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Mendocino National Forest

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Red Bluff Recreation Area

The sparkling Sacramento River bisects 488 acres of riparian forest, flowering grasslands, wetlands, and oak woodlands providing very diverse Naturewatch experiences. Birds literally flock to this variety of habitats over the course of the year, with over 125 species observed to date. A seasonal lake is created each summer when a wide sweep of the Sacramento River is backed up behind the Red Bluff Diversion Dam. Fishing opportunities attract otter, herons, egrets, ospreys and bald eagles. Other visitor facilities include day use areas, one campground, four miles of trails, two boat ramps, and the Sacramento River Discovery Center. The trails provide great views of Mount Shasta, Mount Lassen, and the Yolla Bolly Mountains, which are especially scenic in the winter and spring when they're capped with snow.

Directions to the Red Bluff Recreational Area

[Photograph]: Lake Red Bluff. The Recreation Area is located adjoining the Sacramento River, just two miles from Red Bluff, CA. Arriving from the South, take the Lassen, Highway 36 exit at Red Bluff or coming from the Redding area heading South on I-5 take the Antelope Blvd - Lassen Highway 36 exit, there will be a Forest Service sign on right. Take the first road to the right which is Sale Lane (at the lights). Coming from the Chico area heading North on 99E. 99E turns into Antelope Boulevard. At the second light turn left onto Sale Lane. There will be apartments on right and a residential area on left, keep going (about a 2 miles) to the Red Bluff Recreation Area. Mendocino National Forest sign will be on the right at the entrance. The Red Bluff Recreation Area is open year round unless flooding or high winds occur.

Sacramento River Discovery Center

The Sacramento River Discovery Center provides opportunities for learning about the Sacramento River watershed ranging from short visits of a few hours in the center to guided lectures at a small fee that must be pre-scheduled. Most of the research and displays have been accomplished by students and the community. The center is open Tuesday through Saturday, 11:00 am to 4:00 pm. For more information on the center and their activities call (530) 527-1196.

Campground Information

Sycamore Campground

[Photograph]: Sycamore Grove Campground. There are 30 sites with tables & grills for barbecuing, 8 people per site. 19 of these sites ( $16 per night) accept Senior and Access passes; 10 expanded sites which include electricity ( $25 per night ) do not accept passes.
One large family site with tables & grills, this site is $30.00 per night, up to 16 people at this site.

Comfort station: pay showers, sinks, and electrical outlets (access code required - see the camp host). Drinking water, vault toilets, and central garbage bins. There are no sewer hook-ups and no dumping stations.

Lat - 40° 09' 21.79209" North, Long - 122° 12' 14.65081" West

Sycamore Picnic Area

Sycamore Grove Picnic Area has 8 picnic sites, tables, grills, potable water and vault toilets.

A paved trail approximately 4 miles for biking, walking, running.
Benches along the trail - lake view. Large grass areas for activities.

River/lake activities: boating, water skiing, jet skiing, swimming, fishing, rafting and canoeing.
Two boat ramps, one on the lake and one on the river (lake is open from 5/15 to 9/15).

Camp Discovery (Group Camp only)

Reservations may be made 360 days in advance, at the Sacramento River Discovery Center (530) 527-1196, Wednesday thru Saturday, 11:00 am to 4:00 pm. Please leave a message with a return phone number outside of these hours and we will be happy to return your phone call.

Overnight Use - 1 to 100 people - $175 per night. Overnight Use hours: Check-in time is 2:00 PM and Check-out time is 11:00 AM. Maximum of 100 people. User may request extended hours.

Day Use - 1 to 100 people - $75 per day. Day Use hours: Check-in time is 6:00 AM and Check-out time is 10:00 PM. Maximum of 100 people. User may request extended hours.

Reservations must be made for this camp, and fee must reach this office no later than 7 business days after initial reservation requests to guarantee reservation. No Cash. Check or money order only, made payable to USDA FOREST SERVICE. There is a $10 cancellation fee.

Interagency Passes do not apply to group campgrounds.

If cancelled 29 days or less from date of arrival this will result in the loss of the first day's fee, any remaining fees are refundable.

Prior to your arrival, please call (530) 527-1196 to arrange pickup of key at the Sacramento River Discovery Center office.

Facility must be clean and locked before leaving. The cabins, eating areas, barbecues and grounds need to be left in clean condition for the next group coming in. You will need to sweep cabins and eating areas and empty all garbage receptacles into dumpster by entry gate.

Lat - 40° 09' 16.39762" North, Long - 122° 11' 55.38506" West

FACILITIES:
There are 2 covered eating areas; each has preparation tables, 2 large barbecues, electrical outlets, lighting, lockable storage, 5 large picnic tables and drinking water.
Comfort station: 3 showers and 4 sinks on each side, two dish washing sinks, lighting and electrical outlets.
2 vault toilets with lighting.
11 screen cabins with bunks, sleeps 88 total.
Amphitheater with fire ring.
Entire facility is limited to 100 occupants
Trails and pond - fishing from Sacramento River by boat or shore.
Alcohol beverages are permitted.
Open House Reservations are permitted if not more than 100 people.

(Page Modified 5/28/08 )

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