Boat ramp guide
Sherman Island County Park Boat Launch
Rio Vista, Sacramento County, CA
Overview
Sherman Island County Park is a Sacramento County regional park at 5146 Sherman Island Road, on Sherman Island in the western Delta. It is listed by the California Division of Boating and Waterways as a launch and fishing access operated by Sacramento County. The park is open year-round from sunrise to sunset.
Launch and fees
The park has a boat launch for the take-out of large and small watercraft. Day-use fees are $8 per vehicle and $15 for a vehicle with a trailer or RV, and fees rise on summer holiday weekends. If no fee collector is on duty, visitors self-pay at the fee station. Restrooms, picnic areas and a campground host are on site, and camping is not allowed in the boat-launch parking lot.
Wind and fishing
The county calls Sherman Island an internationally known windsurfing area, where Delta breezes blow fiercely across the tree-lined island, and kite-boarding is also popular. Anglers fish here for salmon, steelhead, striped bass and sturgeon.
Good to know
Delta wind is the main thing to plan around. Golden mussels were found in the Delta in October 2024, so clean, drain and dry before and after every trip.
Getting there & access
By road
From the I-5 and Highway 12 area, take Highway 160 and then Sherman Island Road south to the park at 5146 Sherman Island Road.
Boat launch
The park has a boat launch for large and small watercraft. The number of lanes is not stated in county sources. The state facility listing for Lower Sherman Island Fishing Access shows a launch with campsites, restrooms and day-use picnic areas, operated by Sacramento County.
Fees
Day-use fees are $8 for a vehicle and $15 for a vehicle with a trailer or RV, with higher fees on summer holiday weekends. If no collector is on duty, pay at the self-pay station.
Wind and water
Delta breezes blow hard across the island, which is why windsurfers and kite-boarders use it. Check the wind forecast before you launch.
Camping
The county allows self-contained vehicles only, with a 14-night maximum stay followed by a 30-day break. Camping is not allowed in the boat-launch parking lot.
Amenities
- Boat launch — Take-out of large and small watercraft
- Restrooms — On site
- Picnic areas — Picnic tables
- Campground host — On site
- Fee station — Self-pay when no collector is present
- Windsurf and kite-board access — Known worldwide for Delta wind
- Fishing access — Salmon, steelhead, striped bass and sturgeon
Rules & official resources
- Open year-round from sunrise to sunset
- Parking fees: $8 per vehicle and $15 for a vehicle with trailer or RV; self-pay when no collector is present
- Camping is for self-contained vehicles only, with a 14-night maximum stay and a 30-day break after, and is prohibited in the boat-launch parking lot
- Golden mussels were found in the Delta in October 2024 (Rough and Ready Island and Turner Cut, near Stockton). The state asks all boaters to Clean, Drain and Dry: remove mud, plants and animals, drain engines, live wells and bilges, and let gear dry before the next waterbody
- California Boater Card required for all operators of motorized vessels, regardless of age, since January 1, 2025
Common boat service needs here
Trailer and tow help
A launch with no marina services on site sends owners home by trailer, so towing, trailer repair and transport are common needs after a day on the Delta.
Find Boat Transport, Towing & Delivery providers →Engine service after wind and chop
Strong afternoon wind makes for hard running. Cooling-system, impeller and outboard servicing help avoid breakdowns far from a marina.
Find Marine Mechanics & Engine Service providers →Electronics and VHF
Boats running the Sacramento River and the junction with the San Joaquin need working VHF, GPS and sonar for navigation and fishing.
Find Marine Electrical & Electronics providers →Guides & FAQs
Nearby providers
No providers listed near this location yet — check back soon.
Sources
Last verified October 5, 2026