Peninsula Campground offers secluded riverside camping on the less-visited side of Folsom Lake, 12 miles northeast of Gold River. The campground sits at approximately 500 feet elevation among rolling hills and oak woodlands, with sites ranging from lakefront to hillside locations. Spring visitors benefit from green grass and blooming wildflowers, while summer brings warmer temperatures and drier conditions.
What to do
River activities and trails: Folsom Lake provides extensive water recreation options with over 75 miles of shoreline to explore. "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," notes a visitor at Peninsula Campground.
Gold panning and history exploration: The Gold Discovery State Historic Park in Coloma lets visitors try authentic gold panning techniques. "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 camper who stayed at Coloma Resort.
Cycling and biking trails: The American River Parkway offers paved trails connecting to downtown Sacramento. "Great Bike paths adjacent along the river into Downtown or up to Folsom," reports a visitor at Cal Expo RV Park. Trails range from easy family routes to more challenging mountain biking terrain.
What campers like
Riverside camping locations: Sites directly along the American River provide easy water access. "We picked a site away from everyone else at the other end of the campground with a stunning view over the lake. Highly recommended for a spring visit," explains a camper at Peninsula Campground.
Wildlife viewing: The area's natural setting supports diverse wildlife observation opportunities. "This place was amazing... River was stunning and it was neat to walk across the bridge and check out the old historic mining town," shares a reviewer at Coloma Resort. Early mornings and evenings offer the best animal sighting chances.
Ranch experiences: Some glamping in Gold River vicinity includes farm animal interactions. "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," mentions a guest at Ascension Ranch, where visitors can observe horses, sheep, goats and other ranch animals.
What you should know
Seasonal variations: Spring offers the most pleasant weather and scenery. "We visited this camp ground last year for a pre-spring getaway and really liked it. The grass is green, and the leaves are out on all the oak trees which makes it more beautiful," reports a camper at Peninsula Campground.
Water levels fluctuate: Lake and river conditions vary significantly throughout the year. "Some of my favorite campsites. Awesome in spring where the flowers and grass are POPPING. A lot of awesome trails and little environmental signs to walk around and learn about the area," shares a visitor at Peninsula Campground.
Site selection matters: Campsite layouts and privacy vary considerably between locations. "Take a tour as the online pics do no justice, and with almost 100 sites, you will find the perfect site that will suit your specifics," advises a camper about Peninsula Campground.
Tips for camping with families
Child-friendly amenities: Some resorts offer comprehensive facilities designed specifically for families. "You can tent camp, rent a cabin or RV camp. Great sites along the river too. You can pan for gold, relax, or bike, hike along the river, and kids can play along several playgrounds for kids of different ages," explains a visitor to Coloma Resort.
Educational opportunities: The area provides learning experiences through historical sites and nature programs. "The grounds are very well kept and the staff is available but keep their distance. Thanks to Lisa for the mattress pump and a shout out to groundskeeper Genoa who recently retired and shared great knowledge about the area," shares a camper at Peninsula Campground.
Swimming access: Water features provide cooling recreation during hot months. "We camped by the lake... the water was beautiful & perfect for swimming," notes a reviewer about Peninsula Campground, though they also mention dust and flies can be issues during dry periods.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling challenges: Some RV sites require additional equipment for proper setup. "Very quite camping spot very clean. Coin operated showers. Lake is very close by," mentions an RVer at Peninsula Campground.
Utilities and hookups: Electric service quality varies between campgrounds. "Had a standard Hookup-RV-Spot. Was very uneven, couldn't get the RV level. If you don't have the premium hookup spots, you got to pay 20$ 'Service Fee' for dumping," cautions a visitor at Auburn Gold Country RV Park.
Reservation timing: Popular glamping options near Gold River require advance planning. "You have to book way ahead of time, but it's well worth it," advises a camper about Coloma Resort, noting the prime spots are often reserved months in advance.
