Boating town guide
Walnut Grove & Locke
Walnut Grove, Sacramento County, CA
Overview
Walnut Grove and Locke are neighboring river towns on the Sacramento River in the heart of the Delta, and they are among the best stops on a Delta cruise. You can tie up at the public dock in Walnut Grove, walk the levee to Locke's wooden main street, and find fuel, a launch and a pump-out within a mile.
The towns
Walnut Grove was founded in 1851, and a Chinese community grew there from about 1875 as levee workers stayed on to farm. After a 1915 fire, many residents moved upriver and built Locke, where 45 wood-frame buildings went up between 1915 and 1917. The 14-acre Locke Historic District was listed on the National Register in 1990, and the Walnut Grove Chinese Historic District is also on the Register. State Parks runs a visitor center in the Locke Boarding House on Main Street.
Boating facilities
The Walnut Grove Dock at 14132 River Road is a public tie-up maintained by the local homeowners and merchants association. Boathouse Marina in Locke offers a launch, fuel, pump-out and dry storage. Walnut Grove Marina, just off the river on Snodgrass Slough, has 178 slips, fuel, haul-out and a pump-out.
Good to know
The river here carries tidal current and summer boat traffic, so slow down near the docks. Golden mussel was first found in the Delta in October 2024, so clean, drain and dry when you haul out.
Getting there & access
Walnut Grove public dock
The Walnut Grove Dock sits on the Sacramento River at 14132 River Road, maintained by the Walnut Grove Homeowners & Merchants Association. It is a simple tie-up with no listed services, best for a short stop to eat or walk into town. Contact (916) 776-1383 for current rules.
Launching nearby
Boathouse Marina at 13900 River Road in Locke is listed as a public launch with two carry-down walkways, 30 car-and-trailer spaces and launching valet service, for boats about 15 to 30 feet. Call (916) 776-1204 for fees and hours.
Fuel and pump-out
Boathouse Marina and Walnut Grove Marina (1400 Old Levee Road, on Snodgrass Slough) both list fuel sales and a sewage pump-out. Walnut Grove Marina also lists haul-out and repair, transient berths and oil disposal; call (916) 776-1181.
Walking to Locke
Locke sits just north of Walnut Grove along the levee and River Road. The Locke Boarding House visitor center is at 13916 Main Street; hours and events are posted by the Locke Foundation, (916) 776-1828.
Amenities
- Public tie-up — Walnut Grove Dock on the Sacramento River
- Fuel — Boathouse Marina (Locke) and Walnut Grove Marina
- Pump-out — Sewage/bilge pump-out at both marinas
- Launch — Boathouse Marina, with launching valet
- Dry storage — About 150 boats at Boathouse Marina; 50 at Walnut Grove Marina
- Haul-out and repair — Walnut Grove Marina
- Guest berths — Transient berths at Walnut Grove Marina; private tie-ups at Landing 63
- Visitor center — Locke Boarding House, run by California State Parks
Rules & official resources
- California Boater Card required for all operators of motorized vessels, regardless of age, since January 1, 2025
- Clean, Drain and Dry your boat, trailer and gear: inspect it, remove plants and mud, drain every compartment that holds water before leaving, and let everything dry. The Delta is confirmed infested with golden mussel, so expect inspections at other California waters
- California-registered vessels used in fresh water, including the Delta, must display a Mussel Fee sticker on each side of the hull (bought through the DMV)
- Report suspected golden mussels to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (hotline (866) 440-9530)
Common boat service needs here
Hull cleaning for slip boats
Boats kept in Walnut Grove-area slips sit in warm fresh water all summer, now with golden mussel present. Regular hull and running-gear cleaning keeps growth and mussel settlement in check.
Find Bottom Cleaning, Hull Cleaning & Dive Services providers →Engine service and intake checks
Long cruises between Delta towns put hours on engines, and raw-water intakes can pick up weed and mussels. Seasonal service and strainer checks are worth booking before summer.
Find Marine Mechanics & Engine Service providers →Storage and dock services
With dry storage at both local marinas, many owners keep a boat here year-round. Storage, launch valet and winter checks are common needs.
Find Marinas, Storage & Dock Services providers →Canvas and upholstery
Summer heat and sun in the Delta break down vinyl and covers quickly, especially on boats stored outside.
Find Canvas, Covers & Upholstery providers →Guides & FAQs
Nearby providers
No providers listed near this location yet — check back soon.
Sources
Last verified October 6, 2026