Loafer Creek Campground

4.21

63 reviews

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

SwimmingSummer Destination

Quick Facts

1,040 ft

Price

$25/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

137 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyShowers

Opens California State Parks site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Quick Facts

1,040 ft

Price

$25/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

137 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyShowers

Opens California State Parks site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Loafer Creek Campground

$25.00 - $25.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Standard campsite rate is $25 per night, with reservable sites available. Additional parking fee of $8 per day per vehicle and boat launch fee of $5...

Standard Site Fee$25.00

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

4.21

Satisfactory

Based on 63 reviews

236 Google reviews

Most mentioned

viewscleanshowersstaff

Some mention

noisemosquitoes

"The campground receives mixed reviews, with positive feedback on cleanliness, amenities, and peaceful surroundings. Some negative comments focus on pricing, lack of privacy in group sites, and occasional staff behavior."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

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

Loafer Creek Campground

Loafer Creek Road (off Hwy 162), 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 Loafer Creek Road and turn left into the park.

The campground is accessible via paved roads throughout the area. Seasonal closures are not specified, but challenging terrain is not anticipated based on official descriptions.

Nearby places

Oroville - approximately 6 miles (15 minutes)

Chico - approximately 30 miles (35 minutes)

Sacramento - approximately 75 miles (90 minutes).

Nearby supplies

Groceries and supplies are available at stores in Oroville, approximately 6 miles away. Fuel can also be purchased near the area.

Best Time to Camp at Loafer Creek Campground

Experience the best of California's Mediterranean climate at Loafer Creek, where each season paints the landscape in different hues. Summer transforms the campground into a sun-drenched paradise, with temperatures dancing between the comfortable low 80s and the adventure-inducing low 100s—perfect for lake activities and evening campfire gatherings. Spring and fall arrive as gentle intermissions, offering mild days ideal for hiking and cool evenings that call for cozy sweaters and stargazing. Winter brings its own quiet charm, with crisp temperatures ranging from the 30s to mid-50s, creating perfect conditions for peaceful retreats and witnessing the landscape's subtle transformation.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.5 / 5

Top 14% in CA

Summer: full lake, swim beach (lifeguards), boating and high recreation use.

Fall(Sep-Nov)

3.5 / 5

Open year-round; fall offers milder weather but fewer specifics on special attractions.

Spring(Mar-May)

4.0 / 5

Spring highlighted as ideal with fuller lake levels enhancing recreation.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

2.5 / 5

Campground open year-round but winter sees fewer visitors due to cooler temps and reduced lake activity.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: Peak season dates are not explicitly mentioned.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: The campground is open year-round.
Current Alerts: Certain trails are closed due to the Thompson Fire as of July 2024.

About Loafer Creek Campground

Welcome to Loafer Creek Campground, a sprawling outdoor haven nestled within Lake Oroville State Recreation Area. With 137 thoughtfully designed campsites, this expansive retreat welcomes everyone from tent campers seeking simplicity to RV adventurers navigating the scenic byways in motorhomes up to 40 feet. Modern comforts blend seamlessly with nature here—refresh yourself in token-operated hot showers after a day of exploration, utilize convenient flushing toilets and laundry facilities, and fill your water bottles at drinking fountains scattered throughout the grounds. When you're ready to launch your next aquatic adventure, a boat ramp awaits just moments away.

Loafer Creek Campground accommodates various camping styles, including tent camping, RV camping, group camping, and horse camping. Primitive sites and floating campsites are not explicitly mentioned.

Historical SignificanceCamp where history runs deep beneath the sparkling waters of Lake Oroville. This land once echoed with the footsteps of the Northwest Maidu people, who called these rolling hills home for countless generations. Later, the thunderous Gold Rush transformed the region, bringing fortune seekers who established bustling mining towns along the waterways. Today, some of these historic settlements rest silently beneath the lake's surface, submerged when the impressive Oroville Dam was constructed. Each sunset over the water whispers tales of the past, connecting modern adventurers to the rich tapestry of California's heritage.

Weather and SeasonsExperience the best of California's Mediterranean climate at Loafer Creek, where each season paints the landscape in different hues. Summer transforms the campground into a sun-drenched paradise, with temperatures dancing between the comfortable low 80s and the adventure-inducing low 100s—perfect for lake activities and evening campfire gatherings. Spring and fall arrive as gentle intermissions, offering mild days ideal for hiking and cool evenings that call for cozy sweaters and stargazing. Winter brings its own quiet charm, with crisp temperatures ranging from the 30s to mid-50s, creating perfect conditions for peaceful retreats and witnessing the landscape's subtle transformation.

ElevationPerched at a comfortable elevation in the Sierra Nevada foothills, Loafer Creek Campground offers the perfect balance of accessibility and mountain atmosphere, though specific elevation details await your personal discovery upon arrival.

Natural Features and SceneryImmerse yourself in the captivating beauty of Northern California's chaparral oak-pine belt, where Loafer Creek Campground serves as your gateway to natural splendor. Majestic oaks spread their ancient branches overhead, creating dappled shade that dances across your campsite, while stately pines perfume the air with their distinctive fragrance. The shimmering expanse of Lake Oroville beckons from nearby, its waters reflecting the surrounding Sierra Nevada foothills in an ever-changing canvas of blues and greens. This diverse ecosystem creates a photographer's paradise and a naturalist's dream, where every trail promises new discoveries and every viewpoint reveals another breathtaking vista.

Geological RegionDiscover the geological wonders of the northern Mother Lode Country, where Loafer Creek Campground sits proudly within the distinctive chaparral oak-pine belt. This unique ecological zone represents the meeting point of valley and mountain, where the Sierra Nevada foothills begin their majestic rise from the Central Valley floor. The landscape tells a story millions of years in the making, shaped by volcanic activity, gold-bearing quartz veins, and the persistent forces of wind and water that carved these rolling hills and hidden valleys.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

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Reserving a campsite

Check-in

Check-in starts at 2:00 PM.

Check-out

Check-out is at 12:00 PM.

Stay Limit

Maximum stay of 7 consecutive nights.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Up to 8 guests per campsite.

Groups

Group sites accommodate up to 25 persons per site, with a limit of eight vehicles. Larger groups can reserve multiple sites.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutCampsites are spread across loops, with equestrian, group, and standard camping areas.

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via ReserveCalifornia.com.

Walk-in AvailabilityWalk-up availability is not clearly detailed, though some sites may operate on a first-come, first-served basis.

Cancellation PolicyCancellation policies are not explicitly stated in the source materials.

AccessibilityCampground restrooms, showers, and horse-related facilities are accessible. Some campsites are noted for partial privacy and shaded areas.

Site SizeStandard campsites accommodate trailers up to 31 feet and motorhomes up to 40 feet. Horse camp sites include pipe corrals.

PrivacyMixed reviews on campsite privacy—group camping areas lack privacy, while individual campsites offer partial privacy due to shaded areas.

Total Campsites137 campsites

Recommended SitesUser review recommends avoiding spot LH07 due to uneven ground for tent camping.

Amenities available

Showers

Potable water

Flush toilets

Dump station

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Activities you can enjoy

Loafer Creek Campground provides access to a variety of recreational activities, including hiking, horseback riding, fishing, and swimming. Trails are available for exploration, with options for equestrian use. The campground also features educational programs and a seasonal swim beach.

HikingHiking trails such as the Loafer Creek Loop (17.5 miles) and Roy Rodgers Trail are available. Some trails are rugged and poorly marked, requiring navigation skills, water, and preparation.

FishingFishing is available year-round, with species like largemouth and smallmouth bass, catfish, salmon, and trout. A California sport fishing license is required.

SwimmingA seasonal swim beach is located within the Loafer Creek area. Lifeguard service is provided seasonally, and children must be supervised while swimming.

BikingMulti-use trails accommodate biking, although detailed descriptions of terrain and difficulty levels are missing.

BoatingBoating is permitted, with facilities such as launch ramps available. Overnight boating requires self-contained sanitary facilities.

Wildlife viewingWildlife such as deer, wild turkeys, and mountain lions can be observed in the area. Some reviewers appreciated the abundance of wildlife during their stay.

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPotential hazards include rattlesnakes and abundant mosquitoes.

Active AlertsCertain trails are closed due to the Thompson Fire as of July 2024.

Fire PolicyFires are permitted only in designated fire rings and barbecues within campsites.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are not explicitly mentioned in the source materials.

Emergency ServicesNorthern Buttes District HQ, 400 Glen Dr, Oroville, CA 95966 (530) 538-2200; Oroville Hospital, 2767 Olive Hwy, Oroville, CA 95966.

Trash & RecyclingTrash bins are available throughout the campground. Recycling information is not explicitly stated.

Water FeaturesLocated near Lake Oroville; some sites offer views of the lake, and a launch ramp is nearby for boating access.

Camp HostCamp hosts are mentioned in several reviews as helpful and polite, although no specific contact information is provided.

Weather at Loafer Creek Campground

Reviews

4.2

63 reviews

Satisfactory

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

The campground receives mixed reviews, with positive feedback on cleanliness, amenities, and peaceful surroundings. Some negative comments focus on pricing, lack of privacy in group sites, and occasional staff behavior.

Review Summaries

Based on 63 reviews

What Campers Love

Clean bathrooms and showers, well-maintained campsites, friendly staff, scenic views, and abundant wildlife.

Based on 63 reviews

Common Concerns

High fees for parking and boat launches, lack of privacy in group camping areas, inconsistent ranger behavior, and poor trail markings.

Based on 63 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring tokens for showers, adequate bug repellent for mosquitoes, and navigation tools for trails. Avoid site LH07 for tent camping due to uneven ground.

Based on 63 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Spring and summer are ideal for camping, with full lake levels enhancing recreational opportunities. Winter sees fewer visitors due to cooler temperatures.

Based on 63 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. "Bathrooms are clean and campsites are well-maintained. It was beautiful and peaceful." - Patti n pups 2. "Clean bathrooms. Well lit at night. Horse pens a bit small, but can turn out in round...

Based on 63 reviews