213 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
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.
"As with most of California everything is dry. The lake is very low and a half mile walk from park to get to. The sites are surrounded by dry tall grass and spaced out nicely."
"As full timers- we thought we hit the jackpot for the area in order to be near the towns we wanted to explore and also have service for good wifi."
from $33 - $58 / night
Check Availability"Very quite camping spot very clean.coin operated showers😭 lake is very close by."
"I wanted to find a spot somewhat close by and came across this one."
from $33 / night
Check Availability"Great Bike paths adjacent along the river into Downtown or up to Folsom. All Full hook up sites on gravel or asphalt, daily, weekly, monthly rates."
"then you want a good location for your home base. Cal Expo definitely has the centralized location for exploring Old Sac, Cal Expo, State Capitol, the rivers and beyond."
from $50 - $1000 / night
Check Availability"Great little campsite with a 50s vibe right outside the city of Sacramento. The bathrooms and showers are clean the staff are friendly and helpful."
"We stayed at the side close to the highway so it was a bit noisy but not too bad. The people were friendly! It was a bit too pricey though."
from $58 - $100 / night
Check Availability"This is an older park in a location close to shopping. However, the train is near by and can be heard in the park. It comes by about twice in a 24 hr period. Office staff very nice and helpful."
"There is a little store within walking distance. Overall a very nice park!"
from $65 / night
Check Availability"Also while setting up, every person that walked by said hi and welcome! We have never experienced that much friendliness in a campground."
"WELCOME TO ASCENSION RANCH Ascension Ranch is an off-grid paradise tucked away in an oak savanna along Folsom Lake with a unique and ever growing list of features and activities."
"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. I'd definitely come back."
from $59 - $115 / night
Check Availability"Beautiful fall surroundings right adjacent to the South Fork of the American River. Easy walk or car ride to numerous hiking trails."
"If you ever want to experience the thrill of gold panning, and California history go here!"
ScoutThis place is almost empty. It's gorgeous. The store on site doesn't sell alcohol or tobacco. They have everything else, not cheap but, not crazy overpriced.
TravelerAll sites are First Come First Serve. Arrived on a Thursday with only 1 other camper at the grounds. By Saturday morning it was full and loud. All sites are close enough to the lake, that your priority should just be what ever fits your set up. Traveling in a 25ft Class C felt like I didn't belong and space was tight. Almost no sky for solar or starlink, and AT&T service gave me a single bar.
I'd return if I had a small towable or in a tent. Overall very scenic and peaceful during the week days.
As of August 2026 price was $10 a night.
ScoutEasy to find campsite, we arrived after hours on a Monday so drove around to find a spot and then paid using the collection box and envelopes, we couldn't get the QR code to work. Phone reception here is good. There is a constant hum of traffic but it is not loud and it is quiet around camp. Toilets and showers are clean and well stocked with toilet paper. We didn't stay long but saw some wildlife, coyote and squirrels mostly. A little bit of rubbish around from campers but overall very tidy. The sites are flat pull-in or reverse-in style, there are also some campsites marked with wheel chair access.
TravelerWe got a pretty secluded site at Cabana 12 but the rest of the sites are kinda stacked on top of each other or out in the open right next to each other. If you want some more privacy then do C12. Being near the lake was great and having a camp store and bathrooms. Showers cost 50¢ for 5 min which isn’t bad but since the campsite is so expensive it would have been nice for them to be free.
ScoutThis place is awesome. Super clean, spaces are big and neighbors are not too close. The facilities are super clean and modern. We enjoyed the pool, spa and shower facilities. There’s a shuttle that shows up about every 40 minutes to the casino. The office staff was very friendly and knowledgeable about the different spaces and location of the afternoon sun.
ScoutThis park is completely understaffed, and the staff they do have are short and rude when talked to. Leaches in the water, goose poop all on beach area along with trash and dirty diapers. Management is never to be seen and the store they have is never open. Restrooms had poop on walls, birds in the bathroom, toilet paper everywhere. They constantly have water problems. They have an abundance of wasps also.
GuideAll grass with plenty of shade tress. A lot of spaces to choose from, they have a camp host who patrols the area. Gates are locked at night so some what secure. There is a dump station that you can use if you rent a space. Very nice !
TravelerThe campsite is set along one side of the middle fork of the Cosumnes River and is quite lovely. It is a popular campground on weekends so reservations are recommended. There are outhouses and fresh water available. Cell service is very spotty (we have Verizon) but drive up the road a half mile and you'll get a signal. There are places to fish and swim in the river, with several day use areas in the campground.
GuideWe enjoyed our stay here while visiting Napa. Extended our stay. Peacocks on the property and rogue goats. Boat launch was not operable on our side of the park.
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.
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!"
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."
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.
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.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Fair Oaks, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, Fair Oaks, CA offers a wide range of camping options, with 213 campgrounds and RV parks near Fair Oaks, CA and 5 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Fair Oaks, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Fair Oaks, CA is Beals Point Campground — Folsom Lake State Recreation Area with a 4.2-star rating from 34 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Fair Oaks, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 5 free dispersed camping spots near Fair Oaks, CA.
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