Campgrounds near Folsom, California cluster around Folsom Lake State Recreation Area, with two primary developed sites: Beals Point and Peninsula Campground. Both offer tent and RV camping with varying levels of hookups and amenities. Camping near Folsom ranges from full-hookup RV sites to primitive tent camping areas, covering a variety of budgets and setups. Beyond the lake, several private campgrounds like Coloma Resort and American River Resort provide additional options including cabins and glamping accommodations. Most camping areas lie within 25 miles of downtown Folsom, with concentrations along the American River corridor and surrounding foothills.
The Folsom Lake area experiences hot, dry summers and mild winters, making spring and fall ideal for comfortable camping conditions. Many campgrounds remain open year-round, though water levels at Folsom Lake fluctuate significantly with the seasons. Peninsula Campground requires navigating "a long windy narrow road," while Beals Point offers easier access from Folsom-Auburn Road. Most developed sites require reservations, particularly during summer weekends and holidays when lakefront sites fill quickly. Wildlife encounters are common at Peninsula Campground, where one camper noted, "Wildlife is off the chain here. Bears have been seen on occasion, cougars, bobcats, and coyotes all stop by from time to time, and there are so many skunks it can get annoying."
Campers consistently rate waterfront access as a key feature, with both Peninsula and Beals Point campgrounds providing lake access for swimming, fishing, and boating. The American River Bikeway connects to Beals Point, offering recreational opportunities beyond the campground. Sites vary considerably in terms of shade and privacy, with Peninsula described as having "spacious unique sunny sites" but limited flat areas for camping. Several visitors mention the proximity to wildlife as both a draw and potential concern. The combination of water access, hiking trails, and wildlife viewing makes these campgrounds near Folsom feel remote despite being within easy reach of urban amenities. Noise levels vary by location, with roadside campgrounds experiencing more traffic sounds than those deeper in the recreation areas.
Compare 2 top campgrounds at a time to find your favorite!
Round 1 of 5
$33 - $58 / night
"Folsom Lake is a very large lake which touches 3 counties (Sacramento, Placer & El Dorado). Beals Point is right on the border of Folsom & Granite Bay on Folsom-Auburn Rd."
"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."
$33 / night
"Folsom lake is a great place to take the boat, beals point has a snack bar, life guards and equipment rentals, there are plenty of places you can drive or boat to get away from the crowds if you prefer"
"Folsom lake is a beautiful location"
"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!"
$49 - $245 / night
"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."
$65 / night
"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!"
"Nice campground - close to river. .5 mile walk to town for shopping/eating. All sites have fire pit and picnic table. Bathrooms clean and private showers."
"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."
$50 - $1000 / night
"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."
$75 - $107 / night
"I like the place pros would be doing just water and electric hook up so your away from the croud,clean and quiet, great wifi, cons next to freeway, expensive,no firepit but have a communal fire pit,but"
"Mini train ride around park, great playground, mini golf, showed movie and a lot more awesomeness. Was not cheap but kept the kids entertained. Will be going back."
"It’s great for kids that want to ride bikes around the sites- but be careful of the river, it’s swift."
"Great spot if you can get in half of the camp got washed away from the rain this year though ."
$99 - $150 / night
"5 minutes to stores and restaurants, with swimming, fishing, boating, biking trails, ADA sites available. Large well separated campsites among scattered pines and oaks providing nice shade."
GuideHere in June and is beautiful it's right off the highway 50. I don't mind road noise myself. At night the hwy is quite. There's a fast flowing river that drowned out most road noise. Campsites are big and lots of space. Everyone has been very polite and informative.
ScoutThe campgrounds was well kept - grass was mowed - trashes empty. Beautiful little spot if you like to fish the delta. But they have a sign as you enter the property that says “Pay Here” but don’t do that because the prices on the sign are not correct, and the instructions are also incorrect… I guess. I know this because I was told that I got it wrong and if you argue about it, they will threaten to call the sheriff. I like sheriffs.
ScoutShe was very rude
TravelerFire swept through. It’s no more :( but it’s still a great spot to stop and fish!
5/26
ScoutI wanted to find a spot somewhat close by and came across this one. I think it was because I went on a weekday but upon entering there’s no one at the front so there is no check in so you just go straight to your camp site. I wasn’t expecting there to be a distance from the campsite to your parking space but if you’re looking for a spot for van/SUV camping it’s a little difficult to find a spot. Some spots are better than others of course! Camp host was really friendly as well! Spotted some turkey, deer, and quail!
Legend5 minutes to stores and restaurants, with swimming, fishing, boating, biking trails, ADA sites available. Large well separated campsites among scattered pines and oaks providing nice shade. Showers water and flush toilets. Several sites with electric hookup. I did not see a pump out station. The only problem is the reservation site through the state of California. $28 for a site without a hookup. The "glamping" refers to a canvas tent (yurt) with 2 full bed frames and foam mattresses in it. The "glamping' sites also have a fabric shelter over the picnic table, and a raised grill as well as a campfire ring, all for the affordable price of $279 a night, and you still have to walk to the bathroom. Use a communal shower and carry your own water. There seem to always be sites available, and I think they added the glamping to attract more people, but what they really need to do is fix the website where you make reservations. The glamping also seems to be run by a separate vendor, although you still reserve through the state of California. The reservation site said there was one site available but when we got here there were many many sites.
TravelerThis is a fairly easy to reach dispersed site in the El Dorado NF, north of HWY 88 and about 1-2 miles from a developed NF campground called PiPi (pr PiePie). Its off of Forest Service road 8N55 (although the map on the Dyrt site has it mislabelded as 8N54 as of 05/26). Reach it from 88 to Omo Ranch Road, then about 4 miles out on North-South Road [aka 10N83] to 8N55. Only a 1/2 mile on 8N55 although the ranger said there were other sites further out. You'll need to bring everything (and pack it out too). Camp site is a big flat spot on a hill crest under mature pine and fir trees. I was able to easily maneuver my SUV and teardrop within the trees and I think even a modest sized RV could do so.
GuideWe booked the Eagles Nest campsite, and the views were awesome! We stayed two nights and had a good time. There are two spots down below the main road that are accessible but recommend at minimum AWD, especially if visiting during the rainy season. The host was very helpful got us a case of water and even had fresh eggs that we bought. 👍🏼
TravelerThis sweet little campsite has so much to offer. In the spring everything is so green and the ecosystem is really thriving. Great Blue Herons with a rookery across the stream, osprey flying overhead, birds everywhere, various fish, just so much to soak in but then the weekend comes and our experience completely soured so we packed up with 2 days left on our paid reservation. Inconsiderate campers (a birthday party with a blow-up funhouse with the squeal sound that never ends and kids screaming, cars everywhere) but no camp host to be found to ask what the heck is going on and how long will it continue? Not only this but we were charged twice, shared with the office the two receipts and the lady can’t understand the problem. Oh, my.
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.
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."
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."
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."
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."
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."
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a map of campgrounds at Folsom Lake State Recreation Area?
Yes, maps of Folsom Lake State Recreation Area campgrounds are available through multiple sources. You can find official campground maps at the entrance stations when you arrive or at visitor centers throughout the recreation area. Online maps are available on the California State Parks website and reservation platforms like ReserveCalifornia. These maps show the layout of Beals Point Campground and Peninsula Campground, including individual site locations, facilities, and nearby attractions. For those exploring beyond Folsom Lake, nearby Mineral Bar Campground in Auburn State Recreation Area is also included in regional recreation maps.
Where can I find camping sites at Folsom Lake?
Folsom Lake State Recreation Area offers two main campgrounds. Peninsula Campground is located about 45 minutes to an hour from Folsom via a windy narrow road and provides a more secluded camping experience. Beals Point Campground is situated on the border of Folsom and Granite Bay on Folsom-Auburn Road, offering easier access to town. Both campgrounds provide tent and RV sites with varying amenities. For those seeking an alternative experience, there are also private options nearby such as Ascension Ranch, which offers an off-grid setting along Folsom Lake.
What amenities are available at Peninsula Campground at Folsom Lake?
Peninsula Campground at Folsom Lake offers basic camping amenities in a more remote setting compared to other campgrounds in the recreation area. The campground provides potable water, restrooms, and picnic tables at each site. While the facilities are simpler than those at Beals Point, the campground offers a quieter, more natural experience with access to the lake for swimming, fishing, and boating when water levels permit. The campground's location requires driving down a long, windy narrow road, creating a buffer from urban areas. The surrounding landscape features beautiful oak savanna, and during the right season, campers can enjoy direct lake access, though water levels can vary significantly throughout the year.
Can I go RV camping at Folsom Lake?
Yes, RV camping is available at Folsom Lake. Beals Point Campground offers dedicated RV sites with electric hookups in one section of the campground. The sites are nicely spaced with sufficient room for larger vehicles, though the campground is in proximity to a road which may create some ambient noise. For those seeking full hookups near Folsom Lake, Cal Expo RV Park provides an alternative with full hookup sites on gravel or asphalt, offering daily, weekly, and monthly rates. This park is conveniently located with great bike paths along the river that connect to Downtown Sacramento and up to Folsom.
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