our site and were so tame they ate fruit right out of the kids' hands" at Lake of the Springs.
What campers like
Spacious sites: Camping areas around Chico typically offer sufficient room between sites. "Our site was in Section A on a dry creek bed. Dry in August at least," reports a visitor at Lake of the Springs. Many campgrounds feature natural barriers between sites for added privacy.
Star viewing: The dark skies away from urban centers create prime stargazing conditions. "This place is dark at night so really good for star watching," notes a camper at Sycamore Ranch. Another visitor at Red Bluff Recreation Area observed, "Right on the Sacramento River and the skies are remarkably dark."
Off-season tranquility: Camping outside peak summer months offers a different experience. "We are here in the off season, so there weren't many other campers here," writes a visitor to Sycamore Ranch. A winter camper at Red Bluff noted, "In November when we stayed, there were maybe four or five other campers."
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Most campgrounds fill quickly during peak seasons. "Lake of the Springs operates year-round, making it suitable for both summer water recreation and cozy fall or winter retreats in their heated yurts," notes a frequent visitor to the area. Advance planning becomes essential from late spring through early fall.
Heat considerations: Summer temperatures frequently reach 100°F. "It was over 100 degrees the wknd we were there so we spent practically the whole wknd in the lake. It was the perfect temperature to sit in for hours," shares a camper from Lake of the Springs. Another mentions, "The sites get a lot of sun in the morning and afternoon, so bring a popup canopy for shade."
Cell coverage limitations: Many campgrounds have minimal connectivity. "Very nice campground, but cell coverage is nonexistent outside of one small area," reports a visitor to Lake of the Springs. At Black Rock Campground, similar connectivity challenges exist despite its location closer to town.
Tips for camping with families
Bring water recreation gear: Lakes and rivers offer cooling options during hot months. "We spent our time at the pool which is near the flushable toilets and the ice cream parlor, restaurant, and camp store. The pool goes from 3.5' ft to 5' back to 3.5' ft," notes a visitor to Lake Francis Resort. Inflatable water toys prove popular with children.
Consider cabin rentals: Glamping near Chico, California includes cabin options for families seeking more comfort. "We stayed at the Diamond P cabin which has the best view of the lake within this group of cabins. Two bedrooms, each with twin bunk beds and a full bottom bunk and twin above," describes a Lake Francis visitor. Most cabin facilities include cooking equipment.
Pack insect protection: Mosquitoes remain prevalent near water sources. "Beware there are TONS of mosquitoes!!" warns a camper at Golden Trout Campground. A visitor to Battle Creek similarly noted, "Mosquitoes were out in full force thanks to the proximity to the creek."
Tips from RVers
Hookup availability: Electric and water connections vary widely between campgrounds. At Collins Lake Recreation Area, "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," reports an RVer. Most RV sites require advance reservations.
Electrical reliability: Some campgrounds experience power issues during peak usage. A camper at Lake of the Springs noted, "There wasn't a single day when some campsite didn't have electrical issues, in fact they turned a lot of their RV sites into Tent Sites because of electrical issues." Carrying a generator backup may prove useful.
Site leveling challenges: Terrain affects parking ease at several campgrounds. "The roads are in terrible condition, trash is strewn throughout, and staff is less than friendly or helpful. Roads are terribly narrow and sites are small and very uneven. Not a great place for a trailer nor class A," warns a camper at Black Rock. Bringing leveling blocks remains advisable.
