01
Closest sandy swim spot
Oroville Forebay Aquatic Center
North Of Oroville • Grassy Lakeside Swim Beach • Best Quick Escape From Biggs
A compact, easygoing swim beach with lawns, shade, and rentals just off Highway 70.
For Biggs locals who want sand and water without a long drive, the Forebay is usually the first pick. The small sandy shoreline blends into big grassy areas with picnic tables, trees, and an easy wade-in swimming zone that stays manageable for kids. On summer weekends you can rent kayaks and paddleboards, but it still feels more like a local park than a crowded resort.
02
Best full-lake experience
Loafer Creek Recreation Area, Lake Oroville
East Of Oroville In The Foothills • Spacious Forested Lake Beach • Best For Full-Day Lake Trips
A large cove on Lake Oroville with room to spread out, swim, and launch small craft from a pine-backed shoreline.
Loafer Creek brings the classic big-lake feel, with a wide sweep of shoreline, shady picnic spots, and water that opens up quickly for boaters. It is a solid choice when you want to pair beach time with hiking, paddling, or a full campground stay in the pines. The drive from Biggs is a bit longer, but the scenery and sense of space make it feel like a proper getaway rather than just an afternoon dip.
03
Warmest water for long swims
Thermalito Afterbay
Southwest Of Oroville • Open Shoreline Reservoir Beach • Best For Warm, Shallow Water
A laid-back reservoir shoreline with designated swim areas where the water often runs warmer than nearby lakes.
The Afterbay is popular with locals who like to park close to the water, stake out a bit of shoreline, and spend hours in and out of the shallows. Depending on which access you choose, you will find mix-and-match options for sandy patches, gravely edges, and space to launch kayaks or small fishing boats. It has more of a relaxed, bring-your-own-shade feel than a developed swim park, which suits unhurried summer days.
04
Best pairing of camping and beach
Black Butte Lake – Buckhorn Recreation Area
West Of Chico Near Orland • Wide Reservoir Cove Beach • Great For Camping And Swimming
A broad lakeside cove with easy water access and nearby campsites, ideal for making a beach day into an overnight.
Buckhorn sits on the quieter side of Black Butte Lake, with gentle shoreline that works for both wading kids and adults who want to float or paddle out. Campsites and day-use areas are tucked into rolling oak-studded hills, so you can split your time between the water and shaded picnic tables. It is a bit of a drive from Biggs, but the combination of space, scenery, and night skies rewards the extra miles.
05
Most resort-like option
Collins Lake
Foothills Near Browns Valley • Classic Family Campground Beach • Best For Weekend Getaways
A sandy, park-style beach with a small resort vibe, full campground, and plenty of amenities around a foothill lake.
Collins Lake is where many valley families go when they want a beach that comes with ice cream, a camp store, and hot showers nearby. The main swim area has a defined sandy strip that eases into the water, with room for floaties, beach chairs, and kids running between the shallows and the grass. Between fishing, boat rentals, and evening walks above the shoreline, it is easy to stretch a simple swim into a full weekend away from town.