folsom lake state recreation area

The great drought has impacted our ability to enjoy Lake Folsom. Its one of those lakes that makes one realize how important water conservation is and how dire our current drought is.We need rain.In terms of current conditions, its not that fun to visitWhen we have lots of rain and a full lake, it is a fun place to go for picnics, boating, and water play. We have been there for couple's romantic picnics, family outings, and large relative gatherings and they all have been great.Balancing the current conditions of the lake and the superlative times we have had in the past, I am rating it currently an average experience.If we get over this drought and the lake gets full again, the rating would definitely improve as a fun place to go.

Ever since the drought this place is a ghost town. There is not enough water to float a boat or go swimming. Everything is closed down and over grown.

The drought is a shame but the views down the fingers of the forks of the river are very picturesque. Great place to spend a hot afternoon rafting, kayaking paddle boarding or rafting.

We enjoyed our stay at Folsom Lake very much. Although the lake waters were low, the bike paths were wonderful! Had we more time, we would have ridden around the whole lake. However, we really liked what we saw and would certainly visit again!

We visited this lake on the way in from Lake Tahoe into Sacramento. Looked like an ok lake to take a boat out. Better signs would have enhanced our experience as looking at the map they give you at the entrance and trying to find the places for real being our first time was a little frustrating. We did not manage to go fishing which was our main objective. $12 entrance fee. Ended up fishing by Negro Bar which was not fruitful. We were probably in the wrong spot as it was shallow and rocky.

Folsom Lake offers a variety of activities for most everyone. This is a very large Northern California reservoir supplying water and recreation facilites to large regional population base. Here's the description from their website: "Located at the base of the Sierra foothills, the lake and 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. 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.Day use fees are $10 to $12 depending on the access location. With 75 miles of shoreline, the lake has multiple entrances into the park.Although the obvious focus of a lake is on boating and water sports, I like this area best for it's hiking and running trails. There are still remnants in some historical areas of flumes and waterways supplying water to early California mining camps along the now-dammed American River. There is some potable water at campgrounds and established access points, but if hiking and running on trails you must carry your own water as you may not come across water for several miles.Folsom Lake is down many feet at the present time due to the severe drought in California. For boating it may get very bad by the end of summer, but right now there is enough water to launch boats. In normal years it's beautiful and is used by millions of visitors.

Currently (as you may already know) Northern California is going through a severe drought, and no where is this fact more apparent than it is here at this once bountiful, beautiful lake. It's a shame really! This is not the lake you've heard about nor does it look beautiful at the moment. I hope all that changes soon. If there's any bright side to the story is that a once submerged city is making a reappearance. You can actually see the town and (sadly) go for a stroll in its ruins. While this is sad in way, it also offers a new feature (for the time being) that you will not normally see. Go for a picnic and see the sights, hike the trails, ride a bike...and hope that the waters return for everyone's sake.

Went here with my dad. Remember wishing that I could return with cash and friends for one of the lake boats they had for rent. It was hot the day we visited so bring lots of water in the summer. Not too crowded and nice water.

First time in Sac and wasn't sure what I thought of it until Folsom Lake! For a second, I felt like I was in Africa or the middle east. The lake area was quiet and beautiful this time of year (fall). Nice place to relax and meditate. Saw some with their dogs and some on picnics. Not crowded when I went this past weekend.

Rented a boat here over holiday weekend and had a great time. Water is pretty clean and very warm. Ample parking and clean facilities.

We actually have a lake in Sacramento!!! Dam-made, and right in the middle of the burbs. Easy access, lots of water (til mid July when they lower the level). A great place for boating, picnics, and hiking. A good place to cool off during Sacramento's summer days.

This SRA covers about twenty different areas, there are boat launches, picnic areas, swimming areas and river walks. Check with the rangers to find what you are looking for, as you could wander for days through all the different park areas they have!

Folsom is a great melting pot of boaters, Jetskiers Campers, Hikers, Nature Lovers, Bycilists, Fisherman, Water Skiers, Equestrians and just about everything else. Can get rather hot in the summer, so plan accordingly and plan to get in the water. Like all of California's Wild Places, it has its share of critters, including Rattlesnakes in summer especially. Use a little caution when hiking or exploring. Beals Point RV campground is a good place to stay and close to everything.

Fun place to ride horses; miles of trails, seems to be safe. Occasional crazy motorcycle riders have caused havoc with horses. Otherwise, watch for hikers and bicyclists.

It is a nice place if you get lucky enough to go on a day when there are not many people, which pretty much never happens during the boating season. I would rather take my chances with the strong current at the river than deal with the idiots who boat here.