Gravel roads lead 12 miles from I-5 to this lakeside campground managed by the Sacramento Municipal Utility District. The 21 RV sites with full hookups sit on level gravel pads farther from the water, while approximately 50 tent sites spread closer to the lake shore. A decommissioned nuclear plant forms part of the backdrop, creating an unusual camping vista.
Chris M. notes the campground is "quiet at night super clean sites and well maintained." The spacious sites prevent overcrowding even when neighbors are close. Most visitors come for fishing, and campers should watch for discarded hooks around popular fishing spots. Ground beetles can become problematic at sunset during certain seasons, making evening campfires less enjoyable.
The lake supports paddleboarding, swimming, and fishing, with boat rentals available on-site. A hiking trail follows the shoreline for the first mile before continuing through cattle fields. The recently renovated store stocks camping supplies and forgotten essentials. A designated dog park with lake access gives pets off-leash freedom. RV sites accommodate rigs up to 80 feet with electric, water, and sewer connections.
Summer brings heavy day-use crowds and intense heat, while off-season visits offer more solitude. Verizon cell service works reliably, though WiFi remains unavailable. Restroom and shower facilities receive mixed reviews for cleanliness, particularly during busy periods. Lance L. describes RV sites as "not perfectly flat but that is fine" with good drainage rock.
Reservations help secure preferred sites, especially those closest to the water. The campground stays open year-round, making it accessible for winter escapes from urban areas.
Description
Get back to nature at Rancho Seco Recreational Area. A short 25-minute drive from downtown Sacramento, you’ll find the 400-acre park that makes up the Rancho Seco Recreational Area. Take a short vacation and enjoy bird watching, boating, camping, fishing, hiking and even a sanctuary for rescued exotic animals and wildlife. Camp in comfort with recreation and concession buildings, shade structures, laundry facility, boathouse, and newly renovated restrooms and showers. This Rancho Seco camping destination offers RV sites, tent camping sites, and group sites, some with gorgeous lake views.
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsRancho Seco Recreation Area is located in California near Herald
Address
14962 Twin Cities Road
Herald, CA 95638
Coordinates
38.33200093 N
121.09400027 W
Connectivity
- T-Mobile5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 6/22/26
- Verizon5GGood Coverage
- AT&T5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 6/22/26
Connectivity
- T-Mobile5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 6/22/26
- Verizon5GGood Coverage
- AT&T5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 6/22/26
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Cabins
Features
For Campers
- Market
- Trash
- Picnic Table
- Firewood Available
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- WiFi
- Showers
- Drinking Water
- Electric Hookups
- Toilets
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Sanitary Dump
- Sewer Hookups
- Water Hookups
- Pull-Through Sites
- 30 Amp Hookups
- Big Rig Friendly
Drive Time
- 33 min from Sacramento, CA
- 38 min from Stockton, CA
- 59 min from Modesto, CA
- 1 hr 13 min from Yuba City, CA























