How much does camping cost at Bidwell Canyon Campground?

Camping fees at Bidwell Canyon Campground range from $45/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Bidwell Canyon Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Bidwell Canyon Campground accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

Can I see photos of campsites at Bidwell Canyon Campground before I book?

Yes! Bidwell Canyon Campground has 20 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit Bidwell Canyon Campground?

Bidwell Canyon Campground is open Open year-round with 24-hour access to the campground and launch ramps.. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Bidwell Canyon Campground?

Yes, Bidwell Canyon Campground has shower facilities available for campers. Check the amenities section for details on hours and any fees.

Is there cell service at Bidwell Canyon Campground?

Cell phone service at Bidwell Canyon Campground is generally available. Cell service is available. Coverage may vary by carrier and exact location within the campground.

How many campsites does Bidwell Canyon Campground have?

Bidwell Canyon Campground has 75 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Bidwell Canyon Campground?

Yes, pets are allowed at Bidwell Canyon Campground. Dogs must typically be kept on a leash (usually 6 feet or shorter) and under control at all times. Be sure to clean up after your pet and check for any breed or size restrictions.

What amenities are available at Bidwell Canyon Campground?

Bidwell Canyon Campground offers: Restrooms, Showers, Potable Water, Dump Station, Electrical Hookups, Water Hookups, Sewer Hookups, Pets Allowed, Camp Store. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

Bidwell Canyon Campground

Q: Can I have a campfire at Bidwell Canyon Campground?

Fire policies at Bidwell Canyon Campground: Fires are allowed only in designated fire rings or barbecues. Seasonal fire restrictions may apply due to high fire risk.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

4.03

79 reviews

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

Top 11% in CAFall

Summer Destination

Featured in:Family-Friendly Campgrounds California

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

945 ft

Price

$45/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

75 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Full HookupsShowers

Book on California State Parks Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

945 ft

Price

$45/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

75 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Full HookupsShowers

Book on California State Parks Official Website

Get Directions

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

Get Notified When Available

We'll monitor this campground and alert you the moment sites become available.

Free to start · paid plans add 2-min scans

256,000+ sites monitored · Email alerts to start; SMS and in-app with an account

Learn more about alerts →

Share this campground

Reserve California

Provider

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

I manage this campground

Plan a trip to Bidwell Canyon Campground

Compare with similar sites, watch availability, and build a packing list — Camp Sage handles all of it.

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

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.

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.

Weather at Bidwell Canyon Campground

Current alert: Parts of the Brad Freeman and Dan Beebe trails are closed due to the Thompson Fire. Confirm with park staff for updates.

Best Time to Camp at Bidwell Canyon Campground

Fall brings the most comfortable camping, with daytime temperatures between 60 and 85°F and cool evenings. October hits the sweet spot: crowds thin after Labor Day, wildlife stays active, and water levels usually support boating through early fall. Summer pushes 80 to 100°F, ideal for water sports but hot for hiking. Spring and fall offer easier conditions for trails and shoreline fishing. Winter mornings drop to 30–50°F. Fire restrictions kick in during high fire-risk periods, so bring a camp stove.

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.5 / 5

Top 11% in CA

Fall (esp. Oct) noted as 'sweet spot': 60–85°F, crowds thin, wildlife active, reviewers praise late-Oct quiet.

Planning Tips

Operating Season: Open year-round with 24-hour access to the campground and launch ramps.

About Bidwell Canyon Campground

Bidwell Canyon Campground sits on the southern shore of Lake Oroville, offering 75 sites with full hookups for tents and RVs up to 40 feet. Sites run $45 per night and include electric, water, and sewer connections. The campground sits within Lake Oroville State Recreation Area, a short walk from a full-service marina.

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

Historical Significance

The Northwest Maidu people lived in this region before the Feather River drew gold rush miners. Lake Oroville itself was created by the Oroville Dam, the tallest earth-filled dam in the United States.

Weather and SeasonsFall brings the most comfortable camping, with daytime temperatures between 60 and 85°F and cool evenings. October hits the sweet spot: crowds thin after Labor Day, wildlife stays active, and water levels usually support boating through early fall. Summer pushes 80 to 100°F, ideal for water sports but hot for hiking. Spring and fall offer easier conditions for trails and shoreline fishing. Winter mornings drop to 30–50°F. Fire restrictions kick in during high fire-risk periods, so bring a camp stove.

Natural Features and SceneryOaks and pines provide partial shade across the campground, with glimpses of Lake Oroville visible through the trees. The lake stretches 167 miles of shoreline below the campground. Deer move through the sites regularly, especially in the mornings. The chaparral-oak-pine mix creates layered vegetation typical of the northern Sierra foothills at 945 feet elevation. The surrounding hills show the geological complexity of old mother-lode country, where the Feather River has carved through ancient rock.

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.

Scenic ViewsReviews highlight the serene setting with beautiful views of Lake Oroville and the surrounding hills.

Lodging & AccommodationsNo hotel-style lodging is available within the campground; accommodations are limited to campsites with full hookups.

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

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 layoutSites are laid out in loops with even spacing. Partial shade from oaks and pines covers most spots. The marina and restrooms sit close to the main camping areas.

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.

Best CampsitesSites 30, 65, and 75 get mentioned for accessibility and proximity to restrooms. Reviews note these spots offer decent views without long walks to facilities.

Need help booking Bidwell Canyon Campground?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

ReserveCalifornia Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

Find your booking window

Cancellation Alerts

Free alerts for this campground

Amenities available

Bidwell Canyon Campground offers a variety of amenities suitable for both RV and tent campers. The campground is equipped with 75 campsites featuring full hookups. Facilities include flush toilets, potable water, and showers. The campground also has a lakeside marina with a launch ramp, store, snack bar, fuel dock, boat rentals, and a pumping station for boat holding tanks.

Showers

Potable water

Electricity hookups

Water hookups

Sewer hookups

Flush toilets

I manage this campground

RV details

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.

Hiking

Fishing

Biking

Boating

Wildlife viewing

Cultural and Educational Programs

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

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

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.

Cell CoverageCell phone service availability varies by provider; AT&T is noted as spotty, while Verizon works fine, as one reviewer stated: 'AT&T is very spotty but Verizon seems to work fine.'

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Questions & answers

Researching this campground? Ask anything — other campers and our team will weigh in. No visit required.

Tips from campers

Short heads-ups about the road in, gear quirks, timing, and more. You don't have to have been here to share what you know.

Reviews

Rate Bidwell Canyon Campground

Been here? Tap a star to start. Takes about a minute.

Sign-in required only if you want your name on it.

From Booking Sources

4.0

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

Site-Specific Reviews

Accessible sites were highlighted: #30, #65, and #75 are accessible with nearby facilities. Other specific site reviews were not provided.

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

Accessibility Features

Accessibility is praised, with comments on accessible restrooms, showers, and campsites.

Based on 79 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

The campground is pet-friendly, as noted by reviewers: 'Pet friendly, kid friendly!'

Based on 79 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

Be the first to review this campground

Every adventure creates another. Share what you learned so the next camper feels a little more prepared heading out.

Go if

Boaters and RV campers who want a drive-up-and-plug-in setup: full electric, water, and sewer hookups at $45/night, a launch ramp steps away, and fall's the sweet spot when temps cool and crowds clear out after Labor Day.

Skip if

Tent campers hoping for a campfire most summer nights may find fire restrictions in effect during high-risk periods, and AT&T users will fight spotty signal throughout the stay. The Brad Freeman and Dan Beebe trails are also partially closed right now due to the Thompson Fire.

Nearby Campgrounds

Less Visited

4.2

(77)

Loafer Creek Horse Campground

Loafer Creek Road (off Hwy 162), Oroville, CA 95966

Loafer Creek Horse Campground sits in the chaparral-oak-pine belt near Lake Oroville, built specifically for equestrians. The 15 sites include corrals, hitching posts, and horse washing stations, with pads that handle RVs up to 40 feet. Sites run $25-$45 per night and book through the standard state park system. Non-riders visit too, but this place is designed around horses first.