Loafer Creek Campground
4.2163 reviewsLoafer Creek Road (off Hwy 162), Oroville, CA 95966
Loafer Creek Campground
$25.00 - $25.00 / night
Campsite Fees
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
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 per day apply.
About this 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.
Campsite details
AccessibilityCampground restrooms, showers, and horse-related facilities are accessible. Some campsites are noted for partial privacy and shaded areas.
Sites SizeStandard campsites accommodate trailers up to 31 feet and motorhomes up to 40 feet. Horse camp sites include pipe corrals.
Sites PrivacyMixed reviews on campsite privacy—group camping areas lack privacy, while individual campsites offer partial privacy due to shaded areas.
Total Campsites137 campsites
Recommended CampsitesUser review recommends avoiding spot LH07 due to uneven ground for tent camping.
Best CampsitesSpecific campsite numbers are not rated or mentioned.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Check-in starts at 2:00 PM.
Check-out
Check-out is at 12:00 PM.
Stay Limit
Stay limits are not clearly defined.
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 are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutCampsites are spread across loops, with equestrian, group, and standard camping areas.
Open and Closed SeasonThe campground is open year-round.
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.
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
Showers
Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Dump station
Firewood available
Flush toilets
Laundry Facilities
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.
Hiking
Hiking 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.Fishing
Fishing is available year-round, with species like largemouth and smallmouth bass, catfish, salmon, and trout. A California sport fishing license is required.Swimming
A seasonal swim beach is located within the Loafer Creek area. Lifeguard service is provided seasonally, and children must be supervised while swimming.Biking
Multi-use trails accommodate biking, although detailed descriptions of terrain and difficulty levels are missing.Boating
Boating is permitted, with facilities such as launch ramps available. Overnight boating requires self-contained sanitary facilities.Wildlife viewing
Wildlife such as deer, wild turkeys, and mountain lions can be observed in the area. Some reviewers appreciated the abundance of wildlife during their stay.Cultural and Educational Programs
Educational programs, including campfire talks and marshmallow roasting for children, occur on Saturdays.Winter Activities
Winter camping and observing wildlife are possible during cooler months, though no specific winter sports are mentioned.Water Sports
Kayaking and canoeing options are available, though reviewers noted a lack of convenient launch points.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Fires are permitted only in designated fire rings and barbecues within campsites.
- Quiet hours are not explicitly mentioned in the source materials.
Hazards
General hazardsPotential hazards include rattlesnakes and abundant mosquitoes.
Active alertsCertain trails are closed due to the Thompson Fire as of July 2024.
Weather forecast
97
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 23%
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
Northern Buttes District HQ, 400 Glen Dr, Oroville, CA 95966 (530) 538-2200; Oroville Hospital, 2767 Olive Hwy, Oroville, CA 95966.
Good to know
Peak season datesPeak season dates are not explicitly mentioned.
Trash and recyclingTrash bins are available throughout the campground. Recycling information is not explicitly stated.
Proximity to water featuresLocated near Lake Oroville; some sites offer views of the lake, and a launch ramp is nearby for boating access.
Common complaintsSome reviews criticize high costs, limited privacy between campsites, and noise from nearby highways. Mosquitoes are abundant in summer.
HostCamp hosts are mentioned in several reviews as helpful and polite, although no specific contact information is provided.
Campground Map
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.
Camper Reviews
4.2
63 reviews
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 reviewsCommon 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 reviewsPro 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 reviewsSeasonal 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 reviewsCamper 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 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Site #57 was noted for having a friendly cat. Site LH07 is not recommended for tent camping due to uneven ground.
Based on 63 reviewsAccessibility Features
Accessible facilities were praised, particularly bathrooms and horse pens. Some trails were noted as poorly marked, requiring preparation.
Based on 63 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pets are allowed, though prickers and lack of designated areas for swimming and playing were noted as drawbacks.
Based on 63 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025