Craig Saddle Boat-In Campground

4.21

63 reviews

Summer Destination

Quick Facts

901 ft

Price

$35/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

26 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Opens California State Parks site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Quick Facts

901 ft

Price

$35/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

26 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Opens California State Parks site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Craig Saddle Boat-In Campground

$35.00 - $35.00 / night

Campsite Fees

The fee for boat-in campsites at Craig Saddle is $35 per night, applicable to all sites. Additional fees may apply for parking and boat launching.

Standard Site Fee$35.00

Hookup Site Fee$0.00

Premium Site Fee$0.00

Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00

Group Site Fee$0.00

Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

Get Notified When Available

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

Free with account · Checks every 2 minutes

150,000+ sites monitored · Email, SMS, or in-app notifications

Share this campground

Reserve California

Provider

(530) 538-2200interp@parks.ca.gov

Help improve this page

See something outdated or incorrect? Let us know!

What Campers Say

4.21

Satisfactory

Based on 63 reviews

236 Google reviews

Most mentioned

viewscleanlake

Some mention

noisemosquitoes

"Reviews for Craig Saddle Boat-in Campground are mixed, with positive feedback highlighting its peaceful lakefront setting and basic amenities suitable for boat-in campers. Negative reviews note the lack of privacy and high fees."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

Craig Saddle Boat-In Campground

39.5494, -121.4071

Driving directionsCampers can reach the Lake Oroville State Recreation Area by heading east on Highway 162 (Oroville Dam Blvd) from Highway 70. Continue east for approximately 6 miles on Olive Highway (Highway 162) to Kelly Ridge Road. Turn left on Kelly Ridge Road until it ends in the Visitor Center parking lot. Boat access is required to reach Craig Saddle Boat-in Campground.

Access to Craig Saddle Boat-in Campground is strictly by boat. Roads to the launch ramps are paved and accessible year-round, though lake levels and road maintenance might vary seasonally.

Nearby places

Oroville: ~6 miles (~15-minute drive to launch points). Sacramento: ~75 miles (~1.5-hour drive).

Nearby supplies

Supplies such as groceries, fuel, and camping essentials are available in Oroville (~6 miles away). Onsite, nearby marinas such as Bidwell Canyon and Lime Saddle offer basic supplies, snacks, and boating accessories.

Best Time to Camp at Craig Saddle Boat-In Campground

Experience the best of Northern California's Mediterranean climate at Craig Saddle, where each season paints the landscape in different hues. Summer transforms the campground into a sun-soaked playground with temperatures climbing to a toasty 85-100°F during the day – perfect for swimming and water sports – before cooling to a comfortable 60-70°F for peaceful evenings under the stars. Winter brings a gentler mood to the lake, with mild days ranging from 30-50°F and the possibility of dramatic storms that deliver between 26-60 inches of rain annually, keeping the reservoir full and the surrounding hills emerald green.

Summer(Jun-Aug)

3.5 / 5

Summer is peak season (busy, hot); great for boating but can be crowded and buggy.

Fall(Sep-Nov)

3.5 / 5

Pleasant fall weather; water levels may drop affecting boating but scenery remains nice.

Best

Spring(Mar-May)

4.5 / 5

Top 7% in CA

Spring preferred: pleasant weather and higher lake levels enhance boating and fishing.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

3.0 / 5

Open year-round but access and boating depend on lake levels; fewer amenities in winter.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: Peak season is generally late spring to Labor Day, with summer months being especially busy.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open year-round; however, access may be affected by lake levels and seasonal fire restrictions.
Current Alerts: As of the latest updates, some trails near the lake are closed due to fire damage, but the campground remains open.

About Craig Saddle Boat-In Campground

Escape the crowds and discover your own private paradise at Craig Saddle Boat-in Campground, where the only way in is across the shimmering waters of Lake Oroville. This secluded haven within the Lake Oroville State Recreation Area offers adventurous campers a truly unique experience – your own waterfront campsite accessible only by boat. Each thoughtfully positioned site comes equipped with a picnic table and grill for lakeside dining, while shared pit toilets provide basic amenities without compromising the wilderness feel. Wake up to breathtaking lake views, spend your days exploring hidden coves, and fall asleep to the gentle lapping of waves against the shore.

Craig Saddle Boat-in Campground is primarily a primitive camping setup catered to boat-in campers. It lacks RV hookups, cabins, or glamping options.

Historical SignificanceBeneath the tranquil waters of Lake Oroville lies a fascinating tapestry of California history. These lands were once home to the Northwest Maidu people, who lived in harmony with the natural rhythms of the Feather River for thousands of years. When gold fever struck in the 1850s, prospectors flooded the region, establishing bustling mining towns along the riverbanks. Today, these ghostly settlements sleep beneath the lake's surface, their stories preserved in the memories of old-timers and the occasional artifact that washes ashore. As you paddle these waters, you're floating above a submerged museum of California's transformation from indigenous homeland to Gold Rush frontier.

Weather and SeasonsExperience the best of Northern California's Mediterranean climate at Craig Saddle, where each season paints the landscape in different hues. Summer transforms the campground into a sun-soaked playground with temperatures climbing to a toasty 85-100°F during the day – perfect for swimming and water sports – before cooling to a comfortable 60-70°F for peaceful evenings under the stars. Winter brings a gentler mood to the lake, with mild days ranging from 30-50°F and the possibility of dramatic storms that deliver between 26-60 inches of rain annually, keeping the reservoir full and the surrounding hills emerald green.

ElevationPerched at 901 feet above sea level, Craig Saddle occupies the sweet spot where the Sierra Nevada foothills meet the great Central Valley. This moderate elevation creates an ideal microclimate that's neither too hot in summer nor too cold in winter, offering year-round camping opportunities for those willing to make the boat journey.

Natural Features and SceneryCraig Saddle showcases Northern California's stunning ecological diversity, where golden hillsides dotted with blue oaks give way to dense stands of gray pine and manzanita. The campground's waterfront location provides front-row seats to nature's daily performances – watch osprey dive for fish at dawn, spot black-tailed deer coming to drink at dusk, and listen to the evening chorus of tree frogs and great horned owls. The surrounding chaparral blooms with wildflowers in spring, while the lake itself serves as a mirror reflecting the changing moods of sky and season.

Geological RegionNestled in the chaparral-oak-pine belt of the Sierra Nevada foothills, Craig Saddle sits at the heart of the Feather River watershed – a geological wonderland where ancient volcanic activity and millions of years of erosion have carved dramatic canyons and ridges. This transition zone between valley and mountain creates a unique ecosystem where Mediterranean and montane species mingle, supported by the life-giving waters of the Feather River system that now fill Lake Oroville's serpentine arms and hidden bays.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in

2:00 PM

Check-out

12:00 PM

Stay Limit

Limit on stay durations is undefined.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Each campsite allows a maximum capacity of 8 people.

Groups

The group camp allows up to 75 people with tables, stoves, pit toilets, and garbage cans. Drinking water is not provided.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutCampsites are boat-access-only and spread along a lakeside area with shared facilities like pit toilets.

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made through the Reserve California website (www.reservecalifornia.com) or by contacting the park office.

Walk-in AvailabilityCraig Saddle Boat-in Campground operates on a first-come-first-served basis. Walk-up availability may vary depending on lake conditions and seasonal demand.

Cancellation PolicyCancellation policies align with Reserve California guidelines, details available on the reservation platform.

AccessibilityAccessibility features for campers with disabilities are not explicitly mentioned for this campground.

Site SizeSites are described as lakefront with a length of 40 feet, offering partial shade.

PrivacyThe sites do not provide significant privacy, as noted in user reviews.

Total Campsites26 campsites

Recommended SitesSites closer to the water are recommended for easier access to boating and swimming.

Amenities available

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Firewood available

Vault toilets

Group Sites

Activities you can enjoy

Craig Saddle Boat-in Campground is best suited for boaters and offers limited recreational activities. It is located on Lake Oroville, providing opportunities for boating, fishing, and wildlife viewing. However, no specific details about other activities like hiking or swimming are noted.

FishingLake Oroville supports fishing for various species, including rainbow trout, bass, and catfish. A California sport fishing license is required.

BoatingBoating is a key activity for Craig Saddle Boat-in Campground, as these campsites are accessible only by boat.

Wildlife viewingThe Lake Oroville area has abundant wildlife, including deer, turkeys, and squirrels. User reviews mention wildlife sightings such as squirrels playing.

Cultural and Educational ProgramsEducational programs are available around Lake Oroville but not specifically mentioned for Craig Saddle Boat-in Campground.

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPotential dangers include encounters with wildlife like bears and snakes, as well as hazards related to boating like floating debris.

Active AlertsAs of the latest updates, some trails near the lake are closed due to fire damage, but the campground remains open.

No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

Fire PolicyFires are only permitted in designated fire rings or grills. During summer months, fire restrictions may apply.

Emergency ServicesEmergency services can be found in Oroville which includes Oroville Hospital (~6 miles away). For more information, visitors can contact the Northern Buttes District HQ at (530) 538-2200 or call 911.

Trash & RecyclingTrash facilities are available, but recycling services are not mentioned.

Water FeaturesThe campground is lakefront, providing direct access to Lake Oroville.

Camp HostHost information is not specified for this campground.

Weather at Craig Saddle Boat-In Campground

Reviews

4.2

63 reviews

Satisfactory

Craig Saddle Boat-In Campground is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews

Reviews for Craig Saddle Boat-in Campground are mixed, with positive feedback highlighting its peaceful lakefront setting and basic amenities suitable for boat-in campers. Negative reviews note the lack of privacy and high fees.

Review Summaries

Based on 63 reviews

What Campers Love

Users appreciated the clean facilities, scenic lakefront views, and opportunities for boating and wildlife viewing.

Based on 63 reviews

Common Concerns

Complaints include high fees, lack of privacy, mosquitoes, and limited amenities such as drinking water and showers.

Based on 63 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers are advised to bring bug repellent due to mosquitoes and extra water for drinking and cooking. Preparing for basic camping conditions is recommended.

Based on 63 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Spring is preferred for camping due to pleasant weather and high water levels in the lake, enhancing boating and fishing opportunities.

Based on 63 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Go there.... Camp, wildlife, crystals, campfire, hiking, boating, just so much goodness!" - Candy Hopkins; "Bathrooms are clean and campsites are well maintained. It was beautiful and peaceful." -...

Based on 63 reviews