Loafer Creek Horse Campground

4.21

63 reviews

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

Summer Destination

Quick Facts

994 ft

Price

$25 - $45/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

15 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

994 ft

Price

$25 - $45/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

15 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 Horse Campground

$25.00 - $45.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Standard campsite rates range from $25 to $45 per night depending on site type. Horse campsites include additional amenities for horses, priced at...

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

cleanshowersrestroomshiking

Some mention

noiseexpensive

"Reviews highlight the campground's cleanliness, accessibility, and equestrian-friendly features. However, concerns about privacy, site proximity, and mosquitoes are noted. Seasonal variations influence the camping experience, with recommendations for spring visits."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

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

Loafer Creek Horse Campground

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

Driving directionsFrom Highway 70, go east on Highway 162 (Oroville Dam Blvd.). Continue on Highway 162, turning right at Olive Hwy., proceed approximately 6 miles on Olive Highway to Kelly Ridge Road. Turn left and Kelly Ridge Road ends in the Visitor Center parking lot.

Accessible via paved highways and roads. Seasonal closures may apply during extreme weather conditions.

Nearby places

Oroville (approximately 10 miles, 15 min), Chico (approximately 28 miles, 40 min).

Nearby supplies

Kelly Ridge Store in Oroville for basic camping supplies, groceries, and essentials. Nearby Bidwell Marina offers bait, apparel, camping gear, food, and propane services.

Best Time to Camp at Loafer Creek Horse Campground

Experience the best of California's Mediterranean climate throughout the year at Loafer Creek. Summer days bring warm, golden sunshine with temperatures climbing into the 80s and occasionally soaring past 100°F—perfect for early morning rides and lazy afternoon siestas. Spring and fall offer ideal conditions with comfortable temperatures in the 60s and 70s, painting the landscape in wildflowers or autumn hues. Winter transforms the campground into a peaceful retreat with crisp air and temperatures ranging from the 30s to 50s. Annual rainfall varies dramatically with elevation, from a modest 26 inches in the valleys to an abundant 60 inches in the higher reaches, keeping the landscape lush and streams flowing.

Summer(Jun-Aug)

2.5 / 5

Summer brings high heat and peak crowds; some lake/swim areas may be closed during droughts.

Fall(Sep-Nov)

3.5 / 5

Milder temperatures and fewer crowds make fall generally pleasant (no specific issues noted).

Best

Spring(Mar-May)

4.5 / 5

Top 7% in CA

Spring cited as ideal: mild weather, vibrant flora and strong seasonal reviews recommending spring visits.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

3.0 / 5

Open year‑round; cooler temperatures but no winter activities; quieter season likely.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: Late spring through Labor Day weekend sees the highest visitation.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open year-round. Seasonal considerations regarding extreme heat in summer and cooler temperatures in winter.
Current Alerts: Active fire advisories may occasionally close parts of Lake Oroville SRA trails (e.g., Brad Freeman Trail). Check updates before arrival.

About Loafer Creek Horse Campground

Saddle up for an unforgettable adventure at Loafer Creek Horse Campground, where the spirit of the Old West meets modern comfort. This thoughtfully designed equestrian paradise welcomes riders and their trusty steeds with premium amenities including spacious corrals, convenient horse washing stations, and sturdy hitching posts. While tailored for the equestrian experience, the campground's natural beauty and recreational opportunities make it a perfect basecamp for all outdoor enthusiasts seeking to explore Northern California's stunning Sierra foothills.

Loafer Creek Horse Campground specializes in equestrian camping and also offers tent and group camping options.

Historical SignificanceStep into a landscape rich with stories at Loafer Creek, where centuries of history converge. These rolling hills once echoed with the footsteps of the Maidu people, who called this region home for thousands of years before European settlement. The California Gold Rush transformed these quiet valleys into bustling corridors of fortune seekers, leaving behind tales of triumph and hardship etched into the very soil. Today, the campground sits within the greater Lake Oroville ecosystem, a testament to human ingenuity created by the completion of the mighty Oroville Dam—a modern chapter in this land's ever-evolving story.

Weather and SeasonsExperience the best of California's Mediterranean climate throughout the year at Loafer Creek. Summer days bring warm, golden sunshine with temperatures climbing into the 80s and occasionally soaring past 100°F—perfect for early morning rides and lazy afternoon siestas. Spring and fall offer ideal conditions with comfortable temperatures in the 60s and 70s, painting the landscape in wildflowers or autumn hues. Winter transforms the campground into a peaceful retreat with crisp air and temperatures ranging from the 30s to 50s. Annual rainfall varies dramatically with elevation, from a modest 26 inches in the valleys to an abundant 60 inches in the higher reaches, keeping the landscape lush and streams flowing.

ElevationPerched in the gentle embrace of the Sierra Nevada foothills, Loafer Creek offers the perfect elevation for year-round camping adventures. This sweet spot in the foothills provides cooler temperatures than the valley floor while remaining accessible throughout the seasons, creating an ideal environment for both horses and riders to explore the varied terrain that makes this region so beloved.

Natural Features and SceneryDiscover a landscape where nature's diversity unfolds at every turn. Loafer Creek Campground rests in the enchanting chaparral-oak-pine belt, where majestic oaks spread their ancient branches to create cool, shaded groves perfect for afternoon respites. Open meadows invite exploration while aromatic pines perfume the air with their distinctive scent. Keep your eyes peeled for the abundant wildlife that calls this area home—graceful deer browsing at dawn, wild turkeys strutting through camp, and for the lucky observer, the elusive mountain lion padding silently through the shadows. This dynamic ecosystem provides endless opportunities for wildlife watching and nature photography.

Geological RegionWelcome to the heart of Northern California's legendary Mother Lode region, where the chaparral-oak-pine belt creates a stunning tapestry of ecosystems. Loafer Creek Campground sits adjacent to the sparkling waters of Lake Oroville, a magnificent man-made reservoir born from the construction of Oroville Dam. This unique geological setting combines the rugged beauty of ancient foothills with the serene waters of one of California's largest reservoirs, offering visitors a diverse playground of terrestrial and aquatic adventures. The varied topography tells the story of millions of years of geological activity, from volcanic upheavals to the patient work of rivers carving through stone.

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

Maximum stay of 30 consecutive nights.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Maximum occupancy per individual campsite is 8 guests.

Groups

Group sites can accommodate up to 25 people per site, with a limit of eight vehicles per group site.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutCampsites are arranged in loops with specific equestrian facilities within the horse camp.

Reservation PlatformsReservations available through www.ReserveCalifornia.com or by phone at 800-444-7275.

Walk-in AvailabilityLimited walk-up availability. Sites fill quickly during peak season. Temporary 10-minute passes may be issued for site inspection.

Cancellation PolicyReservations can be canceled through ReserveCalifornia.com. Refunds may vary depending on cancellation timing.

AccessibilityADA-accessible showers and bathrooms are available, as well as other accessibility improvements throughout the campground.

Site SizeSites can accommodate trailers or campers up to 40 feet in length.

PrivacyPrivacy at campsites varies, with some campers noting limited privacy due to site proximity.

Total Campsites15 campsites

Recommended SitesTent campers should avoid LH07 due to uneven ground. Horse campers should ensure proper water and direction awareness on rugged trails.

Amenities available

Showers

Potable water

Flush toilets

Dump station

Fire rings

Firewood available

Activities you can enjoy

The campground offers a variety of activities including horseback riding, hiking, wildlife viewing, and equestrian-focused experiences. Some trails are rugged and poorly marked, making preparation essential.

HikingSeveral trails are accessible, including the Loafer Creek Loop (17.5 miles, rugged terrain) and Roy Rogers Trail (more enjoyable). Trails are described as poorly marked, requiring good navigation skills.

FishingFishing is available with species including largemouth bass, chinook salmon, and brown trout. A California sport fishing license is required.

SwimmingLoafer Creek has a seasonal swim beach, but swimming areas may not always be operational due to water levels.

BoatingBoating is permitted; boat launch ramp access is available at the campground. Boats must have self-contained sanitary facilities for overnight use.

Wildlife viewingWildlife such as deer and wild turkeys is abundant, with frequent sightings of squirrels and other local fauna.

Cultural and Educational ProgramsCampfire programs, including storytelling and marshmallow roasting, are available on Saturdays during certain seasons.

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsRattlesnakes, mosquitoes, and ticks are common in this area. Extreme heat during summer months may pose risks.

Active AlertsActive fire advisories may occasionally close parts of Lake Oroville SRA trails (e.g., Brad Freeman Trail). Check updates before arrival.

Fire PolicyFires allowed only in designated grills/fire rings. Strict monitoring during burn bans.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours strictly enforced from 10:00 PM to 6:00 AM.

Emergency ServicesNorthern Buttes District HQ (400 Glen Dr, Oroville, CA 95966, Phone: 530-538-2200). Oroville Hospital (2767 Olive Hwy, Oroville, CA 95966, Phone: 530-533-8500).

Trash & RecyclingTrash bins are provided, but no specific locations or recycling facilities were mentioned.

Water FeaturesNear Lake Oroville, but no direct water hookup at campsites. Seasonal beach and picnic areas nearby.

Camp HostCamp hosts available; sell firewood and assist visitors with campsite needs.

Weather at Loafer Creek Horse Campground

Reviews

4.2

63 reviews

Satisfactory

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

Reviews highlight the campground's cleanliness, accessibility, and equestrian-friendly features. However, concerns about privacy, site proximity, and mosquitoes are noted. Seasonal variations influence the camping experience, with recommendations for spring visits.

Review Summaries

Based on 63 reviews

What Campers Love

Campers appreciate clean and well-maintained facilities, including restrooms and showers. "Great facilities and riding/hiking trails," one user commented. "The equestrian campsite is a gem," noted...

Based on 63 reviews

Common Concerns

Complaints include poorly marked trails, mosquito abundance, and lack of privacy. "Trails are poorly marked at splits and intersections," remarked one user. Another noted the excessive noise and lack...

Based on 63 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Users recommend bringing mosquito protection, tokens for showers, and water for long trail rides. "Recommended riding with water and having a very good sense of direction," a review emphasized.

Based on 63 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Spring is considered ideal for camping due to mild weather and vibrant flora. Summer experiences high temperatures, necessitating adequate shade and hydration planning.

Based on 63 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Bathrooms are clean and campsites are well maintained," noted Patti n pups. "The equestrian campsite is a gem," commented Danjel Bout. "Way too expensive," lamented C L.

Based on 63 reviews