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Brannan Island State Recreation Area is a maze of waterways through the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta. The park, located northeast of the San Francisco Bay, has countless islands and marshes with many wildlife habitats and many opportunities for recreation, including boating, windsurfing and swimming. Much of the Island, located on the east bank of the Sacramento River, consists of sandy peat, with gently rolling hills covered in grass, brush and trees. Willows, oaks, alders, pines and cottonwoods are among the trees planted here, and much of the lower growth consists of wildflowers such as the California poppy, bush lupin, tree tobacco, the rare Antioch primrose, sweet fennel, milk thistle and tumbleweed. Local wildlife includes jackrabbits, ground squirrels, skunks and snakes, with a wide variety of birds including blackbirds, meadowlarks, mockingbirds, pheasants, flickers, sparrows, doves and the burrowing owl.
One of the outstanding water-oriented recreation areas in the world, the area offers great fishing, including striped bass, sturgeon, catfish, bluegill, perch and bullhead. Frank's Tract, a protected wetland marsh, is home to beaver, muskrat, river otter, mink and 76 species of birds.
Park News Alert
Brannan Island State Recreation Area is continuing to implement a service reduction plan in order to meet budget reductions that the Department is facing this fiscal year. In order to realize significant savings to help meet this budget reduction while limiting impacts to the many visitors who enjoy our State Parks, park days of operation will be reduced starting May 1, 2011. We sincerely regret any inconvenience.
Effective May 1, 2011 the park will be closed on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays.
EXCEPTION: The Boat Launch is open 7 days a week.
Camping will not be available on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday nights.
Day Use areas have been reduced to closures until further notification (7/1/12).
Delta Meadows River Park Canoe Tour is no longer offered.
Rally Site will be closed until further notice.
Vistor Center is now closed.
Campgrounds "There will be only one camp loop open each season - Check with Brannan Island staff to see which one is open."
(Group Camping areas have been reduced to closures until further notification (7/1/12).)
Windy Cove and Delta Meadows parking areas and restrooms will be closed until further notice.
People can park at the boat ramp and walk into the areas, but all facilities have been closed.
They must pack all items in and out and use the facilities at the boat ramp.
Brannan Island State Recreation Area is continuing to implement a service reduction plan in order to meet budget reductions that the Department is facing this fiscal year. In order to realize significant savings to help meet this budget reduction while limiting impacts to the many visitors who enjoy our State Parks, park days of operation will be reduced starting May 1, 2011. We sincerely regret any inconvenience.
Effective May 1, 2011 the park will be closed on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays.
EXCEPTION: The Boat Launch is open 7 days a week.
Camping will not be available on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday nights.
Day Use areas have been reduced to closures until further notification (7/1/12).
Delta Meadows River Park Canoe Tour is no longer offered.
Rally Site will be closed until further notice.
Vistor Center is now closed.
Campgrounds "There will be only one camp loop open each season - Check with Brannan Island staff to see which one is open."
(Group Camping areas have been reduced to closures until further notification (7/1/12).)
Windy Cove and Delta Meadows parking areas and restrooms will be closed until further notice.
People can park at the boat ramp and walk into the areas, but all facilities have been closed.
They must pack all items in and out and use the facilities at the boat ramp.
Getting There
The park is on Highway 160 a few miles south of the city of Rio Vista in Sacramento County. The park is located on the lower peninsular extension of Brannan Island, and is surrounded by the Sacramento River on the west, Three Mile Slough on the southeast, and Seven Mile Slough on the northeast.
Latitude/Longitude: 38.1467 / -121.6469
The Day Use Annual Pass is accepted at this park.
The park is on Highway 160 a few miles south of the city of Rio Vista in Sacramento County. The park is located on the lower peninsular extension of Brannan Island, and is surrounded by the Sacramento River on the west, Three Mile Slough on the southeast, and Seven Mile Slough on the northeast.
Latitude/Longitude: 38.1467 / -121.6469
The Day Use Annual Pass is accepted at this park.
Seasons/Climate/Recommended Clothing
The climate in the Delta is mild, with winter temperatures usually ranging between 45 and 55 degrees and summer temperatures between 75 and 95 degrees Fahrenheit. An occasional heat wave will push the temperatures in summer to 100 degrees or more but the Delta breeze is never far away.
The climate in the Delta is mild, with winter temperatures usually ranging between 45 and 55 degrees and summer temperatures between 75 and 95 degrees Fahrenheit. An occasional heat wave will push the temperatures in summer to 100 degrees or more but the Delta breeze is never far away.
Operating Hours & Contact
Daily park hours are sunrise to sunset
Telephone: 916-777-6671 or 916-777-7701
Daily park hours are sunrise to sunset
Telephone: 916-777-6671 or 916-777-7701
Facilities
The park has a ten lane launch ramp, over 140 campsites and areas for picnicking and swimming.
The Visitor Center is open Saturday and Sunday and can open by arrangement with the park staff. Inside are displays on the cultural and natural history of the Delta. A large interactive map of the bay area and Delta is the most fascinating attraction. A small sales area in the Visitor Center offers brochures, maps and unique gift items.
Day-use areas include the Windy Cove windsurfing access, the group picnic area located at the Ramadas, and Seven Mile Slough picnic area. The group picnic facility and Seven Mile Slough day-use area close at sunset. Windy Cove closes at the hour posted at the entrance road to Windy Cove.
Seven Mile Slough picnic area includes picnic tables, barbecues and drinking water. New restroom facilities were completed late in 1997 and include flush toilets and outdoor cold showers. Seven Mile Slough's swim beach has lifeguards from Memorial Day through Labor Day. Ample parking is close to the beach.
The Ramadas have shaded picnic structures with large barbecues, picnic tables, water and trash receptacles. A large open grassy area is adjacent to the site for games. The closest restroom to the Ramadas is located north of the swim beach along Seven Mile Slough.
The park has a ten lane launch ramp, over 140 campsites and areas for picnicking and swimming.
The Visitor Center is open Saturday and Sunday and can open by arrangement with the park staff. Inside are displays on the cultural and natural history of the Delta. A large interactive map of the bay area and Delta is the most fascinating attraction. A small sales area in the Visitor Center offers brochures, maps and unique gift items.
Day-use areas include the Windy Cove windsurfing access, the group picnic area located at the Ramadas, and Seven Mile Slough picnic area. The group picnic facility and Seven Mile Slough day-use area close at sunset. Windy Cove closes at the hour posted at the entrance road to Windy Cove.
Seven Mile Slough picnic area includes picnic tables, barbecues and drinking water. New restroom facilities were completed late in 1997 and include flush toilets and outdoor cold showers. Seven Mile Slough's swim beach has lifeguards from Memorial Day through Labor Day. Ample parking is close to the beach.
The Ramadas have shaded picnic structures with large barbecues, picnic tables, water and trash receptacles. A large open grassy area is adjacent to the site for games. The closest restroom to the Ramadas is located north of the swim beach along Seven Mile Slough.
Camping
Family Camping: The Cottonwood and Willow campgrounds contain 102 developed sites, including five accessible sites, with tables and stoves. Piped drinking water and accessible restrooms are nearby. The sites can accommodate tents, trailers and RVs up to 36 feet, but there are only water hookups. A trailer sanitation station is near the park entrance.
Boat-in Camping: There are 32 slips in the Delta Vista Boat Campsite where you can berth your boat overnight. Berths accommodate boats up to 35 feet long and 10 feet wide—wider boats need two berths. One dock is fully accessible. The adjoining walk-in campsites have tables, stoves and cupboards. Drinking water and a restroom with hot showers are nearby.
Group Camping: Each of the park’s six group campsites will accommodate up to 30 people and ten vehicles. You may reserve more than one site for larger groups. The sites offer tables, stoves, showers, toilets and drinking water, and can accommodate RVs up to 36 feet in length. There is also a campfire center and horseshoe pits in the group area.
Make Campground Reservations
Max Camper Length: 36 Feet
Max Trailer Length: 36 Feet
Family Camping: The Cottonwood and Willow campgrounds contain 102 developed sites, including five accessible sites, with tables and stoves. Piped drinking water and accessible restrooms are nearby. The sites can accommodate tents, trailers and RVs up to 36 feet, but there are only water hookups. A trailer sanitation station is near the park entrance.
Boat-in Camping: There are 32 slips in the Delta Vista Boat Campsite where you can berth your boat overnight. Berths accommodate boats up to 35 feet long and 10 feet wide—wider boats need two berths. One dock is fully accessible. The adjoining walk-in campsites have tables, stoves and cupboards. Drinking water and a restroom with hot showers are nearby.
Group Camping: Each of the park’s six group campsites will accommodate up to 30 people and ten vehicles. You may reserve more than one site for larger groups. The sites offer tables, stoves, showers, toilets and drinking water, and can accommodate RVs up to 36 feet in length. There is also a campfire center and horseshoe pits in the group area.
Make Campground Reservations
Max Camper Length: 36 Feet
Max Trailer Length: 36 Feet
Fishing
Anglers catch striped bass, sturgeon, catfish, black bass, bluegill, crappie, perch, bullhead and an occasional salmon or steelhead in the river and sloughs around the parks. Some of the striped bass taken here have weighed 30 to 40 pounds. A California fishing license is required, and may be purchased at the many marinas, bait shops and supply stores throughout the Delta.
Anglers catch striped bass, sturgeon, catfish, black bass, bluegill, crappie, perch, bullhead and an occasional salmon or steelhead in the river and sloughs around the parks. Some of the striped bass taken here have weighed 30 to 40 pounds. A California fishing license is required, and may be purchased at the many marinas, bait shops and supply stores throughout the Delta.
Tips & Rules
The park is a high use recreation area which receives heavy use from May through October. The late fall, winter and early spring months are much slower paced at the park and offer some of the best fishing opportunities of the year.
In all of the day-use areas possession and consumption of alcoholic beverages are prohibited.
At Seven Mile Slough and Windy Cove, beaches are off limits to dogs.
Dogs are allowed in the picnic area north of the restrooms, along Seven Mile Slough. Dogs must be on leash and in the owners control at all times.
The park is a high use recreation area which receives heavy use from May through October. The late fall, winter and early spring months are much slower paced at the park and offer some of the best fishing opportunities of the year.
In all of the day-use areas possession and consumption of alcoholic beverages are prohibited.
At Seven Mile Slough and Windy Cove, beaches are off limits to dogs.
Dogs are allowed in the picnic area north of the restrooms, along Seven Mile Slough. Dogs must be on leash and in the owners control at all times.
Accessible Features
Brannan Island State Recreation Area has had many accessibility improvements made over the past few years. Camping, picnicking, fishing and boating are accessible in several areas, and restrooms, parking, routes of travel, and many other supporting features are now accessible.
Camping
Family Campground: a number of accessible campsites are some with RV hookups and paved parking, are dispersed through the campground. Sites generally include paved activity areas, accessible tables, water and fire circles. Firm tent sites can accommodate stakes. Two electric hook-ups are anticipated in the future. Call the park for details. Restrooms with Showers. Toilets, showers, and Routes of Travel to restrooms are generally accessible. Parking. Some restrooms have designated accessible parking.
Marina Area Campground: An accessibly designed RV hook-up campsite, like those in the family campground, is available near this boat mooring area. (See photo below.) Persons with a medical need for electricity can get access to it from this site. A new accessible restroom with showers is at the adjacent boat launch area.
Picnic Area
The Group Picnic Area has shade structures with accessible picnic sites. Accessible parking and restrooms are available.
North Picnic Area: Located along the water just beyond what was once known as Sand Beach, a string of picnic tables includes several that are accessible. An accessible restroom and an accessible no-flush restroom are at opposite ends of this area.
Windy Cove: The wind surfing area across the road from the main entry has an improved accessible restroom and outdoor rinsing shower. Benches and water spigots have been modified for accessibility.
Trails
The Campground Trail: The Campground Trail is an approximately 3 mile asphalt surfaced loop trail around the park campground. Multiple accessible parking spaces are located at the park entrance, campground area and boat access ramp. Accessible restrooms and an accessible fishing platform are provided along the trail.
Beach/Shore Access
Delta Berthing Area. Two boat slips (see photo below right) are accessibly designed. Subject to tides, the slips should be accessible for persons who can self-transfer. Parking and routes of travel to the slips are also generally accessible. See also Camping (above) at the marina area walk-in sites and Fishing below.
Exhibits/Program
A converted trailer serving as a visitor center with a ramped entry is usable. Interior exhibit panels are generally accessible, but turning space is limited. Van accessible parking is available.
Fishing
A wooden fishing pier ending in a 5' x 8' platform has been modified with new handrails and curb guides and is generally accessible. Wet weather may cause the surface to be slippery. Accessible parking is adjacent to the pier. An accessible no flush restroom is nearby.
Be the first to add a trip in this destination!Brannan Island State Recreation Area has had many accessibility improvements made over the past few years. Camping, picnicking, fishing and boating are accessible in several areas, and restrooms, parking, routes of travel, and many other supporting features are now accessible.
Camping
Family Campground: a number of accessible campsites are some with RV hookups and paved parking, are dispersed through the campground. Sites generally include paved activity areas, accessible tables, water and fire circles. Firm tent sites can accommodate stakes. Two electric hook-ups are anticipated in the future. Call the park for details. Restrooms with Showers. Toilets, showers, and Routes of Travel to restrooms are generally accessible. Parking. Some restrooms have designated accessible parking.
Marina Area Campground: An accessibly designed RV hook-up campsite, like those in the family campground, is available near this boat mooring area. (See photo below.) Persons with a medical need for electricity can get access to it from this site. A new accessible restroom with showers is at the adjacent boat launch area.
Picnic Area
The Group Picnic Area has shade structures with accessible picnic sites. Accessible parking and restrooms are available.
North Picnic Area: Located along the water just beyond what was once known as Sand Beach, a string of picnic tables includes several that are accessible. An accessible restroom and an accessible no-flush restroom are at opposite ends of this area.
Windy Cove: The wind surfing area across the road from the main entry has an improved accessible restroom and outdoor rinsing shower. Benches and water spigots have been modified for accessibility.
Trails
The Campground Trail: The Campground Trail is an approximately 3 mile asphalt surfaced loop trail around the park campground. Multiple accessible parking spaces are located at the park entrance, campground area and boat access ramp. Accessible restrooms and an accessible fishing platform are provided along the trail.
Beach/Shore Access
Delta Berthing Area. Two boat slips (see photo below right) are accessibly designed. Subject to tides, the slips should be accessible for persons who can self-transfer. Parking and routes of travel to the slips are also generally accessible. See also Camping (above) at the marina area walk-in sites and Fishing below.
Exhibits/Program
A converted trailer serving as a visitor center with a ramped entry is usable. Interior exhibit panels are generally accessible, but turning space is limited. Van accessible parking is available.
Fishing
A wooden fishing pier ending in a 5' x 8' platform has been modified with new handrails and curb guides and is generally accessible. Wet weather may cause the surface to be slippery. Accessible parking is adjacent to the pier. An accessible no flush restroom is nearby.
Nearby Community Trips
