Lake and lily pads

Lake Madrone Vacation Rentals

Swim the clear blue water with your family at Lake Madrone near the sweeping wilderness of Plumas National Forest in California.

A Peaceful Private Lake in the Butte County Foothills

Newest

Luxury rentals

Family-friendly

Pet-friendly

Swimming

Why Rent On Lake Madrone

Lake Madrone is a small, private lake community in the forested foothills east of Oroville in Butte County, operated under a no-gas-motor policy that keeps the water calm, clean, and genuinely quiet. Access is restricted to residents and their guests, meaning that vacation rentals within the Lake Madrone community are the key to accessing the lake’s swimming areas, paddleboarding, and shoreline fishing. The surrounding forested foothill terrain and the community’s strong neighborhood culture give the area a warmth and character that larger, more commercial lake destinations rarely achieve.

Foothill Cabins With Community Lake Access

Vacation rentals within the Lake Madrone community give families the combination of private home comfort and lake access that makes a stay here so satisfying. A rental with a full kitchen, multiple bedrooms, and outdoor space in the surrounding forest lets your group settle in properly and experience the lake’s quiet rhythms across multiple days. The roped swim area and small beach within the community provide safe, supervised water access for younger children, and the overall community design prioritizes family comfort and safety at every level.

Swim, Paddleboard, and Fish for Bass

Swimming and paddleboarding on Lake Madrone’s calm, motor-free surface are the primary water activities, and both are exceptionally pleasant in the warm Butte County summer. Bass and bluegill fishing in the lake provide relaxed angling options for guests who want a line in the water without the complexity of a large reservoir. The quiet character of the water and the forested shoreline create a genuinely meditative outdoor environment that is increasingly rare in California’s busier lake regions.

Plumas National Forest Right Outside

The forested foothill terrain surrounding Lake Madrone connects to trails and picnic areas in the Plumas National Forest, adding hiking and wildlife viewing options to a stay that is primarily focused on the lake. The broader Butte County foothills offer scenic drives, Gold Rush-era towns, and the natural beauty of the western Sierra foothills in a region that remains significantly less discovered than the Tahoe Basin or the Central Sierra.

Oroville and the Table Mountain Area

The city of Oroville, at the base of the foothills west of Lake Madrone, offers full services and the stunning Table Mountain wildflower blooms in spring, when the basalt plateau turns gold with California poppies. The Feather River canyon to the east provides exceptional rafting, fishing, and scenic driving opportunities. Lake Madrone is a small, private, and deeply satisfying lake destination that rewards families who can access it, and the right rental within the community makes it an experience well worth seeking out.

Best time to go
Visit Lake Madrone in late spring, particularly May, when wildflowers carpet the banks and the air is perfumed with fresh blooms. With temperate days inviting serene fishing and kayaking, enjoy the tranquil beauty all before summer's bustle descends.
Water Quality
Lake Madrone's water exhibits a deep blue hue, reflecting the surrounding landscape's colors. The water clarity is ultra-clear, allowing for excellent visibility beneath the surface.
Surface area (mi)
0.06
Max depth (ft)
25
Elevation (ft)
1975.07
Shoreline length (mi)
1.99

Popular activities

  • Swimming
  • Fishing
  • Hiking
  • Cross-country Skiing
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Marinas on Lake Madrone

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Frequently Asked Questions

Ready to dive into what Lake Madrone has to offer? Let’s tackle some of the burning questions you might have as you plan your visit!

  • Yes, swimming is allowed in Lake Madrone. The lake is designated for recreational purposes, including swimming, and there are specific areas marked for swimming to ensure safety.

  • Lake Madrone is a popular destination because it offers a private and scenic getaway. The lake is surrounded by a gated mountain community and features activities like swimming, boating, and fishing. It is also close to the Plumas National Forest and Lake Oroville, providing additional opportunities for outdoor adventures.

  • Yes, you need a fishing license to fish in Lake Madrone, California. Anglers must comply with California’s fishing regulations, which include licensing requirements. It is advisable to check with local regulations before planning a fishing trip.

  • There is no public beach at Lake Madrone. The lake facilities are only available for use by Lake Madrone property owners and their immediate families. The community is gated and not open to the general public.

  • Towns near Lake Madrone include Oroville, Berry Creek, and Chico. These towns are located in Butte County, with Berry Creek being the closest, about 25 miles northeast of Oroville. Lake Madrone is situated along Berry Creek just off the Oro-Quincy Highway.