Tom
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If you like to combine RVing with fishing &/or boating, or you just like a campsite with a view of the water, there are literally dozens of places on the California Delta that might suit your needs. Not all offer a view of the water but, in most cases that don't, it's only a short walk up onto a levy to get a view and to cast a line. Alternatively, you can drive the levy roads, find a spot to park, put out the chairs and toss out a line. The Delta's 1200 miles of waterways offer a variety of water sports, including boating, waterskiing, kayaking, fishing and windsurfing.
I'll attempt to include GPS coordinates, directions from the nearest freeway/highway, phone numbers and web site addresses, where this information is available. I'll be adding more parks, details and directions as time permits. So bookmark this message and check back. Please let me know if you discover any errors.
Never heard of the California Delta? Click here.
Fish found in Delta waters include striped bass (aka stripers), black bass, catfish, crappie, bluegill, sturgeon and salmon. Crawdads are also in abundance for folks who use a trap. Check with local bait and tackle shops for what's biting and which are the hot baits. A California state fishing licence is required in addition to a Bay-Delta sport fishing enhancement stamp.
If you're a member of a reciprocating yacht club, there are numerous yacht clubs on the Delta that would welcome you. A few even have RV sites. Clubs affiliated with the Pacific Inter-Club Yachting Association are listed here.
Rio Vista area
The Delta Marina
On the Sacramento River at Rio Vista. A small number of their sites are right on the river. Only a few sites can accomodate big rigs. Marina, boat launching, and restaurant on site. They also have their own fishing pier at the campground. Hap's bait and tackle shop within walking distance.
Address: 100 Marina Dr., Rio Vista
Tel: 707/374-2315
Web site: http://www.deltamarina.com
Directions: CA Hwy 12 between Lodi and Fairfield, exit at Rio Vista on west side of the river bridge and proceed through town. Follow signs to the marina.
Sandy Beach Regional Park
On the Sacramento River at Rio Vista. Good river view. Boat launch.
Directions: CA Hwy 12 between Lodi and Fairfield, exit at Rio Vista on west side of the river bridge and proceed through town. Follow signs to the marina, but go right past it and behind the US Coast Guard station to the beach.
Brannan Island State Recreation Area
On 3-mile Slough and the Sacramento River. None of the sites have a view of the water. Excellent boat launching facility. Limited number of boat berths.
Address: 17645 Hwy 160, Rio Vista, CA.
Tel: 916-777-6671
Web site: http://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=487
Directions: CA Hwy 160 between Antioch and Rio Vista. Approx 6 miles north of the Antioch Bridge, on right shortly after the 3-mile Slough bridge.
Duck Island RV Park
On the Sacramento River approx 3 miles from Rio Vista. Some sites have a view of the river. Boat launch.
Directions: CA Hwy 160 between Antioch and Rio Vista. Approx 8 miles north of the Antioch toll Bridge, on left.
Eddo's Resort
On the San Joaquin River & Gallagher Slough. Campground and marina. None of the sites have a view of the water. Boat launch.
Address: 19530 Sherman Island E Levee Rd, Rio Vista, CA.
Tel: 925-757-5314
Web site: http://www.eddosresort.com/
Directions: CA Hwy 160 between Antioch and Rio Vista. Approx 1.5 miles north of the Antioch toll bridge, turn right on Sherman Island Road, proceed 4 miles to Eddos Resort.
Rio Viento RV Park
On the San Joaquin River at Sherman Island. Great windsurfing area.
Address: 4460 W Sherman Island Road, Rio Vista, CA 94571.
Tel: 925-382-4193
Web site: http://www.rioviento.com/
Snug Harbor Resort
On Steamboat Slough. Campground and marina.
Address: 3356 Snug Harbor Dr., Rio Vista, CA.
Tel: 916-775-1455
Web site: http://www.snugharbor.net/
Terminous area
Tower Park Marina
On Little Potato slough at Terminous. Large campground and marina. None of the sites have a view of the water. Boat launch - they pick up your boat/trailer at your camp site with a tractor and launch via their elevator. Restaurant on site.
Address: 14900 West Hwy. 12, Lodi, CA.
Tel: 209-369-1041
Web site: http://www.towerparkresort.com/
Directions: CA Hwy 12 between Lodi and Fairfield, exit at Terminous on east side of the river bridge, follow signs to campground/marina.
Isleton area
Delta Bay Club
On the San Joaquin river, approx 4 miles from Isleton. Large campground and marina. None of the sites have a view of the water.
Address: 922 West Brannan Island Rd, Isleton, CA 95641.
Tel: 916-777-5588
Web site: http://www.reynoldsresorts.com/deltabay.htm
Directions: CA Hwy 12 between Lodi and Fairfield, exit Jackson Slough Road, left on Brannan Island Road, 1 mile to the Delta Bay Club on your Left.
Delta Shores Resort & Marina
On the Mokelumne River, near Isleton. Campground and marina. None of the sites have a view of the water.
Tel: 916-777-5577
Web site: http://www.deltashores.com/
Directions: CA Hwy 12 between Lodi and Fairfield, 10 miles from I-5, cross Mokelumne River Bridge, then right on Brannan Island Rd., 1 mile on right.
Vieira's Resort
On the Sacramento River at Brannan Island.
Address: 15476 Highway 160, Isleton, CA 95641.
Tel: 916-777-6661
Web site: http://vieiras95641.tripod.com/
Wimpy's Marina
On the south fork of the Mokelumne River. Campground and marina. Boat launch.
Address: 14001 W Walnut Grove Road-Thornton Road, Walnut Grove, California 95686.
Tel: 209-794-2544
Bethel Island area
Anchor Marina
On Taylor Slough at Bethel Island. Campground and marina. Boat launch. Easy access to Frank's Tract State Recreation Area.
Address: 1970 Taylor Road, Bethel Island, CA.
Tel: 925-684-2657
Web site: http://www.anchormarinainc.com/
Beacon Harbor
On Piper Slough at Bethel Island. Campground and marina. Boat launch. Easy access to Frank's Tract State Recreation Area.
Address: 3861 Willow Road, Bethel Island, CA.
Tel: 925-684-2174
Web site: http://www.beacon-harbor.com/
Bethel Harbor
On Piper Slough at Bethel Island. Campground and marina. Boat launch. Easy access to Frank's Tract State Recreation Area.
Address: Harbor Road, Bethel Island, CA.
Tel: 925-684-2141
Web site: http://www.bethelharbor.com
Boyd's Harbor
On Piper Slough at Bethel Island. Campground and marina. Easy access to Frank's Tract State Recreation Area.
Address: 3893 South Willow Rd., Bethel Island
Tel: 925-684-0922
Orwood Resort
Campground. Boat launch. Restaurant (great breakfast & lunch).
Address: 4451 Orwood Rd., Brentwood, CA.
Tel: 925-634-7181
Web site: http://www.orwoodresort.com/
Sugar Barge Resort & Marina
On Piper Slough at Bethel Island. Campground and marina. Boat launch. Easy access to Frank's Tract State Recreation Area. Restaurant on site.
Address: 4515 Willow Road, Bethel Island, CA, 94511.
Tel: 925-684-9075
Web site: http://www.sugarbarge.com/
Directions: CA Hwy 4 between I-5 at Stockton and Antioch. Exit Cypress Road to Bethel Island Road, left on Bethel Island Road, right on Gateway Road, left on Piper Road. Sugar Barge will be on your right.
Stockton area
Riverpoint Landing Marina Resort
On the Sacramento River at Buckley Cove. Campground and marina. Boat launch. Lots of sites overlooking the river.
Address: 4950 Buckley Cove Way, Stockton, CA.
Tel: 209-951-4144.
Web site: http://www.riverpointlanding.com/pages/rv.html
Directions: I-5 on north side of Stockton, exit West March Lane, continue 2 miles to Buckley Cove.
Tiki Lagun Resort Marina
On Turner Cut, near Lost Isle. Campground and marina. None of the sites have a view of the water. Boat launch. Guest docks.
Address: 12988 West McDonald Road, Stockton, CA 95206.
Tel: 877-444-TIKI
Web site: http://www.tikimarina.com/
Directions: CA Hwy 4 between I-5 at Stockton and Antioch, approx 5 miles west of I-5 take the Inland Drive exit (north) and follow the road six for 6 miles to Tiki Lagun.
Turner Cut Resort
On Turner Cut, near Lost Isle. Campground and marina. None of the sites have a view of the water. Boat launch. Guest docks.
Address: 12888 West Neugerbaur, Stockton, CA.
Tel: 209-465-4129
Directions: CA Hwy 4 between I-5 at Stockton and Antioch. Next door to Tiki Lagun.
Windmill Cove Resort and Marina
On the San Joaquin River. Campground and marina. Camp sites overlook the river. Boat launch. Guest docks. Restaurant.
Address: 7600 Windmill Cove Road, Stockton, CA.
Tel: 209-948-6995
Web site: http://www.windmillcove.com/
Disclaimer: I've used some parks by RV, boat, tent, car, or a combination of them, but I haven't used the majority of the many parks available in the Delta. I make no attempt to rate any of the facilities but, if you have a question about one I happen to have visited, I'll do my best to answer. You are advised to check with the respective RV park for site availability, facilities and reservations. You should also check that the size of your rig can be accomodated. Information is provided in good faith and is believed to be accurate at the time of publication, but I cannot guarantee continued accuracy. Call the resort of your choice to verify the information.
Warning: The rivers and sloughs of the Delta eventually flow to San Francisco Bay, so there's a natural outflowing current. Also, the Bay and Delta experience a tidal variation of approximately 4 feet, so the direction of that current can and does reverse far up into the rivers and sloughs. This can catch swimmers unaware in addition to causing unintended beaching of boats moored too close to shore. Tide tables can be obtained from local tackle and boating stores. Know your limitations and those of your watercraft.
Water depth in the Delta can vary from as little as a foot or less to as much as 60-80 feet. Generally speaking, the dredged shipping channels on the Sacramento and San Joaquin rivers, clearly marked with red and green navigation buoys/lights, have a depth of approximately 50 feet and the depth falls off sharply outside the dredged channel.
Whenever you enter the water, either swimming or by watercraft, always wear a USCG approved life preserver appropriate for the water sport you're engaging in. The microclimate of the Delta means that you may experience "Delta breezes" which help provide natural air conditioning, but which can also affect the handling and stability of your watercraft. Emergency rescue service is provided by the U.S. Coast Guard station at Rio Vista; They monitor VHF channel 16 and can also be contacted by dialing 911.
Law enforcement is provided by local sheriff's departments and USCG. Copies of Federal and California boating laws are available at local tackle and boating stores.
USCG 11th District Local Notices To Mariners can be downloaded here
I'll attempt to include GPS coordinates, directions from the nearest freeway/highway, phone numbers and web site addresses, where this information is available. I'll be adding more parks, details and directions as time permits. So bookmark this message and check back. Please let me know if you discover any errors.
Never heard of the California Delta? Click here.
Fish found in Delta waters include striped bass (aka stripers), black bass, catfish, crappie, bluegill, sturgeon and salmon. Crawdads are also in abundance for folks who use a trap. Check with local bait and tackle shops for what's biting and which are the hot baits. A California state fishing licence is required in addition to a Bay-Delta sport fishing enhancement stamp.
If you're a member of a reciprocating yacht club, there are numerous yacht clubs on the Delta that would welcome you. A few even have RV sites. Clubs affiliated with the Pacific Inter-Club Yachting Association are listed here.
Rio Vista area
The Delta Marina
On the Sacramento River at Rio Vista. A small number of their sites are right on the river. Only a few sites can accomodate big rigs. Marina, boat launching, and restaurant on site. They also have their own fishing pier at the campground. Hap's bait and tackle shop within walking distance.
Address: 100 Marina Dr., Rio Vista
Tel: 707/374-2315
Web site: http://www.deltamarina.com
Directions: CA Hwy 12 between Lodi and Fairfield, exit at Rio Vista on west side of the river bridge and proceed through town. Follow signs to the marina.
Sandy Beach Regional Park
On the Sacramento River at Rio Vista. Good river view. Boat launch.
Directions: CA Hwy 12 between Lodi and Fairfield, exit at Rio Vista on west side of the river bridge and proceed through town. Follow signs to the marina, but go right past it and behind the US Coast Guard station to the beach.
Brannan Island State Recreation Area
On 3-mile Slough and the Sacramento River. None of the sites have a view of the water. Excellent boat launching facility. Limited number of boat berths.
Address: 17645 Hwy 160, Rio Vista, CA.
Tel: 916-777-6671
Web site: http://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=487
Directions: CA Hwy 160 between Antioch and Rio Vista. Approx 6 miles north of the Antioch Bridge, on right shortly after the 3-mile Slough bridge.
Duck Island RV Park
On the Sacramento River approx 3 miles from Rio Vista. Some sites have a view of the river. Boat launch.
Directions: CA Hwy 160 between Antioch and Rio Vista. Approx 8 miles north of the Antioch toll Bridge, on left.
Eddo's Resort
On the San Joaquin River & Gallagher Slough. Campground and marina. None of the sites have a view of the water. Boat launch.
Address: 19530 Sherman Island E Levee Rd, Rio Vista, CA.
Tel: 925-757-5314
Web site: http://www.eddosresort.com/
Directions: CA Hwy 160 between Antioch and Rio Vista. Approx 1.5 miles north of the Antioch toll bridge, turn right on Sherman Island Road, proceed 4 miles to Eddos Resort.
Rio Viento RV Park
On the San Joaquin River at Sherman Island. Great windsurfing area.
Address: 4460 W Sherman Island Road, Rio Vista, CA 94571.
Tel: 925-382-4193
Web site: http://www.rioviento.com/
Snug Harbor Resort
On Steamboat Slough. Campground and marina.
Address: 3356 Snug Harbor Dr., Rio Vista, CA.
Tel: 916-775-1455
Web site: http://www.snugharbor.net/
Terminous area
Tower Park Marina
On Little Potato slough at Terminous. Large campground and marina. None of the sites have a view of the water. Boat launch - they pick up your boat/trailer at your camp site with a tractor and launch via their elevator. Restaurant on site.
Address: 14900 West Hwy. 12, Lodi, CA.
Tel: 209-369-1041
Web site: http://www.towerparkresort.com/
Directions: CA Hwy 12 between Lodi and Fairfield, exit at Terminous on east side of the river bridge, follow signs to campground/marina.
Isleton area
Delta Bay Club
On the San Joaquin river, approx 4 miles from Isleton. Large campground and marina. None of the sites have a view of the water.
Address: 922 West Brannan Island Rd, Isleton, CA 95641.
Tel: 916-777-5588
Web site: http://www.reynoldsresorts.com/deltabay.htm
Directions: CA Hwy 12 between Lodi and Fairfield, exit Jackson Slough Road, left on Brannan Island Road, 1 mile to the Delta Bay Club on your Left.
Delta Shores Resort & Marina
On the Mokelumne River, near Isleton. Campground and marina. None of the sites have a view of the water.
Tel: 916-777-5577
Web site: http://www.deltashores.com/
Directions: CA Hwy 12 between Lodi and Fairfield, 10 miles from I-5, cross Mokelumne River Bridge, then right on Brannan Island Rd., 1 mile on right.
Vieira's Resort
On the Sacramento River at Brannan Island.
Address: 15476 Highway 160, Isleton, CA 95641.
Tel: 916-777-6661
Web site: http://vieiras95641.tripod.com/
Wimpy's Marina
On the south fork of the Mokelumne River. Campground and marina. Boat launch.
Address: 14001 W Walnut Grove Road-Thornton Road, Walnut Grove, California 95686.
Tel: 209-794-2544
Bethel Island area
Anchor Marina
On Taylor Slough at Bethel Island. Campground and marina. Boat launch. Easy access to Frank's Tract State Recreation Area.
Address: 1970 Taylor Road, Bethel Island, CA.
Tel: 925-684-2657
Web site: http://www.anchormarinainc.com/
Beacon Harbor
On Piper Slough at Bethel Island. Campground and marina. Boat launch. Easy access to Frank's Tract State Recreation Area.
Address: 3861 Willow Road, Bethel Island, CA.
Tel: 925-684-2174
Web site: http://www.beacon-harbor.com/
Bethel Harbor
On Piper Slough at Bethel Island. Campground and marina. Boat launch. Easy access to Frank's Tract State Recreation Area.
Address: Harbor Road, Bethel Island, CA.
Tel: 925-684-2141
Web site: http://www.bethelharbor.com
Boyd's Harbor
On Piper Slough at Bethel Island. Campground and marina. Easy access to Frank's Tract State Recreation Area.
Address: 3893 South Willow Rd., Bethel Island
Tel: 925-684-0922
Orwood Resort
Campground. Boat launch. Restaurant (great breakfast & lunch).
Address: 4451 Orwood Rd., Brentwood, CA.
Tel: 925-634-7181
Web site: http://www.orwoodresort.com/
Sugar Barge Resort & Marina
On Piper Slough at Bethel Island. Campground and marina. Boat launch. Easy access to Frank's Tract State Recreation Area. Restaurant on site.
Address: 4515 Willow Road, Bethel Island, CA, 94511.
Tel: 925-684-9075
Web site: http://www.sugarbarge.com/
Directions: CA Hwy 4 between I-5 at Stockton and Antioch. Exit Cypress Road to Bethel Island Road, left on Bethel Island Road, right on Gateway Road, left on Piper Road. Sugar Barge will be on your right.
Stockton area
Riverpoint Landing Marina Resort
On the Sacramento River at Buckley Cove. Campground and marina. Boat launch. Lots of sites overlooking the river.
Address: 4950 Buckley Cove Way, Stockton, CA.
Tel: 209-951-4144.
Web site: http://www.riverpointlanding.com/pages/rv.html
Directions: I-5 on north side of Stockton, exit West March Lane, continue 2 miles to Buckley Cove.
Tiki Lagun Resort Marina
On Turner Cut, near Lost Isle. Campground and marina. None of the sites have a view of the water. Boat launch. Guest docks.
Address: 12988 West McDonald Road, Stockton, CA 95206.
Tel: 877-444-TIKI
Web site: http://www.tikimarina.com/
Directions: CA Hwy 4 between I-5 at Stockton and Antioch, approx 5 miles west of I-5 take the Inland Drive exit (north) and follow the road six for 6 miles to Tiki Lagun.
Turner Cut Resort
On Turner Cut, near Lost Isle. Campground and marina. None of the sites have a view of the water. Boat launch. Guest docks.
Address: 12888 West Neugerbaur, Stockton, CA.
Tel: 209-465-4129
Directions: CA Hwy 4 between I-5 at Stockton and Antioch. Next door to Tiki Lagun.
Windmill Cove Resort and Marina
On the San Joaquin River. Campground and marina. Camp sites overlook the river. Boat launch. Guest docks. Restaurant.
Address: 7600 Windmill Cove Road, Stockton, CA.
Tel: 209-948-6995
Web site: http://www.windmillcove.com/
Disclaimer: I've used some parks by RV, boat, tent, car, or a combination of them, but I haven't used the majority of the many parks available in the Delta. I make no attempt to rate any of the facilities but, if you have a question about one I happen to have visited, I'll do my best to answer. You are advised to check with the respective RV park for site availability, facilities and reservations. You should also check that the size of your rig can be accomodated. Information is provided in good faith and is believed to be accurate at the time of publication, but I cannot guarantee continued accuracy. Call the resort of your choice to verify the information.
Warning: The rivers and sloughs of the Delta eventually flow to San Francisco Bay, so there's a natural outflowing current. Also, the Bay and Delta experience a tidal variation of approximately 4 feet, so the direction of that current can and does reverse far up into the rivers and sloughs. This can catch swimmers unaware in addition to causing unintended beaching of boats moored too close to shore. Tide tables can be obtained from local tackle and boating stores. Know your limitations and those of your watercraft.
Water depth in the Delta can vary from as little as a foot or less to as much as 60-80 feet. Generally speaking, the dredged shipping channels on the Sacramento and San Joaquin rivers, clearly marked with red and green navigation buoys/lights, have a depth of approximately 50 feet and the depth falls off sharply outside the dredged channel.
Whenever you enter the water, either swimming or by watercraft, always wear a USCG approved life preserver appropriate for the water sport you're engaging in. The microclimate of the Delta means that you may experience "Delta breezes" which help provide natural air conditioning, but which can also affect the handling and stability of your watercraft. Emergency rescue service is provided by the U.S. Coast Guard station at Rio Vista; They monitor VHF channel 16 and can also be contacted by dialing 911.
Law enforcement is provided by local sheriff's departments and USCG. Copies of Federal and California boating laws are available at local tackle and boating stores.
USCG 11th District Local Notices To Mariners can be downloaded here
