State Recreation Area

Folsom Lake State Recreation Area

Placer County, CaliforniaAbout 19,204 acres
Status
Open (per official listing)
Entrance fee
$12 per dayAnnual pass available
Day-use reservations
None mentioned
Dogs
Dogs allowed, with restrictions
Camping
Yes
Official site
parks.ca.gov(916) 988-0205

Official page last checked Oct 29, 2026. How we keep this current

Current alerts 1

Alert Folsom Lake Vessel Speed Reduction- Effective October 27, 2026Due to decreasing lake levels and the increasing number of hazards to navigation, the speed limit for motorized vessels on Folsom Lake has been… (more)

Due to decreasing lake levels and the increasing number of hazards to navigation, the speed limit for motorized vessels on Folsom Lake has been reduced to 5 miles per hour. This order will remain in place until lake levels rise above 400 feet of elevation.

Posted by the park. Official alert

Overview

Folsom Lake State Recreation Area is a 19,204-acre recreation area in Placer County, about 3 miles northwest of Folsom.

Popular activities here are surfing, horseback riding, historic sites, boating, and swimming. Facilities for water recreation include a swimming beach, a boat ramp, and boat or kayak rentals. For overnight stays there are campsites (RV sites, tent sites, group camping, and showers).

Hours

Park, gate, office and facility hours are listed separately because they often differ. Alerts above override normal hours.

FacilityDaysHoursSeason
The park’s wording doesn’t give clock times — see the official wording below.
Official wording

Climate, Recommended Clothing: Summers at Folsom Lake State Recreation Area are generally hot and dry. Dress lightly for high temperatures but be careful of over exposure to the sun. Winters can be very cold with lengthy periods of central valley fog conditions. Dress in layers as the damp can bring on a penetrating chill. Spring and Fall offer warm days and cooler evenings and nights. Dress in layers. Good walking shoes are a must when exploring any of the park trails. Shoes or sandals are recommended on the lake's beaches and boat ramp areas.

Source: official park page, checked Oct 29, 2026. Times are local to the park (America/Los Angeles).

Fees and passes

ItemAmount
Beals Point Vehicle Day Use$12
Bike Lot (Darrington) Vehicle Day Use$10 · walk-in
Brown’s Ravine Vehicle Day Use$12
Black Miners Bar Vehicle Day Use$10
Folsom Point Vehicle Day Use$12
Granite Bay Vehicle Day Use$12
Nimbus Flat Vehicle Day Use$10
Nimbus Overlook Vehicle Day Use$10
Mormon Island Vehicle Day Use$10
Old Salmon Falls Vehicle Day Use$10
Parkshore Vehicle Day Use$10
Peninsula Vehicle Day Use$12
Rattlesnake Bar Vehicle Day Use$12
Salmon Falls Vehicle Day Use$10
Skunk Hollow Vehicle Day Use$10
Willow Creek Vehicle Day Use$10
Boat Launch$10
Official wording

Special rates may apply for peak season, high demand holiday periods, and during weekends. Prices are subject to change without notice. • Beals Point Vehicle Day Use: $12.00 • Bike Lot (Darrington) Vehicle Day Use: $10.00 • Brown’s Ravine Vehicle Day Use: $12.00 • Black Miners Bar Vehicle Day Use: $10.00 • Folsom Point Vehicle Day Use: $12.00 • Granite Bay Vehicle Day Use: $12.00 • Nimbus Flat Vehicle Day Use: $10.00 • Nimbus Overlook Vehicle Day Use: $10.00 • Mormon Island Vehicle Day Use: $10.00 • Old Salmon Falls Vehicle Day Use: $10.00 • Parkshore Vehicle Day Use: $10.00 • Peninsula Vehicle Day Use: $12.00 • Rattlesnake Bar Vehicle Day Use: $12.00 • Salmon Falls Vehicle Day Use: $10.00 • Skunk Hollow Vehicle Day Use: $10.00 • Willow Creek Vehicle Day Use: $10.00 • Boat Launch: $10.00

California park passes

  • California Explorer Annual Pass — $195. Vehicle day-use entry to 134 state parks incl. high-demand Southern California beaches Details
  • Golden Poppy Annual Pass — $125. Vehicle day-use entry to 112 state parks Details
  • Historian Passport — $50. Admission for up to four people at per-person-fee State Historic Parks Details
  • Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) Annual Pass — $50. Entry to State Vehicular Recreation Areas that collect day-use fees Details
  • SNO-Park Pass — $40 season / $15 day. 18 SNO-PARK winter recreation areas Details

From the California state guide. Confirm which passes this park accepts.

Reservations

Day use
No day-use reservation requirement mentioned
Booking system
ReserveCalifornia
Phone
(800) 444-7275

Check availability and book

We link to the official booking system rather than showing live availability, which changes minute to minute.

Pets

Dogs allowed, with restrictions

Not allowed in or on: swim area at black miners bar.

Are dogs allowed? Yes: Dogs allowed on trails and in water. Dogs not allowed in swim area at Black Miners Bar, at swim area in Granite Bay, in swim area at Beals Point, in swim area at Nimbus Flat and on the turf area at Nimbus Flat.

Service animals are generally permitted where pets are not. Check with the park for specific areas.

Camping

  • Campgrounds

Camping is available year-round at Beals Point Campground. No rservations are needed during our off-season. Additional information about Camping can be found here or by calling (800) 444-7275.

Directions to the Peninsula campground:

From Hwy 80 take the Elm St. exit out of the city of Auburn, at the 1st light make a left, at your very next light you will make another left that is High St. High St turns into Hwy 49 you will travel on Hwy 49 for 10 miles towards the town of Cool. You will enter a small town called Pilot Hill from that small town you will turn right on Rattlesnake Bar Rd. that road will dead end into the campground in 9 miles.

From Hwy 50 you will take the El Dorado Hills Blvd. exit go north on El Dorado hills for about 10 miles (at some point the road changes names to Salmon Falls Rd.) you will enter the small town of Pilot Hill you will make a left on Rattlesnake Bar Rd. which dead ends onto the campground in 9 miles.

Directions to the Beals Point campground:

Overnight facilities: Tent Camping, Group Campsites, RV/Trailer Campsites w/Hookups, RV Dump Station, RV Access

Max trailer: 31 feet

Max camper/motorhome: 31 feet

From the official park page, checked Oct 29, 2026. Site counts and prices can change; confirm when booking.

Things to do

BoatingHistoric sites and toursPicnickingFishingSwimmingSurfingHikingBikingHorseback ridingCamping

Amenities

Facilities

  • Restrooms
  • Showers
  • Drinking water
  • Picnic areas
  • Restaurant or food service
  • Parking
  • Group facilities

Water

  • Swimming beach
  • Boat ramp
  • Boat, canoe or kayak rentals

Camping

  • RV dump station
  • Tent camping
  • RV camping
  • Group camping

Recreation

  • Horse trails

✓ listed by the park · ✕ the park says it is not available. Anything not shown here isn’t mentioned by the official source — that means unknown, not unavailable.

Accessibility

Overview

Folsom Lake State Recreation Area includes an 18,000-acre lake with opportunities for camping, picnicking, hiking, horseback riding, water sports, biking and boating. The park also includes Lake Natoma, downstream from Folsom Lake, which offers sailing, kayaking and other aquatic sports. The park has multiple entrances most of which are fairly easily reached by either Interstate 80 to Douglas Blvd., or Highway 50 to Hazel Ave., or Folsom Blvd. The administrative offices (and accessible parking) are located at 7755 Folsom-Auburn Road in Folsom, California. Phone (916) 988-0205 for more information.

Camping

Beals Point Campground offers 4 designated accessible tent campsites (#10, #13, #15, #20) and 2 designated accessible RV campsites (#65, #67). Accessible restrooms with showers are available in both the tent camping loop and RV camping loop. Van accessible parking spaces are adjacent to the restrooms. Routes of travel from parking to the restrooms are accessible. The campfire center is accessible and has van accessible parking across from campsite #45. The pathway from parking to the campfire center is accessible. Accessible parking is also available at the Beals Point entrance/kiosk and the over-flow lot in the RV camping loop.

Read more from the park

Peninsula Campground has 1 accessible campsite and combination restroom with shower. This is a small, more primitive campground situated between the South Fork and North Fork of the lake. Access this campground from Rattlesnake Bar Road in the town of Pilot Hill.

Picnic Area

Beals Point Day-Use: A number of accessible picnic sites are dispersed throughout this large area, some on paved surfaces, others on dirt that is firm and usable in fair weather. A large parking lot serves the entire day use area with 10 spaces designated accessible. A number of unisex restrooms dispersed across the area are accessible.

Nimbus Flats Day-Use: Two accessible picnic areas are located in the area along Lake Natoma near the California State University Sacramento (CSUS) Lake Natoma Aquatic and Safety Center. One area fronts Lake Natoma and is sunny, the other is lightly wooded and shaded. Both have numerous accessible sites. Accessible parking and generally accessible restrooms are conveniently located between the two areas.

Black Miner's Bar: This area has a variety of accessible options for picnicking from large groups, small groups, and single table. The sites are spread out through the area with the accessible concession building and accessible restrooms towards the center of the area. The area also includes a route of travel to the ordinary high water mark of the beach.

Granite Bay Day-Use:

Stage 4: Used when the lake is full pool, this boat ramp also has a shaded accessible picnic area and accessible unisex restrooms. The large parking lot serving this boat ramp has 18 spaces designated accessible.

Main Beach: This popular picnic area features a snack bar and recreational equipment rentals. A large parking lot serves the Main Beach area with 12 spaces designated accessible. A number of generally accessible picnic sites are dispersed along the shoreline (when the lake is full pool). Two generally accessible unisex restroom buildings are available.

Group Picnic: Group picnic site A, accessed from the south end of the Main Beach parking lot, is usable. Assistance may be needed navigating the pathways leading to the site. A generally accessible unisex restroom is adjacent to the picnic area.

Horse Assembly: This area has an accessible horse mounting platform, accessible vault toilet, and 2 picnic areas. Assistance may be needed navigating the dirt pathways leading to these elements.

Trails

The American River Hike and Bike Trail is generally accessible for 0.38 mile from Black Miners Bar to Hazel Avenue. Many other portions of this trail are generally accessible, with occasional challenges from slopes or uneven surfaces. The trailhead for the Black Miners Bar section is located at the Black Miners Bar parking lot, on Greenback just east of the intersection of Greenback and Folsom Boulevard. Parking lot is large, paved and level. Restrooms at west end of lot are generally accessible.

The Oaks Nature Trail (formerly Peninsula Trail) is an ‘out-and-back’ accessible Trail that is 0.79 miles each way at the Peninsula section of the park. Park entry and trailheads are off Rattlesnake Bar Road. The surface is compacted aggregate. The trail is generally at less than 5% slopes with intermittent sections between 5% to 10%. A designated accessible parking space and a usable portable toilet are at the day use area near the first trailhead.

The Doton’s Cove Trail is an ‘out-and-back’ accessible trail that is 0.53 miles each way located in the Granite Bay Day-Use area. The main trailhead is located at the Beek's Bight parking lot. Accessible parking is also located at the trails terminus, along the main park road, near Dotons Point. The surface is compacted aggregate. The trail is generally at less than 5% slopes with intermittent sections between 5% to 10%. Accessible parking and a vault restroom, is located at the Beek's Bight parking lot.

Trail Name Running Slope Cross Slope Trail Width Trail Surface

Oaks Nature Trail 4% Average 3.5 FT Average Aggregate

10% Maximum 5% Maximum 3.5 FT Minimum

Doton’s Cove Trail 4% Average 3.5 FT Average Aggregate

10% Maximum 5% Maximum 3.5 FT Minimum

Beach/Shore Access

Beals Point: A beach wheelchair is available year-round. The beach wheelchair may be checked out with a valid photo ID and a completed Wheelchair Checkout form at the entrance kiosk or at the Beals Point Lifeguard Headquarters.

Additional beach wheelchairs are available for checkout by contacting the Folsom Lake SRA Sector office at (916) 988-0205. A valid photo ID and completed Wheelchair Checkout form are required at time of checkout.

The CSUS Aquatic Center has canoes, kayaks, and other rentals available for those who can self-transfer. See the heading “Other Information” for details.

Exhibits/Programs

American River Water Education Center: Directly across the street from the Folsom Lake State Recreation Administrative Office is the American River Water Education Center (ARWEC). This facility is an educational center that interprets the American River Watershed and the importance of water conservation with exhibits, interactive displays, a school house, a drought tolerant garden and programs. The Center and its adjacent classroom are accessibly designed. All restrooms are accessible. Accessible parking is available. All paths and exterior exhibits are accessible. The Center is open to the public on weekdays from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm. Group educational programs are offered from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm or by appointment. Additional information available online at www.usbr.gov/mp/arwec. ARWEC is located at 7785 Folsom-Auburn Road, Folsom. Phone (916) 989-7100 for general information or call (916) 989-7132 to arrange programs.

Fishing

Nimbus Flats Fishing Area: The area along Lake Natoma at the west end of the CSUS Lake Natoma Aquatic and Safety Center includes a pier and fishing platform at the far end of the picnic area. The platform is accessibly designed and includes lowered railings for persons who fish from seated positions or those of shorter stature. Accessible parking, at least six accessible picnic tables, and the accessible designed restroom are nearby. Paths connecting all these facilities are also accessibly designed.

Other Information

Boating at Granite Bay Day-Use: The Stage 4 boat ramp area has accessible parking, restrooms, and accessibly designed boarding docks. Boats, personal watercraft, and other aquatic equipment rentals are available from Granite Bay Rentals, Inc. Assistance may be needed navigating pathways to the rental office. Phone (916) 910-5335 or visit www.granitebaypwcrentals.com for more information.

The CSUS Aquatic Center on Lake Natoma is a joint project facility between California State Parks, Associated Students of California State University Sacramento, the Bureau of Reclamation and California State Park's Division of Boating and Waterways. It is located on Lake Natoma, adjacent to the Nimbus Flats area within Folsom Lake State Recreation Area. The street address is 1901 Hazel Ave, Rancho Cordova, CA. The Center is a public facility where different types of boats are for rent, and classes in boating safety are available. Most of the facilities, including parking, classrooms, docks, and restrooms, are now accessible. Low profile docks enable wheelchair users who can self-transfer to rent and use kayaks and canoes. See online information at www.csusaquaticcenter.com or call 916-AQUATIC or (916) 278-2842 for more information.

Official accessibility information

Conditions change. Contact the park to confirm specific accessible features before your visit.

Getting there

Address
7755 Folsom Auburn Road
Folsom, CA 95630
Nearest town
Folsom — about 3 mi northwest (straight line)
Coordinates
38.7089, -121.1704
Phone
(916) 988-0205
Email
Folsomlake.SRA@parks.ca.gov

Entrances

  • Directions point

Google Maps directionsApple MapsOfficial park map (PDF)

Directions from the park

Folsom Lake State Recreation Area is located in the Sierra-Nevada foothills about 25 miles east of Sacramento, can be reached via either Highway 50 or I-80. Both Folsom Lake and Lake Natoma have many access points and entrances. The administrative offices are located at the base of Folsom Dam at the corner of Folsom-Auburn Road and Dam Road in Folsom, California. Park Entrances: The park has multiple entrances most of which are fairly easily accessed by either Interstate 80 to Douglas Blvd.(east), or Highway 50 to Hazel Ave., or Folsom Blvd., (north). Transportation to the Park: A variety of transportation methods are available to park visitors at Folsom Lake and Lake Natoma. With its urban setting and the accessibility of the parks entrances, local bus services can be used reach Folsom Lake and Lake Natoma. Private vehicles as well as bicycles, horseback, and foot travel are the most frequently used methods of park entry.

Nearby state parks

Sources and freshness

“Last checked” is when our system last read the official source. No change has been detected since this page was first published. Hours, fees and rules can change without notice — confirm with the park before you go. Methodology

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