Lake with Marshy Shoreline

Folsom Lake Vacation Rentals

Swim the clear water with your family at Folsom Lake State Recreation Area near the Gold Rush town of Folsom, California.

Sacramento's Great Outdoor Lake, 25 Miles Away

Newest

Luxury rentals

Family-friendly

Pet-friendly

Swimming

Why Rent On Folsom Lake

Folsom Lake is one of California’s most accessible major recreation lakes, sitting just 25 miles northeast of Sacramento and offering 11,500 acres of open water in a setting framed by the Sierra Nevada foothills. Created by Folsom Dam in 1955, the lake has become the outdoor living room for the entire Sacramento metropolitan area, drawing millions of visitors each year for boating, swimming, fishing, and cycling. But the guests who stay in a rental near the lake for several nights rather than driving out for the day see a completely different and far better version of it.

Folsom for a Proper Lakeside Stay

The city of Folsom, with its charming historic district, excellent restaurants, and well-planned trail system, is the natural home base for families visiting the lake. Vacation rentals and lakeside homes in Folsom give your group a full kitchen, multiple bedrooms, and easy access to both the lake and the city’s amenities. Waking up five minutes from Granite Bay or Beals Point with a day of lake activity ahead of you is a fundamentally different experience from the two-hour round trip that most Sacramento visitors make.

Waterski, Fish, Hike, and Bike

Boating and wakeboarding are the primary summer draws, with multiple boat ramps and launch areas distributed across the lake’s extensive shoreline. Anglers target rainbow trout, king salmon, and bass in waters that have been consistently productive since the dam’s completion. The American River Bike Trail begins at Folsom Lake and winds all the way into downtown Sacramento, giving cyclists a world-class multi-use path that is remarkable for starting at a reservoir and ending in a state capital.

Summer Concerts and Cultural Events

The Folsom Lake Symphony performs outdoor concerts at the lakefront in summer, drawing music lovers who combine the lake experience with an evening of live performance in a genuinely beautiful outdoor setting. The historic district of Old Town Folsom, with its Gold Rush architecture and independent restaurants, provides evening entertainment that keeps the trip interesting beyond the lake itself.

Skipolini’s and Folsom’s Growing Dining Scene

Skipolini’s Pizza in Folsom is a local institution with a devoted following and a menu built for the post-lake appetite. Folsom’s dining scene has grown considerably in recent years, with craft breweries, farm-to-table restaurants, and coffee roasters that give the city a culinary character well above what most Sacramento-area communities offer. Folsom Lake is the Sacramento region’s finest outdoor asset, and a vacation rental in Folsom is the only way to experience it at its full potential.

Best time to go
Visit Folsom Lake in late spring, particularly May, when the wildflowers blare in color and sunlight dances on tranquil waters. Enjoy peaceful kayaking and fishing, with fewer tourists and mild temperatures, creating an idyllic outdoor escape.
Water Quality
Folsom Lake's water exhibits a deep blue hue, reflecting the clear skies above. The water clarity is ultra-clear, with visibility extending up to 20 feet in some areas.
Surface area (mi)
8.85
Max depth (ft)
249.34
Elevation (ft)
465.88
Shoreline length (mi)
75.19

Popular activities

  • Kayaking
  • Canoeing
  • Fishing
  • Hiking
  • Freshwater Fishing
pencil

Planning a trip?

Tell us about your upcoming trip and how we can help!

Marinas on Folsom Lake

Nearby lakes

Frequently Asked Questions

Ready to dive into what Folsom Lake has to offer? Let’s tackle some of the burning questions you might have as you plan your visit!

  • Yes, you can swim in Folsom Lake. Swimming is available at several beaches, including Granite Bay Main Beach, Beals Point, and Black Miner’s Bar, which offer designated swim areas and other recreational facilities.

  • Folsom Lake is a popular destination because it offers a wide range of activities. Visitors can enjoy hiking, biking, horseback riding, and various water sports like boating, water-skiing, and fishing. The area also includes campgrounds, picnic areas, and scenic trails along the lake and its surrounding hills.

  • You can catch various fish species in Folsom Lake, California, including largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, spotted bass, rainbow trout, catfish, bluegill, sunfish, striped bass, and occasionally king salmon. The lake is also home to kokanee salmon and perch. These species are supported by regular stocking by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife.

  • Granite Bay Beach is best for families. It has a sandy beach, a buoyed swim area, and lifeguard services during the summer, making it a safe place for swimming and playing. The area also includes barbecue pits, shade areas, and large grassy spaces for picnics and other activities.

  • Towns near Folsom Lake include Folsom, Foresthill, and Galt. Folsom is in Sacramento County, while Foresthill is in Placer County. Galt is also located in Sacramento County.