Folsom Lake

https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=500 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Folsom_Lake_State_Recreation_Area The Folsom Lake State Recreation Area surrounds Folsom Lake in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada, and is managed by the California Department of Parks and Recreation. It is located near the city of Folsom, California, about 25 miles (40 km) east of Sacramento.

Folsom Lake State Recreation Area Our Mission The mission of California State Parks is to provide for the health, inspiration and education of the people of California by helping to preserve the state’s extraordinary biological diversity, protecting its most valued natural and cultural resources, and creating opportunities for high-quality outdoor recreation. Folsom Lake’s miles of shoreline and waterside trails attract millions of boaters, equestrians, cyclists, California State Parks supports equal access. Prior to arrival, visitors with disabilities who need assistance should contact the park at (916) 988-0205. If you need this publication in an alternate format, contact interp@parks.ca.gov. CALIFORNIA STATE PARKS P.O. Box 942896 Sacramento, CA 94296-0001 For information call: (800) 777-0369 (916) 653-6995, outside the U.S. 711, TTY relay service www.parks.ca.gov Folsom Lake State Recreation Area 7755 Folsom-Auburn Road Folsom, CA 95630 (916) 988-0205 © 2008 California State Parks (Rev. 2022) and hikers each year. F olsom Lake State Recreation Area offers scenic panoramas of open grasslands, rolling hills, the Sierra Nevada, Sacramento Valley, and the Bay Area’s Mount Diablo. Folsom Lake State Scenic views Recreation Area covers 19,500 acres. Its two reservoirs, Folsom and Natoma, attract about two million visitors annually. The climate is typical of Sacramento area. Hot summers require a sunhat and sun block. In winter, fog brings a chill. Spring and fall offer rainy or warm days with cooler evenings and nights. PARK HISTORY Native People For thousands of years, the land near Folsom Lake belonged to the Southern Maidu or Nisenan (“from among us”). The Nisenan lived in temporary summer shelters made from peeled tree bark. In winter they dwelled in permanent villages on the American River. These villages had community buildings, including kum ceremonial and guest structures. The Nisenan traded with other native groups, exchanging local acorns for black oak acorns, manzanita berries, and sugar pine nuts. Coastal people traded with the Nisenan for oyster shells, shell beads, and basket materials. The Nisenan are still known worldwide for their woven baskets made from willow, redbud, tule, milkweed, sedge grass, and native grapevines. After the 1848 gold discovery, most of the Nisenan lands were given away as Spanish land grants. The native people were overwhelmed by the loss of their food sources and by diseases like smallpox. The Nisenan people were nearly decimated, but today their descendants live in nearby communities or on reservations. FOLSOM DAM Folsom Lake was created in 1955 by the construction of Folsom Dam, a concrete dam flanked by earth wing dams and dikes, with a total length of about nine miles. The shoreline extends about 15 miles up the forks of the American River. Lake level normally varies from 460 feet in early spring to less than 400 feet by summer. Downstream, behind Nimbus Dam, smaller Lake Natoma has about 500 surface acres of water. Built by the Bureau of Reclamation as part of California’s Central Valley Project, Nimbus and Folsom Dams control the waters of the American River and provide flood protection, household water supply, power, and irrigation. THE FOLSOM POWERHOUSE Nearby Folsom Powerhouse was built to harness the water power of the American River at the original Folsom Dam, completed by Folsom Prison laborers in 1893. The Powerhouse landmark, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, is a state historic park. PLANTS AND WILDLIFE Blue oaks, interior live oaks, foothill pines, and annual grasses dot the open woodlands. In the spring, blooming wildflowers include Indian paintbrush, larkspur, lupine, brodiaea, fiddleneck, dutchman’s pipe, and monkey flower. Black-tailed deer, raccoons, skunks, opossums, gray foxes, and coyotes are often seen in the park. Mountain lions and bobcats may occasionally be spotted. Beavers and river otters live in the Mormon Island Wetlands, a perfect area for bird watching. Nesting egrets, herons, and cormorants may be observed from the Willow Creek access. Year-round residents include Canada geese, blackbirds, scrub jays, quail, wrens, bushtits, and towhees. Wrentits and California thrashers sing in the chamise-chaparral. Look for kingfishers and grebes near the water. Red-tailed hawks, kestrels, ospreys, and eagles might be seen soaring over the lake. Folsom Lake and Dam Photo courtesy of Sacramento State Aquatic Center RECREATION from the town of Pilot Hill on Highway 49. Fishing  —  Folsom Beals Point Campground   Lake waters hold Just north of Folsom Dam, trout, catfish, Beals Point has 49 family largemouth and campsites and 20 RV hookup smallmouth bass, sites for trailers and motor perch, and kokanee homes up to 31 feet. A salmon. A valid sanitation station, piped California fishing drinking water, and wheelchairlicense is required. accessible restrooms with hot Lake Natoma’s showers are available nearby. accessible pi

Nuestra Misión Área Recreativa Estatal Folsom Lake La misión de California State Parks es proporcionar apoyo para la salud, la inspiración y la educación de los ciudadanos de California al ayudar a preservar la extraordinaria diversidad biológica del estado, proteger sus más valiosos recursos naturales y culturales, y crear oportunidades para la recreación al aire libre de alta calidad. La gran extensión de la línea costera de Folsom Lake y los senderos de la ribera atraen cada año a millones de navegantes, jinetes, California State Parks apoya la igualdad de acceso. Antes de llegar, los visitantes con discapacidades que necesiten asistencia deben comunicarse con el parque llamando al (530) 525-3345. Si necesita esta publicación en un formato alternativo, comuníquese con interp@parks.ca.gov. CALIFORNIA STATE PARKS P.O. Box 942896 Sacramento, CA 94296-0001 Para obtener más información, llame al: (800) 777-0369 o (916) 653-6995, fuera de los EE. UU. o 711, servicio de teléfono de texto. www.parks.ca.gov Folsom Lake State Recreation Area 7755 Folsom-Auburn Road Folsom, CA 95630 (916) 988-0205 © 2008 California State Parks (Rev. 2016) ciclistas y excursionistas. E l Área Recreativa Estatal Folsom Lake brinda panoramas pintorescos de praderas amplias, colinas onduladas, la Sierra Nevada, el Valle de Sacramento y el área del Monte Vista pintoresca Diablo. El Área Recreativa Estatal Folsom Lake cubre 19,500 acres. Sus dos reservorios, Folsom y Natoma, atraen anualmente cerca de dos millones de visitantes. El clima es el típico de la zona de Sacramento. Los calurosos veranos requieren del uso de sombreo para el sol y protección solar. En el invierno, la niebla trae un clima fresco. La primavera y el otoño tienen días cálidos y lluviosos con tardes y noches más frescas. HISTORIA DEL PARQUE Pueblos nativos Por miles de años, la tierra cercana a Folsom Lake perteneció a los nisenan (que significa “entre nosotros”) o maidú del sur. En el verano, los nisenan vivían en refugios temporales fabricados con cortezas de árboles. En el invierno, residían de forma permanente en villas sobre el Río de los Americanos. Estas villas tenían edificios comunitarios que incluían un kum (casa de danzas) ceremonial y estructuras para invitados. Los nisenan comerciaban con otros grupos nativos e intercambiaban bellotas locales por bellotas de roble negro, manzanita y piñas del pino de azúcar. Los pueblos costeros comerciaban con los nisenan las conchas de las ostras, cuentas de concha y materiales para los canastos. Aún son conocidos en todo el mundo por sus canastos tejidos hechos con sauce, tule, asclepias, pastos ciperáceos y vides nativas. Luego del descubrimiento de oro de 1848, la mayoría de las tierras de los nisenan se cedieron como concesiones de tierras españolas. Los pueblos nativos estaban agobiados por la pérdida de sus fuentes de alimentos y por enfermedades como la viruela. El pueblo nisenan fue casi diezmado, sin embargo, en la actualidad sus descendientes viven en comunidades cercanas o en reservas. EL EMBALSE FOLSOM Folsom Lake fue creado en 1955 por la construcción de la represa que lleva su nombre, una estructura de concreto rodeada por estribos de tierra y diques con un largo total de aproximadamente nueve millas. La línea costera se extiende unas 15 millas hacia los tributarios del Río de los Americanos. El nivel del lago normalmente varía de 460 pies, a principios de la primavera, a menos de 400 pies en el verano. Río abajo, detrás de la represa Nimbus, el lago Natoma, más pequeño, cuenta con una superficie de 500 acres de agua. Construido por la Oficina de recuperación (Bureau of Reclamation) como parte del proyecto del Valle Central de California, las represas Nimbus y Folsom controlan el agua del Río de los Americanos y proporcionan protección contra las inundaciones y suministran agua, energía y riego para las viviendas. CENTRAL ELÉCTRICA FOLSOM La cercana central eléctrica Folsom se creó para aprovechar la energía hídrica del Río de los Americanos en la represa Folsom original que fue terminada por trabajadores de la prisión Folsom en 1893. La central eléctrica se encuentra en la lista del Registro Nacional de Lugares Históricos y es un parque estatal histórico. PLANTAS Y VIDA SILVESTRE El roble azul, el pino gris, y las hierbas anuales se distribuyen por los bosques Folsom Lake y represa Photo courtesy of Sacramento State Aquatic Center abiertos. En la de boca grande y de boca primavera, las pequeña, percas y salmones flores silvestres rojos. Es necesario contar con que eclosionan una licencia de pesca válida incluyen castilleja, para California. Delphinium, lupín, El embarcadero y la plataforma Brodiaea, Amsinckia de pesca accesibles del lago y flor mono. Natoma se encuentra en A menudo se Nimbus Flat. ven ciervos mulo, Navegación —  Las instalaciones para las mapaches, zorrinos, embarcaciones se encuentran didélfidos, zorros grises y coyotes. Los pumas y linces se pueden ver ocasionalmente. L

Folsom Lake State Recreation Area 7755 Folsom-Auburn Road • Folsom, CA 95630 • (916) 988-0205 Folsom Lake State Recreation Area offers scenic panoramas of open grasslands, rolling hills, the Sierra Nevada, Sacramento Valley, and the Bay Area’s Mount Diablo. Folsom Lake’s miles of shoreline and waterside trails attract millions of boaters, equestrians, cyclists, and hikers each year. RATTLESNAKES are common to the area and are CAMPGROUND FACILITIES are for registered important members of the natural community. They will not attack, but if disturbed or cornered, will defend themselves. Give them distance and respect. occupants only. Flush toilets and piped drinking water are available in the campground area. Au bu rn and may not be left unattended at any time. Dogs must be confined to a vehicle or tent at night. Please clean up after your pets. Beeks Bight b ur n Rd o m - Au Salmon R d il l Bar Rd H Green Valley Rd Browns Beals Folsom Ravine Point Lake Folsom Folsom Lake Dam Marina Folsom Mormon Point Island E l D or t S in lvd B B Ra v lue ll s Hi E. ma to Na o ad after the official closing hour is prohibited. All boats must be moored out of the main traffic channels and within 200 feet of shore. On-board camping is allowed only in the North and South Fork areas. Call the Folsom Sector office for registration, vessel specifications, mooring locations, and rules and regulations at (916) 988-0205. t ilo Dotons Point Granite Bay Douglas Blvd Fols BOAT CAMPING is prohibited on shore. Boating es Peninsula Campground FIREWOOD: Please do not collect dead or downed wood, as it is an essential part of the park’s natural recycling systems. Also, no ground fires are allowed. Anderson Island P Fol DOGS must be kept on a six-foot-maximum leash Horseshoe Bar Wild Goose Flats na Rd m 80 so another night, please re-register by 10 a.m. Rattlesnake Bar ke CHECK-OUT TIME is noon. If you wish to stay ttl QUIET HOURS are from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. Generators may be operated from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Radios and other sound-producing devices must not be audible beyond your immediate campsite regardless of the time, day or night. Folsom Lake. The fish varieties include trout, catfish, large and smallmouth bass, perch, and kokanee. Bottom anglers have even caught sturgeon. Fishing regulations change annually, check with the California Department of Fish and Wildlife at www.wildlife.ca.gov for current changes in catch limits and licensing requirements. Ra particularly in spring, and underwater hazards created as the lake draws down in the summer. eR d BOATERS should be alert for floating debris, FISHING is perhaps the most popular activity at 50 CAMPING RESERVATIONS: You may make camping reservations by calling (800) 444-7275 (TTY 800-274-7275). To make online reservations, visit our website at www.parks.ca.gov. ALTERNATE FORMAT: This publication can be made available in alternate formats. Contact interp@parks.ca.gov. Folsom Lake State Recreation Area Beals Point Campground 54 Your Site #__________ 53 to Granite Bay 52 Folsom Lake 51 50 56 55 Overflow 59 D 57 58 67 61 60 68 65 62 66 63 64 DAY-USE PARKING Day-Use Only Kiosk 1 2 49 Auburn Folsom Ro ad 3 47 48 4 5 8 39 37 38 9 15 14 10 36 35 11 12 16 17 13 18 32 20 28 22 26 24 27 25 31 30 29 ail 19 33 34 rial Tr 7 Memo 42 Legend J ededia h S mi th 45 44 43 41 6 21 23 to Folsom 1-69 Map not to scale PLEASE REMEMBER: • Poison oak is nearly everywhere in the park. “Leaves of three, let them be!” Check with staff for further information. • The consumption of any alcoholic beverage in all day-use areas and all shorelines of Folsom Lake and Lake Natoma is prohibited. • Always wear a life jacket or other floatation device when recreating around water or participating in water activities. For Emergencies, Dial ## Paved Road Trail: Accessible Trail: Hike & Horse Trail: Multi-use Accessible Campsite Accessible Feature Camp Host Campsites Campfire Center First Aid Food Services Parking Restrooms RV Sanitation Station Showers Swimming • Swim at designated beaches only, and if available, swim where a lifeguard is on duty. • Do not swim in unfamiliar areas which may harbor dangerous currents, deep holes, debris, and other hazards. • Diving or jumping is extremely hazardous in unfamiliar water and against the law in a state park (California Code of Regulations, Title 14, 4656). • Always respect the rights of others to enjoy the water. 911. © 2009 California State Parks (Rev. 2018) 

Folsom Lake State Recreation Area 7755 Folsom-Auburn Road  Folsom, CA 95630  (916) 988-0205 Folsom Lake State Recreation Area offers scenic panoramas of open grasslands, rolling hills, the Sierra Nevada, Sacramento Valley, and the Bay Area’s Mount Diablo. The recreation area covers 19,500 acres. Its two reservoirs, Folsom and Natoma, attract about two million visitors annually. On the north shore of Lake Natoma, three group sites are available at Negro Bar. RATTLESNAKES are common to the area and are FISHING is one of the most popular activities at important members of the natural community. They will not attack, but if disturbed or cornered, will defend themselves. Give them distance and respect. Lake Natoma. The fish varieties include trout, catfish, large and smallmouth bass, crappie and walleye. Fishing regulations change annually. Check with the California Sport Fishing Regulations for current changes in catch limits and licensing requirements. BOATERS should be alert for floating debris, particularly in spring, and underwater hazards, since the lake level can fluctuate several feet daily. QUIET HOURS are from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. Generators may be operated from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Radios and other sound-producing devices must not be audible beyond your immediate campsite regardless of the time, day or night. CHECK-OUT TIME is noon. If you wish to stay another night, please re-register by 10 a.m. DOGS must be kept on a six-foot-maximum leash and may not be left unattended at any time. Dogs must be confined to a vehicle or tent at night. Please clean up after your pets. FIREWOOD: Please do not collect dead or downed wood, as it is an essential part of the park’s natural recycling systems. Also, no ground fires are allowed. BOATING is primarily for non-motorized boating. Because of the calm waters, Lake Natoma attracts national rowing events and is popular for kayaking and stand-up paddle boarders. Powerboats are permitted at a speed of 5 MPH or less. Personal watercraft are prohibited on the lake. Boating after the official closing time is prohibited. PLEASE REMEMBER: • Poison oak is nearly everywhere in the park. “Leaves of three, let them be!” Check with staff for further information. • The consumption of any alcoholic beverage in all day-use areas and all shorelines of Folsom Lake and Lake Natoma is prohibited. • Always wear a life jacket or other floatation device when recreating around water or participating in water activities. • Swim at designated beaches only, and if available, swim where a lifeguard is on duty. • Do not swim in unfamiliar areas which may harbor dangerous currents, deep holes, debris, and other hazards. • Diving or jumping is extremely hazardous in unfamiliar water and against the law in a state park (California Code of Regulations, Title 14, 4656). • Always respect the rights of others to enjoy the water. CAMPGROUND FACILITIES are for registered occupants only. Flush toilets and piped drinking water are available in the campground area. CAMPING RESERVATIONS: You may make camping reservations by calling (800) 444-7275 (TTY 800-274-7275). To make online reservations, visit our website at www.parks.ca.gov. ALTERNATE FORMAT: This publication can be made available in alternate formats. Contact interp@parks.ca.gov. Folsom Lake State Recreation Area Black Miners Bar Group Camps e to Folsom ne Am k ac b en e Gr o Tr Pi E er ne to Orangevale Am er ic an ve Ri rB i ai x La e pr s l rai sT B C A Entrance Station l ke Folsom Boulevard eri can Riv er C anyo nD riv Your Site #__________ Lake Natoma l y le ut h k La a eN tom Pa ke i aB t So th e re St a te rai tT Ri W n rfr o Folsom Powerhouse SHP t e re St rff do es d ei L Folsom Historic District to 50 Map not to scale Legend Paved Road Accessible Feature Locked Gate Unpaved Road Boat Launch: Hand Parking Trail: Accessible Boat Launch: Vehicle Picnic Area Trail: Hike Bridge Restrooms Trail: Hike & Horse Campground: Group Swimming Trail: Multi-use Horse Staging Area For Emergencies, Dial 911. © 2018 California State Parks 

Folsom Lake State Recreation Area 7755 Folsom-Auburn Road • Folsom, CA 95630 • (916) 988-0205 Folsom Lake State Recreation Area offers scenic panoramas of open grasslands, rolling hills, the Sierra Nevada, Sacramento Valley, and the Bay Area’s Mount Diablo. Folsom Lake’s miles of shoreline and waterside trails attract millions of boaters, equestrians, cyclists, and hikers each year. RATTLESNAKES are common to the area and are FISHING is perhaps the most popular activity at important members of the natural community. They will not attack, but if disturbed or cornered, will defend themselves. Give them distance and respect. Folsom Lake. The fish varieties include trout, catfish, large and smallmouth bass, perch, and kokanee. Bottom anglers have even caught sturgeon. Fishing regulations change annually, check with the California Department of Fish and Wildlife at www.wildlife.ca.gov for current changes in catch limits and licensing requirements. BOATERS should be alert for floating debris, particularly in spring, and underwater hazards created as the lake draws down in the summer. QUIET HOURS are from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. Generators may be operated from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Radios and other sound-producing devices must not be audible beyond your immediate campsite regardless of the time, day or night. CHECK-OUT TIME is noon. If you wish to stay another night, please re-register by 10 a.m. DOGS must be kept on a six-foot-maximum leash and may not be left unattended at any time. Dogs must be confined to a vehicle or tent at night. Please clean up after your pets. FIREWOOD: Please do not collect dead or downed wood, as it is an essential part of the park’s natural recycling systems. Also, no ground fires are allowed. BOAT CAMPING is prohibited on shore. Boating after the official closing hour is prohibited. All boats must be moored out of the main traffic channels and within 200 feet of shore. On-board camping is allowed only in the North and South Fork areas. Call the Folsom Sector office for registration, vessel specifications, mooring locations, and rules and regulations at (916) 988-0205. PLEASE REMEMBER: • Poison oak is nearly everywhere in the park. “Leaves of three, let them be!” Check with staff for further information. • The consumption of any alcoholic beverage in all day-use areas and all shorelines of Folsom Lake and Lake Natoma is prohibited. • Always wear a life jacket or other floatation device when recreating around water or participating in water activities. • Swim at designated beaches only, and if available, swim where a lifeguard is on duty. • Do not swim in unfamiliar areas which may harbor dangerous currents, deep holes, debris, and other hazards. • Diving or jumping is extremely hazardous in unfamiliar water and against the law in a state park (California Code of Regulations, Title 14, 4656). • Always respect the rights of others to enjoy the water. CAMPGROUND FACILITIES are for registered occupants only. Flush toilets and piped drinking water are available in the campground area. CAMPING RESERVATIONS: You may make camping reservations by calling (800) 444-7275 (TTY 800-274-7275). To make online reservations, visit our website at www.parks.ca.gov. ALTERNATE FORMAT: This publication can be made available in alternate formats. Contact interp@parks.ca.gov. Folsom Lake State Recreation Area Peninsula Campground Your Site #__________ 23 25 22 24 21 20 26 19 27 28 ks 15 14 ra eT 30 tur 16 13 Na il 11 12 31 10 32 34 Rattle sna ke Ba rR oa d Folsom Lake to entrance station, north launch ramp, and picnic areas Oa 18 29 9 33 7 35 8 38 37 36 5 6 4 42 40 51 43 58 48 49 56 2 46 1 47 52 59 3 44 45 50 53 61 54 62 Legend 63 64 66 Paved Road 65 67 Trail: Accessible 68 Trail: Hike Boat Mooring Area Trail: Hike & Bike Accessible Feature 70 69 ## Accessible Campsite Boat Launch: Vehicle 71 Camp Host Campfire Center 75 76 1-96 78 Locked Gate 74 79 80 Campsites 77 No Swimming 81 Parking Restrooms 83 82 RV Sanitation Station 96 84 95 85 87 86 94 93 89 For Emergencies, Dial Showers Water Map not to scale 92 911. © 2018 California State Parks