Oroville Lake Boat Ramps: When Will Boaters Be Back?

Boat ramps on Lake Oroville have been subject to frequent changes over the past few years due to fluctuating water levels. In 2023, the lake reached full capacity for the first time since 2019, causing the closure of some ramps and parking lots, including the Nelson Bar boat ramp and parking lot. However, new infrastructure projects, such as the Loafer Point Stage II Boat Ramp extension, have improved access and provided additional low-water launch points. As of 2024, it seems that most boat ramps are open, with the exception of the old Loafer Creek Ramp and the Dark Canyon boat ramp.

The Nelson Bar boat ramp and parking lot are closed due to high water levels

The good news is that the Nelson Bar parking lot and ramp will reopen when the water recedes below 891 feet. In the meantime, a small lot is open just uphill from the main parking lot from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. All standard boat launches are set to remain open, including Bidwell Canyon, the Spillway launch ramp, Loafer Creek, Loafer Point, Lime Saddle, and Enterprise.

Lake Oroville's boat ramps are subject to change due to water levels. The lake's level has been steadily rising, reaching full capacity in the spring of 2023 for the first time since 2019. This is a welcome sight, as the previous three years of drought left many boaters disappointed. The DWR took advantage of the low lake levels during this period to improve access by extending a boat ramp facility within the Loafer Creek Recreation Area. The new Loafer Point Stage II Boat Ramp now offers three lanes of lake access down to a 675-foot elevation and includes a lighted parking area for 97 vehicle-trailer combos.

The DWR has been proactive in ensuring continued recreation access to Lake Oroville for community members and visitors during low water or drought periods. Their multi-year construction of the Loafer Point facilities is the largest single recreation facility build-out at Lake Oroville in the past 50 years. Visitors can now set off on the water a short distance from the parking lot, enjoying improved access and comfort during the lake's extended boating season.

The Spillway Boat Ramp area is open to the public Friday to Sunday

The Spillway Boat Ramp area at Lake Oroville is open to the public from 5 a.m. to 11 p.m. on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. The area is closed from Monday to Thursday to accommodate ongoing construction, except for public holidays like Labor Day.

The Spillway Boat Ramp area offers twelve boat launch lanes with three loading docks. There are also hiking, bicycling, and equestrian trails, as well as a day-use area with picnic tables and restrooms. Security measures are in place, including security cameras, fencing, pop-up gates, and security kiosks. Vehicles entering the facility may be screened and inspected, but this is not expected to cause any delays.

The Spillway Boat Ramp area was previously closed for two years for the Oroville Dam Spillways Reconstruction Project. It was reopened to the public on August 9, 2019, and the Department of Water Resources (DWR) plans to open the area seven days a week once major construction activities are completed.

In addition to the Spillway Boat Ramp, Lake Oroville also offers several other boat ramps, such as Bidwell Canyon, Loafer Creek, Loafer Point, Lime Saddle, and Enterprise. These boat ramps are open 24 hours a day and do not require inspection by the California Highway Patrol (CHP).

The Loafer Point Stage II Boat Ramp has been extended to provide three lanes of access

The boat ramps at Lake Oroville in California have been subject to closures in recent years due to high water levels. In 2023, the lake reached full capacity for the first time since 2019, causing the closure of the Nelson Bar boat ramp and parking lot.

However, the Department of Water Resources (DWR) has been proactive in ensuring continued access to the lake for boaters, even during periods of low water or drought. The Loafer Point Stage II Boat Ramp has been extended to provide three lanes of access down to 675 feet elevation, building upon the existing six-lane boat ramp. This extension also includes a lighted parking area for 97 vehicle-trailer combinations and new restroom facilities.

The extension of the Loafer Point Stage II Boat Ramp is part of DWR's multi-year construction project, which is the largest single recreation facility build-out at Lake Oroville in the past 50 years. The project was driven by community requests for additional low-water access points and has successfully improved access to the lake for boaters, paddlers, and campers.

The new boat ramp facilities at Loafer Point offer a significant advantage over the original Loafer Creek area boat ramp, which frequently came out of the water before the Fourth of July in dry years. The extended ramp gives boaters access to the water later in the season, allowing them to take advantage of the most comfortable temperatures at the lake.

In addition to the improvements at Loafer Point, DWR also plans to further extend the Stage II Ramp when low reservoir levels allow for additional construction. A recently installed four-acre parking lot provides an additional 179 vehicle-trailer parking spaces, ensuring ample space for visitors.

The Old Loafer Creek Ramp is closed

The Old Loafer Creek Ramp is not the only ramp that has been closed at Lake Oroville. The Nelson Bar boat ramp and parking lot were also closed in 2023 due to high water levels. The elevation of the lake was recorded at 894 feet, which impacted the lot, as it ranges from 891 to 895 feet. The Nelson Bar parking lot and ramp will open when the water recedes below 891 feet.

In addition to the closures, all standard boat launches at Lake Oroville were set to remain open when the lake reached full capacity in June 2023. These included Bidwell Canyon, the Spillway launch ramp, Loafer Creek, Loafer Point, Lime Saddle, and Enterprise. The new Loafer Point Stage II Boat Ramp, which was constructed in 2020, also remains open. This ramp provides three lanes of lake access down to a 675 feet elevation and includes a lighted parking area for 97 vehicle-trailer combos and new restroom facilities.

For the most current information on ramp closures and openings, it is recommended to contact the Northern Buttes District Office at (530) 538-2200.

The Dark Canyon boat ramp is closed due to a county road being in need of repair

The Dark Canyon boat ramp at Lake Oroville is currently closed to the public. The closure is due to a county road that is in need of repair, and it is unclear when it will reopen. The boat ramp will remain inaccessible until the necessary repairs to the county road and ramp have been completed.

Lake Oroville, the State Water Project's largest reservoir, offers a plethora of recreational activities, including boating, paddling, camping, hiking, biking, and horseback riding. The lake and its surrounding areas attract many visitors, especially during the summer heat, as people seek to enjoy the water and the beautiful scenery.

Over the years, Lake Oroville has experienced fluctuations in water levels, impacting boat ramp accessibility. The lake reached full capacity in the spring of 2023 for the first time since 2019, following a period of drought. During the drought, declining water levels posed challenges for boaters and houseboat owners, making it difficult to access the water from paved launch facilities.

To improve lake access and accommodate visitors, the Department of Water Resources (DWR) has implemented several enhancements. They extended the Loafer Point Stage II Boat Ramp, providing three lanes of lake access down to a 675-foot elevation, along with a lighted parking area and new restroom facilities. Additionally, a recently installed four-acre parking lot offers 179 additional vehicle-trailer parking spaces. These improvements aim to provide better low-water access points and extend the boating season at Lake Oroville.

While some boat ramps, such as Dark Canyon, may be temporarily closed for maintenance or repairs, Lake Oroville still offers several alternative boat launch options. These include the Bidwell Canyon, Spillway, Loafer Creek, Loafer Point, Lime Saddle, Enterprise, and Vinton Gulch ramps. It is recommended to check the current status of boat ramps before planning a visit to Lake Oroville, as water levels and maintenance activities can affect their accessibility.

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