Franks Tract State Recreation Area, Protected water recreation area in Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta, California

Franks Tract State Recreation Area is a protected water recreation site in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta in California, made up of submerged lands, open waterways, and the remains of old levees. Water covers most of the area, broken only by shallow mudflats and the crumbling tops of former levee structures.

The site was reclaimed between 1902 and 1906 and owned by Dr. N.K. Foster and F.C. Franks, who grew potatoes, beans, asparagus, sugar beets, onions, seed crops, small grains and corn. In February 1937 the tract was inundated but reclaimed by October. In February 1938 the False River levee broke, flooding the tract permanently; it was never reclaimed. The Navy used a 500-acre portion as the Antioch Bombing Target from 1943 to 1952.

The area draws fishing enthusiasts and waterfowl hunters who move through its channels by boat, often starting before dawn. The rhythm of activity shifts with the seasons, with hunters taking over in autumn and boaters filling the waters in summer.

The entire area is accessible only by boat, as there are no paths or solid shorelines to walk along. Those planning to hunt need a permit, which can be arranged through state wildlife agencies before arriving.

From 1943 to 1952 the US Navy used a 500-acre portion of Franks Tract as a bombing target called the Antioch Bombing Target. The site had already been underwater since the False River levee broke in 1938.