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BLM Camping

Sacramento River Bend Area

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is responsible for 1 in every 10 acres of land in the U.S.

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Sacramento River Bend Area

About 10% of all land in the United States is overseen by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM). These public lands are often great places for mountain biking, hiking, fishing, and camping. Other managed areas protect unique cultural or historical sites. In California, you can camp on most public lands for up to 14 days except in day-use areas or where camping is prohibited in order to protect wildlife. The Sacramento River Bend Area is a BLM site in northern California, 11 miles north of Red Bluff. It is a terrific place for hunting, hiking, and watersports. The BLM also manages the nearby Payne's Creek Wetlands, which was created to promote the growth of bird populations and is a beautiful spot to see all kinds of wildlife. In addition, Lassen Volcanic National Park is about 50 miles to the east.

What to See and Do

Hiking and Biking

Iron Canyon Trail

Iron Canyon Trail in the Sacramento River Bend Recreation Area offers stunning views of Lassen Peak, Mount Shasta, and the Trinity Alps. It is an easy loop that takes you through lava rock on your way to a bluff above a turn in the Sacramento River. You may even pass by grazing cows while walking this route. Length: 3.6 miles Intensity: Easy

Yana Trail

The Yana Trail runs across bluffs and into valleys along the Sacramento River. While there are a few oak trees along the path, most of it is unshaded. March can be a beautiful time to hike this trail as the California lilacs start blooming. Length: 8.5 miles Intensity: Moderate

Payne Creek Trail

This trail fords Payne Creek, which can be difficult after significant rain events. However, there is a beautiful area to splash in the river near the halfway point. Length: 4.6 miles Intensity: Moderate

Fishing and Boating

The Sacramento River in Tehama County, California, is a fantastic place to go fishing. Anglers can catch rainbow trout, smallmouth bass, and largemouth bass year-round. This river is also an excellent option for Chinook salmon fishing in the late summer through mid-October. Alternatively, December and January are fantastic months for steelhead trout fishing. For canoers and kayakers, there are several boat ramps between Balls Ferry and Red Bluff to launch a watercraft to paddle the river.

Climbing

There are more than 70 climbs at nearby Eagles Peak, and they vary in difficulty, so you should be able to find one that suits your experience level. You can access this location from the Lassen Peak parking lot, which is about an hour's drive away. Sports climbers should test the bolts before using them at this location because several are old, rusty, and may not be secure.

Wildlife Viewing

Paynes Creek Wetlands is a terrific place to see migratory birds along the Pacific Flyway. Irrigation ditches connect numerous ponds, and you might see hawks, ospreys, eagles, tundra swans, great blue herons, egrets, Canadian geese, American widgeons, and wood ducks. Look along the irrigation ditches to see beavers, muskrats, and river otters. Mule deer, coyotes, and small mammals also live near the ponds.

Picnicking

Cone Grove Park, about five miles south of Red Bluffs, California, is a fantastic place for a picnic. Antelope Creek runs through the west end of this park. There are many towering shade trees, so it is the perfect place to relax, even in the summertime. This park has a children's playground and a horseshoe pit.

Bureau of Land Management Camping

RV Camping

You can find RV camping at numerous places in this area, but there are no BLM-designated campgrounds within 50 miles. Reading Island is a favorite among anglers because of easy access to the Sacramento River. The campground has picnic tables, fire rings, and access to potable water. Shasta Campground has 27 campsites. There are also terrific camping choices in the Shasta-Trinity National Forest. The Tomhead Saddle Campground is a fabulous choice for proximity to hiking opportunities. Anglers may want to consider camping at the Lower Salt Creek Shoreline Area, a terrific place to go bass and trout fishing. Another fantastic option along the Sacramento River is the Woodson Bridge State Recreation Area, which has hot showers and a beach.

Free Camping

Many people visiting the Sacramento River Bend area choose Bureau of Land Management free camping options. Dispersed camping is allowed throughout the Sacramento River Bend Area, except for day-use-only sites, like the Jelly's Ferry site, the mouth of Inks Creek, and the Bass Pond parking areas. Another option is to camp in the Yolla Bolly-Middle Eel Wilderness, which is part of the Shasta-Trinity National Forest.

RV Rentals Near Sacramento River Bend Area Plan your next adventure

Credit: Vanna Mae, @vannamaeart

Planning your Sacramento River Bend Area BLM trip

The Sacramento River stays about 47 degrees year-round and can be deceptively swift. Remember to bring life jackets if you plan to enjoy watersports during your RV trip. Consider the weather before you hike in this area. The water can rise rapidly after a storm, and many of the hiking routes pass close to streams and rivers. While storms can occur at any time of the year, they are most likely to happen in the winter. Alternatively, summers are usually dry, and you should be vigilant about rattlesnakes because this region has a large population. To be extra safe, consider wearing snake gaiters for protection. Staying at the Bureau of Land Management campgrounds is a fantastic option, so search for "BLM camping near me" during your RV trip to find camping areas on public land. Campers often create the best memories around a campfire in a BLM spot far from commercial campgrounds. Before you start, make the most of your trip by checking out our blog for all you need to know about BLM camping.

Leave No Trace

The BLM expects you to follow Leave No Trace guidelines when camping or recreating on public lands. Most sites within the Sacramento River Bend Area do not offer trash service, so ensure you pack out your garbage—additionally, camp only on durable surfaces where others have camped before, if possible. Feel free to take pictures when you find interesting plants or objects, but leave them behind. Finally, maintain a respectful distance from animals for your safety and theirs.