Best Campgrounds near Granite Bay, CA
Campgrounds near Granite Bay provide access to both developed facilities and scenic outdoor recreation at Folsom Lake State Recreation Area. Located within Sacramento County, the area features several established campgrounds including Beals Point and Peninsula Campground, offering tent sites, RV hookups, and some cabin options within 10-15 miles of Granite Bay proper. The landscape transitions from oak-studded foothills to waterfront locations along Folsom Lake, with most campsites situated within the state recreation area and a few private resorts offering additional amenities.
Reservations are required for most established campgrounds in the region, especially during peak summer season when water levels at Folsom Lake attract visitors. "We camped by the lake... there was sooo much dust & so many flies. The water was beautiful & perfect for swimming," noted one camper about Peninsula Campground during summer months. Weather varies significantly by season, with hot, dry summers reaching 90-100°F and mild winters with occasional rainfall. Most campgrounds remain open year-round, though spring offers green hillsides and wildflowers before summer heat sets in. Beals Point and Peninsula campgrounds provide toilets and showers (coin-operated), while most sites include fire rings and picnic tables. Cell service is generally available throughout the area due to proximity to urban centers.
The region's developed campgrounds receive varied reviews based on seasonal conditions. Several campers mentioned Folsom Lake as a highlight for water recreation, with multiple access points for boating, swimming, and kayaking. Peninsula Campground offers more seclusion with "nice campsites, in the middle of nature," while Beals Point provides easier access but can experience more crowding. "We visited this campground 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," wrote one visitor about Peninsula Campground in spring. Campgrounds in the area typically feature paved or graveled roads suitable for most vehicles, though the Peninsula Campground requires driving several miles on narrower roads to reach the more remote location on the lake's north side.
