Beals Point Campground

For Californians seeking an accessible and diverse outdoor experience, campgrounds offer a fantastic opportunity to reconnect with nature, enjoy recreational activities, and create lasting memories. Nestled within the expansive Folsom Lake State Recreation Area, Beals Point Campground stands as a popular destination for both seasoned campers and families looking for a convenient escape. Located in Granite Bay, this campground provides a unique blend of natural beauty and recreational opportunities, making it a prime choice for locals in the California region. Whether you're looking to pitch a tent, park your RV, or simply spend a day by the water, Beals Point offers something for everyone. This article will explore what makes Beals Point Campground an ideal spot for your next California adventure, covering its location, available services, key features, and why it's so well-suited for residents.

Beals Point Campground is strategically located in Granite Bay, CA 95746, USA, specifically situated just north of the Folsom Dam within the larger Folsom Lake State Recreation Area. Its prime position offers unparalleled access to Folsom Lake, a significant recreational hub in the Sacramento region. For California locals, accessibility is a major advantage. The campground can be easily reached via major highways such as US-50 or I-80, followed by local routes like Douglas Blvd. or Auburn-Folsom Rd. This convenient access from Sacramento (approximately 25 miles east) and other Central Valley communities makes it an ideal spot for weekend getaways or longer vacations without extensive travel. The proximity to Granite Bay and Folsom ensures that campers have quick access to essential services such as grocery stores, restaurants, and other retail options should they need anything during their stay. Furthermore, the campground serves as the western terminus of the famed American River Bicycle Trail, a 32-mile paved path stretching all the way to Old Sacramento, offering excellent connectivity for cycling enthusiasts. This blend of natural seclusion and urban accessibility truly sets Beals Point apart.

Beals Point Campground offers a comprehensive suite of services and amenities designed to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable camping experience for a variety of visitors. These services include:

• Diverse Campsite Options: The campground features 69 family campsites, accommodating tents, trailers, and motorhomes up to 31 feet long. There's a dedicated RV loop (sites 50-69) offering full hookups (electric, water, and sewer).
• Utility Hookups: For RV sites, full hookups are provided, including 30/50 amp electrical connections, water, and sewer. Tent sites and some other RV sites include water and a picnic table.
• Restrooms and Showers: Piped drinking water, flush toilets, and wheelchair-accessible restrooms are available. Hot showers are provided, typically requiring a small fee (e.g., quarters).
• RV Dump Station: A convenient sanitation dump station is available on-site for RV users.
• Picnic Tables and Fire Rings: Each campsite is equipped with a picnic table and a fire ring with a grate, perfect for outdoor cooking and campfires (check for fire restrictions).
• Snack Bar & Equipment Rentals: The Beals Point Snack Bar offers food and beverages and also rents out various beach equipment, including kayaks, paddleboards, volleyball sets, shade canopies, and rafts.
• Firewood Sales: Firewood is often available for purchase from the camp host, ensuring you can enjoy a campfire.
• Reservations & First-Come, First-Served: During the peak "on-season" (typically spring/summer), campsite reservations are highly recommended and can be made through ReserveCalifornia. During the "off-season," availability shifts to a first-come, first-served basis.
• Pet-Friendly Policy: Leashed pets (typically 45 pounds or less) are generally allowed, though specific restrictions and fees should be confirmed.
• Trash Disposal: Designated trash disposal areas are available for campers.

Beals Point Campground boasts an impressive array of features and highlights that contribute to its popularity and suitability for California locals.

• Direct Lake Access and Water Activities: The campground is a short walk from the swimming area of Folsom Lake, offering direct access to a buoyed swim area and lifeguard services during summer. This allows for easy enjoyment of swimming, floating, and beach play. The lake itself is a hub for various water sports, including boating, jet skiing, kayaking, and paddleboarding.
• Extensive Biking and Hiking Trails: Beals Point is the starting point of the 32-mile paved American River Bicycle Trail, connecting campers to miles of scenic pathways ideal for biking, walking, running, and even horseback riding. Numerous dirt hiking trails also branch off the paved paths, catering to all activity levels.
• Year-Round Camping: Unlike some campgrounds that close seasonally, Beals Point is open year-round, offering flexibility for campers to visit during different seasons and enjoy the changing natural landscape.
• Clean and Well-Maintained Facilities: Many reviews highlight the cleanliness of the facilities, including restrooms and showers, contributing to a comfortable stay. The sites themselves are also noted for being clean.
• Family-Friendly Atmosphere: The campground is often described as family-friendly, with ample space for activities and a welcoming environment for all ages. The presence of picnic areas, a snack bar, and recreational opportunities makes it ideal for family outings.
• "Rustic but Accessible" Charm: While it provides modern amenities, the campground retains a natural, rustic feel with plenty of trees for shade and spacious sites, giving a sense of being "far away" from the city despite its proximity to urban areas.
• Strong Cell Service: Many campers report strong Verizon service and decent AT&T service, which is a plus for those who need to stay connected or work remotely.
• Proximity to Folsom Amenities: Beyond the campground, the location offers easy access to the historic Folsom area with its charming Sutter Street, Folsom City Zoo Sanctuary, Folsom History Museum, and various shopping and dining options.

Contact Information:

Address: Granite Bay, CA 95746, USA (Beals Point Campground is part of Folsom Lake State Recreation Area, 7755 Folsom-Auburn Road, Folsom, CA 95630 for general park inquiries.)

Phone for Reservations: 1-800-444-7275

Folsom Lake Sector Office (General Inquiries/Mail): (916) 988-0205

Online Reservations: Visit ReserveCalifornia.com

Beals Point Campground is an exceptional choice for California locals seeking a versatile and enjoyable outdoor experience. Its prime location in Granite Bay, within the Folsom Lake State Recreation Area, offers the perfect balance of natural beauty and convenient access to urban amenities. Whether you're an avid RVer looking for full hookups, a family eager for a tent camping adventure, or a day-use visitor wanting to enjoy Folsom Lake, Beals Point caters to a wide range of needs. The abundance of recreational opportunities, from swimming and boating on the lake to extensive hiking and biking trails, ensures there's never a dull moment. The clean facilities, friendly atmosphere, and commitment to ongoing improvements further enhance the appeal. For Californians desiring an accessible, year-round camping destination that serves as a gateway to both serene natural landscapes and vibrant local attractions, Beals Point Campground stands out as a highly recommended option for creating unforgettable outdoor memories in the Golden State.

Beals Point Campground

Granite Bay, CA 95746, USA