Boating At Folsom Lake In California
This site is FOR SALE. Use Contact Us for inquiries.
By AA-Boats & Boating Staff Writers

Public Boating & Watersport Activities
Folsom Lake, located in California, is a stunning reservoir that offers an array of recreational opportunities for visitors. Situated in the Sierra Nevada foothills, this picturesque lake is surrounded by natural beauty, making it a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts. One of the biggest draws of Folsom Lake is its proximity to several notable attractions, such as the Folsom Lake State Recreation Area, which features hiking trails, picnic areas, and scenic viewpoints for visitors to enjoy.
Boating is a major highlight at Folsom Lake, attracting both locals and tourists alike. The lake boasts a well-equipped marina that provides convenient services for boaters. Whether you own a boat or need to rent one, Folsom Lake has you covered with various rental options available. Visitors can easily find rental boats by the hour or the day, allowing them to explore the sparkling waters and enjoy the freedom of cruising around the lake at their own pace.
For water sports enthusiasts, Folsom Lake is a paradise. The lake is a hub for popular water activities, including water skiing, wakeboarding, jet skiing, and paddleboarding. Its vast expanse provides ample space for these activities, ensuring everyone can have a thrilling and enjoyable experience on the water.
The lake's accessibility is further enhanced by multiple boat launch ramps scattered throughout the area. These convenient launch points make it easy for boaters to get their vessels onto the water swiftly, avoiding unnecessary delays and maximizing their time for enjoyment.
Folsom Lake's location is advantageous for those seeking a complete vacation experience. It is close to several nearby cities, such as Sacramento and Folsom, offering additional opportunities for exploration, dining, and entertainment. Visitors can immerse themselves in the local culture, historical sites, and various recreational activities available in these neighboring cities.
Boating season at Folsom Lake typically runs from spring through fall when the weather is pleasant and the water levels are suitable for water-based activities. During this period, the lake comes alive with boaters, anglers, and campers seeking to make the most of the great outdoors.
Fishing is another popular pastime at Folsom Lake, attracting anglers looking to reel in various fish species. The lake is well-stocked, providing opportunities for catching bass, trout, catfish, and more. Fishing enthusiasts can spend serene hours on the water, enjoying the thrill of a successful catch amidst the stunning natural backdrop.
Camping is also a prevalent activity at Folsom Lake. The surrounding areas offer several campgrounds where visitors can pitch tents or park RVs, allowing them to extend their stay and fully immerse themselves in the serene ambiance of the lake and its surroundings. Camping under the starry night sky adds to the allure of the Folsom Lake experience, creating unforgettable memories for all who visit this captivating Californian gem.
Boating, camping and fishing.
Fishing and boating, not far from the Folsom Prison made famous by Johnny Cash, is Folsom Lake. Nine boat launch locations make lake access easy for visitors with boats. This is an 11,400 acre lake, intersecting El Dorado, Placer, and Sacramento County. Primarily reputed as a bass fishing lake, Folsom also offers good catfish, crappie, trout, sunfish and salmon fishing. Although the lake levels vary a lot, the lake recovers quickly and predictions are for high water levels extend into the future. Fishing from shore and kayak fishing are quite popular here.
Area Amenities
Marina: YES
Boat Rental: YES
Boat Launch Ramp: YES
Campgrounds: YES
RV Hookups: YES
Lodging: NEARBY
Convenience Store: YES
Bait & Tackle: YES
Restaurant: YES
Camping
Folsom Lake State Recreation Area - 916 988-0205
Peninsula Campground - 916 988-0205
Loomis RV Park Campground - 916 652-6737
Folsom Lake Map
Fishing
Fish species found in Folsom Lake include largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, channel catfish, flathead catfish, black crappie, rainbow trout, bluegill, bream, green sunfish and kokanee salmon.
Click here for a CA Fishing License.
Local Contact Information
Folsom Lake State Recreation Area
1416 9th Street
Sacramento, CA 95814
916 653-6995
Find boating lakes in other states.
Alabama
Alaska
Arizona
Arkansas
California
Colorado
Connecticut
Delaware
Washington DC
Florida
Georgia
Hawaii
Idaho
Illinois
Indiana
Iowa
Kansas