I think of Beals Point as my “home campground,” since it’s the closest campground to where I lived in Folsom for fifteen years.
It’s also one of the first places I ever went camping outside of Yosemite, although I never camped there during the entire fifteen years that I lived there as an adult.
Recent circumstances made it convenient for me to spend a few nights at Beals.
There have been times that I’ve had to come into town to check my mail or get things from my storage, and it’s usually easier to just spend the night in Folsom before I take off to my next destination.
Beals Point is a very large campground, but it fills up quickly. It’s not uncommon for weekends to sell out far ahead of time, even during the “off” season.
As compared to other state campgrounds, the sites here are large and private.
There is some variation from site to site, but the online pictures are fairly accurate.
I may be biased, but I think it’s a beautiful area. The campground is located right on the edge of Folsom Lake, but is still close enough to town to make an emergency trip to Walmart if you need to.
Folsom Lake is very popular for boating, camping, and hiking. You can also kayak or paddle board, although it would be safer to do these a few miles away at Lake Natoma.
Beals Point serves as the terminus for the American River Bike Trail, which is one of the longest and most famous bike trails in the world.
The trail runs thirty two miles along the American River from Folsom to Old Sacramento. It’s also possible to continue on riding to Davis or San Francisco.
I’ve personally ridden about 20,000 miles on that bike trail, so, you can see why I’m having trouble moving on 🤣
It is common to see deer, coyotes, bobcats, rattlesnakes, king snakes, bunnies, western gray squirrels, blue skinks, skunks, hawks, herons, and bald eagles along the trail.
The sites at Beals Point are pretty standard, with picnic tables, fire rings, and bear proof trash receptacles nearby. Most offer partial shade.
If you are looking for a more private or quiet site, I would recommend staying near the camp hosts or amphitheater. The sites closest to the lake are known for partying.
This campground is better patrolled than most. Either that, or the Folsom Police are watching me 🤣 Every single time I’ve stayed at Beals, I’ve noticed a heavy police presence.
There are showers at Beals, for a fee. I believe it’s either 4 quarters or 1 shower token (which can be purchased from the kiosk for $1) for five minutes.
Technically, I’ve used the showers at Beals, but it was over twenty years ago. All I can remember is that I kept asking my mom for more quarters.
The bathrooms are not terribly dirty, although they are full of bugs, and do not have soap dispensers.
As much as I hate the town of Folsom, I actually love this campground. It’s wild and rustic, the fees are reasonable, and the staff is great.
Like most California State Parks, sites can be reserved online two days ahead of time. Sites that are not sold online can be sold in person on a first come first serve basis.
In the rare event that there are still sites open after the kiosk has closed, self registration is possible.
Fire is allowed at Beals, as long as you purchase your wood in Folsom. Bringing wood from other forests is said to transmit pests which threaten native trees.
Firewood can be purchased at the ranger station for $10/bundle. Gathering firewood from the campground is prohibited.
Overall, this is a great place to stay.
Camp Host Diaries 