Municipal Code Title 12R — Bidwell Park Rules & Regulations from the city website
- Alcohol
- Alcohol is not permitted in any City Park or Playground. However, it is allowed at the Bidwell Golf course.
- 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.
- In Upper Park dogs may be off leash anytime on the north side of Upper Park Road only. The creek side or south side dogs must be on leash.
- 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 on all roads in Bidwell Park.
- 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 or on 5-Mile or One-Mile pool decks.
- Horses
- Horses must stay on designated trails.
- Horses are not allowed in One-Mile or 5-Mile Recreation Areas.
- Horses must cross creek at approved crossings.
- While horses have the right-of-way over pedestrians and bicyclists on trails in the Park riders should always practice safe and courteous riding in Bidwell Park.
- 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
- Swimming is allowed anywhere in the Park. 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.
- Smoking
- Smoking is not allowed in public parks in California.
