Woodson Bridge Campground

Boating

We’re talking about the Sacramento River here, so boating not only is a spectacular option but also a very common one chosen by visitors. With an easily-accessible boat ramp located across the road in the county park, anyone can bring in their motorboats, canoes, kayaks, or vessel of their choosing and slide into the current of the Sacramento River. Boat and motor rentals are available next to the county park, so no pressure to bring your own!

Fishing

With year-round fishing on the Sacramento, Woodson Bridge offers great access to some of the best river angling in California. Whether that be from the shore or on a boat, cast your line into the water and you could come up with anything from king salmon to shad to steelhead (with some striped bass and catfish thrown in the mix too). There is no closed season on any of the species taken from the river, so feel free to stay on and along the water all day castin’ lines and enjoying the sun. You can find some sweet fishing regulations here, as well as the usual CA fishing license. In terms of tips regarding each fish that spends its days in the depths of the Sacramento, you can find some great information here. Also feel free to check out the Sacramento River Fishing Report for some more stats. No matter the day, however, you’ll have a great time angling in the area.

Hiking

Woodson Bridge State Recreation Area doesn’t solely consist of maritime activities, as hikes in the space are a common way to enjoy the great abundance of nature. One common trail taken among many visitors is the Sacramento River Trail, which shades its trekkers with age-old grand oaks and gorgeous willows, as well as many other trees and thickets that blanket the shores of the Sacramento River.

Paddling

Remember folks, we’re talking about a river, and many visitors find solace and great joy (validly so) in kayaks and canoes. Float and paddle your way down the Sacramento in great fashion with these man-powered vessels, and relish in the natural beauty of the area on the (generally) calm waters of the river. You can find information on different kayaking/canoeing opportunities in the area here .

Swimming

Swimming! Yah! Thankfully it gets pretty hot up by Woodson Bridge SRA during the peak times of the summer, so taking a dip in the consistently-cool Sacramento River is totally welcome. The river has a surprisingly strong current despite its seemingly calm surface, so be sure to have some swimming experience before venturing into the waters. Nonetheless, the Sacramento is a great river to spend some quality time in, and the fish always love some extra human company!

Whitewater paddling

While there is no whitewater in the immediate vicinity of Woodson Bridge, boaters of many levels of experience can take on some more rapid currents further along the Sacramento River. Information on the routes and water levels/speeds around the area can be found here, but nothing too strenuous should ever pick up along the route.

Wildlife watching

Wildlife watching is a must while at Woodson Bridge, as the entire west portion along the river is undeveloped and acts as a wildlife preserve! This jungle-like grove represents one of the last remaining pure native Californian riparian habitats and provides shelter sanctuary for nesting Bald Eagles in the winter and the elusive Yellow Billed Cuckoo in the summer. Not only this, but the space also coincides with the main flyway between Mexico and Canada, offering great bird-watching opportunities for wildlife enthusiasts alike. Other avian beings that populate the area include quails, owls, hawks, falcons, and many songbirds. Over a hundred incredible plant species reside within Woodson Bridge’s renowned riparian habitat, the most prominent of which being a California favorite--the large valley oak. Cottonwoods and Willows are similarly popular in the area, while cornucopias of shrubs such as elderberry and wild grapes scramble for light beneath the trees. Don’t miss the wildflowers while they are in season, too, as they are equally as spectacular. More info on watchable wildlife can be found here, as the Sacramento River has an abundance of flora and fauna for everyone.