Goat Ranch Boat-in Campground
01 reviewGoat Ranch Boat-in Campground
$20.00 - $20.00 / night
Campsite Fees
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
Fees for Goat Ranch Boat-in Campsites are $20 per night, per site. Sites are non-site-specific and must be accessed by boat.
About this 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.
Historical SignificanceThese waters hold stories spanning millennia. Long before boats navigated Lake Oroville, the Northwest Maidu people called this land home, living in harmony with its natural rhythms. The California Gold Rush later transformed the region, bringing fortune seekers who established bustling mining towns along these valleys. Today, beneath the lake's surface lie ghostly remnants of these settlements—silent witnesses to California's dramatic transformation, now providing habitat for fish instead of fortune hunters.
Weather and SeasonsFour 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.
ElevationPerched along Lake Oroville's ever-changing shoreline, the campground rises and falls with the reservoir's seasonal moods. This dynamic elevation creates an evolving landscape where your waterfront view transforms throughout the year, sometimes revealing hidden coves and beaches as water levels fluctuate with California's wet and dry cycles.
Natural Features and SceneryImmerse yourself in a landscape where golden California chaparral meets emerald oak-pine forests, all reflected in Lake Oroville's mirror-like surface. This diverse ecosystem creates a natural amphitheater where deer emerge at dusk to drink from the shore, raccoons investigate campsites with curious intelligence, and native birds fill the air with morning songs. The interplay of forest and water creates countless photographic moments, from misty sunrises to fiery sunsets painting the lake in brilliant oranges and purples.
Geological RegionNestled in the heart of northern California's famed Mother Lode Country, the campground occupies a unique position where chaparral, oak, and pine ecosystems converge. This remarkable setting exists thanks to Lake Oroville itself—a testament to human engineering created by the nation's tallest earth-filled dam. The surrounding terrain tells a geological story millions of years in the making, where ancient volcanic activity and gold-bearing quartz veins shaped the very foundations of California's most legendary landscapes.
Campsite details
AccessibilityAccessibility details for campers with disabilities are not specified.
Sites SizeEach campsite is 40 feet long.
Sites PrivacySites offer partial privacy, with partial shade available.
Total Campsites26 campsites
Recommended CampsitesChoose sites closer to shaded areas for relief from high summer temperatures.
Best CampsitesNo specific site numbers are highlighted as superior.
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 is limited to 14 consecutive nights.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Each site allows up to 8 occupants.
Groups
Group camping accommodations are not specifically mentioned for Goat Ranch Boat-in Campground.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutThe campground consists of 26 non-site-specific campsites along the lakefront, accessible only by boat.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen year-round.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via ReserveCalifornia.com or by calling the Northern Buttes District HQ.
Walk-in AvailabilitySites are first-come, first-served and do not allow reservations for specific site numbers.
Cancellation PolicyCancellation policies are coordinated through ReserveCalifornia.com. Specific deadlines and penalties are not mentioned.
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.
Fishing
Fishing is permitted and described as exceptional, with species like largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, Chinook salmon, catfish, and trout found in abundance.Boating
Boating 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 viewing
Wildlife viewing opportunities are abundant, with potential sightings of mountain lions, turkeys, deer, and native birds.Winter Activities
Winter activities at Lake Oroville typically include fishing, wildlife viewing, and exploring the surrounding area, but no specific winter activities are mentioned for Goat Ranch Boat-in Campground.Water Sports
Water sports such as kayaking, canoeing, and paddleboarding are implied through boating activities but not explicitly stated for Goat Ranch Boat-in Campground.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Campfires allowed only in designated fire rings or grills. Extreme fire hazard conditions may restrict usage during summer months.
- Quiet hours are typically enforced from 10:00 PM to 6:00 AM.
Hazards
General hazardsPotential 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.
Weather forecast
99
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 21%
Very dry conditions, stay hydrated
Wind: 6.8 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 responses can be coordinated through the Northern Buttes District HQ (400 Glen Dr, Oroville, CA 95966, Phone: (530) 538-2200). The nearest hospital is Oroville Hospital, located approximately 7 miles away.
Good to know
Peak season datesPeak season pricing and availability may vary, but the campground is open year-round.
Trash and recyclingGarbage cans are provided at the campsite, but there is no mention of recycling facilities.
Proximity to water featuresAll sites are lakefront with direct access to Lake Oroville.
Common complaintsUsers occasionally report limited amenities such as lack of running water or food storage lockers.
Campground Map
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.
Camper Reviews
0.0
1 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 1 reviews
What Campers Love
Positive aspects include the lakefront setting, opportunities for fishing, and the unique boat-in camping experience.
Based on 1 reviewsCommon Concerns
Complaints revolve around the lack of potable water and flush toilets, with pit toilets being the only available option.
Based on 1 reviewsPro 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 1 reviewsSeasonal Insights
Reviews tend to focus on summer camping experiences, with the warm climate making lake activities more enjoyable.
Based on 1 reviewsCamper 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...
Based on 1 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Specific reviews mention individual campsites #01 through #05, all costing $20 per night and accommodating up to 8 people.
Based on 1 reviewsAccessibility Features
Reviews addressing accessibility features are not provided.
Based on 1 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pets are allowed at Goat Ranch Boat-in Campground, as confirmed by the description "Pets Allowed: Domestic."
Based on 1 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025