River Bend Park
Rate this placeNearby: Taylor Park Shelfield Park
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
River Bend Park is a scenic and peaceful natural park located in Sacramento, California.
°F
°F
mph
Wind
%
Humidity
Summary
It is a perfect destination for nature lovers, hikers, picnickers, and families. The park offers various opportunities for outdoor activities, including hiking, biking, fishing, and kayaking.
One of the main attractions of the park is the American River, which flows through it, providing a beautiful backdrop for visitors to enjoy. Another point of interest is the Native American Maidu Village, which features reconstructed traditional houses and cultural exhibits that offer insights into the lives of the Maidu people who once lived in the area.
There are also several other amenities within the park, including picnic areas, playgrounds, and a nature center. In addition, the park is home to a wide variety of wildlife, including deer, coyotes, and various bird species, making it an ideal location for birdwatching.
One interesting fact about River Bend Park is that it is a part of the American River Parkway, a 23-mile stretch of parks and natural areas that runs along the American River. This makes it a great starting point for exploring the other parks and attractions in the area.
The best time of year to visit River Bend Park is during the spring or fall when the weather is mild, and the park is less crowded. Summer can be hot and crowded, while winter can be rainy and muddy. Visitors should also be mindful of the river's water levels, as they can vary depending on the season and weather conditions.
Overall, River Bend Park is a must-visit destination for anyone looking to experience the natural beauty of Sacramento and learn about the region's rich history and culture.
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
Area Campgrounds
| Location | Reservations | Toilets |
|---|---|---|
Cal Expo RV Park
|
||
Placer County Fair RV
|
||
BP38
|
||
BP35
|
||
BP36
|
||
BP37
|
Taylor Park
Shelfield Park
Riviera East Park
Ancil Hoffman Park
Hagan Community Park