The Sacramento Valley transitions to the Sierra Nevada foothills near Folsom, creating a varied landscape with elevations ranging from 150 to 1,200 feet. Summer temperatures regularly exceed 90°F from June through September, while winter nights frequently drop below freezing between December and February. Most campgrounds in the region enforce quiet hours from 10 PM to 7 AM, with generator restrictions during these periods.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: The American River at Thousand Trails Ponderosa offers accessible fishing spots along the riverbank. "Great spot for fishing all day. We caught a personal record size bass," notes Jon F., who recommends bringing poles and bait for bluegill fishing as well.
Water recreation: West Sacramento's Sherwood Harbor Marina & RV Park provides direct river access with unique privileges. "Right on the river with a swimming beach and free fishing with no license required," explains Steve M., adding that the location features "tons of beautiful, shady spots overlooking or near the Sacramento river."
Biking trails: The American River Bike Trail passes near several campgrounds including Cal Expo RV Park. "Great Bike paths adjacent along the river into Downtown or up to Folsom," writes Paul N., noting the trail accessibility makes it ideal for campers planning day rides from their base camp.
What campers like
Swimming pools: 49er Village RV Resort maintains heated swimming facilities year-round. "Pool is open in the winter with heating and a tent over top," reports Tascha F., who stayed for over two months. The campground also features "two swimming pools and playground" according to Syd D., making it popular during hotter months.
Family amenities: SacWest RV Park & Campground offers multiple recreational facilities on-site. "Lots of things to do for kids: great playgrounds, swimming pool, more than 100 ducks going around," writes Tatiana I., while another camper appreciated the "game room, wifi, SHOWERS!" available at the facility.
Shade coverage: Trees provide essential summer relief at many parks, though coverage varies significantly between sites. At Loomis RV Park, "Lots of trees for shade and a nice swimming pool to cool yourself" according to Gwen K., who appreciated the natural canopy during summer stays.
What you should know
Age restrictions: Some RV parks enforce strict RV age policies. "Couldn't even rent a space due to how old our RV was and had to keep looking," reports Mya C. about her experience at Mark J RV Park, echoing policies at several area facilities that decline units over 10 years old.
Reservation complexity: Thousand Trails properties require membership for optimal pricing and availability. "If staying for a night or two on your travels probably OK. Looking for a place to winter over - Not here," advises David M. about costs at SacWest, where non-members pay premium rates.
Space limitations: Many parks prioritize quantity over spaciousness. At Lake Minden, "There is only some sites with full hookups," notes Luz M., while another camper reported the sites are "so, so small you can't even extend your awning all the way" at certain locations.
Tips for camping with families
Activity planning: Ghost Mountain RV Campground provides structured recreation for children. "We had a great time, especially the 2.5 year old granddaughter," writes Craig & Linda L., while Amanda G. mentions "the arcade and ice cream parlor" that kept her children entertained throughout their stay.
Bathroom facilities: Consider campgrounds with updated restrooms for family comfort. "The showers were spotless, stocked, and looked freshly upgraded with woodgrain tile and real stall doors," reports a camper at Lake Minden, noting the convenience for families with children.
Noise considerations: Train tracks and highways affect several parks. At Loomis RV Park, "the train is near by and can be heard in the park. It comes by about twice in a 24 hr period," mentions Gwen K., while other campers note highway noise at Placerville RV Resort & Campground particularly impacts sites nearest to roads.
Tips from RVers
Leveling challenges: Some parks have terrain issues requiring extra equipment. At Placerville RV Resort & Campground, one camper experienced problems with uneven ground: "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," according to Tonya B.
Dump station logistics: Several rv parks Folsom area have limited sewer hookups, requiring trips to dump stations. "They don't have sewer so you can dump it yourself at a dump area on the campground or have a service come to you and do it for $25," explains Angela C. about Thousand Trails Ponderosa's system for handling waste.
Electrical service issues: Verify amperage availability before booking. "Only had 30amp service & the outlet moved around a bit. Had to prop up my plug with some blocks to keep it from moving or would lose power," warns Kelly G. about an unstable electrical connection at Lake Minden.
