Fair Oaks sits near the transition zone between California's Central Valley and Sierra foothills, with elevations ranging from 160-200 feet. Seasonal temperature variations are significant, with summer temperatures frequently reaching 95-100°F from June through September. Winter camping offers milder temperatures between 45-65°F during daytime hours, though overnight temperatures can drop below freezing in December and January.
What to do
Water activities at Folsom Lake: Beals Point Campground provides direct lake access when water levels permit. One camper noted, "If you plan on going to the lake late in the evening, know that the rangers are pretty serious about their curfew." Water levels fluctuate throughout the year, with May-June typically offering optimal conditions.
Gold panning at Coloma Resort: Located 25 miles northeast of Fair Oaks along the American River. "If you ever want to experience the thrill of gold panning, and California history go here! You will not strike it rich, but with a couple hours of effort you can get a nice little bottle of gold flakes to take home with you," reports one visitor.
Trail exploration: The American River Parkway connects multiple camping areas. At Peninsula Campground, visitors appreciate the natural surroundings: "Lots of awesome trails and little environmental signs to walk around and learn about the area. Highly recommend!"
What campers like
Seasonal variations: Spring visits to Peninsula Campground offer unique advantages. "Weather in the Sierra foothills in early March is perfect for a couple day getaway from the colder temperatures and snow in the higher elevations where we live. Peninsula campground on Folsom Lake is in the rolling hills and oak trees, remote from the more popular side of the lake."
Wildlife viewing: The region hosts diverse wildlife, particularly at quieter campgrounds. "In the early spring it is quite, especially here, with green grass and wild turkeys. With only us and two other folks in the entire campground we enjoyed privacy and seclusion," reports a Peninsula Campground visitor.
Clean facilities: Despite proximity to urban areas, campgrounds maintain good standards. A visitor at Beals Point Campground stated, "The campground is kept very clean. There is some privacy between campsites."
What you should know
Shower facilities: Most campgrounds require quarters for showers. "Coin operated shower very nice and clean bathroom clean showers," notes a Beals Point camper. Expect to pay $0.75-$1.50 for a typical shower.
Seasonal hazards: Poison oak grows throughout the area, especially in wooded sections. A camper at Beals Point warns, "I did one summer go collecting wood for a fire and not knowing that poison ivy was common in this campgrounds ended up unknowingly collecting a lot of it setting it in the fire pit and the combination of the poison ivy branches and smoke covered my entire body in a very itchy painful rash."
Water level fluctuations: SacWest RV Park & Campground offers riverside camping, but water access varies seasonally. "River was dry in July," notes one camper, indicating the need to check conditions before planning water activities.
Tips for camping with families
Lake recreation opportunities: Folsom Lake provides family-friendly swimming areas with designated safety features. "The lake itself is beautiful! If not camping overnight I love to get a day pass and just hang out on the beach! It's a great family friendly area. I suggest staying on the main beach with the provided lifejacket area if with children."
Animal encounters: Ascension Ranch offers a unique experience for children with farm animals. "Super relaxing and has a lake that is at the end of the trail. Super convenient. It was cool to experience the animals that were in the pastures as well," explains a visitor.
Playground access: Coloma Resort provides structured recreation for children of different ages. "Pool, playground, basketball and soccer - will definitely be back with the kids soon," shares a camper, highlighting the range of activities available beyond natural features.
Tips from RVers
Site selection: At Peninsula Campground, RVers should assess their location preferences. "Everyone else was on the loop near the shore. We picked a site away from everyone else at the other end of the campground with a stunning view over the lake," notes one RV camper.
RV size restrictions: Cal Expo RV Park maintains specific vehicle requirements. One visitor warns, "Disappointed to be told they don't allow any buses unless they have the RVCIA sticker," indicating the need to verify acceptance of your specific RV type before arrival.
Leveling challenges: Some campgrounds have uneven terrain that impacts RV setup. "Our spot was not that great for our 40ft bus due to the tree limbs and the ground was very uneven, which made it difficult to level," shares an RV camper, emphasizing the importance of requesting specific site information when booking.
