Your Guide to Bidwell-Sacramento River State Park in Chico, CA

Bidwell-Sacramento River State Park is a beautiful and diverse park located on the banks of the Sacramento River just outside of Chino, California. The park was named after John Bidwell, a community leader in the 1850s who believed in the importance of conservation. He donated the land to the state to create a park. 

Today, the park offers a variety of outdoor activities for visitors to enjoy, including fishing, floating the river, and hiking. Home to a unique ecosystem with a variety of plants and animals that live in or around the river, a visit to Bidwell-Sacramento River Park is a great way to enjoy the natural beauty of Northern California without losing service on your phone. 

In this article, we’ll cover the three most popular activities in the park, giving you all the information you need to enjoy an afternoon in one of the prettiest California state parks

The Thrill of Fishing

Fishing is the most popular activity in Bidwell-Sacramento River State Park. With the Sacramento River, Big Chico Creek, and Indian Fishery all converging in the area, there is no shortage of incredible fishing spots. Between the three different bodies of water, the variety of fish you’re able to catch include: 

• Striped bass 
• Largemouth bass
• American shad 
• Chinook salmon 
• Catfish
• Smallmouth bass 
• Rainbow trout 
• Sturgeon 
• Crappie 
• Sacramento sucker 

If you’re eager to spend some time fishing at Bidwell-Sacramento River State Park, here are a few tips that will help you reel in the perfect catch. 

• Fish early in the morning or later in the evening. Fish are more active during these times of day, and more likely to take your bait. 
• Speaking of bait, use a variety of baits and lures. Experiment to find what works best for the species of fish you’re going after. 
• Be patient. A central tenet of fishing is that while it can be a lot of fun, it can also sometimes be frustrating. Be patient and don’t give up, determination pays off in time. 
• Respect the park and its resources. Be mindful of the delicate nature of the park’s beauty. Do your part to keep the park pristine by leaving no trace. 

Finally, make sure you have a valid California fishing license before you cast your line. It’s also important to be aware of California’s fishing regulations, which can include size limits, bag limits, prohibited fishing methods, and catch and release policies. 

For more information, take a look at the park’s website   

Hiking in Bidwell-Sacramento River State Park 

The Bidwell-Sacramento River State Park Nature Loop is the only established hiking trail in the park, and it’s a relatively easy trail that is just over a half a mile long. What this trail lacks in length it makes up for in beauty. The trail gives hikers of all ages and abilities the opportunity to experience the Sacramento River’s ecosystem and get up close and personal with a variety of different animals. 

As you make your way along the trail, you’re likely to see turtles, otters, deer, and sometimes foxes and coyotes. Birds are the real star of the show on this trail, more than 200 species of birds have been spotted on the Nature Loop. With a keen eye and a little patience, you’ll be able to see an impressive variety of birds on this trail including herons, ospreys, and even bald eagles – one of the few places in California where they can be found all year round. 

Bidwell-Sacramento River State Park Nature Loop 

Float the Sacramento River 

The waters of the Sacramento River near the park are slow and calm, perfect for floating the river or setting off in a canoe, kayak, or standup paddleboard. 

If you’re looking to float the river, the most popular route is to put your tube, kayak, or paddleboard in at Irving Finch Boat Launch and exit at Scotty’s Landing, near the northwestern tip of Bidwell-Sacramento River State Park. The journey around the river bend will take you between 2-3 hours as the gentle current leisurely pushes you along. 

Located just six miles away, we recommend Adventure Outings located on CSU Chico’s campus if you need to rent a kayak, canoe, or standup paddleboard. 

Adventure Outings at CSU Chico   

Stay at The Parkway RV Resort & Campground

The Parkway RV Resort and Campground is the perfect place to stay after a day in the park or on the river. Our secluded retreat, conveniently located just a short distance from I-5, offers a perfect blend of seclusion and accessibility. Nestled amidst natural beauty, the resort ensures a restful stay, harmonizing with the spirit of Bidwell-Sacramento River State Park.

Bidwell-Sacramento River State Park invites you to embrace the call of the wild, to journey into a world where nature's wonders unfold at every turn. Whether fishing by the water's edge, hiking through verdant trails, or navigating the gentle currents, this sanctuary promises an experience that resonates deeply with the soul. Book your stay at the Parkway RV Resort, and let the magic of Bidwell-Sacramento River State Park enrich your journey, creating cherished memories that will linger for years to come.