Colusa-Sacramento River State Recreation Campground
3.6641 reviewsP.O. Box 207 Colusa, CA 95932
Quick Facts
Price
$15 - $45/night
Booking
Reservable
Sites
14 campsites
Season
Year-round
Cell
Has Service
Pets
Allowed
RV FriendlyElectricShowers
Get DirectionsQuick Facts
Price
$15 - $45/night
Booking
Reservable
Sites
14 campsites
Season
Year-round
Cell
Has Service
Pets
Allowed
RV FriendlyElectricShowers
Get DirectionsColusa-Sacramento River State Recreation Campground
$15.00 - $45.00 / night
Campsite Fees
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.
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
Total Campsite Fees$85.00
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Reserve California
Provider530-329-9198citymanager@cityofcolusa.com
What Campers Say
3.66
Mixed Reviews
Based on 41 reviews
184 Google reviews
Most mentioned
clean
"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."
Fees & Passes at Colusa-Sacramento River State Recreation Campground
$15 - $45/night
Campsite fees
Standard Site
Basic tent/RV spot
Electric/Hookup Site
With electric/water hookups
Stay Limit: Maximum 14 consecutive nights allowed per reservation.
Cancellation: No detailed information found in authoritative sources regarding cancellation policies.
Prices verified November 27, 2025
Prices may vary by season and site type. Always confirm current rates on the official City of Colusa website.
Best Time to Camp at Colusa-Sacramento River State Recreation Campground
The 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.
Spring (Mar-May)
Wildflowers bloom, mild temperatures, fewer crowds. Great for hiking and photography.
Best
Summer (Jun-Aug)
Peak season with warm weather, perfect for water activities. Book early.
Fall (Sep-Nov)
Beautiful fall colors, cooler temps, quieter campgrounds. Ideal for peaceful trips.
Winter (Dec-Feb)
Snow activities available. Some facilities may close. Check conditions.
Planning Tips
- Peak Season: Peak season not explicitly mentioned, but spring and summer are popular for camping and fishing.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
- Operating Season: Open year-round. Flooding may affect availability from December 1st to March 1st.
- Current Alerts: None explicitly mentioned in the authoritative sources.
About Colusa-Sacramento River State Recreation 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.
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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 Campsites
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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.
Hiking
Hiking 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."Fishing
Fishing 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."Swimming
Swimming 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."Boating
Boating 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 viewing
The 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 activities
Beach activities are limited to fishing and swimming along the river's gravel bar. The beach is accessible via a trail from the campsite.Winter Activities
No winter-specific recreational activities are mentioned, though seasonal camping is available.Water Sports
Non-motorized water sports like kayaking or canoeing are not explicitly mentioned, though the river's accessibility may support such activities.Advertisement
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 at Colusa-Sacramento River State Recreation Campground
45
°F
Dec 7
Sunday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
Humidity: 92%
High humidity, may feel muggy
Wind: 1.3 mph
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
Overcast
Weather History
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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.
Reviews from booking and map sources
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
Based on 41 reviews
What Campers Love
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...
Based on 41 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Criticisms include cleanliness issues in restrooms and showers, overcrowded campsites, and unfulfilled promises of improved amenities. One reviewer lamented, "Showers and bathrooms are disgusting,"...
Based on 41 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
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...
Based on 41 reviewsShow more
Seasonal Insights
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.
Based on 41 reviewsCamper Quotes
"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...
Based on 41 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
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.
Based on 41 reviewsAccessibility Features
Accessible facilities are generally appreciated but require better maintenance. Reviewers noted that while designated accessible campsites exist, overall cleanliness and upkeep could be improved.
Based on 41 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
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.
Based on 41 reviewsCamper Reviews by Outdoorithm campers
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Last updated November 27, 2025
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