Floating Sites

Lake Oroville has a selection of bike trails ranging in difficulty. Whether you are a mountain biking enthusiast or just trying out a new sport, exploring the lake by bike can make for quite the adventure!

The 300-acre North Thermalito Forebay is reserved exclusively for non-motorized watercraft such as, canoes, sailboats and kayaks. The South Forebay area is mainly used for power-boating and fishing (also a popular spot for water-skiing/wakeboarding) and features a launch ramp. One thing to keep in mind; overnight boating is permitted, but your boat must have self-contained sanitary facilities, which must be sealed. If you’re overnight camping while boating, make sure you get a boat-in campsite! For boat rentals check out Lake Oroville Rentals or Invert Sports . Calm water creates the ultimate environment for wakeboarding and waterskiing. This lake is also a great spot since there are separate areas reserved for motorized and nonmotorized activities. Plus, who doesn’t love a lake day?

For all you anglers, there are all sorts of fish to be caught here, including Large Mouth Bass, catfish, salmon, and Rainbow and German-Brown Trout. However, you must possess a California sports fishing license . If you’re fishing via boat, then make sure you’re doing it in the North and South Forebays. Just remember, only non-motorized boats allowed in the North. We’d also suggest going to the visitor center to check any “slot limits” (usually just for the Black Bass) and reading the latest fishing reports.

Lake Oroville is a water lover’s paradise, but there is plenty to do on the land as well. Currently there is a massive trail building program taking place at Lake Oroville, this is good for you. What used to be just 9 miles of trails is now over 50! The hiking is usually fairly mellow, but there’s lots to see (including waterfalls). We recommend checking out the Potter Ravine loop (which will lead you to the massive dam) or Table Mountain (which includes waterfalls). Check out both hikes here.

For all you budding equestrians out there, horseback riding is most definitely permitted. You can even go on guided horseback trail rides ! Another cool idea is to go horseback camping. There are horse campgrounds throughout the park such as Loafer Creek Horse Campground.

Lake Oroville is the ideal spot to take your kayak or canoe out for a spin. With large stretches of wooded scenery and warm water temperatures, you won’t want to miss out.

Lake Oroville is an ideal windsurfing and kitesurfing environment because there is a large part of the lake (The North Forebay) reserved for non-motorized activities (read: you).

It’s a beautiful lake, why not get a little wet? If you’re game, then make sure you go to the Loafer Creek area or North Forebay, as they are the only designated swimming areas. No lifeguards on duty, so be mindful and swim at your own risk.

Who doesn’t like to watch a little wildlife from time to time? Lake Oroville happens to have an abundance of our furry friends which include raccoons, turkeys, opossums, coyotes, tree and ground squirrels, rabbits, deer, skunks, ringtails, and bears (oh my). Lake Oroville is also a popular spot for bird watching. You will find many native species around the lake area. You can learn more about bird watching in the area here.