Folsom Lake State Recreation Area
State Park · Folsom, California
Folsom Lake State Recreation Area surrounds a large reservoir in the Sierra foothills near Folsom, east of Sacramento, formed by Folsom Dam on the American River. It is one of the busiest water-recreation areas in the Sacramento region, with boating, waterskiing, personal watercraft, swimming at designated beaches such as the area near Beals Point, and a long network of trails for hikers, runners, mountain bikers and riders. Below the dam, Lake Natoma is a quieter stretch used by rowers and paddlers, and the American River Bike Trail runs toward Sacramento for about 30 miles - confirm the length. The lake rises with spring snowmelt and drops in drought, sometimes uncovering old Mormon Island ruins - confirm. Summers pass 100 F, rattlesnakes and poison oak are common, and weekend crowds fill the entrances early, so arrive before mid-morning, bring shade and water, and check lake level and any algae notices before swimming or launching.
7755 Folsom-Auburn Rd, Folsom, California, 95630, United States
Gates commonly open around 6 AM and close around 10 PM, which is a wide window for a park of this kind - confirm the exact gate times for each entrance, because different areas around the lake keep different hours and campgrounds, boat ramps and beaches have their own schedules. Entrance stations may close when parking fills on busy summer weekends and holidays, and some beaches, swim areas and facilities are seasonal, with lifeguards only in peak weeks. Wildfire, smoke, low water and blue-green algae advisories can close ramps, beaches or trails at short notice. Check the State Parks page and the water-level report for the lake the morning you travel.
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