Sacramento River Bend Area
The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is responsible for 1 in every 10 acres of land in the U.S.
Sacramento River Bend Area sits along a 56-mile stretch of undeveloped riparian habitat on the Sacramento River, featuring wetlands and ancient oaks. RVers will find abundant wildlife and savannahs carpeted with beautiful wildflowers. When traveling in an RV, you can stay in this area and enjoy historical sites, water recreation, and hiking trails. It's perfect for RVers who want a slow-paced trip with elegant scenery. Dispersed RV camping options won't require reservations. Dirt and gravel roads are well-maintained, including Bend Ferry Road. Paved roads, like Jelly's Ferry Road, provide easier access for larger rigs.
Quick Facts About RVing in Sacramento River Bend Area
● RV Friendly: Limited ● Max RV Length: Recommended maximum length is 20 feet ● Camping Type: Both ● Reservations: No ● Hookups: None at dispersed sites, and both partial and full at developed sites ● Dump Station: Nearest dump station is Tehama District Fairgrounds ● Potable Water: Bring your own ● Cell Service: Spotty ● Pets: Allowed, but must be leashed ● Roads: Paved, gravel, and dirt ● Best Season: Spring and fall
Why RV Travelers Love This BLM Area
● Wide open spots for boondocking along Bend Ferry Road ● Miles of scenic paths, including Yana Trail, for stretching your legs after a drive ● Water-related activities close to camp, like kayaking and boating ● Quiet, uncrowded camping away from crowded RV parks ● Wildflowers and blue oak savannas right outside your door ● An easy basecamp for exploring Red Bluff and the surrounding valley
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.
Developed Campgrounds
Currently, there aren't any developed campgrounds directly on BLM public land; however, there are options nearby. You can camp at Sycamore Grove Campground in the Red Bluff Recreation Area, which accommodates RVs up to 44 feet. The campground offers electric and water hookups, restrooms, a paved nature trail, and river access. Sites can be reserved up to six months in advance, and camping fees range from $16 to $30.
Dispersed Camping
Dispersed camping is available throughout the Sacramento River Bend Area. You'll find areas off Bend Ferry Road and close to Perry Riffle Trailhead. There is no potable water or RV hookups at these sites, yet they are free to use, with stays limited to 14 days per calendar year. You must adhere to a leave-no-trace policy since there are no trash collection services. You won't find defined camping spots, and privacy is minimal outside of your RV. Fire restrictions may limit or prohibit campfires, especially during fire season, so check current conditions before you go. Smaller RVs, like camper vans and Class B models under 25 feet, are recommended.
Is This BLM Area Good for Your RV?
● Camper Vans: Camper vans are available as 4x4 models, such as Sprinters. They are best for these more primitive regions with tight turns. You will also save more on fuel by choosing these smaller models. ● Travel Trailers: Travel trailers under 22 feet can handle ruts if they have independent suspension. You can turn them around rather easily in pull-offs. However, if you choose a model with a long tandem axle, it could suffer some damage on dirt roadways. ● Fifth Wheels: Fifth wheels are not recommended for this area at all. They're great on paved roads, but their length could make them more likely to get stuck. They aren't suitable for dirt access roads and any paths near river banks. ● Class A Motorhomes: Class A motorhomes aren't the best choice for the Sacramento River Bend Area since they have low front and rear bumpers. They will scrape on uneven dirt roads and become damaged. They'll take a heavy beating on washboards. ● Class B Motorhomes: Class B motorhomes offer high clearance with 4x4 capabilities. These models manage washboards more easily, and they can fit within tight primitive turnarounds. They are great for traveling on rocky dirt roads. ● Class C Motorhomes: If you choose a smaller model, you may get through these areas easily at lower speeds. You should avoid larger models because they have longer rear overhangs.
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
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.
What RV Travelers Should Know Before Arriving
RVers visiting the Sacramento River Bend Area should bring potable water. There are grocery and camping stores within 15 minutes of this recreation area. Convenience stores are near the Cottonwood junction, about 10 minutes away. Dump stations are available at Tehama District Fairgrounds and Rivers Edge RV Park. Cellular services are spotty and unreliable, and there are no trash collection services in dispersed camping areas. The access roads are paved along the highways; however, most roads leading to campgrounds are gravel and dirt. Extreme heat in summer can increase risks, so it's best to camp in this area in spring or fall.
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.
Sacramento River Bend Area Location
From Red Bluff, California, get on Interstate 5 going north. Take the Jelly's Ferry Exit and go east. Turn right on Bend Ferry Road and continue until you reach the BLM site. GPS Coordinates: 40.272784, -122.196902 Ready to visit the Sacramento River Bend Area? 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.
Plan Your Day at the Sacramento River Bend Area
● Morning: Enjoy a delicious breakfast at your RV and then head to the Sacramento River Discovery Center. You can collect trail maps and check out history and wildlife exhibits. About mid-morning, you can head to Jed's Overlook and enjoy a peaceful walk surrounded by songbirds and river views. ● Afternoon: Go to Bend Bridge Park for a picnic lunch under the covered picnic tables. After lunch, head to Perry Riffle and walk the trail. You'll see beautiful blue oak savannas and ancient volcanic rock formations. Later in the afternoon, head to the boat launch and go kayaking. ● Evening: In the evening, head back to your RV and get ready for dinner in downtown Red Bluff, nicknamed "The Victorian City on the River." When you return to camp, you can enjoy stargazing and get a good night's rest.
Nearby Attractions
● Lake Red Bluff Recreation Area: About a 15-minute drive from the BLM area, Lake Red Bluff Recreation Area offers RV camping options with electric hookups and a public boat ramp. At this attraction, you can fish, kayak, and powerboat on the Sacramento River. ● Bend Bridge Park: Roughly a 10-minute drive away, Bend Bridge Park has its own boat launch and picnic areas. RVers will love the salmon and trout fishing in this area away from fast-paced city life. ● Perry Riffle and Coyote Pond: About a 10-minute drive from most camping areas, Perry Riffle offers a walk-in boat launch and access to dispersed camping nearby, plus a loop trail past Coyote Pond with good wildlife- and bird-viewing opportunities. ● Sacramento River Discovery Center: Around 20 minutes away in the Red Bluff Recreation Area, this center offers trail maps and wildlife exhibits. It's a good starting point before setting out on foot. ● Hog Lake Loop and Yana Trail: About a 15-minute drive from most camping spots, the Hog Lake Loop and Yana Trail offer beautiful views and a relaxing walking trail. You can also ride a mountain bike through these trails and view the wildflowers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I stay the full 14 days at Sacramento River Bend Area? Yes, dispersed camping is allowed for up to 14 days per calendar year, rather than the rolling 28-day window used at some other BLM sites. There's no fee or reservation required, but check current fire restrictions and road conditions before planning an extended stay. Are there any admission fees required for visiting the Sacramento River Bend Area? Currently, there aren't any fees, and you can disperse camp for free. However, if you stay at a private RV park or resort, you will have to pay a nightly fee, and these fees vary. Some areas, like River Bend Park, require a parking fee of $8. What wildlife and birds are you likely to see in the Sacramento River Bend Area? You will see migratory birds, beavers, osprey, deer, and bald eagles in the Sacramento River Bend Area. You'll have better vantage points for viewing the wildlife on the hiking trails. Will RVers encounter dangerous animals or plants in the Sacramento River Bend Area? During warmer months, you may encounter rattlesnakes and poison oak on the hiking trails. The wooded areas may also increase tick-related risks and stinging insect bites. You should stay cautious during the late spring and summer. Read our Packing Checklist to help you remember vital supplies you may need. Can you bring your pets to the Sacramento River Bend Area? Yes, pets are allowed in the Sacramento River Bend Area; however, you should keep your pets on a leash. Be mindful about your pet if you take them on the hiking trails, as snakes and other wildlife can present a risk to them.
Rent the Right RV for This Trip
Finding the right RV rental is paramount to ensuring you have a terrific trip to the Sacramento River Bend Area. Since there are a lot of dirt and gravel roads, it is beneficial to rent a camper van or a Class B motorhome. These models have high clearance and are compact, and some models offer 4x4 capability. By renting an RV, you can get delivery and setup at your preferred campground. Browse our RV rentals in Redding to find the best choice for your trip to the Sacramento River Bend Area.