01
Best overall pick
Loafer Creek Recreation Area, Lake Oroville
Lake Oroville, Southeast Of Oroville • Full-Service Reservoir Beach With Camping • Local Go-To For All-Day Lake Time
A wide, gently sloping lakeshore with nearby campgrounds makes Loafer Creek the classic Lake Oroville beach day.
This is the closest true beach experience for most Forbestown residents, with a broad shoreline, plenty of parking, and easy access to the water. You get swim areas, boat ramps, shade trees, and trail access all in one compact zone, so it works just as well for a quick dip as it does for a full weekend campout. Summer can get busy, but the area is spread out enough that it rarely feels cramped.
02
Best for relaxed swims
Thermalito North Forebay Recreation Area
Just North Of Oroville • Calm, Family-Friendly Lake Beach • Top Pick For Straightforward Swimming
Sheltered waters and a sandy swim area give the North Forebay a mellow, pool-like feel with a real beach edge.
Set off from the main current of the Feather River system, the North Forebay tends to stay glassy and calm even on windy afternoons. There is a designated swim beach, grassy lawns, and plenty of shoreline for spreading out blankets or setting up lawn chairs. It’s an easy choice when you want simple access, warm water, and a low-key vibe without committing to a big lake trip.
03
Best open-lake vibe
Black Butte Lake – Buckhorn Recreation Area
Near Orland In The Sacramento Valley • Windy, Wide-Open Reservoir Shoreline • Great For Breezy Afternoons And Space To Roam
Buckhorn’s broad, exposed shoreline offers sweeping views, simple swim access, and room to spread out away from crowds.
Black Butte Lake sits a bit farther from Forbestown, but the drive pays off with big-sky views and long stretches of accessible shoreline. At Buckhorn you’ll find picnic tables, basic amenities, and enough space that even busy weekends feel manageable. The lake can get windy, which keeps it cooler on hot valley days and makes it a good spot if you like a little chop on the water.
04
Best for camping and fishing combo
Collins Lake Beach
Near Browns Valley In The Sierra Foothills • Bustling Campground Beach With Resort Amenities • Best For Families And Groups
Collins Lake pairs a busy, social beach scene with fishing, camping, and a small resort-style setup right on the water.
The main beach at Collins Lake sits next to a well-developed campground and store, so it feels more like a small lakeside resort than a bare-bones swim area. Kids have easy access to shallow water while anglers and boaters can head out deeper, making it a good compromise spot for mixed groups. Expect a lively atmosphere in peak season, with plenty of activity on both the sand and the water.
05
Best scenic escape
New Bullards Bar Reservoir – Schoolhouse Campground Beach
Near Dobbins And Oregon House • Steep-Sided Mountain Reservoir Cove • Scenic Choice For Clear, Deep Water
Tucked into the pines above the Yuba River, Schoolhouse’s lakeside coves feel like a high-country retreat not far from Forbestown.
Down at water level, Bullards Bar delivers emerald-green water and steep, forested banks that feel a world away from the valley heat. The small beach and shoreline near Schoolhouse Campground give you direct lake access, while nearby boat launches open up the reservoir for paddling and exploring. It’s a great option when you want more dramatic scenery and cooler evenings than you’ll find at lower-elevation lakes.