Welcome to Prairie City State Vehicular Recreation Area—an exhilarating off-highway vehicle playground located in Rancho Cordova, eastern Sacramento County, California. Nestled twenty miles east of downtown Sacramento and just three miles south of U.S. 50, this specialized state vehicular recreation area (SVRA) occupies approximately 1,344 acres, with around 836 acres dedicated to OHV fun in the Sierra Nevada foothills.
What Makes Prairie City SVRA Unique
This SVRA blends rich Gold Rush history with dynamic OHV action and sensitive ecological landscapes. The area is the ancestral land of the Valley Nisenan Maidu. It bears traces of historic placer mining and dredge operations. Mine tailings, vernal pools, and a re-claimed gravel quarry offer both rugged charm and varied terrain. Rolling blue-oak woodlands and grasslands support diverse wildlife, from deer and coyotes to raptors like golden eagles and kestrels, making it a rare mix of vehicle-focused recreation and natural habitat.
Top Activities & Amenities
Off-Road Vehicle Trails & Tracks
Packed with terrain for motorcycles, ATVs, ROVs/SxS/UTVs, 4×4 vehicles, karts, and quarter-midgets, Prairie City SVRA delivers thrilling variety. Key features include:
- Pro-Am MX Track and motocross practice track
- ATV practice track
- Kids’ tracks: 70 cc beginner and 110 cc intermediate
- Go-kart track and quarter-midget track
- 4×4 obstacle course with rock course, pyramid, sand and mud pits
- Loading ramps and designated staging area
Practice tracks are groomed regularly (fully on Wednesdays, lightly on Saturdays) with watering as needed.
State Park Facilities
Multiple restrooms, drinking water fountains, shaded picnic sites with ramadas, barbecue grills, and staging areas make for a comfortable day trip. There’s even a small parts or concession stand near the main parking area for OHV essentials.
Camping
No traditional camping is available within Prairie City SVRA itself. Visitors interested in overnight stays can consider nearby options like Folsom Lake State Recreation Area.
Other Recreational Opportunities
- Wildlife & nature viewing—keep an eye out for songbirds, woodpeckers, deer, coyotes, and raptors amid oak woodlands and vernal pools
- Interpretive & educational programs—environmental restoration initiatives, event outreach booths, and a public Environmental Training Center with quarterly community meetings
- OHV safety training—free ATV, dirt bike, and ROV/UTV classes through partnerships with SVRA and OHV safety organizations
Visitor Practical Tips
- Day-use fee: $5 per vehicle; park open year-round except Wednesdays
- Hours vary seasonally—typically 8 am to dusk, extended in summer months
- OHV stickers (Red or Green) and spark arrestors are required; noise limits enforced
- Stay on designated trails—environmental restoration areas are off-limits for your safety and habitat protection
- Special event closures possible—check the park’s calendar or call (916) 985-7378 before planning your visit
- Safety first—helmets required; training highly recommended, especially for youth
- Pets allowed, but must adhere to park rules (confirm ahead via official site)
- No traditional camping—overnight stays must be arranged outside the park
Local Insight
Visit between October and June to catch some of the park’s most vibrant months. Events like the Hangtown Motocross Classic and Headlight Festival energize the tracks. The rolling foothills still offer lush vistas and wildlife activity. For a quieter experience, head out on a weekday (avoiding Wednesday), and linger at the staging picnic area—it’s a hidden gem to enjoy watching riders, spotting hawks overhead, or quietly strolling beneath blue oaks between revs.
Prairie City SVRA is more than an OHV park—it’s a crossroads of Gold Rush heritage, diverse ecosystems, and high-octane adventure, perfect for families, off-road lovers, and nature admirers alike.