Rancho Seco Campground

Hello, California outdoor enthusiasts! Are you searching for a versatile and welcoming campground that offers a peaceful escape with a wide array of activities, all within easy reach of Central California's major cities? Look no further than **Rancho Seco Campground**, a true gem nestled in the 400-acre Rancho Seco Recreational Area near Herald. This isn't just a place to park your RV or pitch a tent; it's a vibrant recreational hub centered around a beautiful 160-acre lake, providing a fantastic setting for year-round fun for families, anglers, and nature lovers alike.

Rancho Seco Campground stands out for its well-maintained facilities, spacious sites, and the sheer variety of activities available on-site. Whether you're an avid angler hoping to reel in some bass, a family looking for a safe and calm lake for kayaking and swimming, or a dog owner needing space for your furry friends to roam, Rancho Seco offers something for everyone. While it can certainly get lively during peak summer weekends, as many popular California spots do, visitors often highlight its peaceful tranquility during the quieter seasons, making it a fantastic local getaway no matter the time of year.

Rancho Seco Campground is conveniently located at **Unnamed Road, Herald, CA 95638, USA**. This address places it in California's Central Valley, roughly 25 miles southeast of downtown Sacramento. Its accessibility makes it an ideal spontaneous escape for residents of Sacramento, Stockton, and surrounding areas, requiring a manageable drive on well-maintained roads.

The park itself spans 400 acres, providing ample space for various activities without feeling overly crowded, even when busy. The heart of the recreation area is the 160-acre Rancho Seco Lake, which is a constant-level lake fed by the Folsom South Canal. This ensures consistent water levels for year-round recreation. While the presence of decommissioned nuclear power plant cooling towers in the distance might seem unique, they have become part of the landscape, and the area has been thoroughly repurposed for recreation and wildlife. The park's design allows for easy navigation between camping areas, the lake, and various activity zones, making it a comfortable and accessible outdoor destination for all types of visitors.

Services Offered:

• **Diverse Campsite Options:** Rancho Seco Campground offers both **RV campsites (21 sites)** and **tent campsites (32 sites)**. RV sites are equipped with **electrical outlets** and **drinking water**, while tent sites have a picnic table, fire ring, and drinking water nearby. All sites feature a **picnic table, fire ring, and grate**.
• **Full Restroom Facilities:** The park boasts **renovated restrooms and showers**, noted by reviewers for their cleanliness. This is a significant comfort for both RV and tent campers.
• **Laundry Facilities:** For extended stays or just general convenience, a **recreation room with washer/dryer facilities** is available, a welcomed amenity for campers.
• **RV Dump Station:** A conveniently located **dump station** is available for RV campers, often free for registered overnight guests.
• **General Store:** A **small general store** with limited hours (typically open seasonally, May-September) sells essential items like ice, firewood, and potentially fishing licenses and limited snacks. The nearest full grocery store is approximately 9 miles away.
• **Boat Launch Ramps:** The lake features **two boat ramps** for launching electric motor boats, rowboats, sailboats, kayaks, and paddleboats. **Gas motors are strictly prohibited** to maintain the lake's calm and clean environment.
• **Boat Rentals (Seasonal):** **Boat rentals** including kayaks, paddleboards, pedal boats, and rowboats are available, typically from **November to March, Thursday through Monday, from 8:00 AM to 1:00 PM**. (Note: A customer review stated boat rental was closed, so it's always best to call ahead to confirm current availability).
• **Fish Cleaning Station:** For anglers, a **fish cleaning station** is provided, making it convenient to prepare your catch.
• **Dog Park:** A dedicated **dog park** with separate areas for large and small dogs is available, allowing canine companions to play off-leash. Dogs must be leashed in all other areas of the park.
• **Picnic Areas:** Numerous **shaded, grassy picnic areas** with tables and barbecues are available for day use on a first-come, first-served basis, with some group picnic areas reservable.
• **Camp Host:** A **camp host** is on-site and frequently described as "super nice and helpful," contributing to the park's well-maintained and welcoming atmosphere.
• **Reservations:** Camping is available year-round. **Reservations are highly recommended**, especially during peak season, and can be made via phone or online. Day use requires park entry fees.

Features / Highlights:

• **Excellent Fishing Lake:** Rancho Seco Lake is renowned for its **great fishing**, particularly for **bass (catch and release is common)**, **bluegill, redear sunfish, and crappie**. The lake is also regularly **stocked with rainbow trout from November through March**, with annual trout derbies. Six handicapped-accessible fishing docks provide easy access.
• **Calm, Electric-Motor-Only Lake:** The restriction on gas motors ensures the lake remains **calm and clean**, making it ideal for swimming, kayaking, paddleboarding, windsurfing, and small sailboats.
• **Spacious Campsites:** Reviewers often highlight the "lots of elbow room" in the RV spots and the overall spaciousness of the campsites, allowing for a comfortable stay.
• **Well-Maintained Park:** The park is consistently praised for being "very well maintained" and "clean," reflecting the dedication of the staff and camp hosts.
• **Dedicated Dog Park:** The presence of a "nice dog park with separate areas for large and small dogs" is a significant highlight for pet owners, providing a safe and enjoyable space for their companions.
• **Sandy Swimming Beach:** A large **36,000 square foot sandy beach** area with a roped-off swimming zone and lifeguards during summer offers a fantastic place to cool off and relax by the water.
• **Howard Ranch Trail:** A **seven-mile loop hiking trail**, the Howard Ranch Trail, offers scenic walks along the lake and into open ranch land. It's particularly beautiful in winter with vernal pools and in spring with wildflowers (note: dogs are not allowed on this specific trail).
• **Amanda Blake Wildlife Refuge:** Located within the park, this 75-acre refuge cares for endangered and rescued animals, offering a unique opportunity for wildlife viewing.
• **Year-Round Operation:** Unlike many seasonal campgrounds, Rancho Seco is **open year-round**, providing outdoor opportunities even during the cooler months, which can offer a quieter experience.
• **Family-Friendly Environment:** With diverse activities from fishing and boating to swimming and picnicking, combined with a welcoming atmosphere, Rancho Seco is an excellent destination for families.

Contact Information:

Address: Unnamed Road, Herald, CA 95638, USA

Phone: (209) 975-5092 (General Park Information)

Mobile Phone: +1 209-975-5092

For Reservations: **1-800-416-6992** or visit Recreation.gov / RockyMountainRec.com for Rancho Seco Recreational Area.

For California locals, Rancho Seco Campground offers an incredibly well-rounded and accessible outdoor experience right in the heart of the Central Valley. Its year-round availability makes it a flexible option for impromptu weekend trips or planned family vacations, regardless of the season. Whether you're looking to cast a line for bass and trout, glide across the calm lake in a kayak, let your dogs play freely, or simply enjoy a quiet barbecue with loved ones, Rancho Seco provides the perfect setting.

The balance of well-maintained facilities, including clean restrooms and RV hookups, with ample space and diverse natural activities, makes it suitable for all types of campers—from seasoned RVers to first-time tent campers. While summer can bring crowds, visiting during the quieter spring or fall months, as many locals do, offers an even more serene and spacious experience. Rancho Seco is truly a local treasure, providing a convenient and enjoyable escape into nature that fosters lasting memories for families and outdoor enthusiasts across California.

Rancho Seco Campground

Unnamed Road, Herald, CA 95638, USA