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Cosumnes River Preserve Visitor Center

Thornton, California · Sacramento County

Remember your OUTDOOR ETHICS when enjoying your public lands. Please RECREATE RESPONSIBLY.The Visitor Center features a 400 square foot deck with permanent interpretive exhibits displayed both inside and outside the building. The Visitor Center deck and outdoor exhibits are open to the public even when the indoor exhib…

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About Cosumnes River Preserve Visitor Center

Remember your OUTDOOR ETHICS when enjoying your public lands. Please RECREATE RESPONSIBLY.The Visitor Center features a 400 square foot deck with permanent interpretive exhibits displayed both inside and outside the building. The Visitor Center deck and outdoor exhibits are open to the public even when the indoor exhibit room closed.Please Note: No pets. Only service dogs, on the leash, are allowed at the Preserve.No camping at the Preserve. Day-Use area only. For up-to-date info & more, please visit Cosumnes River Preserve homepage at: www.cosumnes.orgGeneral Information Line: (916) 684-2816Staff answer phone calls and emails Monday through Friday, 8am-4pmVolunteer staff are available at the Visitor Center on Sat. & Sun. 9am -1pmEmail: info@cosumnes.orgOverviewThe Cosumnes River Preserve Visitor Center is the focal point for the majority of public access and education at the Preserve. The deck and outdoor exhibits are open to the public even when the indoor exhibit room is closed to in-person visits. The trails, boardwalks, and waterways are the only parts of the Preserve that are open to the general public. These areas are open from sunrise to sunset. The Preserve promotes low-impact recreation and offers naturalist-led activities that include hikes, bird monitoring, paddles, photography walks, and more.The Cosumnes River Preserve features a dock for you to launch your canoe or kayak from. The river offers flat water, allowing for excellent boating opportunities throughout most of the year. Paddlers can enjoy a scenic guide through the river sloughs and the main channel, cruising along riparian forest and oak woodland and moving through wetlands teeming with wildlife.Helpful Links:Visit CRP Homepage: Cosumnes River PreserveExplore the Trails at the Preserve: River & Wetlands TrailsAlso visit BLM at: Cosumnes River PreserveReturn To: BLM, Mother Lode Field Office

How to Get There

The Cosumnes River Preserve is approximately 20 miles south of Sacramento. From the city of Sacramento, take Interstate 5 south and exit at Twin Cities Road. Head east on Twin Cities Road to Franklin Boulevard, then turn south. Continue on Franklin Blvd and go past Desmond Road. The Cosumnes River Preserve Visitor Center is approximately 1/2 mile south along Franklin Blvd on the left (east) side.

Driving directions (Google Maps) →

Plan Your Visit to Cosumnes River Preserve Visitor Center

Heading to Cosumnes River Preserve Visitor Center? A few things to know before you go:

  • Reservations: popular sites fill up fast — check Recreation.gov 6 months in advance
  • Fees: day-use and camping fees vary; check current rates on the official park page
  • Trash & pack-out: follow Leave No Trace principles
  • Wildlife: store food in bear boxes where provided; never feed wildlife
  • Weather: the 5-day forecast above is updated every 6 hours; verify just before you go

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a reservation for Cosumnes River Preserve Visitor Center?

No central reservation system listed for Cosumnes River Preserve Visitor Center. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/recarea/980) for the latest entry policy and availability.

How do I get to Cosumnes River Preserve Visitor Center?

The Cosumnes River Preserve is approximately 20 miles south of Sacramento. From the city of Sacramento, take Interstate 5 south and exit at Twin Cities Road. Head east on Twin Cities Road to Franklin Boulevard, then turn south. Continue on Franklin Blvd and go past Desmond Road. The Cosumnes River Preserve Visitor Center is approximately 1/2 mile south along Franklin Blvd on the left (east) side.

How do I contact Cosumnes River Preserve Visitor Center?

You can reach the park at phone: (916) 684-2816 or email: BLM_CA_Web_ML@blm.gov.