Bidwell Canyon Campground

4.14

79 reviews

801 Bidwell Canyon Road (off Arroyo Drive), Oroville, CA 95966

Summer Destination

Quick Facts

945 ft

Price

$45/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

75 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyElectricShowers

Opens California State Parks site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Quick Facts

945 ft

Price

$45/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

75 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyElectricShowers

Opens California State Parks site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Bidwell Canyon Campground

$45.00 - $45.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Nightly fee for standard campsites with full hookups is $45. Additional reservation fee of $8.25 applies.

Standard Site Fee$45.00

Hookup Site Fee$45.00

Premium Site Fee$0.00

Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00

Group Site Fee$0.00

Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Reserve California

Provider

(530) 538-2218interp@parks.ca.gov

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What Campers Say

4.14

Satisfactory

Based on 79 reviews

81 Google reviews

Most mentioned

cleanshowersrestroomsfriendly

"Bidwell Canyon Campground receives positive reviews for cleanliness, accessibility, and the availability of full hookups. Reviewers highlight the friendliness of staff and the natural setting, although concerns include inconsistent shower temperatures and fire restrictions."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

801 Bidwell Canyon Road (off Arroyo Drive), Oroville, CA 95966

Bidwell Canyon Campground

801 Bidwell Canyon Road (off Arroyo Drive), Oroville, CA 95966

Driving directionsFrom Highway 70, go east on Highway 162 (Oroville Dam Blvd.). Continue on Oroville Dam Blvd., turning right at Olive Hwy. (Highway 162), proceed approximately 6 miles on Olive Highway to Kelly Ridge Road. Turn left and Kelly Ridge Road ends in the Visitor Center parking lot.

Bidwell Canyon Campground is accessible via paved roads. Seasonal closures and road conditions due to changing lake levels or fire damage might apply. Verify current access by contacting (530) 538-2200.

Nearby places

Sacramento (68 miles, approximately 1 hour 15 minutes drive), Paradise (approximately 15 miles, 20 minutes drive), Chico (approximately 30 miles, 45 minutes drive)

Nearby supplies

Bidwell Canyon Marina offers basic supplies, groceries, bait, and tackle. Additional shopping options are available in Oroville and Chico.

Best Time to Camp at Bidwell Canyon Campground

Experience the best of California's Mediterranean climate at Bidwell Canyon, where each season paints the landscape in its own unique palette. Summer transforms the campground into a sun-soaked paradise, with temperatures dancing between 80 and 100°F – perfect for endless days on the water. Spring and fall bring gentle breezes and comfortable temperatures ideal for hiking and exploration, while winter offers a peaceful retreat with crisp mornings hovering between 30 and 50°F. The ever-changing conditions make layered clothing your best companion throughout the year, allowing you to adapt from cool mornings to warm afternoons with ease.

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Sun‑soaked summers support boating and fishing but are busier and subject to fire rules.

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.5 / 5

Top 5% in CA

Milder weather and lower crowds ('mostly empty late October') make fall attractive.

Spring(Mar-May)

4.0 / 5

Mediterranean climate implies pleasant spring conditions and good access to trails/lake.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

3.5 / 5

Top 23% in CA

Open year‑round with mild winters; fewer activities but still pleasant and accessible.

Planning Tips

Operating Season: Open year-round with 24-hour access to the campground and launch ramps.
Current Alerts: Parts of the Brad Freeman and Dan Beebe trails are closed due to the Thompson Fire. Confirm with park staff for updates.

About Bidwell Canyon Campground

Nestled along the sun-drenched southern shores of Lake Oroville, Bidwell Canyon Campground beckons outdoor enthusiasts with 75 thoughtfully designed sites ready to accommodate everything from cozy tents to luxury RVs. Each site comes complete with full hookups, ensuring modern comfort meets natural splendor. As part of the renowned Lake Oroville State Recreation Area, this gem combines pristine facilities with the convenience of a full-service marina just moments away. Whether you're seeking a weekend escape or an extended lakeside retreat, the campground's shaded sanctuaries and meticulous maintenance create the perfect basecamp for your California adventure.

Bidwell Canyon Campground offers versatile camping options suitable for RVs and tents. Full hookup sites make it RV-friendly.

Historical SignificanceStep into a landscape rich with stories spanning millennia. Long before the first tent was pitched here, the Northwest Maidu people called this region home, their traditions woven into the very fabric of the land. The rushing waters of the Feather River later drew fortune-seekers during California's legendary gold rush, forever changing the area's destiny. Today, visitors can marvel at Lake Oroville itself – a testament to human engineering created by the Oroville Dam, standing proud as the tallest earth-filled dam in the United States. Every sunrise over the lake connects campers to this remarkable tapestry of indigenous heritage, gold rush dreams, and modern innovation.

Weather and SeasonsExperience the best of California's Mediterranean climate at Bidwell Canyon, where each season paints the landscape in its own unique palette. Summer transforms the campground into a sun-soaked paradise, with temperatures dancing between 80 and 100°F – perfect for endless days on the water. Spring and fall bring gentle breezes and comfortable temperatures ideal for hiking and exploration, while winter offers a peaceful retreat with crisp mornings hovering between 30 and 50°F. The ever-changing conditions make layered clothing your best companion throughout the year, allowing you to adapt from cool mornings to warm afternoons with ease.

Natural Features and SceneryA living canopy of majestic oaks and towering pines creates nature's own cathedral above Bidwell Canyon Campground, offering blessed shade during warm summer days and a rustling symphony with every breeze. From your campsite, catch glimpses of Lake Oroville's sapphire waters sparkling through the trees, inviting you to explore its 167 miles of shoreline. Early risers are often rewarded with visits from graceful deer picking their way through the morning mist, while a diverse chorus of native birds provides the soundtrack to your stay. This harmonious blend of forest and lake creates an ever-changing canvas of natural beauty that transforms with each passing hour.

Geological RegionDiscover camping in the heart of northern California's chaparral-oak-pine belt, where the dramatic landscape tells the story of the mother-lode country's geological past. Perched near the historic Feather River, Bidwell Canyon sits at the intersection of diverse ecosystems that have been shaped by millions of years of natural forces. This unique positioning creates a fascinating blend of vegetation zones, from drought-resistant chaparral to stately pines, offering campers an authentic taste of California's remarkable biodiversity. The surrounding hills and canyons showcase the region's complex geological heritage, making every trail a journey through time.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in

12:00 PM

Check-out

12:00 PM

Stay Limit

Maximum stay of 14 consecutive nights.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Up to 8 guests per site

Groups

Group sites are not explicitly mentioned for this campground.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutThe campground has loops with evenly spaced sites, offering partial shade and proximity to the marina and restrooms.

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made through www.ReserveCalifornia.com or by calling (800) 444-7275.

Walk-in AvailabilityWalk-up availability may exist but reservations are strongly recommended during peak seasons.

Cancellation PolicyReservation cancellation policies may vary. Contact Reserve California or park staff for specifics.

AccessibilityThe campground has three accessible campsites (#30, #65, and #75) with nearby accessible restrooms and showers. Additionally, the Wyke Island Trail and Bidwell Canyon Bike Trail provide accessible recreational opportunities.

Site SizeSites can accommodate trailers up to 31 feet and RVs up to 40 feet. Individual campsites have dimensions suitable for large RVs and standard vehicles.

PrivacySites offer some privacy with partial shade from trees. Specific details about site spacing or vegetation cover are not provided.

Total Campsites75 campsites

Recommended SitesChoose sites near the lakeside for best views. Accessible sites include #30, #65, and #75.

Amenities available

Showers

Potable water

Electricity hookups

Flush toilets

Dump station

Fire rings

Activities you can enjoy

Bidwell Canyon Campground provides opportunities for hiking, biking, wildlife viewing, and water-based activities like boating and fishing due to its lakeside location.

HikingThe Bidwell Canyon Trail (4.9 miles) is accessible from the campground, offering scenic views and hiking opportunities. The Wyke Island Trail, a short 0.19-mile ADA-accessible trail, is also nearby.

FishingFishing is popular, with species such as bass and salmon available. 'Good spot for some bass fishing on the weekend,' noted one user.

BikingThe 5.5-mile Bidwell Canyon Bike Trail allows for barrier-free biking and offers a foothills environment experience.

BoatingBoating is supported by the nearby marina. Facilities include a boat launch ramp, boat rentals, and a pumping station for boat waste.

Wildlife viewingDeer sightings are common, as one user mentioned: 'Lots of deer!' Another noted, 'Watch for deer 🦌 they roam free and watch the campers.' Other wildlife may also be visible in the surrounding area.

Cultural and Educational ProgramsOpportunities for cultural learning are available at nearby locations like the Lake Oroville Visitor Center, featuring interpretive exhibits on the local ecosystem and native culture.

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsExtreme fire hazards during hot weather; rattlesnakes have been reported in the area. Seasonal lake level fluctuations may affect access.

Active AlertsParts of the Brad Freeman and Dan Beebe trails are closed due to the Thompson Fire. Confirm with park staff for updates.

Fire PolicyFires are allowed only in designated fire rings or barbecues. Seasonal fire restrictions may apply due to high fire risk.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are generally observed from 10 PM to 6 AM.

Emergency ServicesNearest hospital: Oroville Hospital located at 2767 Olive Hwy, Oroville, CA 95966 (approximately 6.5 miles away). Police and ranger services are available within the recreation area.

Trash & RecyclingTrash and recycling facilities are available. Specific details about the locations or pickup schedules are not provided.

Water FeaturesLocated near Lake Oroville, offering access to a marina, boat ramp, and fishing opportunities.

Camp HostHosts are available seasonally and assist with check-ins, firewood purchases, and general information.

Weather at Bidwell Canyon Campground

Reviews

4.1

79 reviews

Satisfactory

Bidwell Canyon Campground is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews

Bidwell Canyon Campground receives positive reviews for cleanliness, accessibility, and the availability of full hookups. Reviewers highlight the friendliness of staff and the natural setting, although concerns include inconsistent shower temperatures and fire restrictions.

Review Summaries

Based on 79 reviews

What Campers Love

Clean restrooms and showers, accessible sites, availability of full hookups, pet-friendly, and a serene environment with abundant wildlife like deer.

Based on 79 reviews

Common Concerns

Inconsistent shower temperature, limited cell phone service for AT&T, and occasional restrictions on campfires.

Based on 79 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Visitors suggest being prepared for inconsistent AT&T service and bringing alternative cooking options in case of fire restrictions.

Based on 79 reviews

Seasonal Insights

The campground is less crowded in late fall, as one reviewer noted: 'Mostly empty late October.' Summer months may be busier, and winter is mild but not freezing.

Based on 79 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'Clean nice paved full Hookup sites.' (Morgan Swisher) 2. 'Bathrooms and showers were clean! This is an amazing camp ground!' (Jessica K.) 3. 'Watch for deer 🦌 they roam free and watch the...

Based on 79 reviews