Activities
Spend a few peaceful days within a lush riparian habitat. Learn more about the area’s flora, fauna, and history while fishing, hiking, tubing, boating, geocaching, sunbathing, bird watching and more in one of the park’s four day use areas: Indian Fishery, Big Chico Creek, Pine Creek, and Irvine Finch River Access. Scenic picnic areas, restrooms, and drinking water are available inside the park. Here are some of the activities that you can do during your visit to Bidwell-Sacramento River State Park:
Boating at Bidwell-Sacramento River State Park
Spend a fun filled day tubing or paddling down the river during your visit to Bidwell-Sacramento River State Park. Boating is the second most popular activity to do at this park, right after fishing for salmon, stripers, steelhead, and shad. A boat launch and large parking area is available at the Irvine Finch River access point.
Hiking at Bidwell-Sacramento River State Park
Discover the picturesque oak woodlands, ox bow lake, and scenic Sacramento River and riparian habitat within Bidwell-Sacramento River State Park. A scenic nature trail winds through the Indian Fishery day use area of the park providing visitors with more opportunities to see birds, turtles, fish, and other wildlife. This easy 0.7 mile trail flows through the riparian woodlands and out to the fishing area on the lake.
Fishing at Bidwell-Sacramento River State Park
The most popular activity and number one attraction at Bidwell-Sacramento River State Park is fishing. Guests enjoy fishing for salmon, shad, sturgeon, stripers, and steelhead from their boat or along the banks of the Sacramento River. Oxbow Lake at Indian Fishery provides additional fishing opportunities and a chance to catch bass, bluegill, and crappie. Be sure to pack your angling gear and pick up a California fishing license before heading into the park.
Birding at Bidwell-Sacramento River State Park
Bidwell-Sacramento River State Park’s wetlands, woodlands, and open grasslands provide habitat for a variety of bird life. Some of the native and migratory species that you may see within the park are ducks, eagles, ospreys, owls, egrets, herons, woodpeckers, and bluebirds. And more specifically Yellow Billed Cuckoos, Swainson’s Hawks, Spotted Sandpipers, Lesser Nighthawks, Blue Grosbeaks, Ring-necked Pheasants, California Quail, Canada Geese, Western Meadowlarks, and Northern Flickers.
Nature and Wildlife at Bidwell-Sacramento River State Park
While walking along the river or exploring one of the park’s wooded nature trails you may cross paths with a variety of wildlife. In addition to the many species of birds found within this area you may also see squirrels, deer, raccoons, opossums, foxes, skunks, muskrats, beavers, river otters, snakes, and Western Pond Turtles. The park’s riparian habitat along the Sacramento River features oak, cottonwood, willow, and white alder trees, wild blackberry bushes, and a colorful variety of wildflowers.
Pets
Pets are allowed at Bidwell-Sacramento River State Park. Dogs must be supervised at all times and kept on a 6-foot leash.
Camping
Bidwell-Sacramento River State Park offers enroute campsites for visitors with contained motor homes, RVs, and trailers. Contact the park directly for more information about these limited sites. Nearby Colusa-Sacramento River State Recreation Area features 14 developed campsites, all nestled within the picturesque woodlands overlooking the Sacramento River. All campsites have a picnic table, barbecue grill, and convenient access to restrooms, hot showers, and drinking water.
Park Location
Bidwell-Sacramento River State Park 12105 River Rd Chico, CA 95973 Phone: 530.342.5185 Park Website
Map
Video
Here is a short YouTube video with some drone footage of Bidwell-Sacramento River State Park:
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a reservation to visit California state parks?
Many popular California state parks, especially coastal and desert parks like Anza-Borrego and Crystal Cove, now require day-use reservations on weekends and holidays. Check the park website or ReserveCalifornia.com before your visit.
How much does it cost to enter a California state park?
Most California state parks charge a day-use parking fee of $10 per vehicle. An annual parks pass costs $125 and covers unlimited vehicle entry to all state parks.
Are dogs allowed in California state parks?
Dogs are allowed in campgrounds and on paved roads in most California state parks, but they are generally not permitted on trails or beaches. Service animals are always welcome. Check specific park rules before bringing your pet.
What is the best time of year to visit California state parks?
Coastal parks are best from spring through fall, desert parks from October through April, and mountain parks from June through October. Spring brings wildflower super blooms, and fall offers fewer crowds with pleasant weather.
Explore More California State Parks
Bidwell-Sacramento River State Park is one of many outstanding state parks in California. Discover more parks in our Best State Parks in California guide, or use our Park Finder to search by activity, location, or features.
Nearby Attractions
Chico — 5 miles east — has Bidwell Park and Sierra Nevada Brewing. Bidwell Mansion SHP — in Chico. Sacramento NWR Complex — 20 miles south — has spectacular winter waterfowl viewing. Table Mountain — 20 miles south — has spring wildflowers.
Make it a road trip: Pair a visit with Bidwell Mansion State Historic Park (a short drive away) or Butte City Project (within about an hour’s drive).
🐾 Dogs & Pets at Bidwell-Sacramento River State Park
- Pets allowed? statewide rule
- Dogs are permitted in California State Parks only in developed areas — campgrounds, picnic areas, parking lots and paved roads — and are prohibited on most trails, beaches and undeveloped areas unless specifically designated as dog-friendly.
- Leash rule statewide rule
- Maximum 6-foot leash at all times; dogs may not be left unattended.
- Beaches & swim areas statewide rule
- Dogs are prohibited on most state beaches; only beaches specifically designated as dog-allowed permit them (varies by park).
- Cabins & lodging statewide rule
- Pets are generally not allowed in buildings or cabins; overnight campers must keep dogs inside a tent or vehicle at night.
- Statewide exceptions statewide rule
- Designated dog-friendly trails and beaches vary park by park; misrepresenting a pet as a service animal is a misdemeanor.
Are dogs allowed at Bidwell-Sacramento River State Park?
Dogs are permitted in California State Parks only in developed areas — campgrounds, picnic areas, parking lots and paved roads — and are prohibited on most trails, beaches and undeveloped areas unless specifically designated as dog-friendly. Individual parks can post stricter rules — check signage on arrival.
Rules verified July 2026 via parks.ca.gov. More: California state parks guide · Dog rules in all 50 states compared
Park Location
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