Park Rules

Municipal Code Title 12R -- Bidwell Park Rules & Regulations from the city website

General Park Rules

Photo of sign with rules for Lower Park
Alcohol
Alcohol is not permitted in any City Park or Playground.
Glass
No glass beverage containers allowed in Bidwell Park.
Dogs
In Lower Park, dogs may be off leash from 5:30 AM until 8:30 AM -- All other times dogs must be on a leash. Along the north side of Upper Park Road, dogs may be off leash anytime. While off leash, dogs must remain under voice control. Dogs are not allowed in the water at One-Mile or Five-Mile swimming areas, or swimming holes in Upper Park.
Bicycles
Must observe all California vehicular codes including one way streets. Riders are expected to be courteous and yield to equestrian and pedestrian traffic. Helmets must be worn at all times in Upper Park except when on pavement. Note - Pavement ends at the garbage cans just past the entrance gate at the trail head parking lot. Bicycle riding is not allowed in Caper Acres and are not to be ridden on the pool deck.
Horses
Horses must stay on designated trails. Horses are not allowed in One-Mile or Five-Mile Recreation Areas. Horses must cross creek at approved crossings. Safe and courteous riding is the Park standard.
Fishing
Check California Fish and Game Regulations for fishing in Big Chico Creek. Horseshoe Lake: age 14 and over. catch and release; under age 14: catch and keep.
Camping
No overnight camping allowed. Bidwell Park is a "day use park" only.  (The closest tent camping is at Lake Oroville State Recreation Area's Lime Saddle Campground.  For information about this and other nearby State Park campgrounds, call 530-538-2200). 
Campfires
No campfires allowed.
Noise
No loud or unusual noises are allowed, including: radios and head sets that can be heard over 50' away.
Vegetation
No taking, cutting, or injury of any vegetation in the Park is allowed unless a special permit has been acquired through the City of Chico.
Swimming
While in the One-Mile swim area compliance with lifeguards is required for public safety. Lifeguards are on duty and pools are open from Memorial Day through Labor Day.
Gate Closures
Vehicle Gates are closed one hour after sunset every night. Upper Park gates are closed on Sundays and Mondays and during seasonal wet periods.
Park Closures

Lower park is closed from 12:00 am (midnight) until 5:00 am every day, unless directly and actively proceeding to a destination outside of the park.

Upper Park is closed from 11:00 PM until sunrise every day. unless posted otherwise. New gate opening and closing times are proposed for fall of 2010.

Smoking
No smoking in Upper Park from May 1st - November 1st.
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by: Friends of Bidwell Park