Folsom Lake State Recreation Area Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Folsom Lake State Recreation Area showing a sunset, landscape views and a lake or waterhole
Folsom Lake State Recreation Area showing rugged coastline, general coastal views and landscape views
Folsom Lake State Recreation Area
Folsom Lake State Recreation Area showing a sunset and a lake or waterhole
Folsom Lake State Recreation Area

Hike, fish, sail or ride a horse in this expansive state park, just 40 minutes east of downtown Sacramento.

Nestled at the base of the Sierra Nevada foothills, just 25 miles (40 kilometres) northeast of Sacramento, this park provides access to the great outdoors, any time of the year.

The 19,500-acre (7,900-hectare) park hugs the borders of Folsom Lake, but also includes Lake Natoma, a favourite for watersports enthusiasts. During the warmer months you’ll see people in sailboats, kayaks and motorboats all enjoying the calm waters.

The man-made, lifeguarded beach at Granite Bay offers safe swimming. If you want to get out on the water yourself, head to the Snack Bar, also at Granite Bay, where you can rent everything from kayaks to sailboats and Jet Skis. Keen anglers can fish for a number of different species here, including bass, perch, trout and catfish.

When it’s too cold to lie on the beach, explore the park’s network of trails. Choose to walk, cycle or even ride a horse along the 32 miles (51 kilometres) of well-maintained paths. Note that some trails do not allow bikes.

To really get involved with life in the great outdoors, bring a tent and pitch it in one of the park’s campgrounds. A campsite at Beal’s Point is open all year, while the Peninsula campground on the opposite side of the lake is open from April to September.

Whatever you do in the park, be sure to be alert for the local wildlife. Coyotes, golden eagles, raccoons and many more species inhabit the area, as well as the less bashful groups of wild turkeys.

If the history of the area interests you, stop in at the Folsom Powerhouse. This was once one of the most powerful electricity plants in America, and provided Sacramento’s power from 1895 to 1952. It was the first plant in the country to transmit long-distance hydroelectric power the four original turbines are still on display.

A visit to the Folsom Lake State Recreation Area can fill an entire weekend or longer if you are camping, but those wanting to spend a short time here should still allow for at least an afternoon. The park is open daily, with the opening times of certain areas varying according to the season. There is a small charge to enter the park.

Hyatt Regency Sacramento

Hyatt Regency Sacramento

4 out of 5
1209 L St, Sacramento, CA
The price is AU$305 per night from 24 Aug to 25 Aug
AU$305
24 Aug - 25 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star eco-certified hotel in Sacramento. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,955 reviews)
"Loved it !"

Reviewed on 11 Aug. 2025

Hyatt Regency Sacramento
Wyndham Sacramento

Wyndham Sacramento

3.5 out of 5
5321 Date Ave, Sacramento, CA
The price is AU$163 per night from 19 Aug to 20 Aug
AU$163
19 Aug - 20 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3.5-star business-friendly hotel in Sacramento. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and ...
7.2/10 Good! (1,009 reviews)
"the food was food for there breakfast bar. Also u can't take food to the room from it,. the pool was nice and clean. I would stay there again. They have cleaned it but alot. the bed was ok. It was better then i thought it would be"

Reviewed on 16 Aug. 2025

Wyndham Sacramento
SureStay Plus Hotel by Best Western Sacramento Cal Expo

SureStay Plus Hotel by Best Western Sacramento Cal Expo

2.5 out of 5
1900 Canterbury Road, Sacramento, CA
The price is AU$119 per night from 20 Aug to 21 Aug
AU$119
20 Aug - 21 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Sacramento. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the clean rooms and the overall ...
7/10 Good! (970 reviews)
"If you’re looking for a clean hotel this is it, SUPER clean. If you’re looking for fancy, fancy this is NOT it. The breakfast was just okay but for the price and location I would say overall GREAT bargain!"

Reviewed on 16 Aug. 2025

SureStay Plus Hotel by Best Western Sacramento Cal Expo
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Miners Camp

Miners Camp

3 out of 5
24387 Foresthill Rd, Foresthill, CA
Stay at this 3-star cabin in Foresthill. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a picnic area.
9.2/10 Wonderful! (50 reviews)
"great place and great values with modern touches and rustic feel"

Reviewed on 5 Aug. 2025

Miners Camp
3 bedroom LOVE VILLA Midtown, Romantic Getaway or Famil Retreat

3 bedroom LOVE VILLA Midtown, Romantic Getaway or Famil Retreat

Sacramento
Stay at this villa in Sacramento. Enjoy free WiFi, laundry facilities, and air conditioning. Popular attractions Golden 1 Center and Discovery Park are located ...
9/10 Wonderful! (23 reviews)
Perfect stay
"We loved this rental clean available parking kitchen had everything we needed for our week stay quick communication look forward to staying next time we’re in the area"

Reviewed on 15 Jul. 2025

3 bedroom LOVE VILLA Midtown, Romantic Getaway or Famil Retreat
Exclusive Sierra Foothills Oasis

Exclusive Sierra Foothills Oasis

Auburn
Book a stay at this family-friendly vacation home in Auburn. Enjoy free WiFi, private pools, and a water park. Popular attractions Higgins Village and DarkHorse ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (121 reviews)
"The property and pool were beautiful. It had all the supplies you would expect and everything worked without any problems. The hosts were responsive. We would definitely like to stay again."

Reviewed on 30 Jul. 2025

Exclusive Sierra Foothills Oasis
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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