Packing for a Day Trip to Folsom Lake!

Located to the east of Sacramento, right off Hwy 50, Folsom Lake is one of California’s most incredible lakes. It is a popular destination for day trips, camping, and water sports all year round. People from all over the Sacramento region come to Folsom Lake.

Are you headed out to Folsom Lake? You’ll need a few essentials. Here’s a day trip packing list! 

What to Bring for a Day trip to Folsom Lake

While Folsom Lake is a destination all year round, most people wait until the weather gets warm in the late spring, summer, and early fall. These are the most popular and busy times on the lake.  

Items for a fun day at the lake include: 

• A first aid kit and sunscreen.
• Life vests if you’re going to be boating, canoeing, or kayaking.
• Extra water is essential during the hot months.
• Food! Pack a fun lunch, whether on the lake or hanging out on the shore.
• A popup or other shade structure.
• Large picnic blanket.
• Beach chairs!

Activities at Folsom Lake

Camping

Camping helps you to disconnect from life and spend some time in nature. Folsom Lake camping areas are closer to “civilization” than remote locations. You can camp at either Beal’s Point or the Peninsula Campground, which is quieter and more spacious than Beal’s. If Lake Natoma is an option, Negro Bar is a developed campground too.

Swimming

There are beaches around the lake and at Beal’s Point, a snack bar that rents water sports equipment. The Snack Shack at Beal’s Point is seasonal, open on weekends starting in April, weather depending. They open seven days a week from the end of May through the middle of August, then are open only on weekends until mid-September when they close for the season. They are closed for the fall and winter.

Fishing

Folsom Lake has a great variety of fish to catch if you’re into fishing. Trout, catfish, largemouth and smallmouth bass, perch, and kokanee salmon populate the lake. You will need a fishing license to fish per California state law unless you’re 15 years old or younger.

Boating and Scuba Diving

You may download the Padi adventure app for booking a diving session at Folsom Lake. Fisheye Scuba has classes every week at Folsom Lake. Click here for more info.

Boating is also one way to explore islands near the lake and scuba diving. Additionally, you can also rent a sailboat at Brown’s Ravine. 

Picnicking

A simple way to spend time with family and friends is to picnic. You can do this at Peninsula Campground, but you have to get there by boat first. 

Beal’s Park is also an excellent place for a picnic with great lake views.

Trail Hiking

The lake has a 95-mile long trail fit for biking, hiking, jogging, and horseback riding. Some of the unique trails include:

• The Paved Bicycle Trail connecting the American River Hike Trail to Beal’s Point
• Western States Trail linking Carson City, Nevada to Sacramento
• Oaks Nature Trail found in the Peninsula Campground
•  Darrington Trail for bikers near Salmon Falls

Horseback Riding

Granite Bay has a staging area with water troughs and hitching trails for equestrians. 

With all that Folsom Lake has to offer, who wouldn’t want to live near this piece of paradise? If you’re looking for a home around Folsom Lake, please call us. We specialize in Folsom and can help you find the perfect home. Please click here for our contact page. We’ll reach out to you personally and promptly.

Thanks for visiting!