Irvine Finch Access Campground

4 reviews

Quick Facts

151 ft

Price

Free

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

5 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Opens California State Parks site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Quick Facts

151 ft

Price

Free

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

5 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Opens California State Parks site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Irvine Finch Access Campground

$0.00 - $0.00 / night

Campsite Fees

No detailed fee structure available. A self-serve fee mechanism is mentioned.

Standard Site Fee$0.00

Hookup Site Fee$0.00

Premium Site Fee$0.00

Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00

Group Site Fee$0.00

Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Reserve California

Provider

530-342-5185access@parks.ca.gov

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What Campers Say

N/A

Limited Reviews

Based on 4 reviews

83 Google reviews

"User feedback highlights the campground's convenient river access and friendly hosts, but some minor issues like difficulties with tube rentals are noted."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

Irvine Finch Access Campground

39.7496, -121.9986

Driving directionsFrom Chico, take West Sacramento Ave. 5 miles until it intersects with River Road. Big Chico Creek is to the left, Indian Fishery straight ahead and Pine Creek is to the right. Irvine Finch River Access is located just west of the Hwy. 32 Sacramento River Bridge. From I-5 take the Highway 32 exit at Orland. Irvine Finch River Access is just East of Hamilton City.

Accessible via paved roads from Hwy. 32 and River Road. No seasonal closures or challenging terrain are mentioned.

Nearby places

Chico (approximately 5 miles away), Hamilton City (close proximity), Orland (near Hwy. 32 exit).

Nearby supplies

Closest supplies are available in Chico, approximately 5 miles away, where groceries, fuel, and camping essentials can be purchased.

Best Time to Camp at Irvine Finch Access Campground

Experience the full spectrum of California's inviting climate throughout the year. Warm spring days invite early-season explorers, while summer brings perfect conditions for water activities and evening campfires. As autumn paints the riverside foliage in golden hues, cooler temperatures create ideal hiking weather. Winter offers its own quiet charm with crisp, peaceful days. Smart campers know that layered clothing is the key to comfort here, allowing you to adapt as morning mist gives way to sunny afternoons.

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Summer is the most popular season for tubing, boating and warm-water activities.

Fall(Sep-Nov)

3.0 / 5

Cooler months reduce river activity; scenery still pleasant but less active.

Best

Spring(Mar-May)

4.0 / 5

Warm spring days invite early-season explorers and paddlers; good wildlife activity.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

2.0 / 5

Open year-round but reduced river recreation and cooler conditions in winter.

Planning Tips

Operating Season: Open year-round as indicated.
Current Alerts: None mentioned.

About Irvine Finch Access Campground

Nestled within the stunning Bidwell-Sacramento River State Park, this riverside campground serves as your gateway to endless water adventures. Whether you're launching your boat at dawn for a peaceful fishing expedition, paddling a canoe through gentle currents, or floating lazily downstream on a summer afternoon, the Sacramento River beckons with its timeless allure. The well-maintained launch ramp and spacious parking area make it easy to transition from arrival to adventure in minutes.

Irvine Finch Access Campground has basic en-route campsites with a focus on accommodating boating and river recreation activities.

Historical SignificanceThis campground stands as a living testament to successful conservation efforts along the Sacramento River. Here, dedicated habitat restoration projects have breathed new life into the landscape, creating a sanctuary that showcases one of California's most endangered ecosystems. As you explore, you're witnessing the careful preservation of the Sacramento River's vanishing riparian habitat—a rare glimpse into what much of California's Central Valley once looked like before development transformed the region.

Weather and SeasonsExperience the full spectrum of California's inviting climate throughout the year. Warm spring days invite early-season explorers, while summer brings perfect conditions for water activities and evening campfires. As autumn paints the riverside foliage in golden hues, cooler temperatures create ideal hiking weather. Winter offers its own quiet charm with crisp, peaceful days. Smart campers know that layered clothing is the key to comfort here, allowing you to adapt as morning mist gives way to sunny afternoons.

ElevationSet at a gentle riverside elevation that provides easy access to both water activities and terrestrial adventures, the campground offers comfortable camping conditions year-round.

Natural Features and SceneryStep into a cathedral of nature where ancient oaks spread their mighty branches overhead, creating a living canopy alongside towering cottonwoods. This preserved slice of Sacramento River riparian paradise offers more than just shade—it's a thriving ecosystem where elderberry bushes heavy with fruit attract songbirds, wild grapevines create natural arbors, and the rich understory shelters an impressive array of wildlife. From the morning chorus of birds to the evening rustle of creatures beginning their nocturnal adventures, every moment here connects you with California's wild heart.

Geological RegionThe campground occupies a prime location within the Sacramento River's precious riparian corridor, where centuries of seasonal flooding have created rich, fertile soils that support a remarkable diversity of life. Massive valley oaks, some centuries old, stand sentinel alongside cottonwoods that whisper in the river breeze. Native elderberry shrubs, wild grape tangles, and a complex understory create multiple habitat layers that support everything from tiny tree frogs to majestic herons. This geological gift—where river meets land—has created one of California's most biodiverse and beautiful camping destinations.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Groups

No group site details provided.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Site layoutFacilities include a parking lot and launch ramp for water activities.

Walk-in AvailabilityMention of self-serve fee and walk-up access, but specific details were not provided.

AccessibilityVault restroom facilities and parking accommodate vehicles pulling trailers, making the area partly accessible.

Site SizeSite size details are not explicitly provided.

PrivacyPrivacy details for individual sites are not mentioned.

Total Campsites5 campsites

Amenities available

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

The Irvine Finch Access Campground is known for its emphasis on water-related activities like boating, fishing, and tubing, as well as wildlife observation.

FishingFishing opportunities abound, especially for salmon, steelhead, and shad along the Sacramento River. The area is popular among anglers.

SwimmingVisitors enjoy swimming in designated areas along the Sacramento River.

BoatingBoating, canoeing, and tubing down the Sacramento River are highly popular activities. Irvine Finch provides a boat launch and parking for easy access.

Wildlife viewingThe riparian environment supports diverse wildlife, including river otters, herons, and turtles. Visitors can enjoy observing nature's inhabitants in this habitat.

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsTubing activity may involve river currents; user reviews noted challenges with tube rentals.

Active AlertsNone mentioned.

Emergency ServicesClosest emergency services are likely in Chico, including hospitals, police stations, and fire departments.

Trash & RecyclingInformation about trash and recycling facilities is not explicitly mentioned.

Water FeaturesDirect access to the Sacramento River for boating, fishing, and tubing.

Camp HostReviews from users praised the hosts Jim and Ceri as being 'amazing' and going 'above and beyond.' Another review states, 'Love the safe environment and great park host.'

Weather at Irvine Finch Access Campground

Reviews

0.0

4 reviews

Limited Reviews

Irvine Finch Access Campground has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews

User feedback highlights the campground's convenient river access and friendly hosts, but some minor issues like difficulties with tube rentals are noted.

Review Summaries

Based on 4 reviews

What Campers Love

Visitors frequently praise the boat launch, convenient parking, and welcoming park hosts.

Based on 4 reviews

Common Concerns

A specific user noted issues with tube rentals being a 'nightmare.'

Based on 4 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Future campers should bring extra supplies, as amenities are basic. Utilizing the self-serve fee station may require preparation.

Based on 4 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer months appear to be the most popular, with tubing and water activities drawing visitors. Cooler months may be less ideal due to reduced river activity.

Based on 4 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'Had fun tubing down the river. Tube rental was a nightmare.' 2. 'Jim and Ceri are amazing hosts and go above and beyond to make your experience here a cut above the rest.' 3. 'Love the safe...

Based on 4 reviews