Camping near Magalia, CA

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    SUMMARY PRESENTED BYT-Mobile

    Camping options near Magalia, California include established campgrounds and recreational areas in the surrounding foothills and mountains of Butte County. Limesaddle at Lake Oroville State Recreation Area offers both tent and RV sites with electric hookups, picnic tables, and sanitary facilities. Butte Meadows Campground, located in higher elevations, provides a more rustic experience with tent and RV sites available from April to October. The area features a mix of state park campgrounds, forest service sites, and private RV parks catering to various camping preferences.

    Access to campgrounds varies by location and season, with higher-elevation sites typically open from spring through fall. Sites at Lake Oroville remain accessible year-round with more amenities, including showers and hookups at Bidwell Canyon Campground. Rough roads can present challenges to some camping areas, particularly those at higher elevations like Philbrook Campground, which has a limited season from August to September. Fire restrictions are common during summer and fall months due to high wildfire risk in the region. A visitor to Butte Meadows noted, "Great place. Always clean and cooler than the valley. Good fishing and family/pet friendly."

    Waterfront camping sites receive consistently positive reviews, with Lake Oroville locations offering views and recreational opportunities. Several campgrounds feature creek access, making them popular for fishing and cooling off during hot weather. Campers at Butte Meadows praise its location along the creek and proximity to hiking trails. Bears are present in the region, with multiple reviews mentioning the importance of proper food storage. The more developed campgrounds provide amenities such as showers and flush toilets, while primitive sites offer more seclusion and nature immersion. Reviewers frequently mention the temperature difference between valley locations and higher elevation sites, with mountain campgrounds providing relief from summer heat while remaining accessible for most vehicles.

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    Best Campgrounds near Magalia (221)

      1. Lime Saddle Campground — Lake Oroville State Recreation Area

      4.8(4)10mi from Magalia39 sitesRVs, Tents

      "Overall a nice campground that is on the hills and above the lake. Some sites have lake views."

      from $25 - $125 / night

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      2. Butte Meadows Campground

      4.5(6)18mi from MagaliaRVs, Tents

      "This site is awesome, right on the river, close to the cal fire station and walking distance to the local Butte Meadows businesses."

      "We stopped here in the middle of a trip to Shasta and chose a campground farther away from the others and next to the river."

      3. Bidwell Canyon Campground — Lake Oroville State Recreation Area

      4.4(11)22mi from Magalia62 sitesRVs, Tents

      "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

      4. Almond Tree RV Park

      5.0(1)14mi from MagaliaRVs, Tents

      5. Philbrook Campground

      4.0(2)16mi from MagaliaTents, Cabins

      "Great little lake. Good fishing. Rough road in."

      6. River Reflections RV Park

      4.2(6)24mi from MagaliaRVs, Tents, Cabins

      "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."

      7. Skyway Trailer Court and RV Park

      Be the first to review5mi from Magalia7 sites

      from $25 - $45 / night

      Check Availability

      8. Potato Patch Campground

      4.1(8)26mi from MagaliaRVs, Tents

      "We were in a site close to the road but recommend a site closer to the creek. Note: no easy access to creek from campground, so recommend going to the red bridge to access trails."

      "The area is covered in greenery and it is next to Deer Creek with easy access for trout fishing."

      9. Oroville-Feather Falls Casino KOA

      5.0(6)25mi from MagaliaRVs, Cabins

      "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"

      10. Milsap Campground

      4.0(2)20mi from MagaliaRVs, Tents

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    Recent Reviews near Magalia, CA

    488 Reviews of 221 Magalia Campgrounds


    • mThe Dyrt Pro User
      Aug. 15, 2026

      Christie Hill Basecamp

      Great spot close to Lassen South Entrance

      The 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.

    • Kurt T.
      Aug. 13, 2026

      Almanor

      For the North Campground, what a shame and serious safety issues for all.

      Simply 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.

    • Harry L.The Dyrt Pro User
      Aug. 8, 2026

      Yuba Sutter Fairgrounds

      Very nice, Shade very where

      All 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 !

    • TThe Dyrt Pro User
      Aug. 8, 2026

      31N17N - North Manzanita Dispersed Camping

      Amazingly secluded

      We bypassed the sites that were immediately to the right off FR17 (Mineral Rd) to see if there were others up the road. There is one cute site right near the creek but directly on the road so a lot of dust if you stayed there. We continued past 20W and came around the corner to an amazing multi site area! Easily could have had 3 or 4 rigs in here and indeed, there were 4 campfire rings. And no one there! We had it all to ourselves (Tue-Wed-Thu) and were able to easily get to Manzanita Lake and into Lassen. Don't let the piles of logging debris fool you - just go past it!

    • GThe Dyrt Pro User
      Aug. 8, 2026

      Sycamore Grove (red Bluff) Campground

      Sycamore Grove Canpground

      This 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

    • ross K.
      Jul. 29, 2026

      Spanish Creek Campground

      Hot and noisy

      It’s no one’s fault that at 3000 ft elevation it’s really hot here in July but that made the dry dusty conditions less pleasant. Lots of loud trains before dawn and through early morning. At site 6 nearer the road, lots of morning traffic sounds, not the best to wake to. In July 2026 the water system was positive for bacteria, signs said not dangerous but they warn you of risks anyway (?). Restrooms out of tp. I notice upon leaving, after dodging yellow jackets at meal time, a half full wasp trap hanging in my site. I’d avoid site 6.

    • Michelle H.The Dyrt Pro User
      Jul. 26, 2026

      Summit Lake North — Lassen Volcanic National Park

      Excellent place to visit Lassen NP!

      We’ve camped here every year for the past five years. This was the our first trip with our new to us travel trailer. We book six months in advance and always get sites B2 and B3. These sites have a beautiful view of the lake. We get up early and set up our blanket and chairs in our lake spot. The lake is big enough to paddle board and kayak but small enough where you can keep an eye on your kids the entire time.

      Zero hook ups whatsoever, but you can use the dump station for free at Manzanita lake on your way up to fill your freshwater and then dump on your way out. Summit Lake North has flush toilets and sinks, I believe Summit Lake South Campground only has vault toilets.

      Park Rangers patrol through every once in a while and the bathrooms are cleaned and stocked daily.

      There is no cell service but if you drive about five minutes up the hill, you can get some service. It is a short drive to Kings Creek Falls and about a 15 minute drive to bumpass hell.

      Highly recommended.

    • Kevin M.
      Jul. 19, 2026

      Mt. Lassen-Shingletown KOA

      Shaded and Private lots

      Mt. Lassen / Shingletown KOA Holiday in Shingletown, California might just be my favorite KOA we have ever stayed at.

      We are at site 30. This site has FHU with 50 amp. A patio, privacy fenced in yard, fire ring, table and chairs, rocking chair, and a propane grill you can use as desired. The site is a pull through and give you complete privacy as well as shade all day long.

      We arrived on a Friday, they had free outdoor movie for the kids with free snow cones. Saturday there was a free pancake and sausage breakfast, and Sunday was free all you can eat ice cream sundae.

      There is also a heated pool that stays at 80 degrees. A large playground and courtyard, a Pavillion, and free coffee and hot chocolate.

      The campground gets you about 20 minutes to Lassen Volcanic National Park. Making it a perfect place to set up camp while exploring the park.

      The staff is AMAZING!!! Extremely friendly and you can easily tell they love their job at this KOA!! I will be returning here again in the future. My kids don't even wanna leave the campground they love it so much


    Guide to Magalia

    Campgrounds near Magalia, California sit in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada mountain range with elevations ranging from 2,000 to 4,000 feet. The region experiences hot, dry summers with temperatures often exceeding 90°F and cool winters with occasional snow at higher elevations. Fire regulations typically remain strict from June through October, with many campgrounds requiring portable stoves rather than open flames.

    What to do

    Fishing at Deer Creek: Potato Patch Campground offers easy access to Deer Creek, stocked with trout twice monthly during fishing season. "Fishing is made easy as the Creek is planted two times a month," notes a reviewer who finds the creek "clean, clean... Lassen Snow melt."

    Hiking nearby: Butte Meadows Campground provides access to multiple hiking trails within walking distance. "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," shares one camper.

    Water recreation: Bidwell Canyon Campground at Lake Oroville features water activities including swimming, boating, and kayaking. A reviewer notes, "Really enjoyed this campground which is part of the Lake Oroville State Recreation Area... There are local hiking trails, and of course all kinds of water recreation at the lake."

    What campers like

    Cooler temperatures: The mountain elevation provides relief from valley heat, making summer camping comfortable. "Great little lake. Good fishing. Rough road in," mentions a visitor about Philbrook Campground, which sits at a higher elevation and offers cooler weather.

    Waterfront sites: Access to creeks and lakes ranks high for campers seeking water proximity. At Butte Meadows Campground, one visitor shared, "My wife and I spent a few days here in a 16' trailer. Great spots along the creek. Little to no dust. Lots of shade."

    Peaceful surroundings: Many campers value the quiet atmosphere away from urban noise. At Limesaddle - Lake Oroville State Rec Area, a camper notes, "second time at Limesaddle! 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!"

    What you should know

    Wildlife awareness: Black bears frequent the area, requiring proper food storage. "Nice find while traveling through the area. Very quiet and clean campground. The creek running through the campground was nice for our dog. It is bear country and many other campers weren't keeping there areas bear proofed throughout the day. Found some bear scat with candy wraps in the scat," warns a visitor to Butte Meadows.

    Road conditions: Access to higher elevation campgrounds requires navigating rough roads. A camper at Milsap Campground describes the journey: "Starts bumpy, sketchy, and exhilarating. Itchy too."

    Limited connectivity: Cell service remains spotty or non-existent at most campgrounds. A camper at Potato Patch notes: "Fairly remote, closet town is Chester, 30 miles away. No cell signal on any carrier."

    Tips for camping with families

    Creek access for children: Look for campgrounds with shallow water access for kids. At Potato Patch Campground, a visitor mentions, "The pit toilets near the entrance is really low which is great for smaller children."

    Spacious sites: River Reflections RV Park offers well-spaced sites for families needing room to spread out. "Sites are spread out. The campground is well maintained with beautiful landscape and access/view of river," notes a reviewer.

    Ranger programs: Some Lake Oroville campgrounds offer educational programs during summer months. A Bidwell Canyon visitor shared, "The Lake Oroville Visitor Center has a small museum and exhibits. Staff there were wonderful too."

    Tips from RVers

    Leveling challenges: Many campgrounds feature uneven terrain requiring leveling blocks. A Bidwell Canyon camper warns, "A lot of the sites are very uneven, ours was almost terraced, and the tent area was barely big enough for our 8 person tent. When I took a drive around it looked like many were similarly sloped/terraced not a flat site."

    Hookup availability: Full hookups are limited to specific campgrounds. At River Reflections, one RVer reports, "Well maintained grounds friendly and helpful. Cell service is spotty at best and unfortunately WIFI was not working properly although that is not needed for camping, working was almost impossible."

    Site selection: Reserve early for pull-through sites at the best places to camp near Magalia. An Almond Tree RV Park visitor advises, "This place is very clean and quiet. Perfect for pull-through. The spaces are perfect size and flat (even ground), which is imperative for the type of RV that we have."

    Frequently Asked Questions

    What camping is available near Magalia, CA?

    According to TheDyrt.com, Magalia, CA offers a wide range of camping options, with 221 campgrounds and RV parks near Magalia, CA and 16 free dispersed camping spots.

    Which is the most popular campground near Magalia, CA?

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Magalia, CA is Lime Saddle Campground — Lake Oroville State Recreation Area with a 4.8-star rating from 4 reviews.

    Where can I find free dispersed camping near Magalia, CA?

    According to TheDyrt.com, there are 16 free dispersed camping spots near Magalia, CA.

    What parks are near Magalia, CA?

    According to TheDyrt.com, there are 22 parks near Magalia, CA that allow camping, notably Black Butte Lake and Plumas National Forest.