Day Use Only
Bidwell-Sacramento River State Park
This park unit is partially open. Please take the time to read the information contained on this webpage to find out what is open and closed, and what COVID-19 guidelines are in place. - (May 27, 2021)
What is open now?
- Vehicular access to all day-use facilities such as parking lots, boat ramps, restrooms and trails
- En-Route Camping sites at Irvine Finch River Access. For more information, please visit www.parks.ca.gov/COVID19Camping.
COVID-19 Guidelines - (January 7, 2022)
Recreate Responsibly
Protect yourself, family, friends and your community by following these prevention measures:
Leave No Trace – Leave areas better than how you found them by staying on designated trails and packing out all trash. Do not disturb wildlife or plants.
Recreate Responsibly
Protect yourself, family, friends and your community by following these prevention measures:
- Know Before You Go – Prior to leaving home, check the status of the park unit you want to visit to find out what restrictions and guidelines are in place. Have a back-up plan in case your destination is crowded. Stay home if you are sick
- Plan Ahead – Some restrooms will be temporarily closed to keep up with cleaning schedules. Bring soap/hand sanitizer.
- Play It Safe – Find out what precautions you should take when exploring the outdoors, especially if this is your first time visiting the State Park System. Learn more at parks.ca.gov/SafetyTips.
- Be COVID-19 Safe – State Parks continues to meet guidance from local and state public officials as COVID-19 is still present and still deadly. Current state guidance requires that masks must be worn in all indoor public settings, such as museums and visitor centers, irrespective of vaccine status through February 15, 2022. Read the latest COVID-19 guidance at COVID19.ca.gov.
Phone Number
(530) 342-5185
Park Hours
Dogs Allowed?
Yes
Driving Directions to Bidwell-Sacramento River SP
From 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. To access the rest of the park proceed East on Highway 32 and turn right on River Road.
Online reservations are not available for this park.
Upcoming Park Events
No events scheduled at this moment.
BOATING
Boating
Boat Ramps
Boating
Boat Ramps
OVERNIGHT FACILITIES
En route Campsites
En route Campsites
TRAIL USE
Bike Trails
Hiking Trails
Bike Trails
Hiking Trails
DAY-USE ACTIVITIES & FACILITIES
Picnic Areas
Fishing
Interpretive Exhibits
Beach Area
Swimming
Nature & Wildlife Viewing
Geocaching
Picnic Areas
Fishing
Interpretive Exhibits
Beach Area
Swimming
Nature & Wildlife Viewing
Geocaching
OTHER FACILITIES & VISITOR INFORMATION
Parking
Restrooms
Drinking Water Available
Parking
Restrooms
Drinking Water Available
Bidwell-Sacramento River State Park Riparian Restoration Project
CA State Parks is pleased to announce the kickoff of the Bidwell-Sacramento River State Park Riparian Restoration Project. This project will restore 24 acres of natural habitat adjacent to the Pine Creek Access Unit and the Sacramento River. In order to achieve this goal State Parks is collaborating with the Butte County Resource Conservation District and River Partners. The project is anticipated to begin in early September.
CA State Parks is pleased to announce the kickoff of the Bidwell-Sacramento River State Park Riparian Restoration Project. This project will restore 24 acres of natural habitat adjacent to the Pine Creek Access Unit and the Sacramento River. In order to achieve this goal State Parks is collaborating with the Butte County Resource Conservation District and River Partners. The project is anticipated to begin in early September.
The main activity to be enjoyed at Bidwell-Sacramento River State Park is bank or boat fishing for salmon, steelhead and shad. The next popular activity is "cruising down the river" on inner tubes, canoes, or kayaks.
This park preserves a fine example of a disappearing natural resource - the riverine habitat. The river’s various landscapes display great scenic beauty and constant change. The riparian plant and animal communities here depend strongly on each other. Massive oaks and cottonwoods give the dense shade needed for the survival of cool-water creatures. Thick understories of elderberry, wild grape, blackberry, wild rose and numerous perennials provide shelter to a diversified wildlife population. The park offers a great setting for observing and learning about the riparian community.
Location – Directions
From 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. To access the rest of the park proceed East on Highway 32 and turn right on River Road.
Latitude/Longitude: 39.7419 / -121.9176
Seasons/Climate Recommended Clothing
Summer and spring are warm; fall and winter can be cool. Layered clothing is advised.
Park Day Use Areas
Indian Fishery Day Use Area
Indian Fishery is an ox bow lake surrounded by a beautiful oak woodland. This is a wonderful area to picnic, bird watch, fish, hike or simply enjoy the wildlife that abounds in the ox bow lake. It is common to observe river otters darting through the water, turtles basking on a fallen tree or herons stalking a meal. Visit Indian Fishery and enjoy the grandeur of massive oaks and the rapidly disappearing river habitat.
Big Chico Creek Day Use Area
This area of the park is characterized by lush river habitat that opens up to a large gravel bar that fronts the Sacramento River. Here park visitors fish, swim, jet-ski, water-ski and sun bathe. This is also the location where many river rafts and tubes exit the river.
Pine Creek Day Use Area
Pine Creek is a popular location for fishing, canoeing, kayaking, picnicking and bird and wildlife watching. Those entering Pine Creek with a canoe or kayak can get a close look at some of the last vestiges of riparian habitat.
Irvine Finch River Access
This five acre parking lot and launch ramp affords the park visitor an easy way to access the Sacramento River for boating, canoeing or floating down the river on inner tubes.