LAKE OROVILLE, CA (MPG) - In a unified command with CAL FIRE, California State Parks today announced that portions of Lake Oroville State Recreation Area (SRA) remain closed until further notice due to the North Complex Fire burning in Plumas and Butte counties. Public access for boating and other day-use recreation on the water cannot be accommodated at this time due to public safety concerns and ongoing firefighting efforts. 

Exceptions to the closure will be made for houseboat owners at Lime Saddle and Bidwell Canyon Marinas beginning this Friday, September 18 at 8 a.m. to inspect their boats, provided that they follow the below guidelines: 

Restrictions at Lime Saddle and Bidwell Canyon Marinas

• Entry to Lime Saddle Marina and Bidwell Canyon Marina will only be allowed for current marina mooring customers, starting Friday, September 18 at 8 a.m. 
• Shuttle services will be provided from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. to allow houseboat customers only to attend to immediate needs. Overnight stays are NOT allowed at this time. All customers must exit the marina and park by 5 p.m. until further notice.
• Proof of customer registration will be required to enter the park unit.
• All day-use areas, campgrounds and public boat launch ramps will remain closed until further notice.
• All vessel travel on all areas of the lake is prohibited at this time. All boats shall remain moored within the marinas. 
• Store, fuel and pump out services are available during the operation hours from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (winter schedule).
• Vessel washing will not be allowed near marina dock.

Additionally, the North Forebay, South Forebay and Clay Pit State Vehicle Recreation Area (SVRA) are now open for recreation which includes day-use, swimming and paddle boarding at North and South Forebays, and off-highway vehicle use at Clay Pit SVRA. The Diversion Pool, including car-top boat launch and access to the Brad Freeman Trail, is also open to the public. 

It is important to note that all of Lake Oroville SRA is still within the wildfire evacuation warning areas. Given the rapidly changing conditions, portions of the SRA may be closed at a moment’s notice when deemed necessary. As such, the public is advised to plan ahead to find out if the SRA is open and if any new restrictions are in place by visiting parks.ca.gov/LakeOroville. For air quality updates, please visit www.airnow.gov As a reminder, COVID-19 guidelines are still in effect. Please visit the SRA’s website for details. 

California State Parks thanks its visitors for their patience and understanding as the safety of the public and department employees remains a top priority.

For the latest information on state park units affected, please visit www.parks.ca.gov/Incidents. For the latest information on the wildfires, please visit https://www.fire.ca.gov/incidents/.  

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California State Parks and the recreational programs supported by its divisions of Boating and Waterways, Historic Preservation and Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Recreation provide the opportunity for families, friends, and communities to connect. Off-highway motor vehicle recreation, boating activities, horseback riding, cycling, hiking, camping, rock climbing, tours, hikes, school group enrichment, and special events are just some of the activities enjoyed in 280 park units organized into 21 field districts throughout the state. Learn more at www.parks.ca.gov.