Camping near Folsom, California clusters around the American River watershed, with options ranging from 38 to 80 miles above sea level. Water levels at campsites fluctuate drastically between seasons, with up to 200-foot differences between summer low points and winter high marks. Spring camping offers green hillsides and abundant wildlife, while summer conditions bring temperatures frequently exceeding 95°F.
What to Do
River activities: At American River Resort, visitors can watch rafters navigate the Class 3 "Trouble Maker" rapid adjacent to the campground. "Campground was clean and well taken care of. It is right in the American River and next to a class 3 rapid called Trouble Maker. It was awesome watching rafters and kayakers go through it," notes one camper.
Gold panning: Coloma Resort offers gold panning opportunities where visitors can collect gold flakes. "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 a reviewer.
Bike trail access: The Sacramento area offers extensive interconnected trails accessible from several campgrounds. At Cal Expo RV Park, "There is direct access to the bike path which goes for miles and miles and connects to other trails which made our stay really great."
Wildlife viewing: Peninsula Campground offers opportunities to observe local wildlife, particularly in spring. "But 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."
What Campers Like
Coin-operated showers: Beals Point Campground receives positive reviews for its clean facilities. "The showers take quarters and have hot water most of the time. The showers are very big its actually quite peaceful and nice. The shower rooms have very high ceilings with thicker glass windows way up high as well. Almost like a spa experience if you ask me."
Cell service quality: Remote workers appreciate the connectivity at some Folsom Lake sites. "Really nice camp hosts and attendants. Nice services; clean bathrooms and coin op showers. Very green early in the season, lake extremely low, warm evenings already. GREAT cell service for working remotely. 5G with 5 bars."
Off-season experiences: Peninsula Campground provides secluded camping during non-peak times. "Peninsula campground on Folsom Lake is in the rolling hills and oak trees, remote from the more popular side of the lake. 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."
Family-friendly options: Many sites offer dedicated areas for children and active recreation. "This is a nice retreat. The spaces are a bit small but clean. The bathrooms are spotless and they offer a lot of amenities for families."
What You Should Know
Low water levels: Folsom Lake experiences significant water fluctuations affecting access. "Nice campground. 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."
Quarters required: Bring coins for showers at multiple campgrounds. "Dyrt says that it has wifi but couldn't find one and the showers needs QUARTERS and we were out of coins. So remember to take quarters with you if you want to shower."
Site selection strategies: American River Resort requires attention to booking details. "We checked in and had reservations but it's a first come first serve sites! They have different sections that cost more… the closer you are to the river, the more it will cost. It ranges from $5 to $20 bucks more a night."
Limited shade coverage: Several campgrounds have minimal tree cover. "Nice campground. 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."
Tips for Camping with Families
Sun protection: Ascension Ranch offers opportunities to interact with farm animals alongside typical camping. "Some of things you'll come across at Ascension Ranch include baby farm animals, sheep, goats, cattle, horses, more horses, ranch dogs, puppies, chickens, equestrian activities, secluded campsites, amazing views, access to endless trails."
Entertainment amenities: Some Folsom area campgrounds include additional recreational facilities. "Mini train ride around park, great playground, mini golf, showed movie and a lot more awesomeness. Was not cheap but kept the kids entertained."
Crowding considerations: Family-oriented sites often have higher noise levels. "This place is great for kids that want to ride bikes around the sites- but be careful of the river, it's swift. The RV and tent sites are in two separate areas, with more updated amenities available for RVs like hot showers."
Swimming options: The region offers various swimming access points, though safety varies. "The lake itself is beautiful! If not camping overnight i love to get a day pass and just hang out on the beach! Its a great family friendly area."
Tips from RVers
Site selection: Placerville RV Resort & Campground has varied hookup options that affect pricing. "Read the fine print! If you are expecting a full-hookup site, make sure it has septic at your site! Many of the sites are water and electric only, and you have to use the one dump station at the camp entrance for dumping."
RV size limitations: Folsom Lake campgrounds have varying size restrictions. "I would be very cautious about coming here with a larger RV. Ours is 30' bumper to bumper. I think 32 would be ok."
Leveling challenges: Some sites require additional equipment for proper 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. We would stay here again, however I would make sure it's in a spot that's level."
Hookup quality: Electrical service varies significantly between campgrounds. "Water pressure is excellent. Our site had 30 amp only and I doubt any of them have 50 amp. The power is not good. I had to bypass the surge suppressor because it kept cutting out due to low voltage. Voltage was generally 104-105."
