Don't get me wrong we loved the venue! It was a beautiful scenery and we had so much fun the day of our wedding & was perfect! We loved Delrae and her personality & ideas in helping us in which she was really helpful AT FIRST. But what really disappointed us was the end part when it came to receiving our deposit back & how unfair things were with the venue owners. At the end of the night we discussed with the person in charge that night of making sure the venue was in okay/ good condition before we left the place & and she said clearly that it was "all in good condition & good to go". We knew our time to clean up was a little pass over the time mentioned due to having car/truck loading issues & the staff making us fold the tables & clean up until we found out we didn't have to & most our time went towards that so we already were prepared for some deduction of that. Other than that what was disappointing was how they told us there was "many messes or mis habits" for example like the men's bathroom, the owner told us that there was urine that missed the toilet or etc. In which was our responsibility or fault apparently. Unfortunately, I being the bride did not step foot in the men's bathroom & of course we didn't know that guests would be "missing the toilet" apparently. Of course other small things started to "come up" the following days after apparently "everything was okay when we left the venue" & at this point we were just horrified, disappointed, and surprised. When we set a meeting up to see what was all the "commotion & misinterpretations"... We ended up only getting back $6 from our $500 deposit which really got us upset. Overall the experience in the beginning was amazing but in the end it was horrible because of the professionalism & things that were "said or made up" for our deposit not to be returned. Even when the owner tried to show us proof of images of "the mess" it was the same exact 5 photos but in different positions which did not make sense according to what they stayed. They also charged us AGAIN of items being used that we had already paid for before the meeting on the deposit due date. We understood about some certain situations & the circumstances but at the end we felt VERY taken advantage & we cannot control what others do although it was never discussed with us about certain "regulations or things" having to do with the venue. This venue was beautiful but I would just make sure you know all the "policies and regulations" before booking and make sure you don't get screwed over or taken advantage of like we did. I will never book this venue again due to the unprofessionalism in order to take/keep our deposit & miscommunications. read more

I visited Gibson Ranch County Park for the first time for the Civil War Re-Enactment. I played fiddle for the dancers of the Sacramento Historical Society. The park felt very peaceful, and everybody at the event seemed to be having fun were pleasant. There were so many historical reenactors that the social interactions were much more nineteenth century than twenty-first century. People spoke in full sentences at a measured pace. They took time to listen to other people's responses. I am looking forward to next year, but unfortunately there may not be a "next year". I'm told that the County will be closing Gibson Ranch County Park this summer due to budget cuts. read more

I've been been to one, and dropped off and picked up my friends at another, show here and the parking situation is the most horrible unorganized venue I have ever experienced. Especially because they make it confusing and difficult for people that are just dropping off or picking up. At the second show they had signs for dropping off in the afternoon, but then at the end, no signs for how to pick, and the roads were blocked off so I couldn't even get in. My friends almost got hit trying to get out to where I was. On top of that, the first concert I went to they ran out of water on a 90 degree day. I'm glad to have a large venue like this in Sacramento, but they seriously need to get their shit together. read more

Nice park, but try to have your wedding here and they double book you and then the owner will flat out refuse to work with you :\ my fellow grroms, dont even attempt it here if you care about your bride!! read more

This place is really a beautiful park. It USED to have a terrific dog park and a cool old guy (lloyd) who did pony rides. The Pony rides are gone and the dog park was closed without notice and without explanation. There is also a really rude guy in a concrete truck that yells at you if you come into the park late. Poor management and a lack of care for the community have replace the old park. Its a great loss to our community. read more

Went on a tuesday afternoon and wasn't impressed. Supposedly there is a day use fee but Noone at the front and nothing that states what to do if Noone is up there. We went to the "dog park" there were horses tied up with less than 4ft of rope and no people in sight they had no access to water. People pay to get in here? read more

A great place for family fun. I take my five year old son here to fish for bluegill every few weeks and the bite is great. Picnic tables are plentiful, there is a nice play area for kids, as well as farm animals to look at. The park also features pony rides for $5. It was a short ride, but my son loved it, so what are you going to do? There are many fast food restaurants on Watt on the way into the park, so it is pretty easy to get drive-thru and eat inside. read more

Very disappointed with Gibson Ranch, employees have no compassion. Dropped my daughter off at a quinceanera tonight in the pouring rain. When asked if I could pull into the park to drop her off the employee at the entrance told me I would need to pay for parking to drop her off inside of the park. I asked who I could speak to and he informed me I could find someone in the park or call the County. After paying to drop my daughter off I was able to locate someone in the park, they told me it's not their problem and that they can't control the weather. Most business will make an exception to their rule when it comes to weather. Not Gibson Ranch, they had no compassion what so ever. I am currently in the process of looking for a venue to host a 50th Birthday party. I WILL NOT be choosing Gibson Ranch. read more

I have utilized this park many, many times for photo shoots and have had a great experience every time. It is huge and sprawling and there are many different areas to shoot in. It would be such a great place to spend the day with your family. There are horses, fields, a duck pond, docks, and much more. Its a beautiful location for a photo shoot and it always looks like the families that are spending the day there are having a great time. read more

I recommend Gibson ranch to a very close friend of mine for her wedding. We went out look at the venue and it was absolutely perfect. So they booked the site and all of the cabins for there wedding! They received a call 4 months before there wedding and were advised that they double booked the site! They signed a contract with the other party 4 days after my friend signed hers! Doug Ose was not willing to do anything to rectify the situation, he was rude and very unprofessional to deal with. I will never spend another dime at Gibson Ranch! You should be ashamed of yourselves! If you are planning on booking a wedding at Gibson ranch make sure you have a backup plan! read more

Love this place, I go all the time. I'm surprised at the negative reviews about the pony rides because if you call in advance, you can have a pony party! They said they spent $200 to rent Picnic tables and parking. I paid $300 and got reservations for the ponies rides, mini ponies to pet and feed, picnic area with cowboy settings perfect for pictures, sand area where the kids could "mine for toys" , BBQ, and speakers for music. Also a great host who's old school rancher persona made for a real cowboy atmosphere! read more

Great park, so glad its open again. Been coming here for many years. well I even lived here when i worked for the horse boarding company. Park is alway clean. The trails are nice to ride. I have had many family and other group events here. I always try to attend the civ war re enactment. I also know that they have had many scout troops use the area for weekend camping. Now if i could find a way to go turkey huntinh here id be a happy camper. Make sure you drive around and see the entire park. read more

This park is very big and beautiful! They have animals and birds there .we always enjoying celebrating birthdays there.they have big playground for kids. read more

I remember coming here for a school fieldtrip years ago...and this is also the site where the Hmong New Year has been held at forever. Lots of memories here with the family...old friends...=) Love seeing the animals too. I also remember the pond! Feeding the ducks! read more

Very nice park. Me and my boyfriend came here too walk our dogs. We will defiantly be back soon. read more

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I love this park! I've been coming here since I was 13 years old and I'm 22 now. It's great for birthday parties or to just chill next to the water with the family. read more

Wow, what a disappointment! First off they need a big sign that says Pay Here. There's a booth but it was closed off so i thought maybe it's weekends only to pay? I was trying to figure out where to go to see the animals and the signage is abysmal. I had just gotten my toddler into the stroller and packed it up with our bags when a staff member came over to yell at me for not having a parking sticker. I explained what happened and he said there's a self service kiosk. I said can i pay inside at the store? Nope. Go back to the gate. I hesitated and he said we hired six parking officers and it's a $75 fine. Had i known what a lame experience it was going to be, i would have just left. Instead i dealt with a screaming toddler and went back to the gate to pay. Made it back and started all over. I took my toddler here to see the animals- ummm where are they? We saw two horses and the staff said no petting. A couple of chickens. I asked where are the other animals? The rather unhelpful staff member said out there and pointed. I didn't see anything. She said past the road out there you'll hear em. Well we walked and walked. No animals. No other staff around to ask. No signs. Apparently their budget is only for parking patrol. Rusty old playground, grass filled with gopher holes and piles of dog poop. Complete letdown. read more

Very disappointed in the trails. Wouldn't feel comfortable walking alone. Numerous homeless people camped out just across the garbage ridden creek from trail. What a shame. Could be a very nice spot for hikers. read more

We took our kids there to fish at the pond for their first time had a blast catching and releasing of bluegills. ...I haven't been there in about 15yrs teaching the kids how to fish spending family time they won't forget...we will be back soon when in town again..... read more

Cute place to have a picnic day with the family! But be careful theirs pollens, so the once who have allergies must watch out. Anyone who tried the horseback riding, do you know how much it costs?? read more

No dogs in the dog park at Gibson Ranch! It is nice and big but the problem is the weeds! The area is covered with fox tails and other weeds which is very dangerous for any dog because they get in the paws and fur. read more

We started out with Delrae as the wedding coordinator. After a while we had not heard from her after repeatedly calling her. She finally reached out to let us know she no longer worked there. We should have had some communication from Gibson , but we contacted and finally got Stephanie . We rented the cabin area for the day of our wedding. We were told that the check out for the previous party reservations was for noon on the day of my wedding and the cabins were going to be available by 2:00 Pm. Mind you that the wedding was at 5. The cabins were ready at 2:45 and they left a box of trash right in the middle of the area and left. One of my vendors was harassed at the gate because Stephanie saw the groom bringing in flowers into the park- also mind you my bouquets never showed up , so we had to purchase flowers for bouquets on the fly. So she rudely questioned my flower lady who was making and arranging all flowers. Half the string lights were still broken after I was told they would be fixed. Its very dark there after sundown and that light was desperately needed. You are charged $50 an hour after sundown, however how are you supposed to have a day wedding when previous guests don't have to be out until 12:00 pm. You get into the cabins by 2:45 ? That makes no sense. Also she told us we could come onto the grounds and put our stuff in storage the night before- during someone else's party ! I would be livid if someone started moving in their stuff the night of my reception while my party was going on. I also sent her an email letting her know my concerns - however never received any response. We were also told our deposit was going to be refunded within 2 weeks, no such luck as of now. We have been making multiple calls to Stephanie with no responses. All in all this was a nightmare dealing with the staff. The park is pretty, however the park overlaps parties to maximize profits. Not happy with the lack of professionalism . Also one more huge issue I forgot to mention, the string lights that light up the whole area were not all working - they were probably at 60% which made it hard to see after sunset read more

Gibson Ranch Regional Park - String lights not working - Parks Near Me - Elverta, California

If you like being bullied by patrons and staff this is the place to go. Want a relaxing morning watching your dogs dig for gophers and just run, not the place to go. They'll allow children in the dog park with a bow and arrow,with dogs present. I have cleaned up after some of the pigs that fail to do something as simple as picking up dog shit, keeping mine on leash until we get into the park but I'm bullied by 2 women and a man , the manager Stephanie and two male maintenance guys but I'm the problem. I use to love to come here and feed the ducks and geese , actual feed. But now all I feel is that you can single out anyone for a small issue at Gibson ranch and the staff supports it. So if that's your idea of a good time this is your place! read more

Gibson Ranch is a great place to board your horse. I have boarded multiple horses at this park for the last 30+ years and only moved when the County decided to change concessionaires again. L&M work very hard to make sure your horse is in the best pasture to meet their nutritional needs. I've been blessed with very easy keepers and L&M has done an excellent job in making sure their weight stayed at a manageable level so they didn't founder. They are just very knowledgeable horse people. Gibson Ranch also has the least amount of mud that I've seen at many of the surrounding boarding facilities due to the fact that the pastures are well established and just don't get bogged down in mud. The arenas do get mushy but they dry out fast and the main arena is dragged to keep the footing good. The trails stay good all year long, and it's the trail riding that has kept me a boarder, not the arenas. I've also noticed when they feed during the winter months that they do their best to not dump the hay in the high traffic areas which always generate the most mud. For my horses, Gibson Ranch is home. But you really need to visit and see for yourself. read more

It's hard to believe that 7 months has flown by since we had our wedding at Gibson Ranch. It was such an amazing experience, I could not have planned for a better day! Stephanie was our contact person who expertly handled all of our questions, and even gave me her cell phone number so I could text her my random questions as they entered my crazy bride-brain. We had the cabins to stay in the night before the wedding for stress free prep for only $45 a night, and because no one else had booked the ranch house for an event the day before they let us set up the reception early. We got married in front of the lake, flawlessly transitioned to the reception at the ranch house, and had amazing photos in the sunset light all around the ranch. With all the nightmares my friends experienced with wedding venues I was prepare for the worst and for people to go back on their word, but it never happened. Yes the guests had to pay $5 to park, but we warned them ahead of time so they knew (I wish we could have afforded to pay it all for them, but such was not in our budget). Tammy was fantastic and polite as she sat at the ticket kiosk all day, Stephanie was there for last minute questions, and Doug Osey who currently runs it was extremely helpful as well. Many thanks to the whole Gibson Ranch family for helping me get my Happily Ever After. read more

Gibson Ranch Regional Park - Just a glimpse of our wedding. Photos copyright Tiana Hollomon www.tianahollomon.com - Parks Near Me - Elverta, California

I have been to Gibson Ranch several times, usually with my dogs. The dog park has been closed for refurbishing, but the dogs are welcome anywhere in the park on leashes. Both have a ball walking, viewing squirrels and other wildlife and being out in the great out-of-doors. So relaxing! A recent special event called Civil War Days offered reenactments of actual battles as well as food and a civil war era camp for the 'soldiers'. Everyone was welcome to walk through the camp and the presenters were friendly and very happy to answer any questions we had. I was able to shake hands with Abraham Lincoln! The grounds there were very well-kept: clean, mowed, not too many gopher holes, plenty of trash cans, bathrooms and drinking water. I will return often for just a day at the park on my (our) own and for special events. read more

Great place! Has everything that is needed to enjoy a nice day outside. A hidden gem of our area!

I love this place, i have been coming here since i was a kid, it is a great place to get back to nature in the city

After reading other yelpers' reviews and perusing the website, as well as speaking with the staff to inquire about the park's activities, we reserved spot 2B site unseen for my daughter's 7th birthday party. The main attraction was the pony rides offered at the very reasonable price of $5 per child. As my daughter wanted a horse party, it seemed like this would be a great deal. We arrived at the park on Sunday afternoon, asked the attendant where we can find the horses for the pony rides, and located our spot. We were immediately swarmed by wasps, like tons and tons of wasps. Whomever partied at this spot previously carefully filled the trash cans to the brim with all sorts of goodies to call the wasps in to the area. We moved the trash cans away from the tables and called for maintenance to empty them, in the hopes that no trash = no wasps. We looked around to other areas and found no such wasp problem elsewhere. Lucky us. After battling with wasps while awaiting the arrival of all guests, and getting stung in the meantime, we all proceeded to walk over to the pony area for pony rides. After all, this was a pony ride party! When we arrived at the stables we found the "pumpkin patch." Basically, somebody drove over to Raley's and picked up some pumpkins to scatter on a small grass patch. No problem, we weren't there for the pumpkins - we were there for the ponies. After finally locating the "pumpkin patch" attendant to inquire where the pony rides were located, wherein we were informed there would not be any pony rides as the operator was sick that day. Um, okay. So now I have fifteen disappointed kids and no ponies. Well, where are your other animals? Your petting zoo? The attendant informs me they do not have any other animals and they do not have a petting zoo...But wait, your website says you have ducks, pigs, geese, cows, chickens, and llamas. Nope. With our carrots and celery in tow, we were able to find a friendly horse and feed it a few carrots. The kids were able to pet him, which was better than nothing, and we walked back, disappointed with our uneaten veggies in hand, to a wasp-infested picnic area. The trash was still there. So basically, I paid $150 for picnic tables and a blanket of wasps, plus an additional $5 per car to enter the park to attend our waspy picnic table party. I could have saved myself the $200+ dollars and held it in my backyard without wasps. Ridiculous. . I will never again book a party before actually inspecting the site. Lesson learned and my wallet's lighter to prove it. read more

The people in charge need to be held to a higher standard and treat the teens who get hired there with respect and not bully them. I personally would not wish anymore teens from the local high schools to work there for a first time job or a job ever. The people in charge need to adhere to HR and not do whatever the hell they want. They have minors working in hot fields doing hard labor for minimum wage. The least you might do is figure some way (other than the money they most definitely deserve) to reimburse them for their hard work. They need better management. This doesn't go to say everyone there in management is bad. There are some quiet nice people there, and those people keep the place up. I just feel as though no one has ever called out the management and they need to follow HIPPA and HR rules, not just run the place the way they want to. Hope this changes some things, starting with the way they treat employees.To be so harsh and rude to them could very well be detrimental. You just don't treat people that way, not just because you are in charge. Not for any reason. They have some great employees there and many are teens working for the first time, that are incredible. The place does not deserve such honest, good natured people working there and being taken advantage of and talked down to. Management has no reason to lose their temper and chew people out. read more

Would have given five stars BUT....Went to an event with a girlfriend, she ends up misplacing her phone. When we call the venue the next day, they have the phone.. great right? A maintenance worker named "Roger" turned it in, they said. Next day when she goes to retrieve her phone, it's mysteriously missing from the office, where it had been sitting the day before. Her daughter calls the phone and a mystery man (also named ROGER, whatta ya know!) says he does have the phone, but since her daddy "owes him fifty bucks" (they live in an entirely different county, and he's speaking to a 13 year old) that they can have it back when he gets his money. So she calls the venue again, and all of a sudden it's "this is so weird, and we can't disclose if we have a maintenance guy named Roger", even though they clearly said he had the phone, turned IN the phone, and now it's somehow been "misplaced". "Roger" went on to attempt to blackmail the family out of money for the return of the phone until it was obvious it wasn't going to be returned, and they shut it off and blacklisted it. Gibson Ranch refuses to acknowledge or take responsibility for the magically reappearing and disappearing phone.Yes, she misplaced it initially, but seriously? That's how you manage your employees and treat your customers? Good job Gibson Ranch! read more

Not the park but the cliental. I was there alone with my 3 young sons. One of my 9 year olds was assaulted by another child . It took a phone call to the staff and a few family members to resolve the situation. I am stunned that the only one to help me was a young boy who was staff who should never have been put in this position. Love the park but it has changed. Won't bring my children back there ever. Control the public drinking and the acts that come of it. read more

Came for the soul food festival and it was beyond a disaster. I know they couldn't do anything about the 90 degree heat but it was the most unorganized event I have ever been to. The doors were suppose to open at but didn't until after 3. We paid extra for VIP and it was so not worth the added price. We went to go find our table and they weren't labeled so everyone was walking in circles. Half the tables weren't even labeled nor had covering. At 4:15 some guy came on stage to say sorry about the delay and then left. It's just a hit dusty mess. The people who hosted this event did a terrible job. As noted we paid extra for the VIP tables and access and there were drunks and others alike who just walked right into the area and were allowed to stay. Security was tragic and the port a potties were a disaster. I'm sure they made so much money off of people that they could of done better. I will never return to the soul food event unless it's done by other host. read more

I have boarded my horse at Gibson Ranch for years. I love this place. Many wonderful boarders, and Dawn and Lois of L&M are the best. L&M has the best horse knowledge around. The ranch vet Dr Gillen is top notch. Would not board my horses anywhere else. read more

I was at Gibson Ranch for the 2012 Running Dead zombie run. It is the perfect place for an event like the Running Dead! It's beautiful and spacious with lots of little places for "zombies" to linger before chasing you! It also seems like a fun place to come for other festivities too. I saw a sign for picnic spots, a pumpkin patch, and even pony rides. My only complaint is the parking situation. It took over an hour to leave the ranch after the event, and the driveway isn't that long. It was kind of a nightmare (the perfect end to a zombie run?). I would highly, highly suggest some planning on the part of the zombie run organizers for next year. Otherwise, a beautiful ranch! read more

Went to aftershock here. We pre paid for our parking only to wait an hour to park. Totally disorganized! Then, we had to walk about a mile and a half thru the corn rows that were not flattened out. When we finally got to the entrance they made all the women get into a separate line to get patted down. The concert was nice but there were not enough trash cans and I felt like I was in a land fill. Garbage everywhere!!! Where they set up the stages was like in a valley and it was hell of smokey as if you were indoors. Not enough bathrooms. When we left, we couldn't get to the freeway because they were not allowing left turns. It was as if they had no time to plan. This venue was a huge fail!!!!! Bands were awesome but they deserved a much better venue!!!!! I like discovery park much better and will never return to Gibson park again. read more

This park is not like it used to be. There are no rangers or security visible, they charge extra entrance fees for "events" that seem like just overflow parking. I rented a space in the park and did not get my security deposit back for months after I made several phone calls asking for it. read more

Such a big gorgeous park with plenty to offer! Picnic tables surround a lake with fishing, animals of many kinds to view, soccer fields, picnic tables, cabins to rent and in the heart of the park is an equestrian center! The park is historic and has several huge heritage oak trees. Check out this park if you haven't already! It is simply a place to treasure in Sacramento. read more

Could not have been more pleased with Gibson Ranch Park. It was not only the perfect place for my wedding but my wedding was perfect because of the place! I received so many compliments on the venue and how well it worked for our style. Stephanie and Delrae were nothing but amazing the whole process! There aren't words to express how amazing Gibson Ranch is. But I can say my wedding wouldn't have been the dream I envisioned anywhere else. read more

I attended Country in the Park at Gibson Ranch Labor Day weekend. There was a vendor that had a petting zoo set up and I ended up taking a cute little bunny home (it turned out all of the animals were for sale). Once I got my little guy home everything was great until one week later when he came down with a horrible sickness. I took him to the vet and found out he had a parasitic infection, he died shortly after showing visible signs of sickness. What a terrible experience to say the least. I hope Gibson Ranch screens the vendors they allow in from now on. I wonder how many other people were/are faced with this same issue from labor day's events??! read more