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RV Parks In Colusa, California

39.2143° N, 122.0094° W

Quick Overview

Colusa is the kind of Sacramento Valley river town we keep coming back to: quiet, flat, and right on the water, with world-class winter birding a few miles down the road. It sits in Colusa County about 65 miles north of Sacramento and roughly the same south of Chico, 9 miles east of Interstate 5 on Highway 20. If you're rolling I-5 between the Bay Area and the Pacific Northwest and want a calm overnight or a few days of fishing and wildlife watching, this is an easy and rewarding detour.

The headline public spot is the Colusa-Sacramento River State Recreation Area, a state recreation area right on the west bank of the Sacramento River at the edge of town. It has 14 developed sites under shady riparian forest; sites 5 through 10 carry electric and water hookups, and the campground has a dump station, restrooms, and showers. Rigs up to about 27 feet fit comfortably. Reserve through reservecalifornia.com up to six months out, because the riverfront fills fast in fishing season. This is a genuinely public, state-run campground, not a private resort.

For full hookups and bigger rigs, you've got private and public-fairground options in town. The Colusa County Fairgrounds runs 32 full-hookup sites with 30 and 50 amp electric service, and Lovey's Landing RV Park & Marina offers full hookups, propane, a dump, and river access. The Colusa Casino has a small level gravel area on its north side, but it's dry camping only with no water, power, dump, or trash, so come self-contained if you park there.

The real draw in winter is the wildlife. The Sacramento National Wildlife Refuge and the nearby Colusa National Wildlife Refuge sit just south and southwest of town, and from September through March they hold staggering numbers of waterfowl: peak counts top 150,000 ducks and 60,000 geese, with snow geese, Ross's geese, tundra swans, and pintails crowding the ponds in December and January. Drive the auto tour routes from your tow vehicle, then come back to the river to fish for salmon, striped bass, sturgeon, and catfish. The Sutter Buttes, billed as the smallest mountain range in the world, rise just east of town for a scenic backdrop. For transient travelers and snowbirds working the valley, Colusa makes a relaxed, low-key base with very little driving between the river, the refuges, and a walkable downtown for groceries and fuel.

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Traveling to Colusa by RV

Getting here is simple. Colusa is 9 miles east of Interstate 5 on Highway 20, with Highway 45 running through town along the river. From Sacramento it's about 65 miles north; from Chico it's a bit over an hour south. The valley floor is dead flat, so there are no grades, low bridges, or weight restrictions to worry about on the main approaches. The one thing to plan around is winter tule fog, which can settle thick on clear, calm mornings along I-5 and Highway 20; if you wake to soup, wait an hour or two for it to burn off before pulling out. The town of Colusa has groceries, fuel, and basic services, and propane is available at area RV parks like Lovey's Landing and at a Highway 20 RV facility on the way in from I-5. For wildlife refuge auto tours, see the refuge visit page for current hours and road conditions.

Before You Go: RV Trip Essentials

Dump stations are only one piece of the trip puzzle. Before you set out for your trip to Colusa, California, it's worth taking thirty minutes to check that the basics are in place — the four areas below are where unprepared RVers most often get stung.

Check your RV insurance coverage

A standard auto policy rarely covers a Class A, Class C, or travel trailer the way a dedicated RV insurance policy does. If you're financing a motorhome, lenders typically require comprehensive and collision; full-timers should additionally price in vacation liability and personal belongings coverage. Rates vary widely by state and travel pattern — compare quotes from multiple RV-focused carriers before each season.

Know your roadside assistance options

RV-specific roadside plans tow motorhomes and trailers that regular AAA coverage won't touch — flat beds, mobile mechanics, tire service for duallies, and even emergency lockouts at remote campgrounds. Good plans cover your spouse and trailer even if you're driving a separate vehicle, and some include trip interruption reimbursement if a breakdown costs you a reservation.

Decide about an extended warranty early

Original manufacturer warranties on new RVs typically run 12–24 months — shorter than most buyers realize. An extended service contract (essentially a mechanical breakdown policy) covers the appliances, slides, levelling systems, and drivetrain components that can run $3,000–$10,000 to replace. The time to price one is before the factory coverage expires, not after something breaks.

Set up a travel rewards card for fuel and fees

A no-annual-fee travel or gas rewards card pays for itself on a single month of RV travel. Expect to spend $400–$800 per week combined on fuel, campgrounds, and propane — 3–5% cash back on gas alone covers the next oil change. For bigger trips, a sign-up bonus can offset campground fees for the whole season.

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Dump Station Costs in Colusa

Camping here runs from free to moderate. The Colusa-Sacramento River State Recreation Area charges roughly $28 to $45 per night depending on site and hookups, which is fair for a riverfront state campground with a dump station and showers. The Colusa County Fairgrounds is the budget full-hookup play, with sites starting around $20 a night for 30 and 50 amp service. Private river parks like Lovey's Landing sit at the higher end but add propane, a dump, and marina access. If you're self-contained and just need a night, the Colusa Casino's gravel lot is free dry camping with no hookups. Wildlife refuge auto tours are low-cost day use, and a federal pass covers entry where fees apply, so budget more for fuel and fishing licenses than for the camping itself.

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Best Time to Visit Colusa by RV

❄️

Winter

Nov - Feb

38F - 55F

Crowds: Medium

Peak waterfowl season at the refuges with 150,000-plus ducks and tens of thousands of geese in December and January. Cool, wet, and foggy; thick tule fog on calm mornings. Mild enough for comfortable camping with electric heat.

🌸

Spring

Mar - May

47F - 73F

Crowds: Medium

Green hills, blooming valley, and fading waterfowl numbers into March. Pleasant temperatures and the start of solid river fishing. One of the best windows for the state rec area before summer heat arrives.

☀️

Summer

Jun - Aug

60F - 98F

Crowds: Medium

Hot and dry, often over 100F in July and August. Plan an electric hookup for air conditioning and do outdoor activity early. River shade and water keep the SRA bearable; the refuges are quiet this time of year.

🍂

Fall

Sep - Oct

50F - 80F

Crowds: Medium

Cooling temperatures and the return of migrating waterfowl from September on. Snow geese begin arriving in October. Comfortable camping weather and the front edge of birding season; a great underrated time to visit.

Explore the Colusa Area

A few things we've learned working this stretch of the river. First, if you want power and water at the state rec area, you must land sites 5 through 10; the rest are non-hookup, so book early on reservecalifornia.com and check the site number, not just the date. Second, the wildlife refuges peak in December and January, but the auto tours are best at dawn when the birds are active and the light is low; leave the rig at camp and take the tow vehicle, since the gravel loops are tight. Third, summer here is genuinely hot, often over 100F, so plan an electric site for air conditioning and run errands in the morning. Fourth, the river fishing is excellent but seasonal; salmon, stripers, sturgeon, and catfish each have their window, so check current regulations before you wet a line. Finally, fuel up and dump before you leave town if you're heading into the refuges, where services are sparse.

National Parks Nearby

Frequently Asked Questions About Dump Stations in Colusa

Where can I camp in an RV near Colusa, California?

The main public option is the Colusa-Sacramento River State Recreation Area right on the west bank of the Sacramento River at the edge of town, with 14 developed sites and electric and water hookups on sites 5 through 10. For full hookups and bigger rigs, the Colusa County Fairgrounds offers 32 full-hookup sites with 30 and 50 amp service, and Lovey's Landing RV Park & Marina has full hookups plus propane and a dump. The Colusa Casino has a small gravel dry-camp area with no hookups. Between the state rec area and the in-town private parks, most travelers find a good fit for a night or a longer stay.

Does the Colusa-Sacramento River State Recreation Area have hookups?

Yes, but only on specific sites. The campground has 14 developed sites total, and sites 5 through 10 carry both electric and water hookups; the remaining sites are non-hookup. There is no sewer at the sites, but the campground has a dump station, along with restrooms and showers. Sites accommodate RVs up to about 27 feet, so very large coaches should look at the fairgrounds or a private river park instead. If you specifically want power and water, make sure your reservation is for one of sites 5 through 10 rather than just any open date, since the system will let you book non-hookup sites too.

How do I make reservations for camping in Colusa?

For the Colusa-Sacramento River State Recreation Area, book through reservecalifornia.com, the official California State Parks reservation system. You can reserve a site up to six months in advance, which we strongly recommend during fishing season and winter waterfowl season when the riverfront fills quickly. Pay attention to the site number so you land one of the hookup sites if you need power and water. Private parks like Lovey's Landing and the Colusa County Fairgrounds take their own reservations directly by phone or website. The casino dry-camp area is generally first-come, first-served. Booking ahead is the safe play for any hookup site here, especially on weekends and holidays.

Are there full-hookup RV parks in Colusa?

Yes. The state recreation area only offers electric and water on its hookup sites, with no sewer at the site, but you do have true full-hookup options in town. The Colusa County Fairgrounds runs 32 full-hookup sites with 30 and 50 amp electric service, and it tends to be the budget-friendly choice. Lovey's Landing RV Park & Marina is a private full-service park with full hookups, propane, a dump station, and river and marina access. Between those two you can get a full-hookup site with the amp service most modern rigs need. If you are dry camping at the casino instead, plan to be fully self-contained because there is no water, power, dump, or trash there.

What public camping options are near Colusa?

The standout public option is the Colusa-Sacramento River State Recreation Area, a California state recreation area on the Sacramento River with developed campsites, partial hookups, and a dump station. It is genuinely public and run by State Parks, not a private resort. Nearby, the Sacramento National Wildlife Refuge and Colusa National Wildlife Refuge are federal public lands managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service; they offer auto tours, hiking, and outstanding birding but no overnight camping. So your public overnight base is the state rec area, with the refuges serving as day-use destinations. This mix of public river camping and public refuge land is a big part of what makes Colusa worth the stop.

Are there private RV parks and resorts near Colusa?

Yes. Alongside the public state recreation area, you have private options in and around town. Lovey's Landing RV Park & Marina is a private full-service RV park with full hookups, propane, a dump station, and direct river and marina access, which is handy if you have a boat. The Colusa County Fairgrounds provides 32 full-hookup sites with 30 and 50 amp service in a convenient in-town location. These private and fairground parks fill the gap for travelers who need full hookups, longer pull-throughs, or amenities beyond what the state rec area's partial-hookup sites provide. Having both public and private choices in one small town keeps your options open whatever your rig and budget.

What is there to do in Colusa for RV travelers?

The two big draws are the river and the wildlife refuges. The Sacramento River fronts the state recreation area and offers fishing for salmon, striped bass, sturgeon, and catfish, plus a boat launch and shady riparian forest for walking. A few miles south and southwest, the Sacramento and Colusa National Wildlife Refuges host enormous wintering flocks of waterfowl, with auto tour routes you can drive from your vehicle. The Sutter Buttes, a small volcanic range east of town, make a scenic backdrop and a day trip. Add in a walkable downtown with groceries and fuel, and you have plenty to fill a relaxed few days without long drives between stops.

When is the best time to visit Colusa in an RV?

For wildlife, winter is unbeatable. Waterfowl numbers at the refuges peak in December and January, with snow geese, tundra swans, and pintails by the tens of thousands; the auto tours are spectacular then. Just plan around tule fog on calm mornings. Spring and fall bring mild temperatures, green valley scenery, and good river fishing, and they are quieter at the campgrounds. Summer is hot, often over 100F, so it suits travelers who want an electric site for air conditioning and early-morning activity, and the refuges are quiet then. Overall, fall through early spring is the sweet spot for both comfort and wildlife, with winter the clear highlight for birders.

Can I camp at the Sacramento National Wildlife Refuge?

No, the refuges do not offer overnight camping. The Sacramento National Wildlife Refuge and the nearby Colusa National Wildlife Refuge are managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service for wildlife and habitat, and they are day-use only. What they do offer is excellent: auto tour routes you can drive slowly from your tow vehicle, walking trails, viewing platforms, and photography blinds, all centered on huge wintering populations of ducks and geese. For an overnight RV base, stay at the Colusa-Sacramento River State Recreation Area or an in-town private park, then make day trips out to the refuges. Check the official refuge visitor page for current hours, fees, and road conditions before you go, since auto tour access can change seasonally.

How do I get to Colusa with an RV?

Colusa is easy to reach. It sits 9 miles east of Interstate 5 on Highway 20, about 65 miles north of Sacramento and a little over an hour south of Chico. Highway 45 runs through town along the river. The Sacramento Valley floor here is completely flat, so you will not face grades, low clearances, or weight restrictions on the main routes in. The one real consideration is winter tule fog, which can be dense on clear, calm mornings along I-5 and Highway 20; if visibility is poor, wait for it to lift before traveling. Otherwise it is a relaxed, straightforward approach for any size rig, with the state rec area suited to RVs up to about 27 feet.

Is there propane and RV service near Colusa?

Yes. Propane refills are available at area RV parks such as Lovey's Landing, and there is an RV facility on Highway 20 as you head into town from Interstate 5 that offers propane service. The town of Colusa itself has groceries, fuel, and basic services for restocking. For mechanical RV repair, you will generally look to shops in the broader Sacramento Valley, with regional options like ET Quality RV serving Northern California. It is smart to top off propane and handle any service needs in or around town before heading out to the wildlife refuges, where services are sparse. Plan ahead and you will not be caught short on this stretch of the valley.

What is the weather like for camping in Colusa?

Colusa has a hot-summer Mediterranean climate typical of the Sacramento Valley. Summers are sweltering and dry, regularly topping 100F in July and August, so an electric site for air conditioning makes a real difference. Winters are cool and wet, with highs in the 50s and lows near freezing, plus thick tule fog on clear, calm mornings. The area gets about 19 inches of rain a year, almost all of it from November through March. Spring and fall are the most comfortable, with mild days and cool nights. Plan summer activity for early morning and bring rain gear for winter visits, and you will camp comfortably here in any season.

Can I fish near my campsite in Colusa?

Absolutely, and it is one of the main reasons RVers come here. The Colusa-Sacramento River State Recreation Area sits right on the Sacramento River with a boat launch and bank access, putting fishing steps from your campsite. The river holds salmon, striped bass, sturgeon, and catfish, with each species running in its own season, so the action changes through the year. Make sure you have a valid California fishing license and check current regulations and seasons before you fish, since rules vary by species and stretch of river. Pair a riverfront campsite with morning fishing and afternoon refuge birding and you have a classic Colusa RV day with very little driving in between.

Where can I camp in an RV near Colusa, California?

The main public option is the Colusa-Sacramento River State Recreation Area right on the west bank of the Sacramento River at the edge of town, with 14 developed sites and electric and water hookups on sites 5 through 10. For full hookups and bigger rigs, the Colusa County Fairgrounds offers 32 full-hookup sites with 30 and 50 amp service, and Lovey's Landing RV Park & Marina has full hookups plus propane and a dump. The Colusa Casino has a small gravel dry-camp area with no hookups. Between the state rec area and the in-town private parks, most travelers find a good fit for a night or a longer stay.

Does the Colusa-Sacramento River State Recreation Area have hookups?

Yes, but only on specific sites. The campground has 14 developed sites total, and sites 5 through 10 carry both electric and water hookups; the remaining sites are non-hookup. There is no sewer at the sites, but the campground has a dump station, along with restrooms and showers. Sites accommodate RVs up to about 27 feet, so very large coaches should look at the fairgrounds or a private river park instead. If you specifically want power and water, make sure your reservation is for one of sites 5 through 10 rather than just any open date, since the system will let you book non-hookup sites too.

How do I make reservations for camping in Colusa?

For the Colusa-Sacramento River State Recreation Area, book through reservecalifornia.com, the official California State Parks reservation system. You can reserve a site up to six months in advance, which we strongly recommend during fishing season and winter waterfowl season when the riverfront fills quickly. Pay attention to the site number so you land one of the hookup sites if you need power and water. Private parks like Lovey's Landing and the Colusa County Fairgrounds take their own reservations directly by phone or website. The casino dry-camp area is generally first-come, first-served. Booking ahead is the safe play for any hookup site here, especially on weekends and holidays.

Are there full-hookup RV parks in Colusa?

Yes. The state recreation area only offers electric and water on its hookup sites, with no sewer at the site, but you do have true full-hookup options in town. The Colusa County Fairgrounds runs 32 full-hookup sites with 30 and 50 amp electric service, and it tends to be the budget-friendly choice. Lovey's Landing RV Park & Marina is a private full-service park with full hookups, propane, a dump station, and river and marina access. Between those two you can get a full-hookup site with the amp service most modern rigs need. If you are dry camping at the casino instead, plan to be fully self-contained because there is no water, power, dump, or trash there.

What public camping options are near Colusa?

The standout public option is the Colusa-Sacramento River State Recreation Area, a California state recreation area on the Sacramento River with developed campsites, partial hookups, and a dump station. It is genuinely public and run by State Parks, not a private resort. Nearby, the Sacramento National Wildlife Refuge and Colusa National Wildlife Refuge are federal public lands managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service; they offer auto tours, hiking, and outstanding birding but no overnight camping. So your public overnight base is the state rec area, with the refuges serving as day-use destinations. This mix of public river camping and public refuge land is a big part of what makes Colusa worth the stop.

Are there private RV parks and resorts near Colusa?

Yes. Alongside the public state recreation area, you have private options in and around town. Lovey's Landing RV Park & Marina is a private full-service RV park with full hookups, propane, a dump station, and direct river and marina access, which is handy if you have a boat. The Colusa County Fairgrounds provides 32 full-hookup sites with 30 and 50 amp service in a convenient in-town location. These private and fairground parks fill the gap for travelers who need full hookups, longer pull-throughs, or amenities beyond what the state rec area's partial-hookup sites provide. Having both public and private choices in one small town keeps your options open whatever your rig and budget.

What is there to do in Colusa for RV travelers?

The two big draws are the river and the wildlife refuges. The Sacramento River fronts the state recreation area and offers fishing for salmon, striped bass, sturgeon, and catfish, plus a boat launch and shady riparian forest for walking. A few miles south and southwest, the Sacramento and Colusa National Wildlife Refuges host enormous wintering flocks of waterfowl, with auto tour routes you can drive from your vehicle. The Sutter Buttes, a small volcanic range east of town, make a scenic backdrop and a day trip. Add in a walkable downtown with groceries and fuel, and you have plenty to fill a relaxed few days without long drives between stops.

When is the best time to visit Colusa in an RV?

For wildlife, winter is unbeatable. Waterfowl numbers at the refuges peak in December and January, with snow geese, tundra swans, and pintails by the tens of thousands; the auto tours are spectacular then. Just plan around tule fog on calm mornings. Spring and fall bring mild temperatures, green valley scenery, and good river fishing, and they are quieter at the campgrounds. Summer is hot, often over 100F, so it suits travelers who want an electric site for air conditioning and early-morning activity, and the refuges are quiet then. Overall, fall through early spring is the sweet spot for both comfort and wildlife, with winter the clear highlight for birders.

Can I camp at the Sacramento National Wildlife Refuge?

No, the refuges do not offer overnight camping. The Sacramento National Wildlife Refuge and the nearby Colusa National Wildlife Refuge are managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service for wildlife and habitat, and they are day-use only. What they do offer is excellent: auto tour routes you can drive slowly from your tow vehicle, walking trails, viewing platforms, and photography blinds, all centered on huge wintering populations of ducks and geese. For an overnight RV base, stay at the Colusa-Sacramento River State Recreation Area or an in-town private park, then make day trips out to the refuges. Check the official refuge visitor page for current hours, fees, and road conditions before you go, since auto tour access can change seasonally.

How do I get to Colusa with an RV?

Colusa is easy to reach. It sits 9 miles east of Interstate 5 on Highway 20, about 65 miles north of Sacramento and a little over an hour south of Chico. Highway 45 runs through town along the river. The Sacramento Valley floor here is completely flat, so you will not face grades, low clearances, or weight restrictions on the main routes in. The one real consideration is winter tule fog, which can be dense on clear, calm mornings along I-5 and Highway 20; if visibility is poor, wait for it to lift before traveling. Otherwise it is a relaxed, straightforward approach for any size rig, with the state rec area suited to RVs up to about 27 feet.

Is there propane and RV service near Colusa?

Yes. Propane refills are available at area RV parks such as Lovey's Landing, and there is an RV facility on Highway 20 as you head into town from Interstate 5 that offers propane service. The town of Colusa itself has groceries, fuel, and basic services for restocking. For mechanical RV repair, you will generally look to shops in the broader Sacramento Valley, with regional options like ET Quality RV serving Northern California. It is smart to top off propane and handle any service needs in or around town before heading out to the wildlife refuges, where services are sparse. Plan ahead and you will not be caught short on this stretch of the valley.

What is the weather like for camping in Colusa?

Colusa has a hot-summer Mediterranean climate typical of the Sacramento Valley. Summers are sweltering and dry, regularly topping 100F in July and August, so an electric site for air conditioning makes a real difference. Winters are cool and wet, with highs in the 50s and lows near freezing, plus thick tule fog on clear, calm mornings. The area gets about 19 inches of rain a year, almost all of it from November through March. Spring and fall are the most comfortable, with mild days and cool nights. Plan summer activity for early morning and bring rain gear for winter visits, and you will camp comfortably here in any season.

Can I fish near my campsite in Colusa?

Absolutely, and it is one of the main reasons RVers come here. The Colusa-Sacramento River State Recreation Area sits right on the Sacramento River with a boat launch and bank access, putting fishing steps from your campsite. The river holds salmon, striped bass, sturgeon, and catfish, with each species running in its own season, so the action changes through the year. Make sure you have a valid California fishing license and check current regulations and seasons before you fish, since rules vary by species and stretch of river. Pair a riverfront campsite with morning fishing and afternoon refuge birding and you have a classic Colusa RV day with very little driving in between.