Forget walking on water.
You can SLEEP on water at these campsites!
And they’re on one of the most popular lakes in California so there’s plenty to do!
Your friends and family are going to love you for suggesting this place as your next camping getaway.
If you want to find out more about one of the most unique camping experiences in California, then keep reading.
We’ve included lots of useful links at the end of the post.
Table of Contents
Where Is It?
Lake Oroville is where you can find these amazing floating campsites.
Lake Oroville is found in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada in Butte County, about 75 miles north of Sacramento.
This reservoir is a central feature of the Oroville State Recreation Area and serves as a hub for outdoor activities in the region.
The lake is easily accessible via Highway 70, making it a convenient getaway for both Northern Californians and visitors from further afield.
Below are the address and contact details for the Lake Oroville Visitor Center:
917 Kelly Ridge Rd, Oroville, CA 95966, United States
(530) 538-2200
Why You Need to Visit Here
Imagine waking up to the gentle sway of your own private oasis on the water.
The floating campsites at Lake Oroville offer a camping experience like no other.
Each moment is accompanied by panoramic views of sparkling waters and lush hillsides.
Unlike traditional campsites, these unique accommodations allow you to step into the lake from your doorstep and connect with nature in a unique way.
Hopefully, you’re not a sleepwalker.
Amenities & General Info
Each floating campsite at Lake Oroville is equipped to ensure that your stay is comfortable and convenient.
Capacity
There are 10 floating campsites to choose from and each floating campsite can carry up to 15 people.
Access
One thing to note is that the floating campsites can only be accessed by boat.
So either bring your own boat or just rent one at one of the marinas.
How Many Boats Can You Bring?
The maximum boat mooring capacity for each floating campsite is three vessels, each less than 24 feet in length.
For mooring purposes only, two personal watercrafts will be considered one boat.
How Big Is Each Floating Campsite?
Each of these double-decker floating campsites is 20’ x 24’.
What’s Included At Each Campsite?
Each floating campsite has a camp table, sink, propane barbecue grill (the park provides the propane), a lockable closet, a restroom, a covered living area, an upper sun deck/sleeping area and room for tents.
Bring your own drinking water.
Here’s a useful video that covers more details about what’s on offer.
What Can You Do There?
At Lake Oroville, the range of activities will fill your days with adventure and relaxation.
Swimming and Kayaking
Start your morning with a refreshing swim right from your campsite, followed by a leisurely kayak trip to explore the lake.
Trails
Whether you want to hike, bike or even ride a horse, the Lake Oroville State Recreation Area offers plenty of trails to keep you busy.
Examples include the Dan Beebee Trail, Loafer Creek, Freeman Trail, and more.
If you’re willing to drive out there are also other nearby trails to explore (more details later).
Fishing
Lake Oroville is great for fishing too and it’s particularly known for its bass.
You can get easily get Bait & Tackle supplies and you can rent fishing boats at the marina.
Some of the fish on offer include:
- Catfish,
- Chinook salmon
- Sturgeon, crappie
- Bluegill
- Mackinaw
- Smallmouth bass
- Largemouth bass
- Spotted bass
- Red-eye bass
- Florida black bass.
Relax
For a slower pace, bring your favorite book and lounge on the deck, soaking up the California sun.
Or if you want, just chill under the shade of a tarp.
As the evening sets in, gather around for a cozy night under the stars, sharing stories and food with loved ones.
Things to Do Nearby
Beyond the floating campsites, Lake Oroville and its surroundings are rich with attractions and activities.
The Feather Falls trail is a highlight because it takes you to the amazing 640-foot Feather Falls.
It’s a stunning 9-mile round-trip hike to one of the tallest waterfalls in California
(Although, keep in mind that at the time of writing in April 2024, the Feather Falls area is closed.)
You also have Bald Rock and Table Mountain a short drive away.
Both of these places are excellent places for hiking and scenic views.
If you like culture and history you should give the Oroville Chinese Temple a visit.
It’s a beautifully preserved site that was built in 1863, showcasing the rich cultural heritage of the Chinese community in Butte County.
Tips for Visitors
To make the most of your floating campsite experience at Lake Oroville, here are some tips:
Book Early!
These unique campsites are popular, especially during the summer months.
Reserve your spot well in advance to secure your preferred dates.
Pack for the Water
Bring swimwear, sunscreen and inflatables to enjoy the lake fully.
Also, consider water-proof bags for your electronics and valuables.
Check Weather Conditions
Weather can change quickly on the lake, so check the forecast regularly and prepare for varying conditions.
Leave No Trace
Help preserve the beauty of Lake Oroville and the surrounding area by carrying out all trash and minimizing your impact on the natural environment.
Other Campsites?
If you’re not able to get a floating campsite there are still plenty of campgrounds to choose from in Lake Oroville, so you can still enjoy what the area has to offer.
Here are some of the ‘non-floating’ campgrounds you could stay at:
- Lime Saddle Campground
- Coyote Campground
- Loafer Creek Campground
- Bidwell Canyon Campground
- Boat in campgrounds: Foreman Creek, Bloomer Point, Craig Saddle, Bloomer Knoll, and Goat Ranch
And don’t forget you can rent a houseboat and take it onto the water too.
How To Book
Booking a floating campsite at Lake Oroville is straightforward but requires some planning due to their popularity.
You can reserve a spot up to 6 months in advance so as soon as you know when you’d like to go you should try to reserve it 6 months out.
Reservations can be made through the California State Parks reservation system (Reserve California) which is accessible online.
When you go to the website search for “Lake Oroville SRA”, enter your dates then choose the campsite based on what’s available.
Useful Links & Info
To help you plan your trip to Lake Oroville and make the most of your visit to the floating campsites, here are some useful links:
- California State Parks Reservations: Reserve California
- Lake Oroville Visitor Information: Lake Oroville State Recreation Area
- Nearby Attractions and Activities: Explore Butte County
- Lake Oroville State Recreation Area Camping Guide
- House Boat Rentals at Lime Saddle Marina
- Bidwell Canyon Marina
Social Media:
Lake Oroville State Recreation Area Contact & Address Info:
917 Kelly Ridge Rd, Oroville, CA 95966, United States
(530) 538-2200
