Goat Ranch Boat-In Campground

Star0
3 reviews
Summer Destination

Quick Facts

869 ft

Price

$20/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

26 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Opens California State Parks site

Official Website
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Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026
Goat Ranch Boat-In Campground
$20.00 - $20.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Fees for Goat Ranch Boat-in Campsites are $20 per night, per site. Sites are non-site-specific and must be accessed by boat.
Standard Site Fee$20.00
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

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Reserve California
Provider
530-538-2200interp@parks.ca.gov
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What Campers Say

N/A

Limited Reviews

Based on 3 reviews

4 Google reviews

Most mentioned

lake

"User reviews for Goat Ranch Boat-in Campground highlight the secluded lakefront experience and the need to bring potable water and supplies due to limited amenities. However, one distressing review mentions a tragic incident: "Pretty sure this is the lake I was at with family when an 11-year-old girl in the next site drowned. I found her body. I was also 11.""

Read all reviews

Campground Map

Goat Ranch Boat-In Campground

39.6559, -121.4979

Driving directionsLaunch locations to Goat Ranch Boat-in Campground are located within Lake Oroville State Recreation Area. From Highway 70, go east on Highway 162 (Oroville Dam Blvd.), then turn right onto Olive Highway (Hwy 162). Proceed approximately 6 miles on Olive Highway to Kelly Ridge Road, turn left, and continue towards the Visitor Center. Boaters can launch from the Bidwell Canyon Marina or other designated areas.
Roads leading to launch points for Goat Ranch Boat-in Campground are paved and accessible year-round. The campground itself is only accessible by boat.
Nearby places
Oroville (approximately 6 miles), Chico (approximately 27 miles), Paradise (approximately 18 miles).
Nearby supplies
Bidwell Canyon Marina Store offers basic camping supplies, food, and fuel. Additional supply options exist in Oroville, approximately 6 miles away.

Best Time to Camp at Goat Ranch Boat-In Campground

Four distinct seasons paint this Mediterranean climate in ever-changing hues. Winter brings crisp mornings hovering between 30°F and 50°F, perfect for cozy campfire gatherings. Spring awakens the landscape with a spectacular wildflower display, carpeting hillsides in vibrant colors. Summer transforms the lake into a water recreation paradise, with temperatures climbing between 80°F and 100°F—ideal for swimming and water sports. As autumn arrives, the heat retreats, leaving behind perfect camping weather with cool, comfortable evenings under crystal-clear skies.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Warm climate and lake activities make summer popular; reviews emphasize summer.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
3.5 / 5

Mediterranean fall likely pleasant with good views; fewer lake‑centered activities.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.5 / 5

Spring awakens the landscape and offers pleasant weather; primitive amenities remain.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
3.0 / 5

Open year‑round; winters are cool (30–50°F) but lake activities drop and amenities are limited.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: Peak season pricing and availability may vary, but the campground is open year-round.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open year-round.
  • Current Alerts: No active alerts specific to Goat Ranch Boat-in Campground, but parts of Lake Oroville SRA may be affected by fire damage and closures.

About Goat Ranch Boat-In Campground

Escape to the secluded shores of Goat Ranch Boat-in Campground, where adventure begins with a scenic boat ride across Lake Oroville's sparkling waters. This primitive lakefront retreat within the Lake Oroville State Recreation Area rewards intrepid campers with tranquil campsites nestled under a canopy of partial shade. While amenities remain simple—picnic tables and pit toilets—the experience is anything but ordinary. Here, the gentle lapping of waves replaces alarm clocks, and starlit skies serve as your evening entertainment.
Goat Ranch Boat-in Campground offers primitive camping accessible only via boat. Each site provides basic facilities and is situated along the lakefront.
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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
Check-in starts at 2:00 PM.
Check-out
Check-out time is 12:00 PM.
Stay Limit
Maximum stay of 30 consecutive nights.

Amenities available

Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Campers at Goat Ranch Boat-in Campground can enjoy activities centered on the lakefront setting, including fishing and wildlife viewing. "Fishing can only be described as outstanding at Lake Oroville State Recreation Area," with various species such as largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, Chinook salmon, catfish, and trout. Wildlife viewing is another highlight, with common sightings including mountain lions, turkeys, deer, and native birds.
FishingFishing is permitted and described as exceptional, with species like largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, Chinook salmon, catfish, and trout found in abundance.
BoatingBoating is integral to accessing Goat Ranch Boat-in Campground, which is only reachable by boat. The lake offers opportunities for both sail and power boating.
Wildlife viewingWildlife viewing opportunities are abundant, with potential sightings of mountain lions, turkeys, deer, and native birds.
Winter Activities
Water Sports
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPotential hazards include rattlesnakes, high summer temperatures, and fluctuating lake levels that may affect shorelines.
Active AlertsNo active alerts specific to Goat Ranch Boat-in Campground, but parts of Lake Oroville SRA may be affected by fire damage and closures.
No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

Weather at Goat Ranch Boat-In Campground

Reviews

0.0
3 reviews
Limited Reviews
Limited Reviews
Goat Ranch Boat-In Campground has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews for Goat Ranch Boat-in Campground highlight the secluded lakefront experience and the need to bring potable water and supplies due to limited amenities. However, one distressing review mentions a tragic incident: "Pretty sure this is the lake I was at with family when an 11-year-old girl in the next site drowned. I found her body. I was also 11."
Review Summaries
Based on 3 reviews

What Campers Love

Positive aspects include the lakefront setting, opportunities for fishing, and the unique boat-in camping experience.
Based on 3 reviews

Common Concerns

Complaints revolve around the lack of potable water and flush toilets, with pit toilets being the only available option.
Based on 3 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers are advised to bring their own drinking water and supplies due to the lack of potable water and store facilities at Goat Ranch Boat-in Campground.
Based on 3 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Reviews tend to focus on summer camping experiences, with the warm climate making lake activities more enjoyable.
Based on 3 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Fishing can only be described as outstanding at Lake Oroville State Recreation Area." "These sites are boat-in only." "Pretty sure this is the lake I was at with family when an 11-year-old girl in...
Show more
Based on 3 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Specific reviews mention individual campsites #01 through #05, all costing $20 per night and accommodating up to 8 people.
Based on 3 reviews

Accessibility Features

Reviews addressing accessibility features are not provided.
Based on 3 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed at Goat Ranch Boat-in Campground, as confirmed by the description "Pets Allowed: Domestic."
Based on 3 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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