Best Campgrounds near Fair Oaks, CA
Located in Sacramento County, Fair Oaks offers campers a mix of established campgrounds, RV parks, and cabin rentals within 20 miles of the city center. Folsom Lake State Recreation Area provides the closest developed camping options at Beals Point and Peninsula campgrounds, both offering tent and RV sites with amenities such as picnic tables, drinking water, and toilet facilities. The area around Fair Oaks transitions from suburban environments near the American River to more rural settings as you travel east toward Folsom Lake and the Sierra foothills.
Camping facilities in the region require reservations for most established campgrounds, especially during summer months when temperatures regularly exceed 90°F. Beals Point Campground features full hookup RV sites alongside primitive tent camping areas, with access to hiking trails and the lakeshore. The Peninsula Campground offers a more secluded experience with tent sites on hills overlooking the lake. Both locations support year-round camping, though water levels at Folsom Lake fluctuate significantly with seasonal rainfall and drought conditions. One visitor noted, "The lake is almost dry, so it wasn't as beautiful and fun as it used to be. The campsite is very noisy because it's so close to the main road."
Several visitors highlight Folsom Lake State Recreation Area's convenient location near urban amenities while still providing natural surroundings. Campers praise the trail access and proximity to water recreation, though noise from nearby roads is mentioned in multiple reviews. The RV parks closer to Sacramento, such as Cal Expo and Sacramento Shade, cater primarily to travelers seeking full hookups and amenities rather than nature experiences. Tent campers seeking more natural settings typically prefer the state recreation areas despite occasional crowding. A camper observed, "We had direct access to trails and bike path from our site, but very close to downtown Folsom which is a cute little town." Most campgrounds in the area maintain clean facilities with regularly serviced restrooms, though several reviews note that shower facilities are sometimes limited or require quarters.
