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.

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.)

Directions: 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 twin towers.

Following is a listing of things to do at the park as well as a brief history a listing of park fees.

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.

A semi-private 1-1/4 acre grassy area is available for group campovers and special events. Reservations are required.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Tour the lake by pedal boat or kayak. Both are available for rental from May through September.

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.

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.

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.

Senior is 62 years and above; handicapped must have handicapped placard.

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.

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.

Gotta love the fact the people of Sacramento axed this power plant in favor of a safer brand of generating power! So now it's a gas fired power plant.

The park itself is good for a quick get-A-way. Cheap rates and plenty of room to stretch out make this place funky with a touch of our past power needs (the cooling towers are still here).

Cooling ponds are nice touch when the weather gets warmer (and it gets hot here during the summer months).

Not one of the best RV places to gather, but one you might enjoy when the coin in your checkbook starts to run low ;o)

Enjoy

Gordo n Chuck