Peninsula Campground at Folsom Lake State Recreation Area sits at an elevation of 300-500 feet and offers camping sites near the oak-dotted shorelines where water levels can fluctuate seasonally. The area experiences hot, dry summers with temperatures often exceeding 90°F and mild winters, making spring and fall the most comfortable times to visit. Several glamping options near Granite Bay, California provide access to both Folsom Lake and the American River with varying amenities depending on location.
What to do
Water activities on Folsom Lake: At Peninsula Campground, campers can kayak and boat when water levels permit. "Lots of great hiking trails, Great Lake for boating and water activities," reports Cassidy Y. Spring visits are particularly rewarding with "green grass and wild turkeys" according to Ray B.
Gold panning and historical exploration: Visit Coloma Resort for access to gold panning sites. "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," explains Jill F.
Riverside relaxation: American River Resort offers direct access to watch rafters navigate the "Trouble Maker" rapid. "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," writes Chris U.
What campers like
Secluded spring camping: Peninsula Campground offers quieter experiences during spring. "Weather in the Sierra foothills in early March is perfect for a couple day getaway from the colder temperatures and snow in the higher elevations where we live... But in the early spring it is quiet, especially here, with green grass and wild turkeys," notes Ray B.
Farm animal interactions: At Ascension Ranch, visitors enjoy the working ranch atmosphere. "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," explains Ashlynn L.
Riverside camping: American River Resort features terraced campsites above the water. "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," according to Chris U.
What you should know
Seasonal considerations: Visit Peninsula Campground in early spring for wildflowers and fewer crowds. "Another mid-week quick adventure two weeks before spring... 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," reports Ray B.
Site selection strategy: At American River Resort, tent sites are arranged in tiers. "Nearly all of the tent sites are tiny and crowded very closely together with no privacy breaks at all between them. To make it even more claustrophobic, many of the near-river sites are terraced into the hillside so you stand at the bottom and look up into a wall of tents stacked 3 high on top of each other," warns April N.
Access and logistics: Peninsula Campground requires navigation through winding roads. "Try not to forget anything because it is eleven twisty, narrow, miles back to the city of Cool, where you can buy the essentials," advises T L.
Tips for camping with families
Activity options for children: Coloma Resort provides numerous family amenities. "Pool, playground, basketball and soccer - will definitely be back with the kids soon," shares Dustin C. The resort also offers historical learning opportunities as it's "walking distance from the historic town of Coloma."
Luxury glamping near Granite Bay: SacWest RV Park provides family-friendly amenities with "Pool, game room, wifi, SHOWERS!" according to Christy L., making it suitable for families wanting comfort while camping.
Campground layout considerations: American River Resort has tight spacing between sites. "This park is located very close to Sutter's Mill where gold was discovered. The terrain is steep with mostly smaller sites," notes David C., which may affect families with young children.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling challenges: At Auburn Gold Country RV Park, some RV spots require extra effort. "Had a standard Hookup-RV-Spot. Was very uneven, couldn't get the RV level," reports Sebastian M.
Size limitations for larger rigs: American River Resort has terrain constraints that impact RV parking. "I would be very cautious about coming here with a larger RV. Ours is 30' bumper to bumper. I think 32 would be ok," advises David C.
Electrical considerations: American River Resort may have power supply issues. "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," warns David C.
