Folsom State Recreation Area is one of the most visited parks in the California State Park System, and it’s easy to see why. It’s an easily accessible, immense park that offers a wide range of activities.
Fed by the North and South forks of the American River and contained at the southern tip by Folsom Dam, the lake offers 11,500 acres of boating and water sports of all kinds. You can find boat launch facilities at Granite Bay and Beals Point, along with swim beaches, restrooms and picnic areas. The Folsom Lake Marina is located on the Eastern side of the lake at Brown’s Ravine. Fish for bass, rainbow trout, catfish, sunfish and carp. Check http://www.wildlife.ca.gov/ for the latest information on license requirements and catch limits.
The park has five major day-use areas with ample parking (most of the year), mostly along the western shore. Use the Granite Bay lot to access the main beach and swimming area. There are plenty of picnic areas and restrooms. Concessions here have been closed since the beginning of the pandemic. This is often the most crowded part of the park and it fills up quickly on Summer weekends. You can find a little more privacy from the few parking spots on the road up to the Beeks Bight Parking Lot.
The park has over 100 miles of trails and is popular with hikers, horseback riders, and mountain bikers. Most of the trails can be accessed from the day use areas, and run through dense oak forests, along rocky beaches and large open meadows. There are great views of the lake throughout, and Spring flowers really put on a show. The Jedediah Smith Memorial Trail and Pioneer Express Trail are popular trails that run through the park.
Summers here are hot and dry. Expect temperatures in the 80s to the 100s, so bring sturdy hiking shoes and plenty of water. Winters can be wet and cold, but bring layers. Because of Covid, not all of the park is currently open. Check the website for the latest information.
There are three campgrounds in the park, with flushing toilets and piped drinking water. There is easy access to swimming, boating and hiking trails from all three. Reserve your spot up to six months in advance through the website https://www.reservecalifornia.com/Web/.
