Copyright: California State Parks Sailboats on Folsom Lake

Description - The beauty of Folsom Lake with its open waters, beaches, trails and open space beckons the adventurer and outdoorsman in us all. Folsom Lake is truly a recreation enthusiast's oasis in a growing urban area. The primary recreation season coincides with the spring and summer months when temperatures are in the 80s, 90s and 100s. Visitation is highest from April through September. In the spring months when school is still in session, evenings and weekends are the times of highest lake activity.

Attractions - Located at the base of the Sierra foothills, the 18,000-acre lake and recreation area offers opportunities for hiking, biking, running, camping, picnicking, horseback riding, water-skiing and boating.

Fishing offers trout, catfish, big and small mouth bass or perch. Visitors can also see the Folsom Powerhouse (once called "the greatest operative electrical plant on the American continent"), which from 1885 to 1952 produced 11,000 volts of electricity for Sacramento residents.

Folsom Lake State Recreation Area's 32-mile long paved bicycle path links the lake with many other county parks along the way before ending in Sacramento. Beginning at Beals Point at the lake to Discovery Park in Old Sacramento, the trail goes by the southwest corner of the lake, the west shore of Lake Natoma, and the American River. The bike path is considered to be one of the finest of its kind in the nation.

The park also includes Lake Natoma, downstream from Folsom Lake, which is popular for crew races, sailing, kayaking and other aquatic sports.

Recreation - On any given spring or summer day thousands of visitors can be found engaging in activities such as picnicking, swimming, hiking, bicycling, running, water-skiing, jet skiing, fishing, sunbathing, wind surfing, and much more.

Reservations for camping in the busy season can be made in advance. Book online from the above reservations link or call the above camping reservations number. There are various local and statewide pass programs available for frequent park users. There is a group picnic site at Granite Bay on Folsom Lake, reservations are handled through the District office and can be made up to 90 days in advance.

The boat fee is an additional charge to day-use fees. You must pay for day-use as well as for boating. Unregistered vessels (canoes, kayaks, sailboats, sailboats under 8-feet) When the kiosk is in operation the boating fees is $1.00 for each boat/person.

Climate - Summers at Folsom Lake State Recreation Area are generally hot and dry. Winters can be very cold with lengthy periods of central valley fog conditions. Spring and fall seasons offer delightful weather of warm days and cooler evenings and nights. Care must be taken in the summer to dress lightly for high temperatures but to be cognizant of over exposure to the intense sun. Winter clothing should include layers as the dampness often brings a penetrating chill. Good walking shoes are a must when exploring any of the park trails, shoes or sandals are also recommended on the lake's sandy beaches and boat ramp areas.

Location - 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.

Entrances: The park has multiple entrances most of which are fairly easily accessed by either Interstate 80 to Douglas Blvd. eastbound or Highway 50 to Hazel Ave. or Folsom Blvd. northbound.

Transportation: 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.

LAT: 38.7315688
LONG: -121.1330017