Folsom Lake State Recreation Area, CA RV Rentals and Motorhome Rentals

Folsom Lake State Recreation Area surrounds California’s Folsom Lake and sprawls at the base of the Sierra Nevada foothills. Book an RV in Sacramento County and set a course for the Recreation Area, which can be reached from either Highway 50 or I-80. Located near the town of Folsom, the recreation area sits approximately 30 minutes away from Sacramento, the Golden State capital. 

The park’s two reservoirs, Folsom Lake and Lake Natoma, are the sites for diverse activities and events held throughout the year, including sailboat regattas, rowing competitions, fishing tournaments, horseback endurance rides, foot races, and more. In addition to its scenic beauty, Folsom Lake State Recreation Area also has historical significance. It became one of the larger gold camps along the American River and was the place where African American miners first prospected the gravel bar in 1850. 

Getting Outdoors

Whether you choose to trek around the land or lounge by the water, you’ll find just about any outdoor experience you seek at the Folsom Lake State and Recreation Area. Pick up your RV rental in Sacramento County and head to the base of the majestic Sierra Nevada mountain range to discover everything this 19,564-acre park has to offer.

There are 95 miles of trail shared by hikers, bicyclists, runners, and equestrians. Cyclists will love Folsom Lake State Recreation Area’s 32-mile long bicycle path that links the lake with many other Sacramento County parks. The paved path begins at Folsom Lake at Beal’s Point, loops around Lake Natoma and the American River, and eventually ends at Discovery Park in Sacramento. 

Rent a pontoon boat or other equipment at the Folsom Lake Marina and enjoy a day on the water. Another great place to paddle out in a kayak or canoe is Lake Natoma, which is a popular spot for crew races, sailing, and other aquatic recreation. If you’d like to brush up on your waterskiing, windsurfing, or rowing skills, there’s an Aquatic Center on Lake Natoma near the Nimbus Dam that offers year-round water sports courses for people of all ages, including various youth programs in the summer. 

There are plenty of opportunities to go fishing after you rent a camper near Folsom Lake State Recreation Area. Folsom Lake holds trout, catfish, largemouth and smallmouth bass, perch, and kokanee salmon and you’ll find an accessible fishing pier on Lake Natoma at the Nimbus Flat park entrance. Just remember to bring a valid California fishing license.

Camping at Folsom Lake State Recreation Area

Folsom Lake’s three campgrounds include Beal's Point and Peninsula campgrounds which are located on Folsom Lake and Negro Bar Group campground at Lake Natoma. Beal’s Point is located just north of Folsom Dam. It accommodates motorhomes up to 31 feet long and offers full hookups in the RV loop of the campground, as well as wheelchair-accessible restrooms with showers. 

Peninsula is a more secluded campground with 100 campsites suitable for motorhomes up to 24 feet. There are no hookups available at the sites here, but you’ll have basic amenities like flush toilets plus access to two boat launch ramps and a day-use area near the park. Both Beal’s Point and Peninsula campgrounds feature sanitation dump stations and piped drinking water. 

The prime season for RV camping at Folsom Lake State Recreation Area is April through September. When you’re ready to plan your vacation in Folsom you’ll be able to reserve a site six months in advance, just keep in mind that campsite reservations are only accepted during the on-season. Campsite availability is first-come, first-served during the off-season. 

Most of the park entrances are located within a short driving distance to local restaurants, so Folsom campers have easy access to various food options. If you need any snacks or meal supplies during your stay here, there are also food concessions available at Granite Bay, Beal's Point and Brown's Ravine Marina Store during the summer.

Exploring the Area

Before you set out to explore more of central California, make sure to tour the Folsom Powerhouse State Historic Park. This historic site preserves one of the United States first AC hydroelectric power stations. The Folsom Powerhouse produced 11,000 volts of electricity for Sacramento residents from 1885 to 1952 and was once called "the greatest operative electrical plant on the American continent."

The Recreation Area is in close proximity to Folsom, Roseville, Rancho Cordova, and other Sacramento, Placer and El Dorado County towns, so supplies, services, and all kinds of urban activities are easy to come across. As you cruise around in your travel trailer rental, you’ll discover tons of attractions along the way, all within a short 30-minute drive of Folsom Lake State Recreation camping areas.

Dig deeper into this region’s rich heritage when you visit the historic town of Folsom, and take some time to browse the California State Railroad Museum, Old Governor's Mansion, the State Capitol Museum, and Sutter's Fort. Before you continue your California road trip, you might also be drawn to more of this area’s natural beauty at the nearby Marshall Gold Discovery State Park and Auburn State Recreation Area.