Rancho Seco Recreation Area
Rate this placeLast Updated: December 5, 2025
Rancho Seco Recreation Area is located in the state of California and is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts.
°F
°F
mph
Wind
%
Humidity
Summary
There are several good reasons to visit, including hiking and biking trails, fishing, and wildlife viewing. The park also offers camping sites, picnic areas, and a beach for swimming and boating.
One of the main points of interest at Rancho Seco is the man-made reservoir that provides water for the region. The park is also home to several species of birds and other wildlife, making it a great destination for nature lovers.
Interesting facts about the area include the fact that it was once the site of a nuclear power plant that was decommissioned in the 1990s. The park was created on the site of the former power plant and has been transformed into a recreational area for visitors to enjoy.
The best time of year to visit Rancho Seco Recreation Area is during the spring and fall when temperatures are mild, and the park is less crowded. However, the park is open year-round, so visitors can enjoy the various activities and amenities at any time of the year.
Overall, Rancho Seco Recreation Area is a beautiful and unique destination that offers something for everyone. Whether you're looking for outdoor adventure or just a peaceful getaway, this park is definitely worth a visit.
Weather Forecast
Park & Land Designation Reference
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
Related References
Herald Community Park
Galt Comunity Park
Lake Canyon Park