Folsom Lake
Folsom Lake State Recreation Area
A large reservoir lake at the foot of the Sierra Nevada foothills. It is Sacramento residents' first choice for boating, swimming, and cycling in summer, and its shoreline hills are covered with wildflowers in spring.
Folsom Lake was formed by the Folsom Dam, completed in 1956. It is a state recreation area with several beaches, piers, and campgrounds along the shore, and you can rent kayaks, paddleboards, and motorboats. There are many loop trails and mountain bike routes. Downstream, Lake Natoma is suitable for rowing and calm-water boating. Day-use fees are charged per vehicle at each entrance, and in summer you should arrive early on weekends. In drought years the water level can drop noticeably.
Opening hours
Usually sunrise to sunset
Nearby sights
- Folsom Prison Museum
- Historic Folsom
- Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park
- Aerospace Museum of California
- Sutter's Fort State Historic Park
- Midtown Sacramento
- American River Parkway & Discovery Park
- California State Capitol & Capitol Park