Franks Tract State Recreation Area sits in the heart of the Sacramento–San Joaquin River Delta near Bethel Island in Contra Costa County — and it’s unlike any state recreation area you’ve visited. Most of its 3,523 acres are actually underwater, the result of a levee failure in 1938 that permanently flooded what was once rich farmland. Today, this submerged landscape is one of Northern California’s premier destinations for fishing and boating.

Anglers come from across the state for the largemouth and striped bass fishing, which ranks among the best in the Delta. The shallow, tule-lined waters create ideal habitat, and spring through early fall delivers the most consistent action. Kayakers and canoeists find miles of quiet waterways to explore among the flooded channels, while powerboaters and water-skiers use the open water areas that stretch across the tract’s interior.

Birdwatching is exceptional here — herons, egrets, and hawks patrol the marshes year-round, and migrating waterfowl fill the skies in winter. The surrounding Delta landscape feels surprisingly remote despite being just 60 miles east of San Francisco.

Because Franks Tract is almost entirely water, there are no developed land facilities or campgrounds within the recreation area itself. Nearby Bethel Island and the greater Delta region offer marinas, launch ramps, and private campgrounds for overnight stays.

The best time to visit is April through October, when warm weather and calm conditions make time on the water most enjoyable. Come prepared with sun protection — shade is nonexistent out on the open tract.

Explore Nearby

• Cosumnes River Preserve Visitor Center — Public Land
• Roe Island Light — Lighthouse in California
• Cosumnes River — Public Land
• Carquinez Strait Light — Lighthouse in California
• The Headlands Dark Sky Park — Dark Sky Site in Michigan