Bird's eye view of the campground

Averys Pond

Beals Point Campground (sites 1-49)

Beals Point Campground (sites 50-69)

Black Miners Bar

Granite Bay

Peninsula Campground (sites 1-86)

Folsom Lake SRA

Beals Point Campground Glamping

Peninsula Campground Glamping

Folsom Lake SRA Glamping

Recreation at Folsom Reservoir is managed by the California Department of
Parks and Recreation under agreement with the Bureau of Reclamation, Central
California Area Office. The reservoir was created by Folsom Dam across the
American River. The dam is a feature of the Central Valley Project - American
River Division - Folsom and Sly Park Units. Folsom Lake offers 75 miles of
shoreline. Usually open 7 days a week, 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., contact the
park office for seasonal variations. Facilities include 3 public campgrounds,
2 with showers, 60 miles of equestrian trails, 10 miles of paved bicycle
trails, 8 miles of advanced mountain bike trails, and excellent year-round
bank or boat fishing. Several launch ramps provide continuous boat launching
access throughout the lake fluctuation zone. At capacity, Good fishing for
both cold- and warm-water species including rainbow trout, brown trout, black
bass, catfish, crappie, and bluegill. The American River Water Education
Center at Folsom Dam contains exhibits that promote water education directly
related to the American River Watershed.

Recreation at Folsom Reservoir is managed by the California Department of Parks and Recreation under agreement with the Bureau of Reclamation, Central California Area Office.   The reservoir was created by <a href="http://www.usbr.gov/mp/sod/projects/folsom/" rel="nofollow">Folsom Dam</a> across the American River. The dam is a feature of the Central Valley Project - American River Division - <a href="http://www.usbr.gov/projects/Project.jsp?proj_Name=Folsom+and+Sly+Park+Units+Project" rel="nofollow">Folsom and Sly Park Units</a>. Folsom Lake offers 75 miles of shoreline.  Usually open  7 days a week, 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., contact the park office for seasonal variations.  Facilities include 3 public campgrounds, 2 with showers, 60 miles of equestrian trails, 10 miles of paved bicycle trails, 8 miles of advanced mountain bike trails, and excellent year-round bank or boat fishing.  Several launch ramps provide continuous boat launching access throughout the lake fluctuation zone.  At capacity, Good fishing for both cold- and warm-water species including rainbow trout, brown trout, black bass, catfish, crappie, and bluegill.  The American River Water Education Center at Folsom Dam contains exhibits that promote water education directly related to the American River Watershed.

A group approaches the historic Kettle Falls Hotel

Five people are seen walking towards the painted white clapboard and red awnings of the Kettle Falls Hotel.

Historic Dam Tender's cabin at Kettle Falls

Visitors take photos of the Kettle Falls dam from a rocky, pine-covered shoreline

A wooden staircase along the trail from Namakan Lake to the Kettle Falls Hotel.

A wooden staircase winds through the forest at Kettle Falls.

Water rushed through a dam at Kettle Falls surrounded by forest with blue water and sky above and below.

Viewing platform at the Kettle Falls Dam.

A compass is set into the floor of a wooden viewing platform above the Kettle Falls Dam.

Folsom Lake

An island is seen in Namakan Lake below the Kettle Falls Dam

An island on Namakan Lake below the Kettle Falls Dam

Settlement of the basin began about 1844. In 1848, discovery of gold near the
present site of Coloma precipitated a great influx of gold seekers from all
parts of the country. At the height of the gold rush, the American River
foothill area was one of the most populous in the State. Early miners quickly
recognized the potential of riverflows to help in dredging, panning, and
sluicing for gold. Diversion dams began appearing on the river in the 1850's.
As mining activities declined, two of the dams were used to divert water for
use in suburban Sacramento areas and remained in use until the completion of
Folsom Dam in 1955. In December 1964, the last of those early diversion dams
was breached by floodwaters. Currently general public tours of the dam are on
indefinite hold.

Settlement of the basin began about 1844.  In 1848, discovery of gold near the present site of Coloma precipitated a great influx of gold seekers from all parts of the country.  At the height of the gold rush, the American River foothill area was one of the most populous in the State.  Early miners quickly recognized the potential of riverflows to help in dredging, panning, and sluicing for gold.  Diversion dams began appearing on the river in the 1850's.  As mining activities declined, two of the dams were used to divert water for use in suburban Sacramento areas and remained in use until the completion of Folsom Dam in 1955.  In December 1964, the last of those early diversion dams was breached by floodwaters.  Currently general public tours of the dam are on indefinite hold.

Bird's eye view of the park

Folsom Dam

Folsom Powerhouse SHP

Recreation at Lake Natoma is managed by the California Department of Parks and
Recreation under agreement with the Bureau of Reclamation. The Lake was
created by Nimbus Dam across the American River. Lake Natoma is a regulating
reservoir for releases from Folsom Lake. The Dam and Lake are features of the
Central Valley project. Usually open 7 days per week, summer hours (April
1-October 15) are 6:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. Winter hours (October 16 - March 30)
are 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Facilities include one group campground, 11 miles
of paved bicycle trails, 6 miles of multi-use trails and excellent year-round
bank or boat fishing. Two launch ramps provide continuous boat launching
access year-round, in addition to one car-top boat launch area. Lake Natoma is
an excellent facility for non-motorized boat recreation. Motorized boating is
also allowed and there is a 5 mph speed limit on the entire lake. Good fishing
for both cold and warm water species including rainbow trout, brown trout,
black bass, crappie and bluegill.

Recreation at Lake Natoma is managed by the California Department of Parks and Recreation under agreement with the Bureau of Reclamation.  The Lake was created by Nimbus Dam across the American River.  Lake Natoma is a regulating reservoir for releases from Folsom Lake.  The Dam and Lake are features of the Central Valley project.  Usually open 7 days per week, summer hours (April 1-October 15) are 6:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.  Winter hours (October 16 - March 30) are 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.  Facilities include one group campground, 11 miles of paved bicycle trails, 6 miles of multi-use trails and excellent year-round bank or boat fishing.  Two launch ramps provide continuous boat launching access year-round, in addition to one car-top boat launch area.  Lake Natoma is an excellent facility for non-motorized boat recreation.  Motorized boating is also allowed and there is a 5 mph speed limit on the entire lake.  Good fishing for both cold and warm water species including rainbow trout, brown trout, black bass, crappie and bluegill.

Lake Natoma

The 69 mile long Folsom South Canal originates at Nimbus Dam on the American
River in Sacramento County and extends southward, paralleling and to the east
of State Highway 99 through San Joaquin County. Canal bikeway is open year
round, and can be accessed at many locations. Call for details.

The 69 mile long Folsom South Canal originates at Nimbus Dam on the American River in Sacramento County and extends southward, paralleling and to the east of State Highway 99 through San Joaquin County.  Canal bikeway is open year round, and can be accessed at many locations. Call for details.

Ellsworth tiger lilies

Budding tiger lilies at Ellsworth Rock Gardens

Arrowhead sculpture at Ellsworth Rock Gardens.

View from the side of blooming lower flower beds

One of the many unique sculptures at Ellsworth Rock Gardens.

Small flower bed with day lilies and cosmos.

Bright annual flowers below with tiger lilies beginning to bloom above.

Ellsworth Rock Gardens

A colorful mixture of orange day lilies and bright pink cosmos

Lower flower beds topped in "frosting" rock, comprised of crushed quartz.

Three small colorful flower beds tucked into cervices of the large granite outcropping.

Flower bed of red bee balm behind the pavilion.

View of lower flower beds

View of restored flower beds in full bloom at Ellsworth Rock Gardens

Neat rows of Tiger lilies, bachelor's buttons, and balsam, with a variety of annuals in the lowest row.

Tiger lilies and bachelor's buttons beginning to bloom

Ellsworth Rock Gardens view from base of outcrop.

Teacup roses, nicotiana and cosmos along the lower flower bed.

Bright pink nicotiana

View of granite outcrop from lower lawn.

Starting the accessible switchback trail from the dock.

Newly constructed visitor dock at Ellsworth Rock Gardens.

Ellsworth's arrowhead sculpture at the top of the rock gardens.

Blooming flower beds at Ellsworth Rock Gardens

Lower flower bed of rose bushes and annuals, with balsam, bachelor's buttons and tiger lilies above.

Lower flower beds in bloom

View of lower portion of Ellsworth Rock Gardens lawn and pavilion.

Tiger lily in bloom with blue sky background.

Day lilies with balsam and cosmos in the foreground.

Historic "postcard" view of Ellsworth Rock Gardens. Dedicated park staff continually work toward restoring this unique destination site.

Historic "postcard" view of Ellsworth Rock Gardens.

Tiger lilies with rows of budding bachelor's buttons and balsam in the foreground.

Accessible trail leading past waysides to pavilion.

Top of accessible trail, leading to waysides and restrooms.

Trail leading to dock or to pavilion.

Accessible trail from dock to Ellsworth Rock Gardens.

View of blooming flower beds from below

Ellsworth in bloom

Bright lime green of the balsam contrasts perfectly with the blue bachelor's buttons and vivid orange tiger lilies.

Tiger lilies in bloom.

A bright mixture of perennials and planted annuals in a lower flower bed

Nasturtium flower bed

Light pink teacup rose bush at base of flower beds.

Tiger lilies

Light purple bee balm in the meadow at Ellsworth Rock Gardens

A view of several small restored flower beds with a variety of colorful annuals and perennials.

View from the top of granite outcrop.

Folsom S. Canal Rec. Trail

Nimbus Dam, on the American River 7 miles below Folsom Dam formed Lake Natoma
to reregulate the releases for power made through Folsom Powerplant. The
Nimbus Fish Hatchery was built on the left bank below the dam to compensate
for the spawning areas of salmon and steelhead that were inundated by
construction of Nimbus Dam. Nimbus Dam is a feature of the Central Valley
Project - American River Division - Folsom and Sly Park Units. Open year-round
for fish rearing and educational actvities. Fish spawning demonstrations
provided during the salmon and steelhead runs. Call 916-358-2884 for more
information.

<a href="http://www.usbr.gov/dataweb/dams/ca10174.htm" rel="nofollow">Nimbus Dam</a>, on the American River 7 miles below <a href="http://www.usbr.gov/dataweb/dams/ca10148.htm" rel="nofollow">Folsom Dam</a> formed Lake Natoma to reregulate the releases for power made through Folsom Powerplant.  The Nimbus Fish Hatchery was built on the left bank below the dam to compensate for the spawning areas of salmon and steelhead that were inundated by construction of Nimbus Dam. Nimbus Dam is a feature of the <a href="http://www.usbr.gov/dataweb/html/folsom.html" rel="nofollow">Central Valley Project - American River Division - Folsom and Sly Park Units</a>. Open year-round for fish rearing and educational actvities.  Fish spawning demonstrations provided during the salmon and steelhead runs.  Call  916-358-2884 for more information.

Nimbus Fish Hatchery

Prairie City SVRA

The Pine Hill Preserve is a cooperative conservation effort among 10 federal,
state, and local entities to protect the habitat of eight rare plant species.
The Preserve lands and the adjacent Kanaka Valley, located approximately 30
miles east of Sacramento, consist of 4,940 acres of federal, state and county
lands. About 70% of the Preserve lands have dense clusters of rare plants
within an area designated for the recovery of five federally listed rare
plants. The BLM manages these lands where about 10% of the California Native
flora is represented.

Pine Hill Preserve is home to a collection of eight rare plant species. Four
of the plant species that grow in the Pine Hill Preserve are endemic, which
means they grow nowhere else in the world. One species is nearly endemic, with
only a few plants found elsewhere. This assemblage of rare plants is part of a
unique community confined to soils known as the Rescue soils, named after the
nearby community of Rescue, CA.

  1. El Dorado bedstraw
  2. Pine Hill Ceanothus
  3. Pine Hill Flannelbush
  4. Stebbins' morning-glory
  5. Layne's butterweed
  6. Red Hill soaproot
  7. El Dorado mule-ears
  8. Bisbee Peak rush-rose

  * Visit Pine Hill Preserve Webpage to view photos and descriptions of these rare plants

* * *

### Become a Volunteer at the Pine Hill Preserve ACEC

  * Visit Pine Hill Preserve partnership webpage

* * *

### Hunting and Shooting Info:

  * No target shooting
  * No closure, but we discourage hunting because of minimal public access and the high density of people and homes surrounding the parcels (Lotus & Cameron Park parcels)

NOTE: All California game species are regulated by the California Department
of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW). Rules, regulations, and seasons are controlled by
CDFW, and it is the hunter's responsibility to verify and comply with proper
species, seasons, zones, regulations, and legal location if hunting on public
lands.

_FGC 3004 — It is unlawful for any person to hunt or discharge while hunting,
any firearm or other deadly weapon within 150 yards of any occupied dwelling
house, residence, or other building or any barn or other outbuilding used in
connection therewith. The 150 yard area is a "Safety Zone."_

### Helpful Links:

  * Where to Shoot
  * California Department of Fish & Wildlife
  * Hunting, Fishing and Recreational Shooting on Public Lands, BLM California

Return To: BLM, Mother Lode Field Office

<p>The Pine Hill Preserve is a cooperative conservation effort among 10 federal, state, and local entities to protect the habitat of eight rare plant species. The Preserve lands and the adjacent Kanaka Valley, located approximately 30 miles east of Sacramento, consist of 4,940 acres of federal, state and county lands. About 70% of the Preserve lands have dense clusters of rare plants within an area designated for the recovery of five federally listed rare plants. The BLM manages these lands where about 10% of the California Native flora is represented.</p><p>Pine Hill Preserve is home to a collection of eight rare plant species. Four of the plant species that grow in the Pine Hill Preserve are endemic, which means they grow nowhere else in the world. One species is nearly endemic, with only a few plants found elsewhere. This assemblage of rare plants is part of a unique community confined to soils known as the Rescue soils, named after the nearby community of Rescue, CA.</p><ol><li>El Dorado bedstraw</li><li>Pine Hill Ceanothus</li><li>Pine Hill Flannelbush</li><li>Stebbins' morning-glory</li><li>Layne's butterweed</li><li>Red Hill soaproot</li><li>El Dorado mule-ears</li><li>Bisbee Peak rush-rose</li></ol><ul><li><a href="http://www.pinehillpreserve.org/rare_plants.htm" rel="nofollow">Visit Pine Hill Preserve Webpage to view photos and descriptions of these rare plants</a></li></ul><hr><h3>Become a Volunteer at the Pine Hill Preserve ACEC</h3><ul><li><a href="http://www.pinehillpreserve.org/" rel="nofollow">Visit Pine Hill Preserve partnership webpage</a></li></ul><hr><h3>Hunting and Shooting Info:</h3><ul><li>No target shooting</li><li>No closure, but we discourage hunting because of minimal public access and the high density of people and homes surrounding the parcels (Lotus & Cameron Park parcels)</li></ul><p>NOTE: All California game species are regulated by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW). Rules, regulations, and seasons are controlled by CDFW, and it is the hunter's responsibility to verify and comply with proper species, seasons, zones, regulations, and legal location if hunting on public lands.</p><p><em>FGC 3004 — It is unlawful for any person to hunt or discharge while hunting, any firearm or other deadly weapon within 150 yards of any occupied dwelling house, residence, or other building or any barn or other outbuilding used in connection therewith. The 150 yard area is a "Safety Zone."</em></p><h3>Helpful Links:</h3><ul><li><a href="https://www.wheretoshoot.org/" rel="nofollow">Where to Shoot</a></li><li><a href="https://www.wildlife.ca.gov/Hunting" rel="nofollow">California Department of Fish & Wildlife</a></li><li><a href="https://www.blm.gov/programs/recreation/recreation-programs/recreational-shooting/california" rel="nofollow">Hunting, Fishing and Recreational Shooting on Public Lands, BLM California</a></li></ul><p>Return To: <a href="https://www.blm.gov/office/mother-lode-field-office" rel="nofollow">BLM, Mother Lode Field Office</a></p>

The rare Stebbins morning glory growing on a manzanita bush.

Pine Hill Preserve ACEC

The rare and endemic El Dorado mule-ears.

Guided spring tour to the Salmon Falls Unit of the Pine Hill Preserve.

Pine Hill Preserve Area of Critical Environmental Concern

The BLM, Mother Lode Field Office administers river recreation on the North
and South Forks of the American River.

VISIT North Fork American River

VISIT South Fork American River

Return To: BLM, Mother Lode Field Office

<p>The BLM, Mother Lode Field Office administers river recreation on the North and South Forks of the American River.</p><p><a href="https://www.blm.gov/visit/search-details/16832/2" rel="nofollow">VISIT North Fork American River</a></p><p><a href="https://www.blm.gov/visit/south-fork-american-river" rel="nofollow">VISIT South Fork American River</a></p><p> </p><p>Return To: <a href="https://www.blm.gov/office/mother-lode-field-office" rel="nofollow">BLM, Mother Lode Field Office</a></p>

Folsom Lake SRA

Reviews

Campgrounds

Averys Pond

Beals Point Campground (sites 1-49)

Beals Point Campground (sites 50-69)

Black Miners Bar

Granite Bay

Peninsula Campground (sites 1-86)

Nearby Parks

Folsom Lake SRA Glamping

Folsom Lake

Folsom Dam

Folsom Powerhouse SHP

Lake Natoma

Folsom S. Canal Rec. Trail

Nimbus Fish Hatchery

Prairie City SVRA

Pine Hill Preserve Area of Critical Environmental Concern

American River North Middle South Forks

Auburn SRA

Marshall Gold Discovery SHP

Sutters Fort SHP

State Indian Museum (SHP)

Governor's Mansion SHP