Campsites near Orland, California occupy the western Sacramento Valley where the elevation ranges from 250-400 feet. The region sits at the junction of the Sacramento River and Stony Creek watersheds, creating diverse camping opportunities with varied water access. During winter months, temperatures remain mild with overnight lows rarely dropping below 40°F, while summer camping requires preparation for temperatures regularly exceeding 95°F between June and September.
What to do
Water recreation at Black Butte Lake: Access boating, swimming, and fishing at Buckhorn Recreation Area. "Camp sites were plentiful in November. Took the canoe out every day," notes one camper about the year-round availability of water activities.
Hiking local wildlife areas: Explore trails near Woodson Bridge State Recreation Area where the riparian forest provides habitat for diverse wildlife. "There's access to the wildlife refuge and the county river park, both next door. Lovely and serene!" mentions a visitor.
Olive tasting and local cuisine: Visit the numerous olive producers in the area while staying at Olive Pit Dispersed Lot. "Spent the evening in the RV/Truck area after stocking up on some Olive stuffed garlic and artichokes. Mmmm. Easy boon-docking," shares one camper about this free overnight option.
What campers like
Quiet escapes despite highway proximity: Many campers appreciate the surprising tranquility at The RV Park at Rolling Hills Casino. "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," notes a visitor.
Budget-friendly overnight options: Free or low-cost camping makes Orland an economical stopover. "It is a parking lot behind the Olive Pit. Lots of traffic noise. Okay if you want a free spot to sleep for the night," explains one camper about the Olive Pit lot.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Campers frequently mention enjoying the local fauna. "Heard lots of critters in the night, owls, deer, rabbits. In the morning was woken up by woodpeckers," describes a visitor to Buckhorn Recreation Area, highlighting the natural setting despite proximity to highways.
What you should know
Summer heat requires planning: The Sacramento Valley experiences extreme heat in summer months. "The campsite/campground were well maintained the restrooms were decent. The price wasn't bad at all for dry camping. Only downfall it was really hot!" notes a Buckhorn visitor.
Wind conditions can be challenging: Several campgrounds experience significant wind, particularly near the lake areas. "Wasn't windy when we got there in the morning, but that night the wind started and almost blew everything away. STAKE down, no matter the weather," warns a camper about Buckhorn Recreation Area.
Reservation practices vary by season: While some campgrounds fill quickly in peak times, others remain accessible. "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," explains a camper about Orland Buttes.
Tips for camping with families
Look for campgrounds with playgrounds: Some camping areas offer dedicated play spaces for children. "Great trail system for exploring the park. Boat ramp, old bathrooms. Nice playground area for kids," notes a camper about Buckhorn.
Consider casino-adjacent camping for entertainment: Families with older children might enjoy Rolling Hills Casino Truck Lot for its additional amenities. "We enjoyed a pull thru full hookup spot. We had our dogs and 5 year old with us. There was a fair amount of space between sites. 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," explains one family.
Swimming opportunities vary seasonally: Plan water activities carefully based on time of year. "Water was super warm, but gets icky in the summer, so definitely need to go early in the season," advises a visitor about the lake at Buckhorn.
Tips from RVers
Leveling considerations for sites: Site conditions can vary significantly even within the same campground. "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," explains an RVer with a 24-foot camper at Buckhorn.
Service options for extended stays: RVers planning multi-day stops should note available amenities. "There is a dump station and water fill on the way out. There was a water spigot with no handle at the dump station as well, and we used pliers to open the water and fill our tanks," reports a camper about Orland Buttes.
Overnight accessibility for late arrivals: Several camping areas accommodate evening check-ins. "We needed a place to camp for the night, and Parkway was in the right location. We booked through the Dyrt, but the campground's booking site was almost as easy. When we arrived, the sites were clean and orderly," shares a visitor about their experience with late arrival at The Parkway RV Resort.
