Hike the Howard Ranch Trail
A 7-mile loop nature trail next to Rancho Seco Lake meanders through the ever-changing habitat of southeastern Sacramento County. More
Wildlife Refuge
The Amanda Blake Memorial Wildlife Refuge at the Rancho Seco Recreational Area is home to more than two dozen oryx, an endangered species of antelope from Africa. More
Rancho Seco Recreational Area
Located just 25 miles southeast of downtown Sacramento, the Rancho Seco Recreational Area is owned and operated by the Sacramento Municipal Utility District. The park is open year-around. See the brochure.
The Rancho Seco Recreational Area is open year-around from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily. The park entrance gate is locked every night.
How to get there: From Sacramento, take Highway 99 south to the Twin Cities Road/Highway 104 exit. Go east on Highway 104, 15 miles, to the Rancho Seco Park exit. Take the first right after passing the two towers. Click for a map of the Rancho Seco Recreational Area, with driving directions (opens in PDF format; click to download free Adobe Acrobat software).
Park rules: Check out the rules in this brochure in English, Spanish and Vietnamese. More ...
Reservations
24-hour informational recording: 209-748-2318.
Information and reservations (RV, tent and group camping and picnicking): 916-732-4913 (Monday-Thursday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.)
Reservations are required at least two weeks in advance and will be accepted up to six months in advance. Notice of cancellation is required seven days prior or there will be a $2.50 cancellation fee.
Dogs are allowed at no charge, but they must be kept on a leash (maximum length: six feet) at all times.
The following is a list of things to do at the park, along with a brief history and a listing of park fees:
Activities
Fish to win
Children and adults can angle for cash prizes at the March and December trout derbies.
Watch for more information on the SMUD home page, in the Connections bill insert, or call to be added to the mailing list.
Pack a lunch
100 shaded, grassy picnic areas adorn the lake's southern shore. Picnic tables and barbecues are available on a first-come basis. Picnic areas can be reserved for groups of 30 or more.
Bring a group
A semi-private 1-1/4-acre grassy area is available for group camp-overs and special events. Reservations are required.
Wet a Line
Cast a line from one of six fishing piers (handicapped access available). The fresh-water lake sports bass, bluegill, red ear sunfish, crappie, and catfish. SMUD also stocks the lake with rainbow trout, November through March. Fishing enthusiasts 16 years or older must have a California fishing license.
Launch a boat
The Park's 160-acre lake, fed by the Folsom South Canal, is maintained at a constant level year round. You can launch an electric motor boat, rowboat or sailboat from either of the two boat ramps.
Set sail
The park's warm-water lake is a windsurfer's haven. The consistent wind direction, coupled with no jet skiers and speedboats, makes it ideal for novices.
Take a dip
The lake is roped off for swimming along a 36,000-square-foot sandy beach. Lifeguards are on duty during the summer. Children 12 and under should always be supervised by a responsible adult.
Pedal or paddle
Tour the lake by pedal boat or kayak. Both are available for rental on weekends only from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend.
Take a hike
The new Howard Ranch Trail offers seven miles of hiking that is a different experience in each season. More
Park overnight
Spend a few leisurely days and nights in one of the 18 RV campsites located along the southwestern rim of the park. Each site has a barbecue, fire pit, picnic table, drinking water and electrical outlets. A dump station is conveniently located.
Pitch a tent
Sleep out under the stars or pitch a tent in one of the 20 lakeside campsites. Each campsite has a barbecue, picnic table and drinking water.
Watch the birds
The park is a winter refuge for ducks, geese, hawks, bald eagles, blue heron and migratory birds. There are usually plenty of ducks to feed year-round.
See the animals
Observe exotic captive wildlife at the park's Amanda Blake Memorial Wildlife Refuge, a 75-acre grassy compound.
Fees
Day use
- Day use per vehicle: $5
- Senior/disabled: $4
- Boat launch/trailer and vehicle: $8
Senior is 62 years and above; disabled must have disabled person parking placard.
RV campsites
- Water/electricity, 14-day maximum stay: $15/night
- Senior/disabled: $12/night
Tent campsites
- Water (no electricity, 14-day maximum stay): $10/night
- Bus (10 or more): $7
Other services
Sanitation dump station: $5 (no charge for registered campers)
Extras
- General store (open May through September)
- Coin-operated showers
- Washer and dryer
- Fish-cleaning station
- Three public restrooms
- Horseshoe pit
- Recreation room (for overnight campers only)
- Access for the disabled
Nature preserve
Approximately 1,200 acres were set aside for a nature preserve on SMUD's Rancho Seco property in southeastern Sacramento County. In a partnership with the The Nature Conservancy and the Sacramento Valley Conservancy, SMUD established the preserve on the eastern and sourthern portion of the property.
A Memorandum of Understanding between SMUD and the two conservancies sets up a 30-month temporary easement for the protection of critical ecological and agriculural resources, including seasonal vernal pools that support threatened and endangered species. The Sacramento Valley Conservancy assumed management of granzing on the land, which SMUD leases to a cattle rancher.
With the Rancho Seco Recreational Area, the Performing Animal Welfare Society Wildlife Refuge, and the Howard Ranch Trail, SMUD has devoted more than 1,800 acres of land to such uses. More.
History
In the early 1970s, a small pond was expanded to a 160-acre lake to serve as an emergency backup water supply (in case of fire) for the now-closed Rancho Seco power generating station. The lake has always received its water from the Folsom South Canal and has no relationship with the power plant's daily water supply. Surrounding the lake is 400 acres of recreational area originally operated by the County of Sacramento for day-use activities.
In 1992, SMUD took over operation of the park. SMUD uses the park-generated revenues to fund all park-related operating costs. Recently, more tent camping facilities were added. As revenues allow, other improvements will be made.