Part of the California state park system, Woodson Bridge State Recreation Area is a surprising oasis minute from the Interstate. The campground is hidden at the heart of a rich wooded habitat, home to bald eagles, yellow woodpeckers, and deer.
How to Reach Woodson Bridge SRA in Tehama County, California
Woodson Bridge State Recreation Area is six miles from the South Avenue exit of Interstate 5 in Tehama County. There are truck stops and ample amenities in Corning.
RV travelers should continue down South Avenue, following brown signs for the state park before taking a left turn for the state park. There is also a private campground located on the bend of the river where the original Woodson Bridge, for which the area was named, used to be located.
What RVers May Expect at Woodson Bridge SRA
Woodson Bridge is an attractive, heavily wooded campground on the Sacramento River. It is designed to be “environmental,” i.e. to as closely maintain its natural environment as possible. As a result, the campground has no dump station or hookups, but there is an RV dump at the Flying J located adjacent to the Interstate at South Avenue.
All the sites are back-in, separated by enough banking or forest to ensure reasonable privacy. A narrow, curving road takes drivers round a loop. The official maximum length for RVs and travel trailers is 31 feet; at the time of this traveler’s visit, however, the campground host said that at least one site could accommodate a 55 foot rig. An ability to navigate the loop road is the primary issue for longer rigs.
Each site is equipped with a fire pit and picnic table. Water is available at faucets around the main loop of the campground. There are no accessible features at Woodson Bridge SRA.
Recreational Activities at Woodson Bridge SRA
Woodson Bridge offers hiking trails and a nature trail, taking the visitor through mature oak woodland. The nature trail’s interpretive brochure is available from rangers. There is a developed picnic table adjacent to the river and there is also beach access.
Visitors can enjoy a rich habitat for bird watching, but those who are allergic to mosquito bites may wish to avoid Woodson Bridge during the mosquito season. The state park has a very robust population of biting insects.
Tehama County Park is located across from the state park. It offers a boat launch for river recreation. The county park is reached by a decorated underpass easily accessible from the entrance to Woodson Bridge. The Woodson Bridge mini-mart and delicatessen on the river bend is also well worth a visit for its wide range and excellent sandwiches.
Woodson Bridge SRA at a Glance
- Woodson Bridge SRA Website
- Telephone: 530-839-2112
Facilities: Restrooms, hiking trails, fire pits, picnic tables, payphone, fishing
- $25/night; seniors 62 and older: $2 discount.
- Location: South Avenue, 6 mi. S of Interstate 5.