Lake Days are the best days
Discover the top destinations, activities, and boating rental options at Folsom Lake. This boating guide covers everything from water sports to boat launches, making it the ultimate resource for anyone looking to explore this scenic recreation mecca.
Boating Guide to Folsom Lake
Just a 30-minute drive from Sacramento, Folsom Lake is a scenic recreation mecca in the foothills of California’s Sierra Nevada mountains. The large reservoir is known for its outdoor recreation opportunities on the water and surrounding the shoreline.
Folsom Lake is most popular during the summer, when sunny skies and hot temperatures are perfect for a day on the water to explore and swim. Its bright and clear waters are surrounded by beautifully preserved wetlands and streams.
Before you go to Folsom Lake, though, check if there are any current restrictions on boating due to the water levels. If there are drought conditions and low water levels, there may be regulations on boat speed while on the water. Knowing what to expect is always good, so you’re not surprised when you arrive at the docks.
Where to Go by Boat
Once you’ve launched into the water, where do you want to go? The good news is that there are many bays and coves around Folsom Lake and great spots for water sports, fishing, and more. Various points of interest onshore around the lake are also great options for nature lovers. Most of the surrounding land of Folsom Lake is part of the Folsom Lake State Recreation Area, with endless hiking trails, horseback riding trails, and more.
Granite Bay Main Beach
This is one of the more popular beaches on Folsom Lake. There is $12 daily parking near the beach, or you can boat up and drop anchor or beach your pontoon on shore. It’s an excellent spot for fishing, kayaking, paddle boarding, or lounging in the sun. You’ll also find a food boat, Anchored Eats, that cruises by the beach. Flag them down if you get hungry!
Beal’s Point Recreation Area
Another great beach on Folsom Lake, Beal’s Point is a beautiful place to watch a sunset, go for a swim, or enjoy a relaxing walk on the sand. This beach connects to a campground with all the facilities you need for a lakeside weekend. Cruise here by boat, launch your kayaks or cast a line in for a fun day of fishing on Folsom Lake.
How to Rent a Boat on
Folsom Lake
So, you’re at Folsom Lake and want to rent a boat. What are your options? You can check out GetMyBoat, a boat rental marketplace with great options on Folsom Lake. They have a mobile app that makes it easy to find and book boat rentals on your phone.
GetMyBoat will connect you directly to local boat owners and charter captains, making it the perfect option for people who do not have boating experience. It allows you to stay safe while exploring Folsom Lake and having fun with your loved ones. Book a captained charter via GetMyBoat, where a USCG-licensed professional will navigate Folsom Lake. Prices for boat rentals start around $80/hour and range up to $200/hour, depending on the boat style and the day you want to rent. Weekday rentals are often cheaper than on the weekends.
One quick note: be sure to make your reservation well in advance if you plan to rent a boat during a busy holiday weekend, like Memorial Day, the 4th of July, or Labor Day weekend. Boats book up quickly during these busy times; if you wait too long, all the boats could be gone.
Water Recreation and
Activities on Folsom Lake
Beyond cruising around on your pontoon or deck boat, there are many fun activities to enjoy by boat on Folsom Lake. If you’re venturing out (especially if you’re venturing out with your kids), tow sports like wakeboarding, tubing, and water skiing are a super fun way to take your boat day to the next level. Your kids will make memories to last a lifetime, and it can be a fun, multi-generational family activity, too, since grandparents love to watch from the comfort of the deck.
Fishing on Folsom Lake requires a California State Fishing License, so make sure to purchase that first before you cast off. You can catch trout, catfish, largemouth and smallmouth bass, perch, and kokanee salmon on this lake. Rent a fishing boat or book a fishing charter with a local guide to take you to the spots where they are biting on Folsom Lake.
Folsom Lake is also an excellent lake for jet skiing. Jet skis are fun and fast machines that can take you all around the lake. Race your friends, explore beaches and coves around the lake, or even enjoy water sports, as some jet skis are equipped to tow riders. A full-day jet ski rental on Folsom Lake starts at around $250.
Prefer to power yourself through the water? Paddle sports on Folsom Lake might be perfect for you. Kayaking, canoeing, and stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) are all fun activities on Folsom Lake. Paddle yourself along the beaches, exploring the 75 miles of shoreline while getting in a workout. The clear lake makes it an inviting body of water to explore by kayak, and the calm water makes it a safe lake to enjoy by paddle.
Experience a water wonderland at Folsom Lake, packed with aquatic activities for all ages.
Boat Launches and Boater Services
on Folsom Lake
Folsom Point Boat Ramp
Address: East Natoma Street, Folsom, CA 95630
Details: Open from 6 AM to 10 PM daily, this is a popular boat ramp to launch onto Folsom Lake. It’s located within the state-managed recreation area of the lake.
Granite Bay Boat Ramp
Address: Granite Bay, CA 95746
Details: The boat ramp has concrete ramps, parking spaces for 920 vehicles, restrooms, a picnic area, and a snack bar. It’s open from 6 AM to 10 PM daily.