Folsom Lake State Recreation Area

Notable Campgrounds

• Best for large groups: Black Miners Bar Group Camps has two sites for groups of 50 and one site for up to 25.
• Best for families: Beals Point Campground is near a swimming beach and is close to the amenities in the nearby town of Granite Bay.
• Best for boaters: The spacious Peninsula Campground offers easy access to two launch ramps.

Tips for Snagging a Campsite Reservation

1. You can reserve campsites using the online ReserveCalifornia system, or by calling California State Parks.
2. 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.
3.  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.