Folsom Lake State Recreation Area
Folsom Lake State Recreation Area
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This park offers everything: a huge lake for all sorts of water activities and nature trails for hiking, walking and horseback riding.
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
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4.0
120 reviews
Excellent
53
Very good
43
Average
16
Poor
6
Terrible
2
Jim K
Sacramento, CA1,343 contributions
May 2021 • Couples
We wanted to have a picnic near the lake. The park rangers were excellent and most helpful. When we got to the picnic area there was plenty of parking, tables, BBQ's, bike trails, etc. The problem was, we are in a drought and the lake was low and quite a distance from the picnic area. We will be back when lake is full.
Written May 8, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
lwoudstra
Brentwood, CA432 contributions
Sep 2024 • Friends
We came Folsom Lake to do SUP. We entered at Beals Point Recreation Center. We paid $12 to get in only to realize the waterline was too far to haul all of our gear down to it. It was at least 1/4 mile away from the LOT! We used the bathrooms, then decided to go to Lake Natoma. Fortunately, we didn’t have to pay again to get into Black Miners Bar. This place would be fine if you want to come for a picnic or swim (without a ton of gear). Don’t recommend it for any kind of paddling activities! I didn’t take any pictures.
Written September 2, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Elisa P
Merced, CA3 contributions
Nov 2024 • Couples
Great rv camping with reliable hook-ups. We prefer the sites with the table and campfire ring on the side rather than in the back. The sites are plenty big with good space between sites. Really enjoyed the bike trails both paved and unpaved.
Written November 10, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Vince F
Folsom, CA85 contributions
Aug 2016 • Couples
I live in Folsom, so I visit Folsom Lake often. This State Recreational Area (SRA) covers a vast expanse around the lake, so it encompasses many different facilities.
1. Folsom Point. Folsom Point is on the south end of the lake. It features a boat launch and picnic areas overlooking the lake. From here you can see Folsom Dam to the west and dikes on the south end. This is a hilly area preferred by boaters, dog walkers and off-road biking. The trails are dirt paths, but the dikes to the south are paved and provide connections to good biking routes.
2. Beals Point. Beals Point is on the west side, accessible from Douglas Avenue in Granite Bay. This area features a large beach, boat launch, camping, equestrian trails and several bike paths. As a geocacher (geocaching.com) there are quite a few hides on this side of the lake, but you face the danger of poison oak patches if you go off the beaten paths. Again, views of the lake and the dam are enjoyable. There are many picnic areas and hiking trails. This area is popular with bikers too.
3. Browns Ravine. Brown's Ravine is a gated boat docking area with relatively modern boating facilities. Many boats are docked year-round and there is a popular boat launch here too. Good strolls and views for the whole family. There are many back-woods hiking trails here too, including geocaches. Again, watch out for poison oak if you go off the trails.
4. North area. Folsom Lake is fed by the American River flowing south from the Auburn area. As you go further north the terrain become more hilly, approaching canyon-like features. Most activity here is from boats and kayaks on the the water, as the trails are rugged and rocky, and it's a long hike from the Auburn entrance.
All-in-all, the lake area is relatively wild and undeveloped except for the beaches and boat launches. By far the most popular activity for locals are the boat launches and the extensive network or trails, both pave and dirt paths. The lake trails provide many good hiking trips, some up in the hills and some beside the lake itself.
Folsom Lake recently saw some historic lows in the water levels, but in the winter of 2015/2016 we had enough rain to bring the levels close to normal, allowing water sports to resume. Being large and mostly rural there are plenty of opportunities to see wildlife and to find secluded corners where you and rest and simply enjoy nature. There are hundreds of oak trees in the SRA and animals such as wild turkeys, geese, all sorts of squirrels and rodentia, deer, and even a coyote or two.
I give it 4 stars only because it is best suited for bikers, dog walkers, outdoorsmen and athletes, as opposed to the easy strolls preferred by senior citizens like myself.
1. Folsom Point. Folsom Point is on the south end of the lake. It features a boat launch and picnic areas overlooking the lake. From here you can see Folsom Dam to the west and dikes on the south end. This is a hilly area preferred by boaters, dog walkers and off-road biking. The trails are dirt paths, but the dikes to the south are paved and provide connections to good biking routes.
2. Beals Point. Beals Point is on the west side, accessible from Douglas Avenue in Granite Bay. This area features a large beach, boat launch, camping, equestrian trails and several bike paths. As a geocacher (geocaching.com) there are quite a few hides on this side of the lake, but you face the danger of poison oak patches if you go off the beaten paths. Again, views of the lake and the dam are enjoyable. There are many picnic areas and hiking trails. This area is popular with bikers too.
3. Browns Ravine. Brown's Ravine is a gated boat docking area with relatively modern boating facilities. Many boats are docked year-round and there is a popular boat launch here too. Good strolls and views for the whole family. There are many back-woods hiking trails here too, including geocaches. Again, watch out for poison oak if you go off the trails.
4. North area. Folsom Lake is fed by the American River flowing south from the Auburn area. As you go further north the terrain become more hilly, approaching canyon-like features. Most activity here is from boats and kayaks on the the water, as the trails are rugged and rocky, and it's a long hike from the Auburn entrance.
All-in-all, the lake area is relatively wild and undeveloped except for the beaches and boat launches. By far the most popular activity for locals are the boat launches and the extensive network or trails, both pave and dirt paths. The lake trails provide many good hiking trips, some up in the hills and some beside the lake itself.
Folsom Lake recently saw some historic lows in the water levels, but in the winter of 2015/2016 we had enough rain to bring the levels close to normal, allowing water sports to resume. Being large and mostly rural there are plenty of opportunities to see wildlife and to find secluded corners where you and rest and simply enjoy nature. There are hundreds of oak trees in the SRA and animals such as wild turkeys, geese, all sorts of squirrels and rodentia, deer, and even a coyote or two.
I give it 4 stars only because it is best suited for bikers, dog walkers, outdoorsmen and athletes, as opposed to the easy strolls preferred by senior citizens like myself.
Written August 26, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
hk38
16 contributions
Apr 2019 • Friends
If you like water and boating and swimming, this is as good as it gets. I go every year... but not just in summer. It is a year-round place to be out in nature with many access points and picnic areas.
Written April 13, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
TabathaVo
Folsom, CA5 contributions
Aug 2015 • Family
The Folsom PD is AWESOME, HOWEVER every since the park rangers became a police force and allowed the carry guns it is just too much. They spy from miles away for hours on end. You don't really see them when you need help because most are hiding in the bushes with their binoculars or nailing campers for literally being 1/2 inch off the pavement, no it was not me or anyone I knew I just saw it happen. The "offender" offered his apologies and moved to park it better and the ranger pulled his gun!!!! No joke, sick. NOT SAFE FOR FAMILES especially if you park incorrectly. Plus they close off all the off road areas when there is NO need and I mean NO need for it. They just seem to lazy to open and close the gates as they should be.
Written April 25, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
melyash
81 contributions
Aug 2012
Folsom is a great melting pot of boaters, Jetskiers Campers, Hikers, Nature Lovers, Bycilists, Fisherman, Water Skiers, Equestrians and just about everything else. Can get rather hot in the summer, so plan accordingly and plan to get in the water. Like all of California's Wild Places, it has its share of critters, including Rattlesnakes in summer especially. Use a little caution when hiking or exploring. Beals Point RV campground is a good place to stay and close to everything.
Written May 13, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
christyann1
Sacramento, CA17 contributions
Aug 2012 • Family
It is a nice place if you get lucky enough to go on a day when there are not many people, which pretty much never happens during the boating season. I would rather take my chances with the strong current at the river than deal with the idiots who boat here.
Written December 12, 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
redbeauty58
Rancho Cucamonga, CA207 contributions
Sep 2019 • Family
My son lives in the area and on a recent visit decided to go to lake for a cool down and a family picnic. The water was nice and clear and cooling. That is about the only good thing I can say. The picnic area is far from water for small children. The tables were very old and beat up. Do not wear sandals as I did because there is lots of dirt to walk on before you get to the water. At the water it seems like the lake overflowed onto the parking lot because that is what you are standing on in the water all the way out to where swim area stops. Very rough on feet. Other people just drove cars up to water edge and sat in chairs in water or swim off from vehicles. It was not a pleasant venture for family.
Written September 26, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
lilicedt
Key Largo, FL127 contributions
May 2018 • Friends
This review is solely for Negro Bar State Recreational Area within the Folsom Lake State Recreation Area.
This is as good as it gets for family/dog friendly recreation areas. There's picnic tables, shade, beach, clean public restrooms, and water fountains.
We usually head towards the right after entering the main parking lot. Follow the narrow road and signs towards kayak/SUP rentals and you'll get to another lot with port-a-potties. Keep going! There's a third, swing-around parking lot with a few picnic benches to the right and a restroom. These have awning and grass for the kiddies/furbabies to play in all day. Get a game of cornhole or frisbee going, or soccer. There's BBQ grills available first come, first served.
This is just the start of it; to the left, down the wooden stairs, you get to the beach area. THIS is the star of Negro Bar. Here, people can use the picnic tables in the shade of the big trees or bring their own canopies for a shaded spot right on the sand. The water is icy until about June, but that doesn't stop people from jumping in. There's kayakers/SUP-ers/tubers/swimmers, you name it. Everyone is having a good time. There's a separate bathroom down below that's just as clean, so no need to trek up the hill to use facilities. There's also BBQs down here, though many opt to bring their own grills.
You can see squirrels, bald eagles, wild turkeys, and lots of other wildlife around, so it's quite picturesque. There's even an island with wild blackberries in the summers that you can paddle/swim out to!
All-in-all great recreation area in the Sacramento region.
Parking is $10, and yes, they do take credit card.
This is as good as it gets for family/dog friendly recreation areas. There's picnic tables, shade, beach, clean public restrooms, and water fountains.
We usually head towards the right after entering the main parking lot. Follow the narrow road and signs towards kayak/SUP rentals and you'll get to another lot with port-a-potties. Keep going! There's a third, swing-around parking lot with a few picnic benches to the right and a restroom. These have awning and grass for the kiddies/furbabies to play in all day. Get a game of cornhole or frisbee going, or soccer. There's BBQ grills available first come, first served.
This is just the start of it; to the left, down the wooden stairs, you get to the beach area. THIS is the star of Negro Bar. Here, people can use the picnic tables in the shade of the big trees or bring their own canopies for a shaded spot right on the sand. The water is icy until about June, but that doesn't stop people from jumping in. There's kayakers/SUP-ers/tubers/swimmers, you name it. Everyone is having a good time. There's a separate bathroom down below that's just as clean, so no need to trek up the hill to use facilities. There's also BBQs down here, though many opt to bring their own grills.
You can see squirrels, bald eagles, wild turkeys, and lots of other wildlife around, so it's quite picturesque. There's even an island with wild blackberries in the summers that you can paddle/swim out to!
All-in-all great recreation area in the Sacramento region.
Parking is $10, and yes, they do take credit card.
Written May 28, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Milanna M
Roseville, California
Where are the lupins in Folsom Lake? What is the easist walking
Written April 27, 2021
Navigate287656
Auburn, California
Why is it I can spend 8 hours in search of something down the road from me and each site sends me to another I don't understand WHY can I NOT find the right click here?
Written August 19, 2020
Google "State Park Careers." That will guide you to open jobs at Folsom Lake.
Written September 17, 2019
As you water ski, please be aware of fishermen in the area, especially in the upper reaches of the lake. With the colder weather, it is bringing the trout up closer to the surface.
Written September 17, 2019
Hello, Where is the best spot on the lake to watch sunset? From which launch or picnic area?
Written July 23, 2018
Haven’t watched sunset there but has to be east shore so that u see this for longer time vanishing sun down!
Written July 24, 2018
I would like to know about camping with family in this location. It appears there are a couple areas; Beals Point and the Peninsula. Can anyone give recommendations? Several kids, teens to tot, old pop up trailer.
Thanks!
Written January 11, 2015
There is camping at Beals Point, however I am unaware about the Penninsula. Be advised that Folsom Lake has been at record lows.
Written January 12, 2015
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