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Lake Oroville Boating



Lake Oroville Boating

Lake Oroville is best explored by boat. Easy access is provided by several launch ramps around the lake shore, and you can rent boats at the Bidwell or Lake Oroville Marinas.

On this page you'll also find information about boating at the other Lake Oroville SRA areas, including the Afterbay, Forebay and Diversion Pool.

See current lake elevations

 

Marina/Rentals
Boat supplies and rentals are available on the south end of Lake Oroville at Bidwell Marina or on the north end of the lake at the Lake Oroville Marina. You can call Bidwell Marina at 530-589-9175 or the Lake Oroville Marina at 800-255-5561.

The Forebay Aquatic Center, located at the North Forebay off Hwy. 70, rents kayaks, canoes, sailboats, paddleboats, and more. They also offer lessons and youth camps.  Call for more information (530)774-7934.

Launch Ramps
There are several multilane boat launches around Lake Oroville:

Bidwell Canyon

7 lanes from 900 to 850 ft
5 lanes from 850 to 802 ft
4 lanes from 802 to 781 ft
3 lanes from 781 to 735 ft
3 lanes from 745 to 700
3 lanes from 745 to 640 ft

Loafer Creek
8 lanes from 900 to 800 ft
2 lanes from 800 to 775 ft
Spillway Boat Launch12 lanes from 900 to 810 ft
8 lanes from 820 to 726 ft
2 lanes from 726 to 695 ft
1 lane gravel from 695 to 685 ft
Lime Saddle5 lanes from 900 to 853 ft.
4 lanes from 900 to 801 ft
3 lanes from 900 to 762 ft.
2 lanes from 900 to 702 ft.

Enterprise2 lanes from 900 to 750 ft
Car-top Boat LaunchesDark Canyon  to 847 ft.
Nelson Bar  to 854 ft.
Stringtown  to 869 ft.
Vinton Gulch  to 849 ft.
Foreman Creek  to 730 ft.

 

Boating Restrictions

Lake Oroville
Two- and four-stroke motors are allowed on Lake Oroville, as are jet skis, sailboats, houseboats, and kayaks. No-wake zones are strictly enforced, as are no-wake speed limits before and after sunset.

Thermalito Afterbay
Two- and four-stroke motors are allowed on the Thermalito Afterbay, as are jet skis, sailboats, houseboats, and kayaks. No-wake zones are strictly enforced, as are no-wake speed limits before and after sunset.

North Forebay 
Only non-motorized boats are allowed on  the North Forebay.

South Forebay
Motorized boats are allowed on the South Forebay from 8:00am until sunset every day.

Diversion Pool
Only non-motorized boats are allowed on the Diversion Pool.

Note  Boat ramps are closed when the lake level drops to 5 feet above the bottom of the ramp.  Exception:  Stringtown and Dark Canyon Boat ramps may remain open at lower lake levels if deemed safe by the park superintendent.