Peninsula Campground at Folsom Lake State Recreation Area offers camping spots on the less developed side of the lake, accessed via a narrow, winding road about 45 minutes from Folsom. The campground sits among oak woodlands with sites that vary in elevation, providing different views of the lake. Spring visitors can expect green grass and blooming wildflowers, while summer brings drier conditions with temperatures frequently reaching 90°F or higher.
What to do
Water recreation on American River: Peninsula Campground provides access to miles of shoreline for kayaking and swimming. "We bring our kayaks and paddle all day there are plenty of miles of lakeside to explore," notes Francisco N. about Peninsula Campground.
Gold panning experiences: Try your hand at historic gold panning at Coloma, where the 1848 California Gold Rush began. "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," shares Jill F. about Coloma Resort.
Hiking trails for all levels: Take advantage of several hiking paths around the lake and through oak woodlands. "There is an 8 mile hiking trail (Darrington) that ends at the campground. Darrington is mountain bike accessible but nowhere near road bike accessible. A shorter accessible trail (Oaks Nature Trail) is entirely contained within the campground," according to R.D. at Peninsula Campground.
What campers like
Wildlife viewing opportunities: The area supports diverse wildlife throughout the seasons. "Wildlife is off the chain here. As others have said, if you don't love being surrounded by wild animals, this will probably be a bit much for you. Bears have been seen on occasion, cougars, Bobcats, and coyotes all stop by from time to time," explains R.D. about Peninsula Campground.
Spring camping conditions: Early spring offers milder temperatures and greener surroundings. "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. In the early spring it is quite, especially here, with green grass and wild turkeys," notes Ray B. about Peninsula Campground.
Ranch activities and animals: Some sites offer unique farm experiences alongside camping. "This was my first time going and I got to say, I enjoyed it! 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," shares Ashlynn L. about Ascension Ranch, which offers yurt camping near Fair Oaks.
What you should know
Access challenges: Some campgrounds require careful driving on narrow roads. "You have to drive down a long windy narrow road to get here, which is the worst part, so it's best to come prepared to stay put for as long as possible once you're here," advises R.D. about Peninsula Campground.
Seasonal differences: Conditions vary significantly between seasons. "In the summer months the lake is very busy and the hills are brown with dried grass. But in the early spring it is quite, especially here, with green grass and wild turkeys," explains Ray B. about Peninsula Campground.
Site selection matters: Campsite layouts and privacy levels vary widely. "Nearly all of the tent sites are tiny and crowded very closely together with no privacy breaks at all between them. To make it even more claustrophobic, many of the near-river sites are terraced into the hillside so you stand at the bottom and look up into a wall of tents stacked 3 high on top of each other," warns April N. about American River Resort.
Tips for camping with families
Family-oriented amenities: Look for sites with dedicated children's areas. "This campground is ideal for families and small kids," notes Maria O. about Coloma Resort. "Pool, playground, basketball and soccer - will definitely be back with the kids soon," adds Dustin C.
Water safety considerations: Monitor children closely near rivers, especially during higher water levels. "The water was beautiful & perfect for swimming," mentions Dawn C. about Peninsula Campground, though conditions can change seasonally.
Educational opportunities: Use the historic sites as learning experiences. "Oaks Nature Trail is entirely contained within the campground and takes you through some great examples and educational signs regarding the riparian ecosystem," explains R.D. about Peninsula Campground.
Tips from RVers
Site levelness varies: Check site conditions before setting up. "Had a standard Hookup-RV-Spot. Was very uneven, couldn't get the RV level," reports Sebastian M. about Auburn Gold Country RV Park.
Size restrictions apply: Larger RVs may not fit at all locations. "I would be very cautious about coming here with a larger RV. Ours is 30' bumper to bumper. I think 32 would be ok," advises David C. about American River Resort.
Hookup availability: Confirm exact hookup types before booking. "I asked if I would have 120 V access and told I would but there was only 30 amp 240 v. Totally useless for me," warns Mary S. about American River Resort's yurt camping near Fair Oaks, California.
