Top Tent Camping near Chico, CA
Looking for the best tent campgrounds near Chico? With The Dyrt, it's easy to find Chico campgrounds for you and your tent. Search nearby tent campgrounds or find top-rated spots from other campers.
Best Tent Sites Near Chico, CA (32)
2. Black Rock Campground (Lassen NF)
4 Reviews•14 Photos•202 SavesBlack Rock Campground is a dispersed campground situated in the Oak Woodlands along Mill Creek. 6 sites are available for primitive dispersed camping. Grills and tables are provided at each of the 6 sites. Black Rock Campground is open year round.Black Rock Campground is located on the Northeast corner of the Ishi Wilderness. Hiking in the Ishi and along Mill Creek is wonderful and the fishing in Deer and Mill Creeks can be very rewarding.__Black Rock Campground is accessible via Highway__36 east from Red Bluff to__Ponderosa Way. Ponderosa Way is a dirt road, not recommended for RVs, that leads to the Ishi Wilderness.
- Tents
- Group
- Equestrian
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Toilets
- Alcohol
4. Golden Trout Campground
1 Review•9 SavesThe facility is located on the 22N24 Road spanning the South Fork Feather River. The facility will feature new campspurs, new toilets, picnic tables and fire rings. This camp is ideal for OHV enthusiasts. Water: Hand pump broken at this time. Access from Feather Falls side only at this time.
- Pets
- Fires
- Tents
- Group
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Tent Cabin
5. Bloomer Group — Lake Oroville State Recreation Area
Be the first to review!Lake Oroville was created by Oroville Dam, which the State Department of Water Resources completed in 1967 after 5 years of construction. Lake Oroville conserves water for distribution by the State Water Project to homes, farms, and industries in the San Francisco Bay area, the San Joaquin Valley and Southern California. The Oroville facilities of the project also serve to provide flood control and smog free generation of electric power in addition to recreation.
When the Lake is at its maximum elevation, it includes some 15,500 surface acres for recreation and 167 miles of shoreline. Recreation areas are spotted around the Lake and boaters can land at any point to explore the surrounding country.
The lake offers a wide variety of outdoor activities including camping, picnicking, horseback riding, hiking, sail and power boating, water-skiing, fishing, swimming, boat-in camping, floating campsites and horse camping.
Additional vehicles will be charged per night at the park. Although your site may hold 2 or more vehicles, your reservation only covers 1 vehicle (except for group or specialty sites). To book a group site you must have at least NINE occupants.
FLOATING CAMPSITE: Visitors will need to bring a padlock with them to secure property in the storage locker on the Floating campsites. Pets are prohibited on the floating campsites. Your specific location may be subject to change based upon changes in lake levels or other unforeseen issues. Contact the park at 530-538-2200 for current locations. Customers arriving on Friday or Saturday must reserve a minimum of 2 nights. On a holiday 2 night minimum is also required.
- Pets
- Fires
- Reservable
- Tents
- Group
- Picnic Table
$135 / night
6. Bloomer Point — Lake Oroville State Recreation Area
Be the first to review!Lake Oroville was created by Oroville Dam, which the State Department of Water Resources completed in 1967 after 5 years of construction. Lake Oroville conserves water for distribution by the State Water Project to homes, farms, and industries in the San Francisco Bay area, the San Joaquin Valley and Southern California. The Oroville facilities of the project also serve to provide flood control and smog free generation of electric power in addition to recreation.
When the Lake is at its maximum elevation, it includes some 15,500 surface acres for recreation and 167 miles of shoreline. Recreation areas are spotted around the Lake and boaters can land at any point to explore the surrounding country.
The lake offers a wide variety of outdoor activities including camping, picnicking, horseback riding, hiking, sail and power boating, water-skiing, fishing, swimming, boat-in camping, floating campsites and horse camping.
- Pets
- Fires
- Reservable
- Tents
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Picnic Table
$45 / night
7. Bloomer Knoll — Lake Oroville State Recreation Area
Be the first to review!Lake Oroville was created by Oroville Dam, which the State Department of Water Resources completed in 1967 after 5 years of construction. Lake Oroville conserves water for distribution by the State Water Project to homes, farms, and industries in the San Francisco Bay area, the San Joaquin Valley and Southern California. The Oroville facilities of the project also serve to provide flood control and smog free generation of electric power in addition to recreation.
When the Lake is at its maximum elevation, it includes some 15,500 surface acres for recreation and 167 miles of shoreline. Recreation areas are spotted around the Lake and boaters can land at any point to explore the surrounding country.
The lake offers a wide variety of outdoor activities including camping, picnicking, horseback riding, hiking, sail and power boating, water-skiing, fishing, swimming, boat-in camping, floating campsites and horse camping.
- Pets
- Fires
- Reservable
- Tents
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Picnic Table
$45 / night
8. Foreman Creek — Lake Oroville State Recreation Area
Be the first to review!Lake Oroville was created by Oroville Dam, which the State Department of Water Resources completed in 1967 after 5 years of construction. Lake Oroville conserves water for distribution by the State Water Project to homes, farms, and industries in the San Francisco Bay area, the San Joaquin Valley and Southern California. The Oroville facilities of the project also serve to provide flood control and smog free generation of electric power in addition to recreation.
When the Lake is at its maximum elevation, it includes some 15,500 surface acres for recreation and 167 miles of shoreline. Recreation areas are spotted around the Lake and boaters can land at any point to explore the surrounding country.
The lake offers a wide variety of outdoor activities including camping, picnicking, horseback riding, hiking, sail and power boating, water-skiing, fishing, swimming, boat-in camping, floating campsites and horse camping.
- Pets
- Fires
- Reservable
- Tents
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Picnic Table
$25 / night
9. Yellow Creek Campground
1 Review•12 Saves11 sites, tents and RV's, vault toilets, piped water, 6 persons per campsite
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Tents
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Picnic Table
- Toilets
10. Alder Creek Campground
1 Review•6 SavesNestled adjacent to the beautiful Deer Creek, Alder Creek is a semi-developed campground with 6 designated sites. Space is limited.
- Pets
- Fires
- Tents
- Picnic Table
- Toilets
Showing results 1-10 of 32 campgrounds
Recent Tent Reviews In Chico
265 Reviews of 32 Chico Campgrounds
- N
Nikolaj A.
TravelerChilds Meadow Resort
Perfect spot
This was a perfect campsite. Came in late but everybody was eager and happy to help out. Met the hosts who took their time and explained about the park.
Located only 10 minutes from Lassen and by the road and still an rv spot in the forest. Very nice.
An upper class restaurant and a bar so something for everyone.
Very recommandable
- bbill T.
Scout
Loveys Landing RV Park and Marina
Don’t waste your time
Long drive on a narrow bumpy levy road to find a full time trailer park. NOT A RV RESORT!
- Patricia N.
Ranger
Grizzly Creek Campground
Nestled in the trees
This campground is a very quiet spot after Labor Day, it is small, only 10 sites total and it is only open until September 30, which I don't understand since there is no snow here until November.
When we were there only one other camper was staying here and he was a deer hunter.
The water is shut off after Labor Day so come prepared. This campground has two sites that will take a 30' trailer and the remaining sites will take smaller trailers, tents or campers.
One site has a new picnic table but all sites have tables, fire pits and plenty of room between sites. Pit toilets are near the entrance and only one was clean when we stayed here.
Not to far from Bucks Lake if you want to camp and then drive to the lake.
Fees have changed, they are $25 a night and $12.50 if you have the pass.
- Patricia N.Ranger
Plumas National Forest Sly Creek Campground
South Feather and Power water company campground
Sly Creek Reservoir is a beautiful mountain lake with several campsites along a small portion of the lake.
There is a boat ramp and ATV riding on the forest roads in the area.
The campground closed in 2024 for tree removal and cleanup but is expected to open in 2025.
Passes are honored.
- Patricia N.Ranger
Ponderosa Flat Campground
PGE campground
This campground and the one to the south, Cool Springs, are both run by Pacific Gas and Electric Utility company.
There are campground hosts at both campgrounds and late in September half of Ponderosa Flat closes. The entire campground closes at the end of September.
There was plenty of water in the Reservoir and it could be okay for a boat but you have to look out for all the snags in the water, and there are a lot of them.
Campground is quiet but tight to get a large trailer in, ours is 26 feet and it was tight. The spaces in the closed portion of the campground were a bit more spacious.
Fire rings, tables and pit toilets. It was $30 a night with no power, power sites are more expensive.
If you have a cool campground host you can ride your ATV or Side by side out onto the dirt road and ride for miles. Just be mindful it is not really supposed to be a ride out campground.
Michael B.Scout
Running Deer Campground
Lake side
Great spaces next to lake. No cell service. Lots of places to enjoy on the shoreline.
- Denise G.
Guide
Parkway RV Resort & Campground
Stopover served its purpose well
We stopped here on our way back from Oregon. Unfortunately, we arrived late and left early so we didn’t really get to enjoy the amenities. We were in site A10 which we found a little difficult to connect the sewer hose without two hoses. The family room was handicap accessible and included a shower, sink, changing table and a toilet. Even though we were far from the office the internet access was strong. Overall, the stopover served its purpose well, providing a restful break before the last leg of our trip home.
- aaddison G.Scout
Haskins Valley Campground
Nice, easy access to lake
It's along a cove in the lake. Super nice hosts and nice campers. The bathrooms are kind of gross but that's expected. Always camp here when we go to the lake.
- DDarrin S.Traveler
Quail Ridge RV Park
Serene RV Trailer Park?
Place wasn’t too bad. Very nice people, very peaceful, and quiet, however, there were many people here who are permanent residents of the park, some of their areas are a little trashy looking for lack of a better word. Definitely not a bad spot if you’re on the way to another campground, but there are probably better ones to head to, especially if you have children with you. We were also looking for a place to camp with two days notice and this was all we could find. Cheap too!
- Sharon B.Scout
Collins Lake Recreation Area
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.
- RRay B.Guide
Cool Springs Campground
Secret Place Near Lake Almanor
Just try to get a last minute camp spot on Memorial Day weekend most places. We were fortunate to discover Butt Lake near Lake Almanor. Only one small burn area far from the campgrounds. Friday was opening day for Cool Springs campground. A PG&E operated facility, it was in great shape and ready for the season. We did three nights, departing on Monday. On Friday night we were one of only a few guests. Saturday and Sunday were full, but the feeling was vary spacious. The lake is a reservoir with no actual inlet. Rather it is fed by a pipe from Lake Almanor with a hydroelectric plant just prior to the water entering Butt Lake. Oddly for a PG&E lake there is not hydroelectric plant at the outlet dam. Did some bike riding to check out the dam, Ponderosa Flat campground, Pioneer cemetery, and east shore of the lake.
- RRobert N.Guide
Christie Hill Basecamp
Dispersed camping
No water or outhouse. If you have a low clearance vehicles, pick your pins carefully.
Laura M.
Legend
Orland Buttes
2nd review, by me!
Heh, well, there's only one other review for this place, and it's from me from 2 years ago. So I won't repeat it all, because basically everything is the same except:
- The showers were fine this time, not gross
- There was no host on site
- The water fill station at the dump station was functional and we filled our tanks no problem
We arrived mid week with no reservations and the place was practically empty. It filled up on the weekend with loud partiers but overall it was a quiet and pleasant experience.
Great place to camp! Read my last review for more details!
Kurt T.Traveler
Almanor
North is open, South is closed for Summer 2024
North is open, South is closed for Summer 2024.
It took some digging on this information as the USFS website is wrong.
I camp here on the South campground at least once every year. For the 2024 season, they CLOSED it at the last second.
The North campground is OPEN, but you cannot reserve it. First Come First Served (FCFS).
Boat ramp is at the North campground, but if you just have a paddleboard or kayak, you can just walk to the water by just waking down the road and launch at the edge of the lake.
There is a General Store within walking distance and restaurant/bar right on the lake too. I highly advise reservations for dinner on the deck.
Brian and Janet S.Guide
Volcanic Country Camping & RV
Close to Lassen NP - time capsule!
This place is cool - the Mineral Lodge and Restaurant is where we checked in for campground. We needed a place to stay before heading into Lassen Volcanic NP. The Mineral Lodge and campground next door are family owned and have a community feel. No frill campground, does have hookups.
$35 per night plus $2 pet fee
Sites very close together. Bathroom old but works. Poor T Mobile service. No wifi.
- Stacy L.Guide
Butte Meadows Campground
Great location near Chico
This site is awesome, right on the river, close to the cal fire station and walking distance to the local Butte Meadows businesses. So many great hiking trails near by and it is about an hour from lake Almanor.
- PPaul T.Traveler
Volcanic Country Camping & RV
I didn't stay, owner seemed curt
Phone call found staff unhelpful and $35 night 1 x person, small 22 ft rig
- TTanner P.Scout
Buckhorn Recreation Area
Spacious, Good views
We just spent one night in sight 6 with our 24’ camper and we had a good experience. Didn’t really have neighbors too close and had a great view of the lake. It only took a couple minutes to get down to the water, however, there aren’t a lot of places to sit and relax for the day (i.e. not many beach spots) close by. The site itself was mostly level side to side but our back stabilizers were nearly fully extended (with blocks) and the front ones we barely had to put out. The water spigot is close-by but in an awkward spot where other folks were skirting the boundary of our campsite to get to. It’s close to the bathrooms/showers which we didn’t use much, they were mostly clean but were inundated with insects. Note: there were LOTS of bugs everywhere when in late May and early June.
- SSuzanne H.Scout
Loveys Landing RV Park and Marina
Remote on river
Parking spot was good and level. Hosts were very nice and helpful. Bathrooms were horribly maintained. We ended up going to Truck Stop for a shower.
pdurkee@fastmail.fmScoutHeritage RV Park
Great place very quiet
Quiet great people everything g bear buy. Walked to bakery and the Olive Pit store and Restaurant
zachary L.Traveler
Bidwell Canyon Campground
Lovley camp grounds
Super clean camp grounds, with an amazing view when near the water
lori E.Traveler
Red Bluff RV Park
No bad!
We travel with 2 dogs in a 38’ class A with a tow. We did not make reservations just took a chance, success! The woman at the counter was very nice and cheerful they did have a spot that we would fit without unhitching. This is an older park so we were somewhat squished together but not bad. Very nice dog area (not fenced). Seemed to be mostly long term river’s here. Not bad for a one night stay. Those with longer rigs 40+ may want to think twice because of the tight turns and narrow lanes
- AAllisonGuide
Sycamore Grove (red Bluff) Campground
Nice overnight stop on my way home
It is a nice campground for a one night stop. Easy access right off hwy 5 and surprisingly quiet being so close. The camp hosts were nice, I would like to see the hosts do a little more maintenance around the CG. Clean up would be nice. Cigarette butts in the bbq, trash in the fire pit. Didn’t use the showers but the bathroom was average, needed a code to access which was emailed when we registered online. Not a more than one night place for me but nice enough.
- SShawn M.Guide
Volcanic Country Camping & RV
Showers close to lassen
We’ve been on a road trip through California living in a van so after hiking lassen all day we were on the lookout for a shower . This place had a hot shower and toilet ! Community firepit was nice to share stories around with fellow travelers. Very nice folks running the place .
- Troy L.Ranger
Collins Lake Recreation Area
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.
- AAnna S.Scout
Lower Bucks Campground
One of our favorite sites!
One of our favorite places to camp. It is FCFS so we always head up on Thursday afternoon to get a spot! The pups love it here. Site 6 is great because it has its own water access which our dogs loved!!
Patrick J.Legend
River Reflections RV Park
Right on the Feather River
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. Walking around, it looked like several were full time residence not necessarily camp hosts. Some had spider webs growing on them they were sitting so long, others were taking a part, repairing and painting their RV's. Sierra Nevada brewing was a 20 minute ride in the event you are looking to slake a thirst in the hot weather. Staff member Chera was great with the reservations and information.
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:
- Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate the cleanliness at places like Bidwell Canyon Campground — Lake Oroville State Recreation Area, where one reviewer said, “Super clean camp grounds, with an amazing view when near the water.”
- Friendly Staff: Many visitors rave about the helpful staff at Mt. Lassen-Shingletown KOA. One camper shared, “Great amenities. Very well maintained.”
- Quiet Atmosphere: Campers often mention the peacefulness of sites like Sycamore Grove (Red Bluff) Campground, with one saying, “Nice and quiet! There wasn’t many people at this site.”
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
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Chico, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Chico, CA is Limesaddle - Lake Oroville State Rec Area with a 5-star rating from 3 reviews.
What is the best site to find tent camping near Chico, CA?
TheDyrt.com has all 32 tent camping locations near Chico, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.