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. Click here for more info.

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

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 during the following hours: 11:00AM - 7:00PM on Monday, Tuesday & Wednesday; 11:00AM - 8:00PM on Thursday, Friday and Saturday and 12:00 Noon - 5:00 PM on Sunday.

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