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Skydiving in LodiUS
A Sacramento Valley agricultural town just off Highway 99, best known in skydiving circles as the home of Parachute Center — one of North America's oldest and most active dropzones, operating continuously since 1964.
Why here
Parachute Center at Lodi has operated continuously since 1964, making it one of the oldest and most active dropzones in North America. The Sacramento Valley's flat topography, year-round visibility, and predictably calm air created conditions for an operation that now runs multiple aircraft simultaneously. It serves as a proving ground for competitive skydivers while maintaining a full first-jump program — a combination that produces the kind of experienced, mixed community most jump locations cannot sustain.
Best months
Central Valley delivers reliable, warm conditions from spring through autumn. Fog can ground operations in December and January. Summer heat is intense but benign at altitude — thermals are mild. Wind is typically light and variable, with occasional afternoon gusts in spring. The Valley's flat terrain means no terrain-driven turbulence near the ground.
Getting there & around
Located off Highway 99 in Acampo, 10 minutes north of Lodi and 35 minutes south of Sacramento. Sacramento International (SMF) is the closest major airport. The drop zone is signed from the highway — look for aircraft overhead on approach. On-site accommodation and camping available.
Skill levels: beginner, intermediate, advanced
Schools & guides (1)
Parachute Center
SchoolParachute Center has operated continuously at Lodi Acampo since 1964, making it one of the oldest running dropzones in North America. The operation is built around consistent volume: multiple aircraft, a full AFF first-jump curriculum, and a staff of experienced USPA-certified instructors who have collectively produced tens of thousands of licensed skydivers. The Central Valley location means near year-round operations and a culture that skews toward serious sport parachuting as much as tandem tourism — a rare combination that sustains a community of returning jumpers alongside first-timers.