Overview
Folsom Lake State Recreation Area includes an 18,000-acre lake with opportunities for camping, picnicking, hiking, horseback riding, water sports, biking and boating. The park also includes Lake Natoma, downstream from Folsom Lake, which offers sailing, kayaking and other aquatic sports. The park has multiple entrances most of which are fairly easily reached by either Interstate 80 to Douglas Blvd., or Highway 50 to Hazel Ave., or Folsom Blvd. The administrative offices are located at the base of Folsom Dam at the corner of Folsom-Auburn Road and Folsom Dam Road in Folsom, California. Phone 916-988-0205.
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.
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 restooms and parking are conveniently located between the two areas.
Granite Bay Equestrain 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 10:00 am to 4:00 pm. Group educational programs are offered from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm or by appointment. Additional information available online at www.usbr.gov/mp/arwec . 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
Boating
Granite Bay
The main launch ramp area has accessible parking, restrooms, and accessibly designed boarding floats.
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. See online information at www.csusaquaticcenter.com or call 916-AQUATIC or 916-278-2842 for information.
Definitions & Terms
Accessible
Meets all or most of the current accessibility standards; most visitors with disabilities will not need assistance.
Generally accessible
Meets many current codes and has few barriers, but some visitors with disabilities may need assistance.
Usable
Meets some current codes but has some barriers; many visitors with disabilities may require assistance.
Designated accessible
Describes facilities that have been set aside and usually signed or “designated” accessible because they met accessibility codes when built. Such facilities may vary from newer suggested guidelines in specified ways, and improvements may be planned or ongoing. Minor variations from guidelines are not usually described. This term is often used for parking spaces that are reserved for visitors with disabilities even though there may be minor issues with slope, signage, or size.
