Ah, the Sacramento River float. If you’re a local, it’s basically a seasonal pilgrimage. If you’re new, it’s like adult summer camp with less supervision, more beer, and an alarming number of flamingo floaties.
Whether you’re floating from Paradise Beach to Sand Cove or just winging it with your questionable $12 Kmart raft, there are a few key things you should know—unless you want to end up sunburned, arrested, or explaining to your boss why your phone is currently at the bottom of the American River.
Here’s your real-deal, no-BS guide to floating the Sacramento River without dying, getting arrested, or losing your iPhone.
1. Pick the Right Starting Point (and Know Where You’re Exiting)
Not all river floats are created equal. The most popular float is from Paradise Beach near CSUS down to Sand Cove Park. It’s scenic, mellow-ish, and usually full of other floaters—which is fun until you accidentally tie up with a group blasting EDM and offering you boxed wine.
Want to plan it like a pro? Use this map from the Sacramento River Parkway Trail to chart your float.
Pro tip: Don’t float aimlessly unless you’ve got a ride or Uber waiting at the other end. Uber drivers have very strong opinions about picking up wet, half-naked people clutching a paddle and a broken cooler.
2. Check the Water Levels and Conditions
Listen, this isn’t Disneyland. The Sacramento River is a real river. Before floating, check for water advisories or fast currents on the California Department of Water Resources site.
If the river’s moving like it just drank five Red Bulls, maybe postpone your float unless you’re training for “Sacramento River Olympics: Strong Swimmer Edition.”
3. Alcohol Rules: Yes, They’re Real
You can drink while floating, but only in certain areas. For example, alcohol is banned at Discovery Park and parts of the American River Parkway during summer weekends and holidays. Cops do enforce this.
Check Sacramento County Regional Parks rules before you BYOB. You do not want your day to end with a $300 fine, a court date, and your face on a “Don’t Be This Guy” PSA.
Cool alternative? Pack mocktails or those fancy flavored waters and tell everyone you’re just “vibing sober this summer.”
4. Sun + Water = Instant Burn
You’re floating on a massive reflector with zero shade. Translation: if you don’t apply sunscreen every hour like it’s your full-time job, you will become human bacon.
Get yourself a mineral-based sunscreen like Thinksport SPF 50+ that actually stays on through sweat, water, and poor decisions.
Also, wear a hat. Your scalp can burn too. Don’t be that person Googling “why is my head peeling.”
5. Floaties, Coolers, and Gear (AKA: Don’t Cheap Out)
This ain’t your backyard pool—your float needs to survive. That $10 tube might not even make it past the first stick. Consider grabbing a river-tested raft like the Intex River Run, which even has cupholders and rope ties for your squad.
Also essential:
- Dry bags for your phone, wallet, and keys
- A waterproof speaker (not essential, but definitely vibes)
- Cheap sunglasses you won’t cry about when they sink
- Shoes or sandals you can strap on—glass + river rocks = ER visit
6. Your Phone Will Try to Die
If you love your phone, lock it in a waterproof case or, better yet, leave it on land. At least one person loses their phone per float, and there’s a whole generation of iPhones just chillin’ at the bottom of the river.
You can use a waterproof floating pouch like this JOTO Universal Waterproof Pouch. But remember: even waterproof doesn’t mean idiot-proof.
7. Don’t Be Trashy—Literally
Don’t toss your cans, chip bags, or broken floaties into the river. It’s not just gross—it’s illegal. Bring a trash bag and tie it to your raft. Bonus points if you collect someone else’s empties too. The river gods will reward you.
8. When Nature Calls… Plan Ahead
Let’s just say: don’t rely on finding a porta-potty mid-river. Go before you leave. And if you really gotta go mid-float, paddle to the side and make it very discreet. We’re not animals.
9. Know When to Quit (Literally Float Away)
If your friends are on their 5th White Claw, someone’s raft just popped, and someone else is ranting about exes—just float on. River time is sacred. You don’t need that chaos.
10. Have a Game Plan for After
Bring towels, dry clothes, snacks, and maybe some Aloe Vera for that sunburn you definitely ignored. Oh—and a designated driver or sober buddy. Don’t be the person trying to drive home soaking wet and slightly buzzed. Just… don’t.
Final Thoughts: Float Responsibly, Friends
The Sacramento River float is a freakin’ blast—if you prep right. So slap on that SPF, inflate that flamingo, and float like a legend… not a headline.
Now go forth, float safely, and for the love of all things waterproof, secure your damn phone.
Got a favorite float route or wild story? Tag us on Instagram with #SacramentoFloatFails and we might feature you (with your permission, of course).
Want info on Sacramento best swimming spots, check them out here!
