Colusa-Sacramento River State Recreation Campground
3.6641 reviewsP.O. Box 207 Colusa, CA 95932
Colusa-Sacramento River State Recreation Campground
$15.00 - $45.00
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$25.00
Hookup Site Fee$45.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$15.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Fees range from $15 for enroute campsites to $45 for campsites with water and electric hookups. Day-use fees apply. Boat launch fees are required.
About this campground
Nestled beneath a canopy of ancient cottonwoods and graceful willows, Colusa-Sacramento River State Recreation Campground invites you to experience riverside camping at its finest. This intimate retreat features 14 thoughtfully designed campsites that welcome everything from cozy tents to motorhomes up to 27 feet, including two fully accessible sites for all adventurers. Each site comes equipped with its own picnic table and barbecue stove, while modern amenities like hot showers, clean restrooms, and fresh drinking water ensure comfort meets nature. Here, the gentle murmur of the Sacramento River sets the soundtrack for days spent casting lines into promising waters or launching boats for river explorations.
The Colusa-Sacramento River State Recreation Campground accommodates various camping styles, including tent camping, RV camping, and group camping. Key features cater to fishing enthusiasts and those seeking a riverside experience.
Historical SignificanceThis bend in the Sacramento River holds stories spanning centuries. Long before modern campers arrived, the River Patwin people called this area home, drawing life from the river's abundant salmon runs and gathering beneath these same cottonwoods. In 1872, the legendary naturalist John Muir himself made camp here, finding inspiration in the river's flow. Perhaps most remarkably, this beautiful recreation area rose from humble beginnings—transformed from a former city dump in 1955 into the natural sanctuary you see today, proving that with vision and care, any landscape can be reborn.
Weather and SeasonsThe campground transforms with each season, offering distinct experiences throughout the year. Spring arrives with wildflower blooms and perfect fishing conditions, while summer brings warm, languid days ideal for river activities and evening barbecues. As autumn paints the cottonwoods in gold, cooler temperatures create crisp mornings perfect for riverside walks. Winter's mild chill brings a peaceful solitude to the grounds, though savvy visitors know to pack layers—the river's influence can create surprising temperature swings between misty mornings and sunny afternoons.
ElevationSituated at river level in California's great Central Valley, the campground rests at a gentle elevation that makes it accessible year-round, with no mountain passes or steep grades to navigate.
Natural Features and SceneryStep into a living gallery where towering cottonwoods create natural cathedral ceilings and weeping willows trail their branches toward the water's edge. This riverside ecosystem bursts with life—watch for great blue herons stalking the shallows, listen for the chatter of wood ducks, and keep your eyes skyward during migration seasons when thousands of birds follow this ancient Pacific Flyway corridor. Wild grapevines twist through the canopy while native fig shrubs offer sweet surprises for observant hikers. The Sacramento River itself provides an ever-changing backdrop, its waters reflecting golden sunsets and hosting everything from playful river otters to massive sturgeon.
Geological RegionPositioned in the heart of California's Central Valley, this campground occupies prime real estate along the Sacramento River corridor—one of the West's great waterways. The rich alluvial soils deposited by centuries of flooding have created this lush riparian forest, a ribbon of green threading through the valley's agricultural landscape. As part of the Pacific Flyway, this strategic location serves as a critical rest stop for millions of migratory birds traveling between Arctic breeding grounds and Central American wintering areas, making it a year-round destination for wildlife enthusiasts and a living testament to the importance of river ecosystems.
Campsite details
AccessibilityThe campground includes two accessible campsites with nearby accessible restroom and shower facilities. One user highlighted, "Campground has accessible features, but maintenance could be improved."
Sites SizeCampsites accommodate tents, trailers, and motorhomes up to 27 feet long. Site lengths are up to 30 feet, as noted in some descriptions.
Sites PrivacyPrivacy is limited, as campsites are described as being close together. One user remarked, "Tents were sprawled out almost connecting campsites between strangers."
Total Campsites14 campsites
Recommended CampsitesSites with hookups are #5-10, offering water and electric utilities. Site #10 is noted for accommodating larger RVs (40’ 5th wheel).
Best CampsitesBest campsites are #5, #7, and #10.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Check-in starts at 2:00 PM.
Check-out
Check-out is at 12:00 PM.
Stay Limit
Maximum 14 consecutive nights allowed per reservation.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Maximum occupancy of 8 persons per campsite.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutThe campground is small and compact, with sites located close together. There are areas designated for tents and dry camping, and some sites have hookups.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen year-round. Flooding may affect availability from December 1st to March 1st.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made online at www.parks.ca.gov or by calling 1-800-444-PARK (7275). Group reservations must be made by contacting City Hall at (530) 329-9198.
Walk-in AvailabilityFirst-come, first-served availability is mentioned for group campsites. Enroute parking is always available even late at night.
Cancellation PolicyNo detailed information found in authoritative sources regarding cancellation policies.
Amenities available
Showers
Potable water
Picnic tables
Dump station
Cell phone service
Flush toilets
Electricity hookups
Activities you can enjoy
The campground is located along the Sacramento River, offering several outdoor activities, particularly for fishing enthusiasts. Boating is supported with a dedicated boat launch, while seasonal opportunities for observing wildlife and enjoying the area's natural beauty are abundant. Hiking trails are available, connecting campers to various scenic spots, including the gravel bar and beach area. Seasonal weather conditions may enhance or limit specific activities.
HikingHiking opportunities are limited but available, including a trail leading to a gravel beach area. Reviewers appreciated the serene environment, with one mentioning, "A nice trail leading from the campsite to the beachy fishing area."
FishingFishing is a highlight at this campground, with consistent catches of catfish, shad, carp, and sturgeon in addition to king salmon, steelhead, and striped bass. The best seasons for specific fish are listed: salmon (September–October and July–August), steelhead (late August–October), and striped bass (April–June). One reviewer noted, "Great fishing during the spring and fall; everything from striped bass to sturgeon."
SwimmingSwimming areas are accessible along the river, though specifics about designated or safe zones are not detailed. One user remarked, "Dogs loved swimming in the river, and so did we."
BoatingBoating is well-supported with a modern boat launch facility. It was described as "very nice and easy to use" by one reviewer. However, a boat launch fee applies.
Wildlife viewingThe campground is located along a major migratory route for birds of the Pacific Flyway, supporting diverse species. Reviewers note abundant wildlife, including deer, raccoons, and various birds like ospreys and mallards.
Beach activitiesBeach activities are limited to fishing and swimming along the river's gravel bar. The beach is accessible via a trail from the campsite.
Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Fires are restricted to barbeque stoves or camp stoves. Ground fires are not permitted.
- Quiet hours are from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m.
Hazards
General hazardsFlooding may occur from December 1st through March 1st. Mosquitoes can be a nuisance in spring and summer, so repellent is recommended.
Active alertsNone explicitly mentioned in the authoritative sources.
Weather forecast
78
°F
Aug 3
Sunday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 48%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 4 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
Closest emergency services are located in the town of Colusa, including hospitals, police stations, and fire stations.
Good to know
Peak season datesPeak season not explicitly mentioned, but spring and summer are popular for camping and fishing.
Trash and recyclingTrash and recycling facilities are not explicitly mentioned in the authoritative content or user reviews.
Proximity to water featuresThe campground is situated directly on the Sacramento River, providing easy access to fishing, swimming, and boating.
Common complaintsRecurring complaints include high fees, poorly maintained bathrooms, lack of water access despite prior announcements, and aggressive behavior from camp hosts.
HostThe campground has hosts, including Gabriel, who has been described as friendly and helpful in several reviews. Hosts are generally attentive but have been noted for aggressive behavior in isolated incidents.
Campground Map
P.O. Box 207 Colusa, CA 95932
Driving directionsColusa-Sacramento River State Recreation Area is located near downtown Colusa, nine miles east of Interstate 5 on Highway 20, north of Sacramento. From I-5 and Hwy 20, drive nine miles east to the town of Colusa. The park entrance is north of the intersection of Levee Street and 10th Street in Colusa.
Road access is paved and suitable for vehicles up to 27 feet long. The park entrance is located near major highways and accessible year-round, though flooding may occur from December 1st through March 1st. Call ahead during these months.Nearby places
Colusa (1 mile, 5 minutes), Sacramento (65 miles, approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes), Williams (8 miles, approximately 10 minutes), Chico (72 miles, approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes).
Nearby supplies
Supplies, including groceries, camping gear, and fuel, are available within a mile from the campground in the town of Colusa. Additional options include nearby Colusa Casino and local stores such as Jeff's Freeze for ice cream.
Camper Reviews
3.7
41 reviews
Colusa-Sacramento River State Recreation Campground has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews for Colusa-Sacramento River Campground are mixed, with many appreciating its riverside location and fishing opportunities but criticizing maintenance issues and overcrowding. Positive sentiments often highlight friendly camp hosts, while complaints focus on restroom cleanliness and poorly maintained amenities. Several reviews also note the proximity to the nearby town of Colusa as a convenience.
Review Summaries
Users frequently praised the campground's natural beauty, accessibility to fishing and boating, and the helpfulness of camp hosts like Gabriel. "Clean campground with good access to the river," said...
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Criticisms include cleanliness issues in restrooms and showers, overcrowded campsites, and unfulfilled promises of improved amenities. One reviewer lamented, "Showers and bathrooms are disgusting,"...
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Bring insect repellent, as mosquitoes are a common nuisance during spring and summer. Verify reservation details and access codes for locked facilities ahead of time to avoid inconvenience. Consider...
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Summer and spring are the most favorable for visits due to warm weather and active fishing seasons. Fall and winter may see reduced accessibility due to cooler weather and potential flooding.
"The park was empty, and we were able to get our 40’ 5th wheel into site #10!" "Bathrooms are cold, so we took a shower in the rig." "Dogs loved swimming in the river, and so did we." "$37 for a...
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Sites 5, 7, and 10 are often highlighted as the best due to their size and access to river activities. Site-specific complaints mostly focus on proximity to others and insufficient privacy.
Accessible facilities are generally appreciated but require better maintenance. Reviewers noted that while designated accessible campsites exist, overall cleanliness and upkeep could be improved.
Dogs are permitted in campgrounds, but not on trails or day-use areas. Several users noted enjoying the opportunity for their dogs to swim in the river.
Last updated July 31, 2025