Thermalito Afterbay Outlet Boat Ramp Closed During $8 Million Campground and River-Access Upgrade

THERMALITO–OROVILLE AREA, Butte County — October 28, 2026. Visitors who normally launch boats or fish at the Oroville Wildlife Area Thermalito Afterbay Outlet need to plan around an extended closure while a major recreation upgrade is under construction. The California Department of Water Resources (DWR) announced that the public boat ramp and campground would close beginning June 29, 2026 and that work would continue into spring or early summer 2027.

What is being built?

The project is led by the Sutter Butte Flood Control Agency in partnership with DWR and the California Department of Fish and Wildlife. DWR’s June and July updates described an approximately $8 million improvement plan, including a new two-lane concrete boat ramp, an improved gravel ramp for non-trailered craft, a 25-unit primitive campground, a picnic/day-use area, new trails and paved parking for 47 trailers and 31 ordinary vehicles.

Does the closure affect all of Lake Oroville?

No. The announced construction closure applies to the Thermalito Afterbay Outlet campground and ramp within the Oroville Wildlife Area along the Feather River. It should not be confused with all of Thermalito Afterbay, Thermalito Forebay or the Lake Oroville State Recreation Area. Other water-access sites have their own hours, conditions and restrictions.

Where can boaters go instead?

DWR identifies Riverbend Park, Vance Avenue Boat Ramp and Gridley among alternate trailered-boat access points on the Feather River. It also lists Feather River Fish Hatchery, Bedrock Park, Vance Avenue Outlet and Pacific Heights Weir Ramp for car-top boats, subject to local conditions. These are alternatives identified in the state announcement, not a guarantee of available parking or safe water conditions on any date.

When will the new facilities open?

The published construction target was spring or early summer 2027. DWR’s original announcement named R&R Horn of Chico as contractor. A target date is not a confirmed reopening notice, and access during construction remains subject to state-agency updates and site signage.

Safety reminder

Water flows can change along the Feather River. DWR urges river users to plan their route and watch for work activity when floating past the outlet. A boat-launch closure does not automatically translate into a river-wide boating ban.

Official sources: DWR Lake Oroville Update, June 26; DWR July 17 construction reminder; DWR Lake Oroville recreation directory. Recheck the specific outlet facility before traveling.

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