Brannan Island State Recreation Area is located in the heart of the Sacramento–San Joaquin River Delta near Rio Vista. It offers a unique blend of Delta waterways, lush marshlands, and outdoor adventure. Whether you’re casting a line for striped bass, launching a kayak into winding sloughs, or unwinding by a campfire under a wide-open sky, Brannan Island delivers a full Delta experience just northeast of the Bay Area.
What Makes Brannan Island State Recreation Area Unique
Stretching across 329 acres of islands, sloughs, and wetlands, Brannan Island protects diverse Delta ecosystems rich in wildlife. The park was established in 1952 and serves as a gateway to iconic places like Franks Tract and Delta Meadows. With a mix of marsh, floodplain forest, and calm waterways, it supports river otters, beavers, muskrats, and over 70 bird species—from herons to migratory shorebirds.
Activities & Amenities
Camping & Cabins
Over 140 campsites, including RV sites (up to 36 ft) with hookups, tent-only areas, group loops, cabins, yurts, and boat-in sites offer varied overnight options. Campgrounds feature fire rings, picnic tables, potable water, showers, restrooms, dump station, and a small store selling ice, firewood, and basic supplies.
Boating, Fishing & Water Sports
A six-lane boat launch and marina make water access easy. Anglers can catch striped bass, sturgeon, catfish, bluegill, perch, and bullhead. Popular water sports include jet skiing, water skiing, windsurfing at Windy Cove, canoeing, kayaking, paddleboarding, and sailboating through serene slough channels.
Picnicking, Swimming & Group Areas
Day-use zones include the Ramadas group picnic area with BBQ grills and shaded tables, plus the Seven Mile Slough swim beach with lifeguards and cold showers. Additional picnic spots, restrooms, and playgrounds dot the park.
Trails & Wildlife Viewing
The adjacent California Aqueduct Bikeway offers scenic cycling; dirt paths and levees provide gentle walking and wildlife viewing. Canoe tours of Delta Meadows may be available seasonally. Keep an eye out for otters, herons, egrets, and seasonal waterfowl.
Recreation Courts & Activities
Stay active with horseshoe pits, volleyball courts, playgrounds, and open grassy areas. Interpretive exhibits and ranger-led programs cover Delta history, ecology, and sustainable recreation.
Facilities & Services
Flush restrooms, hot showers, drinking water, a dump station, and a marina store offering boat rentals, life jacket rentals, fishing gear, ice, and firewood keep everything convenient. A visitor center provides maps, educational materials, and seasonal interpretive displays.
Practical Visitor Tips
- Fees & Reservations: Standard day‑use fee; camping fees vary by type—reserve cabins and setups ahead, especially in summer.
- Boating Safety: All boaters are required to wear PFDs; observe speed limits in sloughs and stay clear of no-wake zones.
- Pets: Leashed dogs allowed in day-use and campsite zones; off limited wetland areas.
- Campfires: Fire rings provided—check seasonal restrictions; propane stoves recommended during fire season.
- Weather: Delta winds are common—secure tents and plan for gusty afternoons, especially in spring and fall.
- Fishing License: Required for ages 16+; follow state size and limit regulations.
- Wildlife Etiquette: Maintain distance from wildlife and nesting areas; use on-site recycling and trash bins.
- Quiet Hours: Observed from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m.—music and generator use should cease.
- Boat-In Campsites: Use marina or ramp; campsites accommodate boats up to 35 ft.
Local Insight & Seasonal Tip
Spring and fall offer the best fishing conditions and birdwatching—morning light on the marsh is spectacular. A hidden gem: paddle into Franks Tract at sunset to find solitude and otters fishing by the willow shore. For a post-camping treat, stop in Rio Vista for fresh pies and Delta-style breakfast served year-round.