For Immediate Release: 3/17/2016

Lake Oroville SRA – Water Levels, Visitation, And Recreation Returning to Normal

Contact:

Superintendent Aaron Wright

Aaron.Wright@parks.ca.gov

530-538-2200

 

OROVILLE, Calif. — Due to increased precipitation from welcome winter storms, Lake Oroville water levels are up more than 190 feet since the December low point, and most of the launch ramps at the lake are now open. Visitation continues to grow as recreational opportunities are returning to pre-drought levels for all forms of boating.

With water levels near normal, most facility operations resuming, and recreation opportunities abundant, California State Parks will resume previous standard rates for camping and day use fees at Lake Oroville State Recreation Area effective April 1, 2016:

Day-use parking fees: $8

Camping fees:

$35 for standard camping sites in Lime Saddle and Loafer Creek

$45 at Bidwell Canyon and Lime Saddle campgrounds with hook-up sites

Horse Camp Sites:

$45 per night at Loafer Creek Horse camp sites

En-Route Camping:

$20 per night for self-contained recreational vehicles at the North Forebay and Spillway

Floating Campsites: $175

Boat-Use: $5 per day

Some fees had been temporarily reduced in 2015 due to low water levels which impacted recreation opportunities.

State Parks will be working with its concessionaire partners to create additional recreational opportunities in the future. Day use fees will continue to be waived for educational and interpretive programs offered by the Department.

Currently, launch ramps at Lime Saddle, Bidwell Canyon, Spillway, Loafer Creek, Enterprise, and Foreman Creek are all open and usable.

Both Lake Oroville Marina and Bidwell Canyon Marina are open and available to rent a wide variety of vessels and assist the public. We anticipate Dark Canyon, Nelson Bar, Stringtown and Vinton Gulch launch ramps will be open by the summer season.

The South Forebay and Afterbay are also open for power-boating recreation. Launching is available for non-motorized watercraft at the Diversion Pool, below the dam, and the North Forebay west of Highway 70.

The Forebay Aquatic Center will be re-opening in May for additional aquatic recreational opportunities including kayaking, canoeing, paddle-boarding, and rowing.

To confirm public accessibility of Lake Oroville recreational opportunities, call the Lake Oroville Visitor Center at 530-538-2219.

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