Just five minutes off I-5, the Sacramento River runs alongside this Forest Service campground in a way that makes the highway noise disappear entirely. Large sycamore trees spread across the sites, providing substantial shade through the warmer months and a distinct canopy structure even in winter. The campground sits within Mendocino National Forest, and campers looking at places to camp around Mendocino National Forest will find this one stands out for its river access and dark skies.
Sites are spacious, with drive-through RV hookups available and water spigots distributed throughout the grounds. Some sites include water and electric hookups; others are non-hookup. Coin-operated hot showers are available on-site, and reviewers note the bathrooms have been kept clean. The campground also accommodates boat-in access directly from the Sacramento River, which draws anglers. Midweek stays tend to be quieter, with one recent visitor noting the campground was not very busy on a Monday. Weekends and peak season can fill the roughly 20-25 reservable sites quickly, so booking ahead is worth the effort.
Denise W. describes the location as "right on the Sacramento River and the skies are remarkably dark," which aligns with what other campers have observed about the site's orientation away from light pollution. That said, some visitors have noted the campground's cash-payment option can attract a less predictable mix of overnight guests, so it's worth setting expectations accordingly. Nearby options include Sycamore Grove (red Bluff) Campground just to the west and Camp Discovery Group Campground a short distance east. This spot works well as an overnight stop on a north-south corridor drive, or as a base for a few days along the river.
Description
The sparkling Sacramento River bisects 488 acres of riparian forest, flowering grasslands, wetlands, and oak woodlands providing very diverse Naturewatch experiences. Visitor facilities are closed.
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsMendocino National Forest Lake Red Bluff Recreation Area is located in California near Red Bluff
Directions
Arriving from the North on I-5 Take the CA-36/Antelope Blvd exit toward Central Red Bluff/CA-99. Turn Left onto CA-36/Antelope Blvd. Turn right onto Sale Lane. The entrance gate is approximately 2 miles down Sale lane. Arriving from the South on I-5 Take the exit for Central Red Bluff/Antelope Blvd/Hwy 36. Turn Right onto Antelope Blvd. Turn right on Sale Lane. The entrance gate is approximately 2 miles down Sale Lane. Arriving from Chico on CA-99 Continue onto State Hwy 36W/Antelope Blvd. Turn Left on Sale Lane. The entrance gate is approximately 2 miles down Sale lane.
Coordinates
40.15563869 N
122.20261055 W
Connectivity
T-Mobile5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 8 usersLast on 7/22/26- Verizon5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 7 usersLast on 7/22/26
- AT&T5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 9 usersLast on 7/22/26
Connectivity
- T-Mobile5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 8 usersLast on 7/22/26
- Verizon5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 7 usersLast on 7/22/26
- AT&T5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 9 usersLast on 7/22/26
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Boat-InSites accessible by watercraft.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Group
- Cabins
- Tent Cabin
Features
For Campers
- ADA Access
- Trash
- Picnic Table
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Showers
- Drinking Water
- Electric Hookups
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Pull-Through Sites
