Rancho Seco Recreational Park

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Rancho Seco Recreational Park is a public outdoor area in Sacramento County, California, near Herald and the Rancho Seco Nuclear Generating Station. The lake was expanded in the 1970s as a backup cooling water supply and is fed by the Folsom South Canal. SMUD has operated the park since 1992.

What to do there:
- Camping: 31 tent sites and 18 RV sites along the south shore. Each site has a barbecue pit and picnic table; drinking water and flush toilets are nearby. A dump station, a general store (May–Sept), showers, laundry, and a recreation room are available.
- Boating and swimming: A 36,000-square-foot sandy beach is roped off for swimming and has lifeguards in summer. Only electric outboard motors are allowed on boats, keeping the water calm for swimming, windsurfing, kayaking, and canoeing. Kayaks and canoes can be rented.
- Fishing: The lake has bass, crappie and bluegill. Trout are stocked, and there is an annual spring trout fishing competition with cash prizes.
- Trails and nature: The 7-mile Howard Ranch Trail runs along the shore and into ranch land, with vernal pools that support species like tiger salamanders and American spadefoot toads. Guided tours of the trail and pools are offered. The Amanda Blake wildlife refuge (75 acres) sits to the west of the lake across the dam.
- Wildlife and scenery: The park sits in oak woodland with diverse plants and wildlife, including ducks, geese, herons, bald eagles, hawks, dragonflies, and raccoons. The shoreline has blackberry bushes, and wildlife can often be seen nearby.

Facilities and access:
Six docks on the north and south shores provide shore fishing and boat launching, with handicap-accessible options.