Cache Rock

For California residents seeking a true escape into nature, a convenient and fulfilling outdoor experience awaits at Cache Creek Regional Park's Middle Campground. While the name "Cache Rock" may not be an official designation for a specific campground, it is widely understood by locals and often informally refers to the excellent camping opportunities within Cache Creek Regional Park, particularly at the Middle Campground site. Nestled in the stunning Cache Creek Canyon area of Yolo County, this regional park offers a robust natural wilderness experience, providing a refreshing contrast to urban life. It’s an ideal destination for individuals, families, and groups eager to explore California's diverse landscapes and engage in a variety of outdoor activities. This article will guide you through what makes this location a prime choice for your next California camping adventure.

Cache Creek Regional Park is a expansive natural area managed by Yolo County Parks, providing over 600 acres of oak woodlands, pines, grassland meadows, and riparian habitats along Cache Creek. The park is divided into three main areas: the Upper Park Site (day use), the Middle Campground Park Site, and the Lower Day Use Site. Our focus, the Middle Campground, is the primary overnight camping area and what many locals might colloquially refer to when discussing "Cache Rock" camping due to the canyon's prominent rock formations. This location offers a genuine outdoor experience with amenities designed to make your stay comfortable while preserving the natural environment.

Cache Creek Regional Park is situated approximately 6 miles north of the small town of Rumsey, along State Highway 16, within California's 95634 zip code area. This puts it within a reasonable driving distance for many residents across Northern and Central California, making it an accessible getaway for a weekend trip or a longer vacation. The journey to the park itself is scenic, winding through the beautiful Cache Creek Canyon, with peaks reaching over 2,200 feet in elevation. While the address California 95634, USA, provides a general vicinity, direct navigation to Cache Creek Regional Park, 1475 Hwy 16, Rumsey, CA 95679, is recommended for accuracy.

The park's location offers a sense of seclusion and immersion in nature, yet it remains reachable via State Highway 16. It's important for visitors to note that cell phone service can be spotty or nonexistent within the canyon parks, so it's advisable to download maps or directions beforehand. Temperatures in the Cache Creek Canyon area can be quite warm in the summer, often exceeding 100 degrees Fahrenheit, while winters can see temperatures well below freezing. Planning your visit according to seasonal weather patterns is highly recommended. The park also provides access to the vast Berryessa Snow Mountain National Monument, comprising over 330,000 acres of the California Coast Ranges, further expanding the outdoor exploration opportunities for campers at Cache Creek.

Services Offered at Cache Creek Regional Park Middle Campground (informally "Cache Rock"):

• Campsites: The Middle Campground provides 45 individual campsites and 4 large group campsites, each typically including a parking area, picnic table, fire ring, and a turf area with shade trees. Some individual sites are better suited for RVs, with length restrictions up to 26 feet for certain sites.
• Restrooms: Two restroom buildings with flushing toilets are available, and portable chemical toilets are also distributed throughout the campground.
• Potable Water: Potable water is available at central dishwashing stations and within the flushing restrooms. While individual campsites do not have water spigots, this central access ensures campers have a reliable water source.
• Showers: Showers are available for a fee (tokens can be purchased, typically $5 for five minutes), providing a welcome amenity after a day of outdoor activities.
• Dump Station: An RV dump station is provided on-site, a convenient service for campers with recreational vehicles. There is a fee for non-campers to use the dump station.
• Park Host: A park host resides on-site to assist campers with check-in/check-out, provide information, and ensure a smooth camping experience.
• Pet-Friendly: Dogs are allowed at the campground but must be kept on a leash no longer than 6 feet at all times. A nightly fee per dog applies, and proof of license may be required. Note that dogs are generally not allowed on beach areas.
• Recreational Vehicle (RV) Accommodation: While RV hook-ups are not available, many campsites can accommodate RVs and trailers, with specific length restrictions for certain sites.

Features and Highlights of Cache Creek Regional Park Middle Campground (informally "Cache Rock"):

• Access to Cache Creek: The campground provides rural pedestrian access to Cache Creek, offering opportunities for fishing, swimming (in accessible areas), and enjoying the riparian habitat.
• Playground and Turf Areas: The Middle Campground features a playground and large turf areas, making it a family-friendly destination for children to play and for campers to relax.
• Hiking and Trails: While the campground itself is peaceful, the broader Cache Creek Regional Park provides access to various trails. The Lower Day Use site, for instance, offers rural hiking to the Frog Pond trail (a 5-mile loop), the Blue Ridge trail, and access to over 54,000 acres of Bureau of Land Management lands and trails. County Road 40, closed to vehicles, is available for hikers, horseback riders, and bicycles, connecting to various points of interest.
• Rafting Popularity: During the summer months, Cache Creek is a popular destination for rafting, and vendors often operate from areas within the regional park, offering exciting opportunities for water-based adventures (though direct creek access from the campground may vary).
• Proximity to Berryessa Snow Mountain National Monument: The regional park serves as a gateway to the vast Berryessa Snow Mountain National Monument, offering extensive opportunities for further exploration, including hiking, wildlife viewing, and appreciation of diverse ecosystems.
• Peaceful Atmosphere: Many visitors praise the quiet and peaceful atmosphere of the campground, noting that there's plenty of space between sites, allowing for a sense of privacy and relaxation.
• Seasonal Operation: The campground is typically open seasonally, usually from late spring through early fall. It's often closed in late fall through early spring due to weather conditions. Always check the Yolo County Parks website for current operating dates and availability.

Contact Information:

Address:

Cache Creek Regional Park (Middle Campground)

1475 Hwy 16, Rumsey, CA 95679

Phone:

For reservations and general inquiries regarding Cache Creek Regional Park and its campground, it is best to contact Yolo County Parks directly.

Yolo County Parks Division: (530) 406-4880

Email: yolocountyparks@yolocounty.gov (email is often preferred due to limited office staff)

Reservations are highly recommended, especially for individual campsites during peak seasons, and can typically be made online through the Yolo County Parks website's camping portal.

Conclusion: Why Cache Creek Regional Park (informally "Cache Rock") is Suitable for Locals

For Californians, Cache Creek Regional Park's Middle Campground, often referred to by locals as "Cache Rock" due to the canyon's striking features, offers an exceptional and convenient outdoor experience. Its location in Yolo County, accessible via State Highway 16, makes it a relatively easy drive for many in the Sacramento Valley, Bay Area, and surrounding regions who are looking for a quick yet immersive escape. This isn't just a place to pitch a tent; it's a gateway to a natural playground, offering everything from serene lakeside fishing and swimming to more adventurous pursuits like rafting on Cache Creek or exploring miles of hiking trails within the park and the adjacent Berryessa Snow Mountain National Monument.

Locals will appreciate the well-maintained facilities, including flushing restrooms, showers, and potable water, which add comfort to the rustic charm of camping. The availability of both individual and group campsites caters to various needs, whether you're planning a quiet family outing or a larger gathering with friends. The presence of a park host provides peace of mind and assistance, ensuring a pleasant stay. Furthermore, the ability to bring pets (with appropriate regulations) means that no family member needs to be left behind. Despite its proximity to populated areas, the park maintains a peaceful and natural ambiance, allowing residents to truly disconnect, breathe fresh air, and reconnect with California's rich biodiversity. Cache Creek Regional Park offers a blend of accessibility and authentic wilderness, making it an ideal choice for any California local yearning for their next outdoor adventure.

Cache Rock

California 95634, USA