Notable Campgrounds
Tips for Snagging a Campsite Reservation
- You can reserve campsites using the online ReserveCalifornia system, or by calling California State Parks.
- Campsites are released for booking at 8 am Pacific Time, six months in advance. Summer camping is very popular here, so you'll want to reserve well in advance, preferably as soon as you know your dates.
- If you are unable to secure a campsite at Folsom Lake State Recreation Area, consider heading to Auburn State Recreation Area (about a 40-minute drive north) or into the Eldorado National Forest, due west of the lake, where you’ll find a mix of public campgrounds and Hipcamps.
When to Go
Folsom Lake State Recreation Area and its campgrounds are open throughout the year, but it’s at its busiest between April and September, when temperatures are at their hottest. Weekdays outside of the summer vacation season, which runs from mid-June through August, are your best bet for avoiding crowds. Late fall and winter bring with them cool temperatures that are less than ideal for camping.
Know Before You Go
- Fuel, groceries, and supplies are available in Granite Bay, on the western shores of the lake.
- There are lots of rattlesnakes in the area, but fear not: they will only attack if provoked. Just make sure to give them plenty of distance.
- There's lots of poison oak in the park, so be careful not to touch plants you aren't familiar with, especially those with three leaves.
- Dogs are allowed at the park, provided they remain leashed, and they must remain in tents or vehicles at night.
- There are four ADA-accessible tent sites and two RV sites at Beals Point Campground and one accessible site at Peninsula Campground.
Nearby Attractions
Your North Fork of the American River camping trip will be one for the books. Nestled within the Sierra Nevada mountains, the pristine river and surrounding wilderness offer endless outdoor activities. Rafting, fishing, or simply relaxing by the riverside will fill your days with joy.
Folsom Lake State Recreation Area
Have fun on water–and on land–at this massive Sacramento-area park.
A short jaunt from Sacramento, this massive recreation area encompasses nearly 20,000 acres. While the lake is the star attraction, offering ample opportunities for fishing, non-motorized boating and water sports, and swimming, there's also plenty to do on land. The park has around 95 miles of trails for hiking, cycling, and horseback riding, and is directly connected to Sacramento via the 32-mile Jedediah Smith Memorial Trail (American River Bike Trail). It’s a very popular spot for RV and tent camping, and visitors with self-contained boats are welcome to camp in mooring areas.
A short jaunt from Sacramento, this massive recreation area encompasses nearly 20,000 acres. While the lake is the star attraction, offering ample opportunities for fishing, non-motorized boating and water sports, and swimming, there's also plenty to do on land. The park has around 95 miles of trails for hiking, cycling, and horseback riding, and is directly connected to Sacramento via the 32-mile Jedediah Smith Memorial Trail (American River Bike Trail). It’s a very popular spot for RV and tent camping, and visitors with self-contained boats are welcome to camp in mooring areas.
Activities in the park
5 campgrounds in Folsom Lake State Recreation Area
Formerly known as Negro Bar, Black Miner's Bar Group Campground underwent a name change in 2022. Read more...
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Just north of the Folsom Dam, you’ll find Beal’s Point Campground, which also offers piped drinking water, hot showers and trailer/motorhome accommodation. Beal’s Point has 49 family campsites. Reservations are highly advised during peak times (summer, holidays and weekends). If you’re planning a reunion trip to Folsom, snag one of the group cam Read more...
Amidst open woodlands interspersed with blue oaks, foothill pines and lupine or Indian paintbrush in the fertile spring wildflower season, you can sleep off the delicious exhaustion of days spent in the saddle, on a pair of jet skies or dipped in a warm summer lake! No matter where you pitch your tent at Folsom Lake State Recreation Area, you’l Read more...
Why can't I see these campgrounds when I search with dates?
Notable Campgrounds
Notable Campgrounds
Tips for Snagging a Campsite Reservation
When to Go
Folsom Lake State Recreation Area and its campgrounds are open throughout the year, but it’s at its busiest between April and September, when temperatures are at their hottest. Weekdays outside of the summer vacation season, which runs from mid-June through August, are your best bet for avoiding crowds. Late fall and winter bring with them cool temperatures that are less than ideal for camping.
Know Before You Go
Nearby Attractions
Your North Fork of the American River camping trip will be one for the books. Nestled within the Sierra Nevada mountains, the pristine river and surrounding wilderness offer endless outdoor activities. Rafting, fishing, or simply relaxing by the riverside will fill your days with joy.
Public campgrounds (book externally) —