The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is responsible for 1 in every 10 acres of land in the U.S.
The Cosumnes River flows about 52 miles through northern California and is unique for being one of very few North American natural rivers without any dams. The Cosumnes River Preserve includes the main parts of the river as well as 50,000 acres of surrounding land and is owned and maintained by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), a US government organization. Because the BLM owns this river preserve, the public is able to visit it year-round for free.
The Cosumnes River Preserve is considered to be a wetland, and it contains an oak riparian forest which is the largest riparian ecosystem in California. Along the banks of the Cosumnes River, which flows from the Sierra Nevada Mountains to the Great Central Valley, migrating and wintering waterbirds stay. Over 250 species of birds have been documented throughout the entire preserve, making it the perfect stop for birdwatchers.
A paved route, the Elk Grove trail is made for hikers and bikers to share while seeing wood ducks, mallards, and great blue herons.
Length: 1.4 miles
Intensity: Easy
The Blue Heron Trail is a loop trail that explores a great blue heron refuge area.
Length: 0.9 mile
Intensity: Easy
The Marsh Creek Trail is a long trail that winds through the city of Brentwood, California.
Length: 15 miles
Intensity: Moderate
Fishing is allowed in the Cosumnes River, but anglers may only do it from a boat on the river since fishing from the land or shore is prohibited. Fish species in the river include brook trout, brown trout, Chinook salmon, and steelhead. Anglers who want to fish in this river are required to have a valid California fishing license and adhere to current California fishing seasons and regulations. Boaters with non-motorized boats can enter the river most easily just south of the Visitor Center, where a public deck and boat launch are located.
Paddling is common on the Cosumnes River too, and the BLM hosts paddle tours frequently. You can check out the current dates for paddle tours and other events online, but you should know that you will need to bring your own paddle boats to join the ranger-led tour.
Hunting is permitted at the Cosumnes River Preserve, but it is only allowed during certain times and for certain species. Wild turkeys and doves are able to be hunted by groups who plan ahead and who contact the BLM ahead of their hunts, and deer may be hunted during specified times in October with permits.
Since regular hunting is generally prohibited in preservation areas, visitors are encouraged to instead view the wildlife at the Cosumnes River Preserve. Many come to see the population of sandhill cranes, and there are designated hotspots where visitors can see the cranes best, like on Staten Island Road and at Woodbridge Ecological Reserve. Other waterfowl you may be able to see include Canadian geese and multiple species of ducks. The state-threatened Swainson hawk also makes this area its home and so do land animals like deer, river otters, bobcats, coyotes, and skunks. Also found here are over 600 butterflies from multiple different species including the buckeye, eastern tailed blue, and cabbage butterfly.
Picnicking is allowed in the Cosumnes River Preserve so long as visitors pick up after themselves and do not feed the wildlife. Some picnic tables and shelters are located near the visitor's center beside the outdoor exhibits, which are always open even when the indoor center is closed. You may also enjoy having your picnic away from the center where you can sit in the middle of the unique landscape, but be advised that the ground can be quite wet and muddy, so using folding or camping chairs is better than sitting directly on the ground.
If you are looking for BLM camping near me but don't want to stay at a primitive campground, consider staying at a privately owned campground instead that accommodates RV camping. One option you have is New Hope Landing RV Park & Marina, which has full hookup campsites and a boat launch area. Another option is The Meadows of Isleton, which has hookups and an on-site small farm with a petting zoo.
The Cosumnes River Preserve is not a Bureau of Land Management campground since overnight stays are not permitted on the preserve, but you can find other BLM campgrounds nearby. One Bureau of Land Management free camping option is Tonyon Campground, which isn't owned by the BLM but by the Parks and Recreation Department of San Mateo. This campground has three group campsites that can be reserved in advance and that are primitive although they have potable water outlets.
Whenever you plan to visit the Cosumnes River, be sure to check the weather forecast ahead of time and to pack accordingly. In the summer, the area tends to be very hot and humid, and in the winter, it is fairly cold. In the spring, summer, and fall, bugs will be thick near the river, so packing bug spray is always a must.
When you camp at a primitive BLM campground near the river, be sure to pack all the supplies you will need, including drinking water, fire equipment, and plenty of blankets and warm layers for the nighttime. Before you head out on your trip, check out our blog for all you need to know about BLM camping.
All visitors to the Cosumnes River Preserve are asked to follow the guidelines of the BLM's Leave No Trace Policy in order to help keep the preserve clean for the wildlife that lives there. These guidelines are easy to follow and include rules like leaving what you find where it belongs, avoiding contact with the wildlife, and picking up after yourself before you leave.
To reach the Cosumnes River from Sacramento, take I-5 south and exit onto Twin Cities Road. From there, travel east, and then turn south on Franklin Boulevard. You will pass by Desmond Road, and the Cosumnes River Preserve Visitor Center will be on the left after a half-mile.
Ready to visit Cosumnes River? An RV rental is a great way to experience your destination. Not only will you be close to all the action, but at the end of a long day exploring, you’ll have your RV to return to for the night where you’ll enjoy a full kitchen, bathroom, and nice soft bed. Not sure about renting an RV? Here’s a step-by-step guide to renting an RV with RVshare.
