Floating Campsites Back at Lake Oroville

Floating campsites have returned to the Lake Oroville State Recreation Area, 25 miles southeast of Chico, Calif., after a 10-year absence.

The campsites are anchored two-tiered structures, 20 feet by 24 feet, that can sleep up to 15 people. They include a table, propane barbecue grill, food locker, handicapped accessible washroom and an upper sundeck/sleeping area. Bring sleeping bags; there are no beds. You need to bring your own boat or rent one to get out to the structures, which are moored well offshore in the 20-mile-long lake.

There are 10 sites, and the cost is $150 on weekday nights and $175 on weekends. “It’s a completely unique experience . . . quiet and cool,” a parks spokesman said. Prototypes were installed about 10 years ago but abandoned due to budget constraints, he added. Also new this summer: 15 sites for horse campers at the lake’s Loafer Creek campground; $16 per night. Reservations: (800) 444-7275.