Beals Point
A popular Folsom Lake recreation area offering camping, swimming, and direct access to the American River Parkway.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more peaceful
Beals Point
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more peaceful

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A popular Folsom Lake recreation area offering camping, swimming, and direct access to the American River Parkway.
"Great camping spot which we biked to on the American River Parkway. We were there on a weekday which was not crowded."
Scout Your Campsite
Visit during the day to pick the best tent site before booking, especially if you want to avoid slopes . :tent:
Shower Quarters Needed
Bring plenty of quarters for the showers; it's about 4 quarters for 6 minutes . :moneybag:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Beals Point Beach
Folsom Lake
Enjoy a refreshing swim at this popular beach with lifeguards on duty during peak season. The water is pleasant in July .

Beals Point Campground
Adjacent to Folsom Lake
Spacious campsites with tables and fire pits, some offering shade and easy access to bike trails and clean restrooms .

American River Parkway Access
Directly from campground
Conveniently bike or walk to Beals Point via the scenic American River Parkway, making it an easy and accessible destination .
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Your Campsite Early
Day Use Fees & Amenities
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Scout Your Campsite
Visit during the day to pick the best tent site before booking, especially if you want to avoid slopes.
:tent:Shower Quarters Needed
Bring plenty of quarters for the showers; it's about 4 quarters for 6 minutes.
:moneybag:Bike Trail Access
Easy access to the American River Parkway for biking and exploring from the campground.
:bike:Day Use Fee Value
The day-use fee covers access to multiple Folsom Lake areas for the entire day.
:ticket:Tips
from all over the internet
Scout Your Campsite
Visit during the day to pick the best tent site before booking, especially if you want to avoid slopes.
:tent:Shower Quarters Needed
Bring plenty of quarters for the showers; it's about 4 quarters for 6 minutes.
:moneybag:Bike Trail Access
Easy access to the American River Parkway for biking and exploring from the campground.
:bike:Day Use Fee Value
The day-use fee covers access to multiple Folsom Lake areas for the entire day.
:ticket:Check Off-Season Amenities
Bathrooms and snacks may be unavailable off-season, plan accordingly.
:warning:What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Beals Point is praised as a great camping and day-use spot, particularly for its beach access and proximity to the American River Parkway. Visitors appreciate the pleasant water, attentive lifeguards, and quiet campground atmosphere. However, some note the mud bottom at the beach and the need for quarters for showers.
"Great camping spot which we biked to on the American River Parkway. We were there on a weekday which was not crowded. We swam at beals point which had a mud bottom but was roped off with lifeguards present and ready. The campsite had a table and a fire pit. The bathroom had showers which required quarters only!! It was four quarters for six minutes and we used 8 quarters for the two of us. It was a very nice site, as there was fresh drinking water nearby as well as excellent garbage cans. There was very little noise at night and it was quiet! We biked there from West Sacramento and it was very easy and convenient to get to."
DYJ1948
"First time visiting with my family was a great experience. It was after a holiday weekend, on a Monday, so it was great because there was a small crowd. Love the fact there is lifeguards on duty and they were very attentive to the people swimming. Water temperature was also very pleasant.(July). Although we enjoyed our day trip here, we will be exploring other parts of Folsom lake for a new experience. But would definitely recommend this place to anyone that hasn’t been here before."
Ernie
"Beautiful landscape, perfect for a fee hours of peace or taking your kids and/or your dog. You need to pay a fee to enter ($12 in 2024) that also gives you access to all the other Folsom areas for the day. No bathrooms or snack available off season."
Patricia Baldrich
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Beals Point is accessible by car and is conveniently located near the American River Parkway, making it easy to reach by bike from areas like West Sacramento.
The day-use fee also grants access to other Folsom Lake areas.Yes, Beals Point is a well-known recreation area on Folsom Lake. Follow signs for Folsom Lake State Recreation Area and Beals Point.
While driving is common, the American River Parkway provides a scenic route for cyclists.
Public transportation options to the immediate vicinity may be limited.There is a day-use fee for parking, which grants access to the area. Parking availability can vary, especially on busy weekends.
While Beals Point is known for its camping, specific RV campground details are not extensively covered in available information. It's best to check official park resources for RV suitability and availability.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The day-use fee for Beals Point was $12 in 2024 and includes access to other Folsom Lake areas for the day.
Yes, Beals Point camping reservations are highly recommended, especially for tent sites during the summer. All tent sites were available for later summer trips.
Operating hours can vary, especially off-season when amenities like bathrooms and snacks may be closed.
It's advisable to check the official Folsom Lake State Recreation Area website for current hours.Information on payment methods for the day-use fee is not explicitly detailed, but it's common for state parks to accept cash or card. It's best to confirm on-site or via the park's official channels.
Specific discount information is not readily available. However, the day-use fee provides access to multiple Folsom Lake areas, offering good value.
🎫 🏊 Onsite Experience
Beals Point offers swimming at its beach, camping, and direct access to the American River Parkway for biking and walking.
It's a great spot for a peaceful day trip or family outing.Yes, Beals Point beach is popular for swimming. Lifeguards are on duty during the season, and the water temperature was pleasant in July.
Some reviews mention a mud bottom.Campsites typically include a table and fire pit. Nearby amenities include fresh drinking water, garbage cans, and restrooms with showers that require quarters.
Some handicap sites are very roomy and close to facilities.One review mentions Beals Point being perfect for taking your dog, suggesting that dogs are permitted in certain areas, likely on leash.
Reviews indicate that Beals Point campground is generally quiet at night, with very little noise.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
During the off-season, there are no bathrooms or snacks available at Beals Point.
However, campsites are located within about a mile of food options if you don't want to cook.Yes, campsites at Beals Point are equipped with fire pits, making campfires a possibility.
There isn't a dedicated store mentioned at Beals Point itself, but its proximity to food options within a mile means you can easily resupply.
Absolutely! Beals Point is a great place for picnics and enjoying your own food and drinks, especially if you're visiting for the day or camping.
While not explicitly detailed, the presence of picnic tables at campsites suggests that picnic areas are available, and it's a common feature for day-use parks.
📸 📸 Photography
The lake views, beach area, and the surrounding natural landscape offer beautiful photographic opportunities. The American River Parkway also provides scenic backdrops.
While specific sunset views aren't detailed, the open lake setting and natural surroundings likely offer picturesque sunset opportunities.
Drone usage regulations can vary by park. It's essential to check the Folsom Lake State Recreation Area's specific rules regarding drone operation before flying.
Early mornings and late afternoons often provide the best light for photography, minimizing harsh shadows and creating a softer glow on the landscape.
The combination of the lake, beach, and the adjacent bike trail offers diverse subjects, from water activities to natural scenery and recreational pursuits.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🏕️ Campers
🚴 Cyclists and Bikers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Camping at Beals Point
The campground also boasts practical conveniences such as nearby fresh drinking water and excellent garbage cans. A unique advantage of camping at Beals Point, especially for locals, is the ease of friends visiting and the proximity to food within about a mile for quick resupplies without extensive travel. Despite its popularity, one reviewer noted very little noise at night, contributing to a quiet and pleasant stay.
When it comes to showers, be prepared to use quarters, as they operate on a coin-only system, typically costing four quarters for six minutes. This practical detail is important for planning your stay and ensuring you have enough change. Overall, Beals Point campground provides a well-rounded camping experience with good facilities and convenient access to both nature and local amenities.
Day Use and Beach Activities
Beyond swimming, Beals Point is perfect for families and even dog owners, as one review specifically mentions it being a great place to bring your kids and/or your dog. The beautiful landscape provides a serene environment for a few hours of peace or a fun family outing. It's important to note that amenities can be limited off-season, with no bathrooms or snacks available during those times. Therefore, planning ahead for food and facilities is crucial if visiting outside of the main summer months.
The accessibility of Beals Point is another significant advantage. It's easily reachable by car, and for those who prefer a more active approach, the American River Parkway offers a convenient and scenic route for biking directly to the area. This makes it an attractive destination for both casual visitors and outdoor enthusiasts alike.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit