Boat ramp guide
Hogback Island Boat Launch
Isleton, Sacramento County, CA
Overview
Hogback Island Access is a Sacramento County Regional Parks boat launch on Grand Island Road, on Steamboat Slough in the north Delta between Ryde and Isleton. It is one of the few public, county-run ramps in this part of the Delta, used for boating, waterskiing, rowing and fishing.
Layout
A large parking lot and grassy picnic area slope down to a sheltered lagoon with a dock and a two-lane launch ramp. The state directory lists 51 car-and-trailer spaces, one boarding float and restrooms. There is no fuel or store at the ramp, so fill up before you come.
Season and crowds
The park is open year-round from sunrise to sunset, and is busiest in summer and early fall. Fees go up on summer holiday weekends, and on those days the lot can fill, so arrive early.
On the water
Steamboat Slough is tidal, so current and depths change with the tide, so watch your depth near the banks and in the lagoon.
Golden mussel
Golden mussel was first found in the Delta in October 2024. Clean, drain and dry your boat and trailer before leaving the lot.
Getting there & access
Directions
Take Interstate 5 to Twin Cities Road and head west, then turn left on River Road. In Walnut Grove, cross the bridge and turn left on Highway 160. In Ryde, go west on Highway 220, then turn left on Grand Island Road to the park.
Paying to park
Sacramento County lists $8 per vehicle, $15 for a vehicle with a boat or horse trailer or an RV, and $30 for buses, with higher rates on summer holiday weekends. If no attendant is on duty, pay at the self-pay station.
Launching
The two-lane ramp and dock are inside a sheltered lagoon off Steamboat Slough, so you can rig and board out of the current. There is one boarding float; on busy days stage your boat in the lot before backing down.
Hours
The park opens at sunrise and closes at sunset all year. Plan to be off the water and out of the lot by sunset.
Amenities
- Two-lane launch ramp — In a sheltered lagoon on Steamboat Slough
- Dock — One boarding float
- Trailer parking — 51 car-and-trailer spaces in a large lot
- Restrooms — On site
- Picnic area — Grassy area with picnicking and barbecuing allowed
- Fishing — Bank and boat fishing on Steamboat Slough
Rules & official resources
- Open sunrise to sunset; vehicle and trailer parking fees apply, with self-pay required when no collector is present
- 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
Trailer and engine checks
Most boats here arrive on a trailer for the day. Bearings, brakes and lights take a beating on ramp days, and a pre-season engine service avoids breakdowns far from fuel and help.
Find Marine Mechanics & Engine Service providers →Washdown after every trip
Because the Delta has golden mussel, a full washdown, drained bilges and ballast tanks, and a dry boat are expected before you launch anywhere else.
Find Boat Detailing & Washing providers →Ski and wake boat ballast care
Ballast tanks and bags on wake boats hold Delta water that can carry mussel larvae. Owners often have ballast systems checked and fully drained between waters.
Find Marine Mechanics & Engine Service providers →Towing and transport
There is no fuel or service at the ramp. Breakdowns on remote sloughs often mean a tow back to the launch.
Find Boat Transport, Towing & Delivery providers →Guides & FAQs
Nearby providers
No providers listed near this location yet — check back soon.
Sources
Last verified October 6, 2026