Boat ramp guide
Garcia Bend Park Boat Launch
Sacramento, Sacramento County, CA
Overview
Garcia Bend Park is a City of Sacramento park at 7654 Pocket Road with a public boat launch on the Sacramento River. It is the main city-run ramp for boaters in the Pocket, Greenhaven and south Sacramento neighborhoods, and the quickest way from the city onto the lower Sacramento River and the north Delta.
Layout
The park covers about 17.87 acres along the levee. The state directory lists one boarding float, 60 car-and-trailer parking spaces, a fish cleaning station and restrooms. The park as a whole has parking for about 190 vehicles, picnic areas, a gazebo, fitness stations and a nature area.
Fees
The city charges a daily launch fee paid at a pay-and-display machine in the lot: $15 from Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day and $10 the rest of the year (rates effective July 1, 2019). Annual and 9-month passes, with low-income discounts, are sold at the Sacramento Marina administration office.
On the water
The Sacramento River here is a big, moving river with real current and fluctuating levels. Watch for floating debris in high water, and plan for current when docking at the single float.
Golden mussel
Golden mussel was first found in the Delta in October 2024. Clean, drain and dry your boat before leaving.
Getting there & access
By road
The park is at 7654 Pocket Road in Sacramento's Pocket neighborhood, on the Sacramento River levee. Trailer parking is in the park lot.
Paying the launch fee
Pay at the pay-and-display machine in the parking area and display the receipt. The summer rate ($15) runs from Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day; the rest of the year it is $10.
Season passes
Annual ($125) and 9-month ($100) passes, plus low-income versions ($62.50 and $50), are sold at the Sacramento Marina administration office Monday to Friday 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturday 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Launching in current
There is a single boarding float, and the river current runs past it. Have lines and fenders ready and a second person to hold the boat while the trailer is parked.
Amenities
- Launch ramp — Sacramento River access with one boarding float
- Trailer parking — 60 car-and-trailer spaces; about 190 total spaces in the park
- Fish cleaning station — On site
- Restrooms — On site
- Picnic areas — Four group areas and a gazebo
- Nature area and fitness stations — Within the 17.87-acre park
Rules & official resources
- Launch fee required: pay at the pay-and-display machine ($15 daily in summer, $10 off-season) or hold a valid annual or 9-month pass
- 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)
Common boat service needs here
Engine service
River boating means running against current and idling at the float, which is hard on cooling systems. Seasonal engine and impeller service keeps you running.
Find Marine Mechanics & Engine Service providers →Washdown and detailing
Clean, Drain and Dry is expected every time you leave golden-mussel water, and river silt stains hulls quickly. A regular wash and wax keeps the gelcoat bright.
Find Boat Detailing & Washing providers →Hull and lower-unit repairs
Floating debris and shallow bars on the Sacramento River cause dinged props, skegs and hull scrapes, especially in high water.
Find Fiberglass, Gelcoat & Structural Repair providers →Storage
Many Pocket-area owners trailer from home but need off-site storage for larger boats between trips.
Find Marinas, Storage & Dock Services providers →Guides & FAQs
Nearby providers
No providers listed near this location yet — check back soon.
Sources
Last verified October 6, 2026