Chico, California is located in the Sacramento Valley between the Mendocino, Lassen, and Plumas National Forests, making it an excellent starting point for dozens of outdoor adventures. The city is also home to Bidwell Park, which is one of the largest urban parks in the world. The city's proximity to the Sacramento River provides even more water activity options.
Chico was founded in 1860 by John Bidwell, who was a member of one of the first wagon trains to reach the area. Prior to its founding by settlers, the area was home to the Mechoopda Maidu Native Americans. The city was officially incorporated in 1872. Today, visitors to the city can learn more about the area's history by visiting the Chico Museum and Chico Air Museum. The National Yo-Yo Museum, the Chico Art Center, The Valene L. Smith Museum of Anthropology, and the Bidwell Mansion are also fun spots to visit.
Chico has a Mediterranean climate, which means that summers are hot and usually dry, and winters are damp but mild. Summer temperatures usually range from the high 70s to the mid-90s, with nighttime temperatures dropping into the 60s. December and January are the area's coldest months, but temperatures usually hover in the mid-40s, although nighttime temperatures can sometimes drop below freezing.
Coachella - This large music festival celebrates many musical genres, and it takes place in Indio every April.
Beverly Hills Film Festival – Celebrating California's most famous industry, this annual April event is a great way to see new movies.
Gilroy Garlic Festival - This annual event held in late July celebrates not only garlic but all types of cuisines and ingredients, many of which are locally grown.
California State Fair - This annual Sacramento fair held from mid-July through early August is a perfect option for families or anyone looking to relax and let loose.
One of the most fascinating national parks in the United States, Lassen Volcanic National Park is located about an hour and a half north of Chico. The park is home to a variety of wonderful landscapes, including gorgeous forests and peaceful meadows. The park also boasts volcanoes, fumaroles, mud pots, and geysers. Visitors can explore the area's volcanic features or hike through fields of wildflowers. There are also options for fishing, hiking, and boating.
Redwood National Park is about four hours northwest of Chico. The park is home to the massive trees in its name, and visitors can explore old-growth forests. The park also covers rivers, meadows, and miles of coastline, however, so there are many areas for visitors to explore. Northern spotted owls and Steller's sea lions, both of which are endangered, call the park home, making the area a great choice for birdwatching, viewing wildlife, or taking nature photos.
Yosemite National Park is about four hours and 15 minutes southeast of Chico. This park offers some of the most spectacular scenery in the state and attracts tourists from across the planet. Visitors can explore the area's three sequoia groves or take in the stunning sights of Yosemite Falls or the Half Dome. There are also dozens of options for hiking, camping, rafting, wildlife viewing, skiing, and even ice skating.
The Woodson Bridge State Recreation Area is located only about 25 minutes north of Chico. The area is home to one of the last native riparian habitats in California and hundreds of native plant species. Visitors can camp, hike, or enjoy the views of Mount Lassen, Mount Shasta, and the Trinity Alps.
The Colusa-Sacramento River State Recreation Area is just less than an hour south of Chico. The park covers 63 acres, and visitors can take in the beautiful views of the river, boat, fish, or hike. The area is also home to a range of wildlife, including raccoons, foxes, muskrats, deer, and many bird species, making it a great spot for wildlife photography.
Located about two hours southeast of Chico, Malakoff Diggins State Park is gorgeous in its own right, but the setting is also a historic one. Visitors can take in the beautiful scenery, hike, or spot wildlife. There are also opportunities at the visitor center to learn more about the history of the area and the part it played in the California Gold Rush.
One of the most beautiful local landmarks near Chico is the Whiskeytown National Recreation Area. This gorgeous natural area, located about an hour and a half northwest of Chico near Shasta, surrounds a lake and offers stunning views. There are many options for spotting wildlife.
The California National Historic Trail is also located near Chico. This trail covers parts of the Lassen, Yreka, Nobles, and Applegate trails and helps to celebrate pioneers who headed west during the California Gold Rush. The trail spans 5,000 miles, but visitors can stop at any of the sections near Chico.
A farther drive brings you to the Port Chicago Naval Magazine National Memorial in Concord, California. This memorial was designated in remembrance of a tragic World War II accident. Visitors can learn more about the accident, honor those who died, or take a guided tour.
The Almond Tree RV Park in Chico is a great option for RV camping. This charming park offers 42 sites with full hookups. The park is pet-friendly, and there are showers, a laundry facility, and a camp store. The Parkway RV Resort & Campground in nearby Orland offers back-in and pull-through sites. This RV campground has a playground, wine-tasting events, and an ice cream shop. Another popular choice is Heritage RV Park in Corning, which offers 88 RV sites with full hookups. The beautiful park is well-maintained and has gorgeous gardens.
Motorhomes are divided into Class A, B, and C vehicles. On average expect to pay $185 per night for Class A, $149 per night for Class B and $179 per night for Class C. Towable RVs include 5th Wheel, Travel Trailers, Popups, and Toy Hauler. On average, in Chico, CA, the 5th Wheel trailer starts at $70 per night. Pricing for the Travel Trailer begins at $60 per night, and the Popup Trailer starts at $65 per night.
Do you need to be a certain age to rent an RV in Chico?Yes. The minimum age is 25 to be eligible to get an RV Rental in Chico from RVshare.
Does RVshare have emergency roadside assistance?Yes. Every RV rental booked through RVshare receives 24/7 emergency roadside assistance.
Does RVshare offer one way RV rentals in Chico?Yes. Prior to renting any RV, check with the owner since not all will offer this particular option.