Hydroelectric power plant4.4· 289 reviews

Oroville Dam

Oroville, CA

Discover the Oroville Dam Hydroelectric Power Plant in California, featuring the tallest earth dam, scenic lake, impressive spillway, boat launch, and a visitor center. Enjoy dam viewing, walking tours, and explore the rich history of this serene location.

Guest rating
4.4/ 5
Reviews
289
Category
Hydroelectric power plant
City
Oroville
Usual hours
10 AM–6 PM

About Oroville Dam

Oroville Dam stands as the tallest earth dam in the United States at 770 feet. Situated on Lake Oroville, this impressive structure offers a blend of history and nature. Visitors can enjoy scenic views, walking trails along the dam, and a chance to learn about its significance in hydroelectric power generation.

The dam is more than just impressive in height; it provides a serene escape to nature. Families can picnic by the water, with shaded tables available in designated parks. There are several restrooms and ample parking with stunning views. The boat launch delivers fantastic opportunities for water activities.

Oroville Dam features a visitor center where you can watch engaging videos about the dam's history. Short trails lead across the dam, inviting visitors to walk and soak in the landscape. The entire location is well-kept and maintained, ensuring a pleasant experience. Accessible paths cater to different needs, making this site welcoming for everyone.

What guests say about Oroville Dam

Guests often praise

Access to picnic areas with scenic views. Friendly and welcoming staff at the entrance. Cleanliness of the facilities and park areas.

The opportunity to see the salmon run during the season. Well-maintained walking paths along the dam. The visitor center with informative displays on dam history.

Worth knowing

Limited hours during the week, closed on Sundays. Occasional crowds during peak visiting times. Some visitors noted long wait times during popular events.

Lack of nearby dining options for on-site meals. Limited signage for walking trails at times.

Best for

Families who enjoy outdoor activities and picnics. Sightseers looking to learn about hydroelectric power.

Nature lovers wanting scenic walks and views. Anyone wanting a peaceful day beside the lake.

What Patients Say

Visitors often rave about their experiences at Oroville Dam. Many appreciate the serene environment and beautiful views. Reviews highlight the well-kept paths for walking or biking along the dam. Families enjoy spending time here with their pets, making it a delightful outing.

The cleanliness of the area receives high marks. Reviewers mention well-maintained picnic areas and restrooms, enhancing the overall enjoyment of the visit. This attention to cleanliness speaks to the care taken by those managing the space.

Communication at the park is another positive point. Guests mention friendly interactions with the staff. They also appreciate the informative materials available at the visitor center. This adds to the overall experience as guests learn about the dam's history and engineering.

Many describe the dam as a must-see. The salmon run is specifically highlighted as an event not to miss. The opportunity to combine education and recreation leaves a lasting impact on the visitors, creating cherished memories.

Overall, the blend of history, nature, and friendly staff creates an inviting atmosphere. Many reviews emphasize the beauty of Oroville Dam, making it a favorite destination for locals and tourists alike.

What Oroville Dam offers

Services, accessibility, payments and more, grouped as the place lists them.

Accessibility

  • Wheelchair-accessible car park
  • Wheelchair-accessible entrance

Opening hours

When Oroville Dam is open during the week.

Opening hours
Monday10 AM–6 PM
Tuesday10 AM–6 PM
Wednesday10 AM–6 PM
Thursday10 AM–6 PM
Friday10 AM–6 PM
Saturday10 AM–6 PM
SundayClosed
Call for information+1 530-534-2306
ContactWhatsApp

Hours can change on holidays. Call ahead to be sure.

Before Your Visit

Oroville Dam offers a unique experience for those interested in engineering marvels and natural beauty. The hours are daily, except Sunday, from 10 AM to 6 PM. Popular hours can get busy, so planning your visit during the week may offer a quieter experience.

The site is accessible for everyone. It features wheelchair-accessible entrances and parking. This makes it an inviting choice for all visitors. The dam has several shaded picnic areas as well.

Getting to Oroville Dam is straightforward. There are multiple parking locations, four in total, providing easy access to stunning views of the water. Facilities are available, including bathrooms. If you arrive by boat, there’s a boat launch nearby too.

Be prepared for a wonderful arrival experience. The friendly CHP personnel greet guests warmly. This creates a welcoming environment. Don't forget to take in the history shared at the nearby visitor center. It complements the dam experience well.

No appointment is necessary. The dam operates on a first-come, first-served basis. Parking is free, so be ready to explore as soon as you arrive!

How to get there

Address

Canyon Dr & Oroville Dam Rd, Oroville, CA 95966, United States

Photos of Oroville Dam

Reviews of Oroville Dam

What recent visitors say, and how the ratings add up.

4.4/ 5

Based on 289 reviews

Rating distribution

  • 573%
  • 411%
  • 36%
  • 23%
  • 17%
  • Péter B.2026-07-16

    Az Egyesült Államok legmagasabb gátja (235 méteres magasságával) Kaliforniában, a Feather folyón.

  • Sean V.2026-06-20

    Cool place

  • JSt2026-06-18

    Great picnic, park, and boating launch. Four areas to park overlooking the water. Two have shaded tables, several have bathrooms, the boat launch park has a large expanse of grassy area with park features. Friendly CHP guard the gates, very welcoming. We had a picnic and let our dog run on-leash for a wonderful afternoon.

Show all reviews (9)
  • Dora2026-06-04

    Must see the salmon run....add to your bucket list

  • Sloane H.2025-11-21

    Opened as a earth Dam, Well dam where's all the dam bait

  • Sleep2025-06-25

    Very good views nice walk

  • Nick D.2025-06-23

    Awesome dam place....When I google fall out shelters near me this is what pop up🤔

  • Dana S.2025-06-03

    A family member took me to see this great dam! The view is spectacular and there’s a visitor center not far away where you can watch short videos all about the dam, see artifacts about the dam and area history, and get more views. The walk across (or run!) is 1 mile and there’s a walking and bike path on it. There’s even a boat ramp. Great place to visit if you’re in...

  • David S.2024-01-29

    Our family enjoys many a walk on top of the country’s tallest dam at Oroville. The dam is well kept and updated with so much natural beauty it is inspiring. It’s a perfect hike, easily accessible with choices of pitch. Restroom facilities are clean and parking/walking is safe with stationed police presence.

How Oroville Dam scores

Scored out of 10 from what reviewers say. Topics they do not mention are left out.

  • Staff friendliness8/10
  • Cleanliness9/10

Frequently asked questions

What services does Oroville Dam offer?

Oroville Dam provides beautiful views, walking areas, picnic spots, and boating launch facilities. Visitors can enjoy a peaceful day by the lake and learn about the history of the dam and the area.

What are the opening hours for Oroville Dam?

Oroville Dam is open Monday to Friday from 10 AM to 6 PM. It is closed on Sundays.

Is there parking available at Oroville Dam?

Yes, Oroville Dam has four parking areas overlooking the water. Two areas offer shaded tables and restrooms, ideal for picnics.

Can I walk in or do I need an appointment to visit Oroville Dam?

No appointment is necessary. Visitors can walk in during open hours and enjoy the facilities at their leisure.

What should I expect during my visit to Oroville Dam?

Expect a serene environment with ample picnic space and beautiful walking paths. Friendly security staff will welcome you as you enjoy the lovely views and recreational facilities.