How much does camping cost at Craig Saddle Boat-In Campground?

Camping fees at Craig Saddle Boat-In Campground range from $35/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Craig Saddle Boat-In Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Craig Saddle Boat-In 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 Craig Saddle Boat-In Campground before I book?

Yes! Craig Saddle Boat-In 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 Craig Saddle Boat-In Campground?

Craig Saddle Boat-In Campground is open Peak season is generally late spring to Labor Day, with summer months being especially busy.. 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 Craig Saddle Boat-In Campground?

Craig Saddle Boat-In Campground does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

How many campsites does Craig Saddle Boat-In Campground have?

Craig Saddle Boat-In Campground has 26 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Craig Saddle Boat-In Campground?

Yes, pets are allowed at Craig Saddle Boat-In 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 Craig Saddle Boat-In Campground?

Craig Saddle Boat-In Campground offers: Restrooms, Pets Allowed. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Craig Saddle Boat-In Campground?

Popular activities at Craig Saddle Boat-In Campground include Fishing, Boating, Wildlife Viewing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Craig Saddle Boat-In Campground

Q: Can I have a campfire at Craig Saddle Boat-In Campground?

Fire policies at Craig Saddle Boat-In Campground: Fires are only permitted in designated fire rings or grills. During summer months, fire restrictions may apply.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

4.21

77 reviews

Top 10% in CASpring

Summer Destination

Featured in:Spring Camping California

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

901 ft

Price

$35/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

26 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Book on California State Parks Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

901 ft

Price

$35/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

26 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Book on California State Parks Official Website

Get Directions

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

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Reserve California

Provider

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

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

Craig Saddle Boat-In Campground

39.5494, -121.4071

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.

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.

Weather at Craig Saddle Boat-In Campground

Current alert: As of the latest updates, some trails near the lake are closed due to fire damage, but the campground remains open.

Best Time to Camp at Craig Saddle Boat-In Campground

Spring delivers mild days between 60 and 80°F with cool nights in the 40s and 50s. Snowmelt raises lake levels through spring, improving boat access and filling coves for fishing and swimming. Wildflowers peak and hillsides turn green. Crowds stay lighter than summer weekends. Summer heats up to 85-100°F during the day, then cools to 60-70°F at night. Good for water sports but expect mosquitoes. Winter brings 30-50°F days and 26-60 inches of rain annually, keeping the reservoir full. Storms can be dramatic. Lake levels drop by late summer and fall.

Best

Spring(Mar-May)

4.5 / 5

Top 10% in CA

Spring brings higher lake levels improving boating and fishing; reviewers prefer spring visits.

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.

About Craig Saddle Boat-In Campground

Craig Saddle Boat-in Campground sits on the shores of Lake Oroville in the Sierra Nevada foothills, accessible only by boat. The campground has 26 sites equipped with picnic tables and fire rings, plus vault toilets. Fees run $35 per night. Sites stretch 40 feet along the lake with partial shade, though reviewers note limited privacy between spots.

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 Significance

The Northwest Maidu lived along the Feather River for thousands of years before gold prospectors arrived in the 1850s and established mining towns. Lake Oroville now covers those old settlements and portions of the riverbanks.

Weather and SeasonsSpring delivers mild days between 60 and 80°F with cool nights in the 40s and 50s. Snowmelt raises lake levels through spring, improving boat access and filling coves for fishing and swimming. Wildflowers peak and hillsides turn green. Crowds stay lighter than summer weekends. Summer heats up to 85-100°F during the day, then cools to 60-70°F at night. Good for water sports but expect mosquitoes. Winter brings 30-50°F days and 26-60 inches of rain annually, keeping the reservoir full. Storms can be dramatic. Lake levels drop by late summer and fall.

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 SceneryThe campground occupies the chaparral-oak-pine belt at 901 feet elevation, where the Feather River watershed has carved dramatic canyons and ridges from ancient volcanic rock. Golden hillsides dotted with blue oak and gray pine slope down to the lake's serpentine arms and hidden bays. Spring brings wildflowers and fresh green hills. Wildlife includes osprey, black-tailed deer, tree frogs, and great horned owls. The lake reflects the surrounding ridges and changing sky. This transition zone between valley and mountain creates a Mediterranean-montane ecosystem where species from both regions overlap. Manzanita and chaparral thrive on the slopes above the waterline.

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.

Scenic ViewsThe campground offers lakeside views and picturesque surroundings dominated by forested foothills and calm water reflections.

Lodging & AccommodationsNo hotel-style lodging or cabin accommodations are offered at the campground.

Programs & ActivitiesEducational programs are available around Lake Oroville but not specifically mentioned for Craig Saddle Boat-in Campground.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

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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 layoutSites spread along the lakeshore, boat-access only. Reviewers mention limited privacy between spots. Vault toilets are shared.

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.

Need help booking Craig Saddle Boat-In Campground?

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Amenities available

Craig Saddle Boat-in Campground provides basic amenities tailored to a boat-in camping experience. The campground features picnic tables and grills/fire rings but lacks electric hookups, sewer hookups, and drinking water. Pit toilets are available, and firewood is prohibited except for purchase from camp hosts. There is no provision for showers, food lockers, or internet access. The sites are lakefront, offering partial shade.

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Firewood available

Vault toilets

Group Sites

I manage this campground

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.

Fishing

Boating

Wildlife viewing

Cultural and Educational Programs

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

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

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

No Flush ToiletsFlush toilets are not available; pit toilets are the only restroom option.

No Electric HookupsElectric hookups are not available at this campground. RV campers should arrive with a full battery and plan for off-grid power (generator hours/quiet rules permitting).

No Water HookupsSite-level water hookups are not available. RV campers should fill freshwater tanks before arrival; check the No Potable Water note above if applicable for drinking water.

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.

Trip Planning Tools

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Questions & answers

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Reviews

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From Booking Sources

4.2

77 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 77 reviews

What Campers Love

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

Based on 77 reviews

Common Concerns

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

Based on 77 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site-specific details are sparse, but users note general cleanliness and a lack of privacy at sites.

Based on 77 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 77 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 77 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 77 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessibility reviews for Craig Saddle Boat-in Campground are null, as no specific information is provided.

Based on 77 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed, and users mention interactions with wildlife and pets at the campground.

Based on 77 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

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Go if

Anglers and boaters after bass, trout, or catfish on Lake Oroville will get the most from this place. Spring hits the 4.5/5 seasonal peak: mild temps, wildflowers, lighter crowds, and snowmelt keeping the coves full. Pack in all your drinking water and bring serious bug repellent

Skip if

No potable water on site, no showers, no food lockers, and reviewers flag real privacy issues between sites. At $35/night for vault toilets and neighbors within earshot, campers expecting comfort or solitude will leave frustrated.

Nearby Campgrounds

Loafer Creek Kiosk, Oroville, CA 95966

Floating Campground puts 10 tent platforms directly on Lake Oroville, accessible only by boat. Each 20' x 24' structure includes a covered living area, flush toilets, picnic tables, and a BBQ grill with propane. Sites run $135 per night and book up fast. It's a 5-star experience according to reviewers, but plan to bring your own shade.