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Located at the base of the Sierra foothills, Folsom Lake State Recreation Area offers opportunities for hiking, biking, running, camping, picnicking, horseback riding, water-skiing and boating. Fishing offers trout, catfish, big and small mouth bass or perch. Visitors can also see the Folsom Powerhouse (once called "the greatest operative electrical plant on the American continent"), which from 1885 to 1952 produced 11,000 volts of electricity for Sacramento residents. For cyclists, there is a 32-mile long bicycle path that connects Folsom Lake with many Sacramento County parks before reaching Old Sacramento. The park also includes Lake Natoma, downstream from Folsom Lake, which is popular for crew races, sailing, kayaking and other aquatic sports.
California State Park Foundation member discounts are available for this park. If you are a member, sign in to see the discount here.
Getting There
The park is located in the Sierra-Nevada foothills about 25 miles east of Sacramento, and can be reached via either Highway 50 or I-80. The administrative offices are located at the base of Folsom Dam at the corner of Folsom-Auburn Road and Dam Road in Folsom, California.
The park has multiple entrances most of which are fairly easily accessed by either Interstate 80 to Douglas Blvd.(east), or Highway 50 to Hazel Ave., or Folsom Blvd., (north).
A variety of transportation methods are available to park visitors at Folsom Lake and Lake Natoma. With its urban setting and the accessibility of the parks entrances, local bus services can be used reach Folsom Lake and Lake Natoma. Private vehicles as well as bicycles, horseback, and foot travel are the most frequently used methods of park entry.
The Day Use Annual Pass is accepted at this park.
The park is located in the Sierra-Nevada foothills about 25 miles east of Sacramento, and can be reached via either Highway 50 or I-80. The administrative offices are located at the base of Folsom Dam at the corner of Folsom-Auburn Road and Dam Road in Folsom, California.
The park has multiple entrances most of which are fairly easily accessed by either Interstate 80 to Douglas Blvd.(east), or Highway 50 to Hazel Ave., or Folsom Blvd., (north).
A variety of transportation methods are available to park visitors at Folsom Lake and Lake Natoma. With its urban setting and the accessibility of the parks entrances, local bus services can be used reach Folsom Lake and Lake Natoma. Private vehicles as well as bicycles, horseback, and foot travel are the most frequently used methods of park entry.
The Day Use Annual Pass is accepted at this park.
Seasons/Climate/Recommended Clothing
Summers at Folsom Lake State Recreation Area are generally hot and dry. Dress lightly for high temperatures but be careful of over exposure to the sun. Winters can be very cold with lengthy periods of central valley fog conditions. Dress in layers as the damp can bring on a penetrating chill. Spring and fall offer warm days and cooler evenings and nights. Dress in layers.
Good walking shoes are a must when exploring any of the park trails. Shoes or sandals are recommended on the lake's beaches and boat ramp areas.
Summers at Folsom Lake State Recreation Area are generally hot and dry. Dress lightly for high temperatures but be careful of over exposure to the sun. Winters can be very cold with lengthy periods of central valley fog conditions. Dress in layers as the damp can bring on a penetrating chill. Spring and fall offer warm days and cooler evenings and nights. Dress in layers.
Good walking shoes are a must when exploring any of the park trails. Shoes or sandals are recommended on the lake's beaches and boat ramp areas.
Operating Hours & Contact
For any and all questions and the most current information, please contact the park at (916) 988-0205.
For any and all questions and the most current information, please contact the park at (916) 988-0205.
Camping
Peninsula Campground: A hundred family campsites - some accessible – accommodate trailers up to 18 feet and motor homes up to 24 feet. A sanitation station is provided. No site hookups are available. Accessible flush toilets, hot showers and piped drinking water are available. Two launch ramps and a day-use area are near this secluded campground near the end of the Peninsula between the north and south forks of the American River. Reach the area by boat or drive ten miles south from the town of Pilot Hill on Highway 49.
Beals Point Campground: Just north of Folsom Dam, 49 family campsites accommodate trailers and motor homes up to 31 feet. Hookup sites and a sanitation station are available. Piped drinking water and wheelchair-accessible restrooms with hot showers are available.
Negro Bar Group Campsites: On the north shore of Lake Natoma, three group campsites are available. Two can accommodate up to 50 people each and one can accommodate up to 25 people.
Make Campground Reservations
Boat Camping: You may camp overnight aboard your self-contained sailboat or powerboat only in designated mooring areas. Obtain a map of the mooring areas when you register for boat camping at the Granite Bay entrance station or the marina at Brown’s Ravine. If no one is available at the time of your visit, contact park headquarters. Your boat must have self-contained sanitary and gray-water systems with sleeping accommodations for all aboard. You may camp ashore only at the Peninsula Campground in a designated campsite. Beach the bow of your boat and anchor off the stern. A secure tie-up is essential, as the wind may rise during the night. Boat camping is limited to two consecutive nights.
Peninsula Campground: A hundred family campsites - some accessible – accommodate trailers up to 18 feet and motor homes up to 24 feet. A sanitation station is provided. No site hookups are available. Accessible flush toilets, hot showers and piped drinking water are available. Two launch ramps and a day-use area are near this secluded campground near the end of the Peninsula between the north and south forks of the American River. Reach the area by boat or drive ten miles south from the town of Pilot Hill on Highway 49.
Beals Point Campground: Just north of Folsom Dam, 49 family campsites accommodate trailers and motor homes up to 31 feet. Hookup sites and a sanitation station are available. Piped drinking water and wheelchair-accessible restrooms with hot showers are available.
Negro Bar Group Campsites: On the north shore of Lake Natoma, three group campsites are available. Two can accommodate up to 50 people each and one can accommodate up to 25 people.
Make Campground Reservations
Boat Camping: You may camp overnight aboard your self-contained sailboat or powerboat only in designated mooring areas. Obtain a map of the mooring areas when you register for boat camping at the Granite Bay entrance station or the marina at Brown’s Ravine. If no one is available at the time of your visit, contact park headquarters. Your boat must have self-contained sanitary and gray-water systems with sleeping accommodations for all aboard. You may camp ashore only at the Peninsula Campground in a designated campsite. Beach the bow of your boat and anchor off the stern. A secure tie-up is essential, as the wind may rise during the night. Boat camping is limited to two consecutive nights.
Park News Alert
Folsom Lake State Recreation Area Hours of Operation
Winter Hours
The following units are open from 7am - 6pm
Granite Bay *
Beals Point
Folsom Point *
Negro Bar **
*Brown’s Ravine Marina
Folsom Powerhouse State Historic Park
Nimbus Flat **
Sacramento State Aquatic Center
* - Units where boat launching is available
** - Lake Natoma is the body of water associated with these units. Lake Natoma is primarily managed for non-motorized and slow-speed aquatic recreation such as rowing, paddling, etc. There is a 5-mph speed limit enforced on the entire lake.
The following units are closed to vehicles until further notice due to state budget issues and to allow for the consolidation of resources at the park’s most popular and heavily used units. (Read the Posted Orders here)
Parkshore Drive Parking Facility
Nimbus Lake Overlook
Nimbus Shoals
Peninsula Campground
Old Salmon Falls
Salmon Falls Raft Takeout
Skunk Hollow
Rat Bar
Hours for Summer 2012 have not yet been posted.
Camping is available at Beals Point year-round and at Peninsula Campground beginning April 1, 2011 through the summer (Peninsula Campground closes October 1). Additional information about camping can be found on this website and through Reserve America at (800) 444-7275.
BUREAU OF RECLAMATION CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS - IMPACTS TO RECREATION AND THE PARK
Closure of Mormon Island Parking Lot
There is a construction project currently underway at Mormon Island Auxiliary Dam that is intended to shore up the dam in the event of an earthquake or flooding. The construction has forced the closure of the Mormon Island Parking Lot until further notice.
Blasting Activities - Closure of Small Area of the Lake and Folsom Lake Crossing Bridge
There is a construction project underway to construct a new auxiliary spillway control structure for the Folsom Dam. Granite Construction, the contractor for U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, will be closing the Folsom Lake Crossing bridge from Folsom-Auburn Road to East Natoma Street and a portion of Folsom Lake from March 28, 2011 to October 31, 2011, Monday through Friday, between 1:15pm and 2:30pm. Both closures are to provide for a safety zone for blasting activities necessary for construction. The lake closure will include the shoreline below the construction area on the east side of Folsom Dam and will extend 2000 feet from shore.
For any and all questions and the most current information, please contact the park at (916) 988-0205
Folsom Lake State Recreation Area Hours of Operation
Winter Hours
The following units are open from 7am - 6pm
Granite Bay *
Beals Point
Folsom Point *
Negro Bar **
*Brown’s Ravine Marina
Folsom Powerhouse State Historic Park
Nimbus Flat **
Sacramento State Aquatic Center
* - Units where boat launching is available
** - Lake Natoma is the body of water associated with these units. Lake Natoma is primarily managed for non-motorized and slow-speed aquatic recreation such as rowing, paddling, etc. There is a 5-mph speed limit enforced on the entire lake.
The following units are closed to vehicles until further notice due to state budget issues and to allow for the consolidation of resources at the park’s most popular and heavily used units. (Read the Posted Orders here)
Parkshore Drive Parking Facility
Nimbus Lake Overlook
Nimbus Shoals
Peninsula Campground
Old Salmon Falls
Salmon Falls Raft Takeout
Skunk Hollow
Rat Bar
Hours for Summer 2012 have not yet been posted.
Camping is available at Beals Point year-round and at Peninsula Campground beginning April 1, 2011 through the summer (Peninsula Campground closes October 1). Additional information about camping can be found on this website and through Reserve America at (800) 444-7275.
Closure of Mormon Island Parking Lot
There is a construction project currently underway at Mormon Island Auxiliary Dam that is intended to shore up the dam in the event of an earthquake or flooding. The construction has forced the closure of the Mormon Island Parking Lot until further notice.
Blasting Activities - Closure of Small Area of the Lake and Folsom Lake Crossing Bridge
There is a construction project underway to construct a new auxiliary spillway control structure for the Folsom Dam. Granite Construction, the contractor for U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, will be closing the Folsom Lake Crossing bridge from Folsom-Auburn Road to East Natoma Street and a portion of Folsom Lake from March 28, 2011 to October 31, 2011, Monday through Friday, between 1:15pm and 2:30pm. Both closures are to provide for a safety zone for blasting activities necessary for construction. The lake closure will include the shoreline below the construction area on the east side of Folsom Dam and will extend 2000 feet from shore.
For any and all questions and the most current information, please contact the park at (916) 988-0205
Recreation
Fishing: Folsom Lake waters hold trout, catfish, largemouth and smallmouth bass, perch and kokanee salmon. A valid California fishing license is required. An accessible pier and fishing platform are available along Lake Natoma.
Boating: Launching facilities are located at several places around the lake. The marina at Brown’s Ravine also features boat slips, a towing service, gas dock and snack bar.
Boaters should be alert for floating debris. Watch carefully for underwater hazards, especially as the lake level lowers in summer.
Picnicking: Family picnic sites are located at Nimbus Flat and Negro Bar on Lake Natoma, and at Beals Point, Granite Bay, the Peninsula area, and Folsom Point on Folsom Lake. Beals Point, Nimbus Flat and Peninsula have accessible picnic tables, restrooms and parking. All sites have barbecue stoves; bring your own charcoal. The group picnic area at Granite Bay will accommodate up to 200 people. Reserve by calling park headquarters.
Horseback Riding: The equestrian staging area at Granite Bay has hitching rails, a water trough and chemical toilets. Horse trailers can unload and park. Staging areas are also located at Negro Bar, Rattlesnake Bar, Brown’s Ravine, Falcon Crest and Sterling Pointe.
Trails: The park has 95 miles of trails for hikers, bicyclists, runners and horseback riders. The trail system includes a portion of the Western States/Pioneer Express Trail between Sacramento and Carson City, Nevada. Oaks Nature Trail is accessible. A paved, mostly accessible bicycle trail loops around Lake Natoma, linking to Beals Point and the American River Hike & Bike Trail. Darrington Trail is a popular mountain bike trail on the south fork arm of Folsom Lake, near the Salmon Falls area.
Fishing: Folsom Lake waters hold trout, catfish, largemouth and smallmouth bass, perch and kokanee salmon. A valid California fishing license is required. An accessible pier and fishing platform are available along Lake Natoma.
Boating: Launching facilities are located at several places around the lake. The marina at Brown’s Ravine also features boat slips, a towing service, gas dock and snack bar.
Boaters should be alert for floating debris. Watch carefully for underwater hazards, especially as the lake level lowers in summer.
Picnicking: Family picnic sites are located at Nimbus Flat and Negro Bar on Lake Natoma, and at Beals Point, Granite Bay, the Peninsula area, and Folsom Point on Folsom Lake. Beals Point, Nimbus Flat and Peninsula have accessible picnic tables, restrooms and parking. All sites have barbecue stoves; bring your own charcoal. The group picnic area at Granite Bay will accommodate up to 200 people. Reserve by calling park headquarters.
Horseback Riding: The equestrian staging area at Granite Bay has hitching rails, a water trough and chemical toilets. Horse trailers can unload and park. Staging areas are also located at Negro Bar, Rattlesnake Bar, Brown’s Ravine, Falcon Crest and Sterling Pointe.
Trails: The park has 95 miles of trails for hikers, bicyclists, runners and horseback riders. The trail system includes a portion of the Western States/Pioneer Express Trail between Sacramento and Carson City, Nevada. Oaks Nature Trail is accessible. A paved, mostly accessible bicycle trail loops around Lake Natoma, linking to Beals Point and the American River Hike & Bike Trail. Darrington Trail is a popular mountain bike trail on the south fork arm of Folsom Lake, near the Salmon Falls area.
Tips & Rules
-Grass, brush and trees become tinderdry. Wildfires are a serious threat. Fires are allowed only in the camp stoves or fire rings provided.
-Poison oak is present in many parts of the park. Contact (even when dormant) can cause a serious rash.
-Occasional rattlesnakes, mountain lions or bobcats may be present in the park. Do not walk alone in isolated areas. Report sightings to park staff.
-Floating debris, an uneven lake bottom, and rock outcroppings are hazards for boaters and swimmers. Please swim only in designated areas. No diving is permitted.
-Archaeological, cultural and natural features are protected by law and may not disturbed or removed.
-Grass, brush and trees become tinderdry. Wildfires are a serious threat. Fires are allowed only in the camp stoves or fire rings provided.
-Poison oak is present in many parts of the park. Contact (even when dormant) can cause a serious rash.
-Occasional rattlesnakes, mountain lions or bobcats may be present in the park. Do not walk alone in isolated areas. Report sightings to park staff.
-Floating debris, an uneven lake bottom, and rock outcroppings are hazards for boaters and swimmers. Please swim only in designated areas. No diving is permitted.
-Archaeological, cultural and natural features are protected by law and may not disturbed or removed.
Folsom Dam
Folsom Lake was created in 1955 by the construction of Folsom Dam, a concrete dam flanked by earth wing dams and dikes, with a total length of about nine miles. The shoreline extends about 15 miles up the forks of the American River. Lake level normally varies from 460 feet in early spring to less than 400 feet by summer.
Downstream, behind Nimbus Dam, smaller Lake Natoma has about 500 surface acres of water. Built by the Bureau of Reclamation as part of California’s Central Valley Project, Nimbus and Folsom Dams control the waters of the American River and provide flood protection, household water supply, power and irrigation.
Folsom Lake was created in 1955 by the construction of Folsom Dam, a concrete dam flanked by earth wing dams and dikes, with a total length of about nine miles. The shoreline extends about 15 miles up the forks of the American River. Lake level normally varies from 460 feet in early spring to less than 400 feet by summer.
Downstream, behind Nimbus Dam, smaller Lake Natoma has about 500 surface acres of water. Built by the Bureau of Reclamation as part of California’s Central Valley Project, Nimbus and Folsom Dams control the waters of the American River and provide flood protection, household water supply, power and irrigation.
Wildlife
Folsom Lake was created in 1955 by the construction of Folsom Dam, a concrete dam flanked by earth wing dams and dikes, with a total length of about nine miles. The shoreline extends about 15 miles up the forks of the American River. Lake level normally varies from 460 feet in early spring to less than 400 feet by summer.
Downstream, behind Nimbus Dam, smaller Lake Natoma has about 500 surface acres of water. Built by the Bureau of Reclamation as part of California’s Central Valley Project, Nimbus and Folsom Dams control the waters of the American River and provide flood protection, household water supply, power and irrigation.
Folsom Lake was created in 1955 by the construction of Folsom Dam, a concrete dam flanked by earth wing dams and dikes, with a total length of about nine miles. The shoreline extends about 15 miles up the forks of the American River. Lake level normally varies from 460 feet in early spring to less than 400 feet by summer.
Downstream, behind Nimbus Dam, smaller Lake Natoma has about 500 surface acres of water. Built by the Bureau of Reclamation as part of California’s Central Valley Project, Nimbus and Folsom Dams control the waters of the American River and provide flood protection, household water supply, power and irrigation.
Accessible Features
Camping
Beals Point Campground: Tent area (to right off entry road) offers four accessible campsites. Accessible Campsites are #’s 10,13,15, and 20. An RV camping area (to the left off the entry road) has two designated accessible campsites. Accessible Campsites are #’s 65, and 67. Accessible restrooms and restrooms with showers are available in both areas. Most provide adjacent accessible parking. An accessible restroom is available in the RV campground including accessible parking and route to the restroom. The campfire center is accessible and has accessible parking.
Peninsula Campground: An accessible campsite and combination restroom with shower are available in this small, more primitive campground on the southeast side of the lake below the town of Cool. Accessible Campsite is # 74.
Make Campground Reservations
Picnic Area
Beals Point North picnic area: A number of accessible sites are dispersed throughout this large area. Many have accessible tables, some on paved surfaces, others on dirt that is firm and usable in fair weather. Parking: A large lot serves the entire day use area with ten spaces designated accessible. Restrooms: A number of unisex restrooms dispersed across the area are accessible.
Nimbus Flats: Two new accessible picnic areas are located in the area along Lake Natoma at the west end of the California State University –Sacramento (CSUS) Lake Natoma Aquatic and Safety Center. One area fronts Lake Natoma and is sunny, the other is lightly wooded and shaded. Both have numerous accessible sites. Accessible restrooms and parking are conveniently located between the two areas.
Granite Bay Equestrian Area: This area has two accessible picnic sites, a horse mounting platform and an accessible vault restroom.
Trails
The American River Hike and Bike Trail is generally accessible for 0.38 mile from Negro Bar to Hazel Avenue. Many other portions of this trail are generally accessible, with occasional challenges from slopes or uneven surfaces. The trailhead for the Negro Bar section is located at the Negro Bar parking lot, on Greenback just east of the intersection of Greenback and Folsom Boulevard. Parking lot is large, paved and level. Restrooms at west end of lot are generally accessible.
Oaks Nature Trail (formerly Peninsula Trail): A fully accessible trail is at Peninsula section of park. Park entry and trailheads are off Rattlesnake Bar Road. A designated accessible parking space and a usable portable toilet are at the day use area near the first trailhead. For more information call park.
Doton's Cove Trail: Doton's Cove Trail is located in the Granite Bay section of the park. This trail was upgraded to meet accessible trail standards in 2009. The trailhead with accessible parking and restroom is located near the lake at Beek’s Bight. Accessible parking is also located at the trail terminus at Dotons’ Cove.
Beach/Shore Access
Beal’s Point: A beach wheelchair is available. It may be checked out for two hours with a driver’s license. Call (916) 988-0205 for information.
Granite Bay Day Use Area A beach wheelchair is available at the concession stand 7 days a week from 11 to 6, on a first come basis, from Memorial Day to Labor Day. May be checked out for two hours with a driver’s license. Call (916) 797-1332 in summer or (916) 988-0205 for information.
See also the CSUS Aquatic Center (below, Other Information) where those who can self-transfer may rent canoes and kayaks.
Exhibits/Programs
American River Water Education Center: Directly across the street from the Folsom Lake State Recreation Administrative Office is the American River Water Education Center (ARWEC). This facility is an educational center that interprets the American River Watershed and the importance of water conservation with exhibits, interactive displays, a school house, a drought tolerant garden and programs. The Center and its adjacent classroom are accessibly designed. Restrooms. All restrooms are accessible. Parking. Accessible parking is available. All paths and exterior exhibits are accessible. The Center is open to the public on weekdays from 10am to 4pm. Group educational programs are offered from 9am to 2pm or by appointment.
Additional information available online
Located at 7785 Folsom-Auburn Road, Folsom. Phone 916-989-7100 for general information or call 989-7132 to arrange programs.
Fishing
Nimbus Flats Fishing Area: The area along Lake Natoma at the west end of the CSUS Lake Natoma Aquatic and Safety Center includes a pier and fishing platform at the far end of the picnic area. The platform is accessibly designed and includes lowered railings for persons who fish from seated positions or those of shorter stature. Parking. Accessible parking, at least six accessible picnic tables, and the accessible designed restroom are nearby. Routes of travel. Paths connecting all these facilities are also accessibly designed.
Other Information
The CSUS (California State University–Sacramento) Aquatic Center at Lake Natoma is a joint project facility between California State Parks, Associated Students of CSUS, the Bureau of Reclamation and the Department of Boating and Waterways. It is located on Lake Natoma, adjacent to the Nimbus Flats area within Folsom Lake State Recreation Area. The street address is 1901 Hazel Ave, Rancho Cordova, CA. The Center is a public facility where different types of boats are for rent, and classes in boating safety are available. Most of the facilities, including parking, classrooms, docks, and restrooms, are now accessible. Low profile docks enable wheelchair users who can self-transfer to rent and use kayaks and canoes.
Call 916-AQUATIC or 916-278-2842 for information.
Camping
Beals Point Campground: Tent area (to right off entry road) offers four accessible campsites. Accessible Campsites are #’s 10,13,15, and 20. An RV camping area (to the left off the entry road) has two designated accessible campsites. Accessible Campsites are #’s 65, and 67. Accessible restrooms and restrooms with showers are available in both areas. Most provide adjacent accessible parking. An accessible restroom is available in the RV campground including accessible parking and route to the restroom. The campfire center is accessible and has accessible parking.
Peninsula Campground: An accessible campsite and combination restroom with shower are available in this small, more primitive campground on the southeast side of the lake below the town of Cool. Accessible Campsite is # 74.
Make Campground Reservations
Picnic Area
Beals Point North picnic area: A number of accessible sites are dispersed throughout this large area. Many have accessible tables, some on paved surfaces, others on dirt that is firm and usable in fair weather. Parking: A large lot serves the entire day use area with ten spaces designated accessible. Restrooms: A number of unisex restrooms dispersed across the area are accessible.
Nimbus Flats: Two new accessible picnic areas are located in the area along Lake Natoma at the west end of the California State University –Sacramento (CSUS) Lake Natoma Aquatic and Safety Center. One area fronts Lake Natoma and is sunny, the other is lightly wooded and shaded. Both have numerous accessible sites. Accessible restrooms and parking are conveniently located between the two areas.
Granite Bay Equestrian Area: This area has two accessible picnic sites, a horse mounting platform and an accessible vault restroom.
Trails
The American River Hike and Bike Trail is generally accessible for 0.38 mile from Negro Bar to Hazel Avenue. Many other portions of this trail are generally accessible, with occasional challenges from slopes or uneven surfaces. The trailhead for the Negro Bar section is located at the Negro Bar parking lot, on Greenback just east of the intersection of Greenback and Folsom Boulevard. Parking lot is large, paved and level. Restrooms at west end of lot are generally accessible.
Oaks Nature Trail (formerly Peninsula Trail): A fully accessible trail is at Peninsula section of park. Park entry and trailheads are off Rattlesnake Bar Road. A designated accessible parking space and a usable portable toilet are at the day use area near the first trailhead. For more information call park.
Doton's Cove Trail: Doton's Cove Trail is located in the Granite Bay section of the park. This trail was upgraded to meet accessible trail standards in 2009. The trailhead with accessible parking and restroom is located near the lake at Beek’s Bight. Accessible parking is also located at the trail terminus at Dotons’ Cove.
Beach/Shore Access
Beal’s Point: A beach wheelchair is available. It may be checked out for two hours with a driver’s license. Call (916) 988-0205 for information.
Granite Bay Day Use Area A beach wheelchair is available at the concession stand 7 days a week from 11 to 6, on a first come basis, from Memorial Day to Labor Day. May be checked out for two hours with a driver’s license. Call (916) 797-1332 in summer or (916) 988-0205 for information.
See also the CSUS Aquatic Center (below, Other Information) where those who can self-transfer may rent canoes and kayaks.
Exhibits/Programs
American River Water Education Center: Directly across the street from the Folsom Lake State Recreation Administrative Office is the American River Water Education Center (ARWEC). This facility is an educational center that interprets the American River Watershed and the importance of water conservation with exhibits, interactive displays, a school house, a drought tolerant garden and programs. The Center and its adjacent classroom are accessibly designed. Restrooms. All restrooms are accessible. Parking. Accessible parking is available. All paths and exterior exhibits are accessible. The Center is open to the public on weekdays from 10am to 4pm. Group educational programs are offered from 9am to 2pm or by appointment.
Additional information available online
Located at 7785 Folsom-Auburn Road, Folsom. Phone 916-989-7100 for general information or call 989-7132 to arrange programs.
Fishing
Nimbus Flats Fishing Area: The area along Lake Natoma at the west end of the CSUS Lake Natoma Aquatic and Safety Center includes a pier and fishing platform at the far end of the picnic area. The platform is accessibly designed and includes lowered railings for persons who fish from seated positions or those of shorter stature. Parking. Accessible parking, at least six accessible picnic tables, and the accessible designed restroom are nearby. Routes of travel. Paths connecting all these facilities are also accessibly designed.
Other Information
The CSUS (California State University–Sacramento) Aquatic Center at Lake Natoma is a joint project facility between California State Parks, Associated Students of CSUS, the Bureau of Reclamation and the Department of Boating and Waterways. It is located on Lake Natoma, adjacent to the Nimbus Flats area within Folsom Lake State Recreation Area. The street address is 1901 Hazel Ave, Rancho Cordova, CA. The Center is a public facility where different types of boats are for rent, and classes in boating safety are available. Most of the facilities, including parking, classrooms, docks, and restrooms, are now accessible. Low profile docks enable wheelchair users who can self-transfer to rent and use kayaks and canoes.
Call 916-AQUATIC or 916-278-2842 for information.
Trails
Summary
Difficulty
Distance
The Oak Nature Trail - Folsom Lake State Recreation Area
Take an interpretive walk along Folsom Lake to learn about the plants and animals in the area
Take an interpretive walk along Folsom Lake to learn about the plants and animals in the area
Easy
1.6 mi
2.6 km
2.6 km
Guides
Take an interpretive walk along Folsom Lake to learn about the plants and animals in the area
Community Trips
After a three mile, two hour recon trip earlier today, Friday Feb 26, 2010, we started out on a memorable venture to log the prestigious "50 50 Club". The weather wasn't the best. There were times of heavy rain and also just a steady drizzle. The wind was a factor while in the kayak.
Finally, we arrived at Folsom Lake State Recreation Area, our first stop along our tour! And it was closed. We expected the campground to be closed, but thought that we would still be able to drive in, but no luck. Instead we wrote a nice note explaining why we were there and walked down the road after we could drive no further. Luckily the Nature Tail was less than 0.5 miles further.We...
http://www.meetup.com/Sierra-Foothill-Hikers/This trip was meant to be part of the Sierra Foothill Hikers meetup group but we didn't end up seeing anyone else from the gang there. We probably would have run into them but Steve and I were a bit late, partly because the GPS didn't seem to know the address and made us park someone in the middle of suburbia and partially due to a doggy dilemma that took place with...
Went on to Granite Bay with Brandon. Beautiful day.
Riding part of the Granite Bay trail system.
Cary Owl & Clubmud got up early Friday 26 Feb, 2010 to scout out the possibility of wading across the North Fork of the American River above Folsum Lake to go after the prestigious "50 50 Club". It became apparent rather quickly it could not be done. But this area was new to both of us, so we hiked along the shoreline to get our bearings and figure out our next step.......
This was a variation of sacberg's Folsom Lake Hike, which we've done before, but I didn't track. On this hike, instead of parking at the boat ramps in Granite Bay (and paying $10.00) and then walking to Beals Point and back, we parked at Willma Cavitt Junior High School and walked to the trail from there. Then instead of walking along the levee to Beals Point, we headed the other direction on...
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