Brannan Island State Recreation Area

To make reservations select the “Online Reservations” button on this page or visit ReserveCalifornia's website.

Brannan Island State Recreation Area is located near the eastern end of the maze of rivers and sloughs that make up the Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta. From its position nestled between the Sacramento River on the northwest and Three Mile and Seven Mile Sloughs on the southwest, the park serves as an entryway to the over 1,000 miles of navigable waterways that make up the Delta.

The park offers an array of recreation opportunities, including camping, picnicking, birding, swimming, boating, fishing, and various aquatic sports. The park can be enjoyed from either the bank or boat, with the boat launch offering an array of facilities to ensure your launch goes smoothly. Fishing from Brannan Island State Recreation Area is excellent for striped bass, black bass, bluegill, sturgeon, and more.

Location - Directions

The park is located on Highway 160 between the Bay Area and Sacramento, a few miles south of the city of Rio Vista, in Sacramento County. The park can be found on the lower peninsular extension of Brannan Island, and is surrounded by the Sacramento River on the west, Three Mile Slough on the southeast, and Seven Mile Slough on the northeast.

Facilities

The park has a ten lane launch ramp, over 140 campsites, and areas for picnicking and swimming.

Day Use Areas

Day use areas include the group picnic area located at the Ramadas, Windy Cove, and Seven Mile Slough picnic area. The group picnic facility and Seven Mile Slough day use area close at sunset. Windy Cove closes at the hour posted at the entrance road to Windy Cove.

Seven Mile Slough picnic area includes picnic tables, barbecues and drinking water. The restroom facilities include flush toilets and outdoor cold showers.  A Life Jacket Lending Board will be available, however no Lifeguarding Services are currently provided.  Ample parking is close to the beach.

The Ramadas have shaded picnic structures with large barbecues, picnic tables, water, and trash receptacles. A large open grassy area is adjacent to the site for games. 

Alcohol

Possession and consumption of alcoholic beverages is prohibited in day use areas.

Dogs

At Seven Mile Slough and Windy Cove beaches are off limits to dogs. Dogs are allowed in the picnic area north of the restrooms, along Seven Mile Slough. Dogs must be on leash and in the owners' control at all times.

Trailer Lengths

Sites vary from 20 feet to 36 feet in length. While booking your site, please check the site length and width under amenities to be sure your unit and vehicle will fit properly.

When to Visit

The park is a high use recreation area which receives heavy use from May through October. The late fall, winter and early spring months are much slower paced at the park and offer some of the best fishing opportunities of the year.

Seasons/Climate/Recommend Clothing

The climate in the Delta is mild, with winter temperatures usually ranging between 45 and 55 degrees and summer temperatures between 75 and 95. The occasional heat wave can push temperatures above 100 degrees in the summer, although the Delta breeze is never far away. Come dressed in layers in the winter and dress lightly for the heat in the summer.