Camping options around Chico, California range from riverside locations to established RV parks with full hookups. Situated in the Sacramento Valley at approximately 200 feet elevation, Chico experiences hot, dry summers with temperatures often exceeding 100°F and mild, wet winters. The nearby Feather River and Sacramento River provide water recreation opportunities for campers looking to cool off during summer months.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: At Sycamore Ranch RV Park, visitors can fish in Dry Creek just steps from their campsite. "We saw a river otter playing in the creek, so there is life in it," notes camper Suzanne S. The park offers about 2 miles of walking trails along the waterway.
Water recreation: The Sacramento River runs near many campgrounds in the area, providing swimming and boating options. At River Reflections RV Park in Oroville, campsites are "feet from the feather River" according to Kathleen G., who adds that "the campsite we had was feet from the feather River. Who wouldn't be able to relax and enjoy with this as a background."
Gaming entertainment: Several RV parks are located near casinos, offering additional entertainment options. The Rolling Hills Casino Truck Lot in Corning provides convenient access to casino gaming. Camper Jason D. shares that "we enjoyed a pull thru full hookup spot... We all enjoyed a meal at the steak house. After we let mama gamble as my daughter and I enjoyed the arcade, then we switched."
What campers like
Clean facilities: Many rv parks near Chico maintain high cleanliness standards. At Durango RV Resort (now Red Bluff KOA Journey), campers appreciate the well-kept grounds. "This is a nice KOA with larger sites than some KOAs. It is super well-maintained with nice amenities including pool, small dog area, basketball court, horseshoe area, club house. Bathrooms are modern and well-maintained," says Kim G.
Wildlife viewing: Campers often report seeing local wildlife around their sites. At Thousand Trails Lake of the Springs, Nicole G. reports, "Each day a family of deer came thru our site and were so tame they ate fruit right out of the kids' hands. So cool!"
River access: Many campers value proximity to water. "Location is great especially if you have a boat to launch or just enjoy being at the river," notes Patrick J. about River Reflections RV Park. Campgrounds along both the Sacramento and Feather Rivers provide cooling water access during hot summer months.
What you should know
Cell service limitations: Some campgrounds in the region have spotty connectivity. At Thousand Trails Lake of the Springs, campers report "cell coverage is nonexistent outside of one small area." Plan accordingly if you need to stay connected.
Seasonal considerations: Summer temperatures regularly exceed 100°F in the Chico area. Many campers recommend water-adjacent sites during hot months. "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," reports Nicole G. at Lake of the Springs.
Reservation timing: During peak season (summer), camping spots fill quickly. Many Chico area RV parks require advance booking, especially for holiday weekends and during special events at nearby Chico State University.
Road conditions: Some campgrounds require navigating rural roads. At Whitehorse Campground, camper Ty G. notes the "biggest downfall of this area is the hour long drive with a trailer down the wash board road."
Tips for camping with families
Swimming options: Pools offer relief from summer heat at several Chico area RV parks. At Durango RV Resort, families appreciate that there's "a refreshing pool to cool off in after a long day of driving," according to BigIslandBound G.
Kid-friendly activities: Look for campgrounds with dedicated recreation areas. Rolling Hills Casino Truck Lot camper Jason D. shares, "We had our dogs and 5 year old with us... my daughter and I enjoyed the arcade."
Spacious sites: Families need room to spread out. At Sycamore Ranch RV Park, camper B. Douglas J. notes, "Weekdays are the best when there are few people but on weekends it does fill up," suggesting mid-week stays for a less crowded experience.
Tips from RVers
Pull-through availability: Many rv campgrounds in Chico offer pull-through sites for easier parking. At The Parkway RV Resort & Campground, James W. reports, "When we arrived, the sites were clean and orderly, and there was actually grass and level parking spots. The full hookups worked great."
Utility connections: Check the location of hookups before selecting a site. At Rolling Hills Casino Truck Lot, Denise G. advises, "We found a little difficult to connect the sewer hose without two hoses" at their particular site, highlighting the importance of asking about hookup locations when booking.
Overnight stops: Many RVers use Chico area campgrounds as waypoints on longer journeys. Mary S. found Durango RV Resort "Great overnight stop. Surprisingly quiet! Level pull-thru sites, full hook-ups. $40, well worth the price when temps are 90+ and need your a/c."
