Sycamore Grove (Red Bluff) Campground
3.80406 reviewsUSDA FOREST SERVICE, GRINDSTONE RANGER DISTRICT, 1000 SALE LANE, RED BLUFF, CA 96080, USA
Sycamore Grove (Red Bluff) Campground
$16.00 - $30.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$16.00
Hookup Site Fee$25.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Peak season rates for standard non-electric sites range from $16 to $30. Electric sites are priced at $25 per night. Additional reservation fees of $8 apply when booking online, while cancellations incur $10 fees.
About this campground
Escape to Sycamore Grove Campground, where ancient oaks and towering sycamores create a natural cathedral along the banks of the mighty Sacramento River. Nestled within the expansive 488-acre Red Bluff Recreation Area at a gentle 300-foot elevation, this riverside haven beckons adventurers with its perfect blend of shaded sanctuaries and sun-dappled meadows. Whether you arrive with an RV or pitch a tent beneath the stars, you'll find yourself immersed in a landscape where trails wind through verdant groves and the river calls out for exploration. On clear days, the snow-capped peaks of Mount Lassen and Mount Shasta stand sentinel on the horizon, reminding visitors of nature's grand scale.
Sycamore Grove Campground supports tent camping, RV sites, and group camping. RV sites include water and electrical hookups but no sewer connections.
Historical SignificanceStep into a living piece of California's water management history at Sycamore Grove, where the remnants of the Red Bluff Diversion Dam and its historic fish ladder tell stories of human ingenuity and environmental adaptation. This engineering marvel once redirected the Sacramento River's flow, shaping both the landscape and the region's agricultural heritage. Today, these silent sentinels serve as fascinating landmarks for history buffs and provide unique photographic opportunities, while nature has reclaimed much of the surrounding area, creating a compelling blend of human history and wild restoration.
Weather and SeasonsExperience the full spectrum of California's Central Valley climate at Sycamore Grove, where each season paints the landscape in different hues. Summer arrives with intensity, bringing golden sunshine and temperatures that can soar above 100°F—perfect for cooling off in the Sacramento River's refreshing waters. Spring emerges as the campground's showpiece season, when wildflowers carpet the meadows and mild temperatures invite long days of exploration. Even winter offers its own charm, with crisp, clear days ideal for hiking when most crowds have dispersed. The region's characteristic dry climate means blue skies dominate year-round, making this an ideal basecamp for outdoor enthusiasts in any season.
ElevationPerched at a comfortable 300 feet above sea level, Sycamore Grove occupies a sweet spot in California's topography. This modest elevation delivers the best of both worlds: you'll enjoy the accessibility and mild climate of the valley floor while still catching cooling breezes that whisper down from the distant mountains. The gentle elevation means easier acclimatization for visitors from all altitudes and creates ideal conditions for year-round camping without the extreme temperature swings found at higher mountain campgrounds.
Natural Features and SceneryImmerse yourself in a tapestry of California ecosystems where golden grasslands meet ancient oak woodlands, all woven together by the life-giving ribbon of the Sacramento River. The campground's riparian environment creates a lush oasis where cottonwoods rustle in the breeze and wildlife thrives in the shadows of majestic sycamores. Three volcanic giants frame your views: the commanding presence of Mount Shasta to the north, the distinctive profile of Mount Lassen to the east, and the rugged Yolla Bolly Mountains completing the panoramic trilogy. This diverse landscape offers endless opportunities for photography, birdwatching, and simply soaking in the raw beauty of Northern California.
Geological RegionDiscover the remarkable convergence of ecosystems where the Northern Sacramento Valley meets the riparian zones of the nearby Mendocino National Forest. This unique geological position creates a fascinating transition zone where valley grasslands gradually give way to oak-studded hillsides and eventually to the dense forests beyond. The Sacramento River has carved its course through this landscape over millennia, creating fertile floodplains and the distinctive river terraces where the campground now sits. This dynamic environment showcases California's geological diversity, from ancient volcanic peaks visible in the distance to the ever-changing river channels that continue to shape the land today.
Campsite details
AccessibilityNo dedicated accessibility features for campers with disabilities are explicitly mentioned. One user noted 'There is no handicap accessibilities available anywhere.'
Sites SizeCampsites are generally spacious, with a mix of pull-through and back-in options accommodating RVs up to 44 ft.
Sites PrivacySites lack significant privacy barriers, with some users describing them as closely spaced. Neighbors’ activity may impact tranquility.
Total Campsites24 campsites
Recommended CampsitesSites near the Sacramento River are preferred for scenic views. Pull-through sites accommodate larger RVs. Look for shaded sites during summer to mitigate heat.
Best CampsitesSpecific campsite numbers are not universally recommended, but pull-through sites like 15, 18, and sites near shaded areas are notable for RVs.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Check-in available anytime before 10 PM when the gate closes.
Check-out
Check-out time is 11:00 AM.
Stay Limit
Maximum consecutive stay of 14 nights. Stay up to 28 nights total per year.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Varies by site, but no specific maximum guest count mentioned.
Groups
Group sites accommodate large gatherings and feature covered picnic areas with BBQs. Specific guest limits are not mentioned.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutThe campground has a loop layout with both pull-through and back-in sites. Sites are mostly grassy with paved parking pads.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen year-round.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via Recreation.gov or by calling 1-877-444-6777.
Walk-in AvailabilityWalk-up sites may be available, but most bookings require online or phone reservations. Reports indicate challenges with securing sites on arrival.
Cancellation PolicyCancellations incur a $10 fee, and late cancellations also forfeit the first night's fee. Changes to reservations can be made for an added cost.
Accomodation available
GroupGroup campsites are offered for larger parties such as families, schools, or organizations. These sites provide space and facilities to accommodate multiple people camping together.
Amenities available
Showers
Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Cell phone service
Flush toilets
Electricity hookups
Water hookups
Activities you can enjoy
Activities at Sycamore Grove Campground include paved nature trails for hiking and biking, bird watching, river-based activities like fishing and boating, and wildlife observation. The campground is close to attractions like Lassen National Park.
Hiking
The campground provides access to a 4-mile paved nature trail through grasslands, wetlands, and oak woodlands. Hiking reviews are generally positive, emphasizing scenic views of Mount Shasta and Lassen.Fishing
Fishing opportunities include Chinook, Steelhead, and Striped Bass in the Sacramento River. Multiple reviews highlight fishing as a notable feature.Biking
Paved trails are available for biking and are well-reviewed, with pleasant scenic experiences.Boating
Boating activities include canoeing, kayaking, and jet skiing. The river offers accessible boat ramps.Wildlife viewing
Bird watching is highly popular, with species like bald eagles, osprey, and seasonal migratory birds. Several users mentioned seeing deer and foxes.Cultural and Educational Programs
The adjacent Discovery Center offers educational opportunities, although details are sparse in reviews.Winter Activities
Relatively mild winters make the campground accessible year-round, but specific winter activities like skiing are not mentioned.Water Sports
Non-motorized water sports such as kayaking and canoeing are well-supported, with reviews mentioning ease of river access.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Fires allowed only in designated fire pits. Purchase firewood locally to prevent pest issues.
- Quiet hours are enforced from 10 PM to 6 AM.
Hazards
General hazardsSome reviews indicate concerns about transient populations and safety issues. Hot summer temperatures and mosquitoes are environmental hazards.
Active alertsNo official alerts provided, but user reviews mention issues with gate malfunctioning and unsanitary conditions in bathrooms and shower areas.
Weather forecast
87
°F
Aug 26
Tuesday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 30%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 6.3 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Clear sky
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
Emergency services are available in Red Bluff, which is 2 miles away, including hospitals and police stations.
Good to know
Peak season datesJanuary 1 to December 31 annually.
Trash and recyclingTrash facilities are available but often overflowing, as described in reviews. Recycling information is not mentioned.
Proximity to water featuresAdjacent to the Sacramento River, which offers recreational activities like fishing, boating, jet skiing, and swimming.
Common complaintsMany user reviews express dissatisfaction with the cleanliness of restrooms and showers, the presence of homeless individuals, and the conduct of campground hosts.
HostCampground host presence varies. Some reviews report helpful hosts, while others indicate neglect and lack of responsiveness.
Campground Map
USDA FOREST SERVICE, GRINDSTONE RANGER DISTRICT, 1000 SALE LANE, RED BLUFF, CA 96080, USA
Driving directionsFrom Interstate 5 at Red Bluff, take Antelope Boulevard east for about a quarter-mile. Turn right (south) on Sale Lane continue for approximately 3 miles to the Red Bluff Recreation Area entrance gate. Continue on that road until you get to the Sacramento River Discovery Center than turn left. The campground entrance is approximately 600ft. down on the right.
Accessible year-round via paved roads. The campground is near Interstate 5, making it convenient for travelers. It has electronic gate access with codes provided to campers; however, users have reported issues with gates and bathroom codes.Nearby places
Red Bluff (2 miles), Rolling Hills Casino (25 miles), Redding (34 miles), Lake Shasta (40 miles), Lassen Volcanic National Park (60 miles)
Nearby supplies
Groceries, camping supplies, and fuel can be found in Red Bluff, just 2 miles away. Additional amenities available in nearby towns like Redding and Rolling Hills Casino.
Camper Reviews
3.8
406 reviews
Sycamore Grove (Red Bluff) Campground has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews are mixed. Positive feedback highlights shaded sites, proximity to nature trails, and convenient access from I-5. Negative reviews frequently cite cleanliness issues, homeless individuals occupying sites, and unresponsive campground hosts.
Review Summaries
Based on 406 reviews
What Campers Love
'Great campground with plenty of shade to beat the heat of the Central Valley.' 'Lovely trails for walking and biking.' 'Campground is clean and quiet.'
Based on 406 reviewsCommon Concerns
'Bathrooms were disgusting, with cobwebs and trash.' 'Homeless individuals occupying sites created safety concerns.' 'Campground host was rude and unhelpful.'
Based on 406 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Bring quarters for showers and your own soap and paper towels. Avoid camping near the restrooms due to odor issues. Arrive early to avoid gate complications.
Based on 406 reviewsSeasonal Insights
Spring and fall are popular due to mild weather and scenic views. Summer reviews often mention extreme heat. Winter visits are less frequent but still possible due to the year-round operation.
Based on 406 reviewsCamper Quotes
'Beautiful park, quiet and clean!' 'The river is gorgeous, but the bathrooms are terrible.' 'Bring your own soap for the bathrooms.'
Based on 406 reviewsSite-Specific Reviews
Site 15 is noted as excellent for large RVs. Sites near the restroom (e.g., 24) often have odor issues. Site 23 received complaints about occupants overstaying their reservation limits.
Based on 406 reviewsAccessibility Features
Negative comments highlight lack of accessibility features and broken bathroom fixtures. One reviewer noted, 'No handicap accessibilities available anywhere.'
Based on 406 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pets are welcome but must be kept on a leash. Some reviewers mentioned dogs roaming off-leash, creating discomfort.
Based on 406 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025