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Folsom Lake SRA/Peninsula
Overview
Peninsula Campground is a secluded getaway within the Folsom Lake State Recreation Area. It offers a more remote camping experience compared to other busier entry points of the lake. Situated at the end of a long, winding road, this park provides a quiet escape into the Sierra Nevada foothills. It is managed by California State Parks and emphasizes a deep connection with the natural environment, allowing visitors to enjoy the rugged beauty of Northern California away from the hustle of suburban life.
Location & Surroundings
The park is nestled between the North and South forks of the American River, providing stunning water views and direct access to the reservoir. The terrain consists of rolling hills covered in blue oaks and gray pines, which provide essential shade during the warm summer months. Because it is located approximately ten miles from the main thoroughfares of Pilot Hill and Coloma, the surroundings feel incredibly private. Travelers should note the access road is narrow and winding, making it a scenic but slow journey to the water’s edge.
Amenities & Park Features
This is primarily a dry camping destination, meaning there are no electric, water, or sewer hookups available at the individual sites. However, the park is well-equipped with essential facilities to ensure a comfortable stay, including flush toilets and hot showers. Each site features a fire ring and a picnic table for outdoor dining. There is a sanitary dump station available for RVers to use upon departure, and potable water spigots are conveniently located throughout the campground loops for filling tanks.
Nearby Attractions & Things to Do
Water activities dominate the itinerary here, with two launch ramps available for boaters, kayakers, and jet skiers. Anglers often visit to fish for bass, perch, and trout in the reservoir's deep waters. For history enthusiasts, the Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park in nearby Coloma offers a fascinating look at the 1848 discovery that sparked the California Gold Rush. Hikers and birdwatchers can also explore miles of trails that wind through the diverse foothill landscape, offering frequent sightings of local wildlife and wildflowers.
Who This Park Is Best For
This location is ideal for RVers who prefer a rustic, primitive setting over a traditional luxury resort. It is a perfect fit for families and solo travelers looking to disconnect and enjoy unobstructed lake access. Due to the narrow, winding access roads and the lack of hookups, it is best suited for smaller to mid-sized rigs and campers who are comfortable with dry camping and enjoy a peaceful, natural environment.
Amenities
- Recreational Facilities
- Policies
- Other Amenities & Services
- Recreation Nearby (within 10 miles)
- Facility
- On-Site Rentals
- Sites
User Reviews
Dennis Gutsulenko
I visited Folsom Lake a while ago and had a great experience! I swam in the cold, refreshing water, which was perfect for a hot day. The huge snow cones nearby were a fun treat and made the visit even more enjoyable. The parking area was spacious and well-maintained, making it easy to get in and out without any stress. Overall, Folsom Lake is a fantastic spot for outdoor fun, whether you want to swim, relax, or enjoy a treat. I highly recommend it for anyone looking for a refreshing day out in nature!
Ed Schlipf
Posting this to commend the excellent condition of the floating restrooms on both the north fork (Granite Bay) and south fork (Eldorado Hills) sides on August 27 and 28. I don’t know who does the cleaning, but both were sparkling clean, functional and fully stocked with TP. I suppose the upkeep gets easier as the lake level falls and traffic declines, but the parks employees are tied up with things like boat inspections and budgets are probably tight. The staff at the check-in booth were friendly and helpful. We registered for 2 nights camping on the lake, so they had to verify that there was a marine toilet on our boat, but some occasions are better handled in a larger facility…! The lake is down around 50’ from max, which limits the number of coves to anchor in, but we had no problem launching our big cruiser from the Granite Bay low-water ramp, and I think we were the only ones overnighting on either arm. It’s great watching the stars come out over the water on a clear night, and going to sleep with no sound but the ripples slapping on the hull.
William Clark
Great place to swim and spend the afternoon. The beach is a bit of a hike, but there's a lot of amenities.
Dora Herrington
I just went in to check out the campgrounds. Ive always gone boating for the day and love the lake. Campgrounds look nice and may stay soon.
crow
This place looks very nice because there really isn't any other large body of water around . but the 15 bucks to park is expensive. The cheapest yearly pass is about 125. Kinda expensive too . I knocked off two stars for the price and also. Because of a few things. signs clearly state No dogs on the beach. But there's plenty of people that disregard the sign. Also broken glass on the beach. You should not take your shoes off. The path to walk is nice. But also to many people . These a lot of bike riders that go off in the dirt path. So it's annoying to have to nice cause of the narrow path. I want to check a different part of the lake, but this one isn't worth it