Oroville Dam visitor information centers on the dam’s overlooks and the Lake Oroville Visitor Center, which sits atop Kelly Ridge above the lake and dam. You can pair the views with exhibits, picnic facilities or a visit to a lake day-use area, but access conditions can vary.
- The visitor center overlooks Lake Oroville and the dam.
- The center has a 47-foot observation tower.
- The Oroville Dam Overlook and Upper Overlook Day Use Area are near Canyon Drive and the main spillway.
- Access to the Spillway Day Use Area depends on lake conditions and includes a security screening.
Oroville Dam and Lake Oroville
Oroville Dam and Lake Oroville are closely linked sights, with views of both from the visitor center atop Kelly Ridge. The center puts the dam in context through displays about the structure, local geology, wildlife and habitat, hydroelectric power, and cultural and historical artifacts. Videos cover the construction of Oroville Dam and California’s water delivery system.
The California Department of Water Resources (DWR) offers free guided tours for school and community groups by reservation at its visitor centers. The Lake Oroville Visitor Center is at 917 Kelly Ridge Road, Oroville, CA 95966.
Where can you view Oroville Dam?
You can view Oroville Dam from the Lake Oroville Visitor Center observation tower or from the dam’s overlook areas near Canyon Drive. The visitor center’s tower rises 47 feet and offers panoramic views of the surrounding area.
The Oroville Dam Overlook has picnic tables, a shade structure, historical information and a drinking fountain. It also has four flush toilets, including one ADA-accessible toilet. Parking is available at the northwest end of the dam near the construction monuments and at the southeast end near the restroom facilities.
The Upper Overlook Day Use Area sits on the hill at the dam’s southeast end, above the restroom facilities. It has picnic tables, a shade structure and historical information, as well as a display turbine runner from the Edward Hyatt Powerplant. Its parking lot has over 90 single spaces.
Visitor facilities and access
The Lake Oroville Visitor Center has accessible facilities and ample space for a stop. The center is ADA accessible, with six ADA-accessible toilets, 18 picnic tables—10 ADA accessible—and parking for 90 vehicles, plus 17 spaces for vehicle-trailer combinations or buses.
From Highway 70, take Highway 162, also called Oroville Dam Boulevard, east, then follow Kelly Ridge Road to the visitor center parking lot. The Oroville Dam Overlook and Upper Overlook Day Use Areas are near Canyon Drive and the dam’s main spillway.
Access to the Spillway Day Use Area involves passing a security screening kiosk and a visitor information and fee collection booth. The area’s availability depends on whether the lake is low enough for Lakeside Access Road to be used.
Facilities there include six flush toilets, two ADA accessible, drinking water, a fish cleaning station and six shaded picnic tables. The upper lot has over 300 vehicle-trailer spaces and 130 single spaces.
Safety and current advisories
Check access conditions before planning around the Spillway Day Use Area, since its use depends on lake elevation and the availability of Lakeside Access Road. The security screening is part of access to that area.
Hours for the visitor center and day-use areas can affect your plans, so check the official site before you go. DWR provides visitor information for the dam and Lake Oroville recreation areas.
Pairing the dam with a lake visit
You can combine the dam overlooks with a stop at a Lake Oroville day-use area, keeping in mind that facilities and access differ by location. The Spillway Day Use Area has picnic tables, drinking water and a fish cleaning station when it is accessible.
The lake’s recreation areas also include the visitor center and dam overlooks; the Lake Oroville State Recreation Area guide covers access and activities across the area.
Dogs are allowed in Lake Oroville State Recreation Area parking lots, paved roadways and campgrounds, but not on trails or day-use areas. For another local stop, the Feather River Fish Hatchery is across the river from Oroville and has underwater windows for viewing fish.
Planning the trip from Oroville
For a visit focused on the dam, start with the Kelly Ridge Visitor Center, then choose an overlook or day-use stop based on access and the facilities you need.
Highway 162 and Kelly Ridge Road lead to the visitor center from Highway 70. If you are planning to move between local attractions, the guide to getting around Oroville covers driving, walking and local travel.
FAQs
Is there an observation tower at the Lake Oroville Visitor Center?
Yes. The center has a 47-foot observation tower with panoramic views of the surrounding area.
Does the visitor center have accessible facilities?
Yes. The visitor center is ADA accessible, and all six of its toilets are ADA accessible.
Can you visit the Spillway Day Use Area?
Access depends on lake elevation and whether Lakeside Access Road can be used. Visitors also pass through a security screening kiosk and a visitor information and fee collection booth.
Can school and community groups arrange a tour?
DWR offers free guided tours for school and community groups by reservation at its visitor centers.