It is free, no permits needed except a fishing license. There is hiking, biking, swimming, horse trails, barbecues, picnic benches, wild life, wild berries and fruit trees, a golf course, frisbee golf throughout, an observatory next to the indoor shooting range - next to Horseshoe Lake. Where you are describing is state, yet further down the chico creek it is part of the city. With the creek being transformed into outdoor pool called Sycamore Pool aka as 1 mile, because it is 1 mile from the Bidwell mansion. 5 Mile is up by where you are... Next the 1 mile area is the Sherwood Forest where the 1937 version of Robin Hood was taped with Errol Flynn... So it depends on what type of activities as a tourist you are looking for. Enjoy exploring Bidwell Park!!!
It is free and does not require a permit. There is a fee/restricted hours to your the Bidwell House/Museum. About $6, weekends.
Thanks! Your answer is awaiting moderation.