Craig Saddle Boat-in Campground
4.2163 reviewsCraig Saddle Boat-in Campground
$35.00 - $35.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$35.00
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
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.
About this campground
Escape the crowds and discover your own private paradise at Craig Saddle Boat-in Campground, where the only way in is across the shimmering waters of Lake Oroville. This secluded haven within the Lake Oroville State Recreation Area offers adventurous campers a truly unique experience – your own waterfront campsite accessible only by boat. Each thoughtfully positioned site comes equipped with a picnic table and grill for lakeside dining, while shared pit toilets provide basic amenities without compromising the wilderness feel. Wake up to breathtaking lake views, spend your days exploring hidden coves, and fall asleep to the gentle lapping of waves against the shore.
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 SignificanceBeneath the tranquil waters of Lake Oroville lies a fascinating tapestry of California history. These lands were once home to the Northwest Maidu people, who lived in harmony with the natural rhythms of the Feather River for thousands of years. When gold fever struck in the 1850s, prospectors flooded the region, establishing bustling mining towns along the riverbanks. Today, these ghostly settlements sleep beneath the lake's surface, their stories preserved in the memories of old-timers and the occasional artifact that washes ashore. As you paddle these waters, you're floating above a submerged museum of California's transformation from indigenous homeland to Gold Rush frontier.
Weather and SeasonsExperience the best of Northern California's Mediterranean climate at Craig Saddle, where each season paints the landscape in different hues. Summer transforms the campground into a sun-soaked playground with temperatures climbing to a toasty 85-100°F during the day – perfect for swimming and water sports – before cooling to a comfortable 60-70°F for peaceful evenings under the stars. Winter brings a gentler mood to the lake, with mild days ranging from 30-50°F and the possibility of dramatic storms that deliver between 26-60 inches of rain annually, keeping the reservoir full and the surrounding hills emerald green.
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 SceneryCraig Saddle showcases Northern California's stunning ecological diversity, where golden hillsides dotted with blue oaks give way to dense stands of gray pine and manzanita. The campground's waterfront location provides front-row seats to nature's daily performances – watch osprey dive for fish at dawn, spot black-tailed deer coming to drink at dusk, and listen to the evening chorus of tree frogs and great horned owls. The surrounding chaparral blooms with wildflowers in spring, while the lake itself serves as a mirror reflecting the changing moods of sky and season.
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.
Campsite details
AccessibilityAccessibility features for campers with disabilities are not explicitly mentioned for this campground.
Sites SizeSites are described as lakefront with a length of 40 feet, offering partial shade.
Sites PrivacyThe sites do not provide significant privacy, as noted in user reviews.
Total Campsites26 campsites
Recommended CampsitesSites closer to the water are recommended for easier access to boating and swimming.
Best CampsitesSpecific site preferences are not listed, but all sites are boat-in and offer similar amenities.
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 are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutCampsites are boat-access-only and spread along a lakeside area with shared facilities like pit toilets.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen year-round; however, access may be affected by lake levels and seasonal fire restrictions.
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.
Accomodation available
GroupGroup campsites are offered for larger parties such as families, schools, or organizations. These sites provide space and facilities to accommodate multiple people camping together.
Amenities available
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Firewood available
Vault toilets
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
Lake Oroville supports fishing for various species, including rainbow trout, bass, and catfish. A California sport fishing license is required.Boating
Boating is a key activity for Craig Saddle Boat-in Campground, as these campsites are accessible only by boat.Wildlife viewing
The Lake Oroville area has abundant wildlife, including deer, turkeys, and squirrels. User reviews mention wildlife sightings such as squirrels playing.Cultural and Educational Programs
Educational programs are available around Lake Oroville but not specifically mentioned for Craig Saddle Boat-in Campground.Winter Activities
Winter activities for Craig Saddle Boat-in Campground are not specified.Water Sports
Non-motorized water sports such as kayaking and canoeing are mentioned in the broader Lake Oroville SRA context but not specifically for Craig Saddle Boat-in Campground.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Fires are only permitted in designated fire rings or grills. During summer months, fire restrictions may apply.
Hazards
General hazardsPotential dangers include encounters with wildlife like bears and snakes, as well as hazards related to boating like floating debris.
Active alertsAs of the latest updates, some trails near the lake are closed due to fire damage, but the campground remains open.
Weather forecast
98
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 22%
Very dry conditions, stay hydrated
Wind: 7.3 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Clear sky
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
Emergency 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.
Good to know
Peak season datesPeak season is generally late spring to Labor Day, with summer months being especially busy.
Trash and recyclingTrash facilities are available, but recycling services are not mentioned.
Proximity to water featuresThe campground is lakefront, providing direct access to Lake Oroville.
Common complaintsVisitors have noted mosquitoes as a recurring issue. Some user reviews also mention occasional noise from nearby traffic and lack of privacy in campsites.
HostHost information is not specified for this campground.
Campground Map
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.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.
Camper Reviews
4.2
63 reviews
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 63 reviews
What Campers Love
Users appreciated the clean facilities, scenic lakefront views, and opportunities for boating and wildlife viewing.
Based on 63 reviewsCommon Concerns
Complaints include high fees, lack of privacy, mosquitoes, and limited amenities such as drinking water and showers.
Based on 63 reviewsPro 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 63 reviewsSeasonal Insights
Spring is preferred for camping due to pleasant weather and high water levels in the lake, enhancing boating and fishing opportunities.
Based on 63 reviewsCamper 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 63 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Site-specific details are sparse, but users note general cleanliness and a lack of privacy at sites.
Based on 63 reviewsAccessibility Features
Accessibility reviews for Craig Saddle Boat-in Campground are null, as no specific information is provided.
Based on 63 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pets are allowed, and users mention interactions with wildlife and pets at the campground.
Based on 63 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025