Beals Point - a wooden sign that has some writing on it
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Beals Point

4.5
·732 reviews·Granite Bay, United States

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

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, more peaceful

CrowdLow
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Beals Point - a wooden sign that has some writing on it

Beals Point

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, more peaceful

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

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

4.5
(732 reviews)

"Great camping spot which we biked to on the American River Parkway. We were there on a weekday which was not crowded."

Vertical photo
TIP

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:

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Beals Point Beach

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 .

Reddit
Beals Point Campground

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 .

Reddit
American River Parkway Access

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 .

Reddit
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Planning Your Visit

Book Your Campsite Early

Beals Point camping is popular, especially for tent sites. If you're planning a summer trip, book your spot well in advance. Consider a day trip first to scout out the best tent sites, as some can be quite sloped.Reddit

Day Use Fees & Amenities

A day-use fee ($12 in 2024) grants access to Beals Point and other Folsom Lake areas. Lifeguards are on duty during swimming season, but amenities like bathrooms and snacks may be limited off-season.Reddit

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, more peaceful
Crowd
Low
When
Summer afternoons
Why
Perfect for swimming
Crowd
High
When
Off-season weekdays
Why
Quiet and serene
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Beals Point at Folsom Lake is a great kid friendly lake spot. Located in Granite Bay, CA. 📍9900 Auburn Folsom Rd Granite Bay, CA 95746 Parking $12 (or use your CA Parks Pass) Bathrooms onsite #thingstodo #folsom #sacramento #toddlermom #ranchocordova #norcal #norcalwithkids #kidactivities #eldoradohills #elkgrove #rocklin #bayarea #roseville #folsomlake #lake #beach #summer #camping #campground ...
@norcal_with_kids
1.1K likes • 51.7K views

Scout Your Campsite

Visit during the day to pick the best tent site before booking, especially if you want to avoid slopes.Reddit :tent:

Shower Quarters Needed

Bring plenty of quarters for the showers; it's about 4 quarters for 6 minutes.Reddit :moneybag:

#folsom #folsomlake #granitebay #bealspoint #camping #lake #thingstodo #rockclimbing #sacramento #toddlermom #beach #sand #play #swim #waterplay #kidfriendly #roseville #ranchocordova #elkgrove #rocklin #auburn #chico
@norcal_with_kids
83 likes • 6K views
Beals Point at Folsom Lake is a great kid friendly lake spot. Located in Granite Bay, CA. 📍9900 Auburn Folsom Rd Granite Bay, CA 95746 Parking $12 (or use your CA Parks Pass) Bathrooms onsite #thingstodo #folsom #sacramento #toddlermom #ranchocordova #norcal #norcalwithkids #kidactivities #eldoradohills #elkgrove #rocklin #bayarea #roseville #folsomlake #lake #beach #summer #camping #campgro...
norcalwithkids
2.3K likes • 94.2K views

Bike Trail Access

Easy access to the American River Parkway for biking and exploring from the campground.Reddit :bike:

Day Use Fee Value

The day-use fee covers access to multiple Folsom Lake areas for the entire day.Reddit :ticket:

📍 Beals Point 📍 One of our favorite spots to set up for a long lake day! . . . #folsom #bealspoint #lakeday #swimming #camping #norcal #norcalgogether
norcalgogether
12 likes • 654 views

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.Reddit :tent:

Shower Quarters Needed

Bring plenty of quarters for the showers; it's about 4 quarters for 6 minutes.Reddit :moneybag:

Bike Trail Access

Easy access to the American River Parkway for biking and exploring from the campground.Reddit :bike:

Day Use Fee Value

The day-use fee covers access to multiple Folsom Lake areas for the entire day.Reddit :ticket:

Check Off-Season Amenities

Bathrooms and snacks may be unavailable off-season, plan accordingly.Reddit :warning:

What Travellers Say

4.5
(732 reviews)

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

Great beach and swimming
Convenient bike trail access
Quiet campground atmosphere

What People Dislike

Muddy beach bottom
Showers require quarters

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.Reddit The day-use fee also grants access to other Folsom Lake areas.Reddit

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.Reddit 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.Reddit

Yes, Beals Point camping reservations are highly recommended, especially for tent sites during the summer. All tent sites were available for later summer trips.Reddit

Operating hours can vary, especially off-season when amenities like bathrooms and snacks may be closed.Reddit 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.Reddit+1 It's a great spot for a peaceful day trip or family outing.Reddit

Yes, Beals Point beach is popular for swimming. Lifeguards are on duty during the season, and the water temperature was pleasant in July.Reddit Some reviews mention a mud bottom.Reddit

Campsites typically include a table and fire pit. Nearby amenities include fresh drinking water, garbage cans, and restrooms with showers that require quarters.Reddit Some handicap sites are very roomy and close to facilities.Reddit

One review mentions Beals Point being perfect for taking your dog, suggesting that dogs are permitted in certain areas, likely on leash.Reddit

Reviews indicate that Beals Point campground is generally quiet at night, with very little noise.Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

During the off-season, there are no bathrooms or snacks available at Beals Point.Reddit However, campsites are located within about a mile of food options if you don't want to cook.Reddit

Yes, campsites at Beals Point are equipped with fire pits, making campfires a possibility.Reddit

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.Reddit

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.Reddit

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

Beals Point is a fantastic spot for families. The beach offers a safe swimming area with lifeguards on duty during the summer,Reddit and the water is generally pleasant. The day-use fee is a great value, covering access to multiple Folsom Lake areas, so you can explore beyond just Beals Point.Reddit Consider bringing a picnic, as off-season food services are limited.Reddit The campground also offers spacious sites if you plan to stay overnight.Reddit

🏕️ Campers

If you're looking for a camping spot, Beals Point is highly recommended. Tent sites are popular, so book in advance, and consider a day visit to scout your preferred location, especially if you want to avoid sloped terrain.Reddit Campsites come with tables and fire pits,Reddit and some handicap sites are particularly well-equipped with shade and proximity to clean facilities.Reddit Remember to bring quarters for the showers Reddit and enjoy the quiet nights.Reddit

🚴 Cyclists and Bikers

Beals Point is a dream for cyclists. Its direct access to the American River Parkway makes it incredibly convenient to reach by bike, even from areas like West Sacramento.Reddit The campground is situated right next to the bike trail, allowing for easy exploration on your bike or trike.Reddit It's an ideal destination for a bike-in camping trip or a scenic ride followed by a refreshing swim.

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Camping at Beals Point

Beals Point offers a popular camping experience, particularly for tent campers. When booking, consider that some sites are described as being on a slope, so scouting ahead during a day trip is a recommended strategy to find the ideal spot.Reddit Campsites are equipped with essential amenities like a picnic table and fire pit.Reddit For those needing accessible facilities, handicap space 67 is highlighted as being fabulous, offering shade, a flat surface, ample room for large tents and multiple vehicles, and proximity to clean, handicapped restrooms and showers.Reddit The campground's location adjacent to the bike trail makes it incredibly convenient for cyclists.Reddit

The campground also boasts practical conveniences such as nearby fresh drinking water and excellent garbage cans.Reddit 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.Reddit Despite its popularity, one reviewer noted very little noise at night, contributing to a quiet and pleasant stay.Reddit

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.Reddit 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

Beals Point is a prime destination for day-use visitors, with its main draw being the beach on Folsom Lake. The beach is a popular spot for swimming, and during the peak season, lifeguards are present and attentive, ensuring a safer experience for visitors.Reddit While one reviewer mentioned a mud bottom, the area is roped off for swimming, and the water temperature was noted as pleasant in July.Reddit The day-use fee, which was $12 in 2024, is a good value as it grants access to all other Folsom Lake areas for the entire day.Reddit

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.Reddit The beautiful landscape provides a serene environment for a few hours of peace or a fun family outing.Reddit It's important to note that amenities can be limited off-season, with no bathrooms or snacks available during those times.Reddit 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.Reddit This makes it an attractive destination for both casual visitors and outdoor enthusiasts alike.

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