How much does camping cost at Peninsula Campground?

Camping fees at Peninsula Campground range from $28-$33/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Peninsula Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Peninsula Campground accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

Can I see photos of campsites at Peninsula Campground before I book?

Yes! Peninsula Campground has 30 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit Peninsula Campground?

Peninsula Campground is open Peak season runs from May 15th through September 15th.. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Peninsula Campground?

Yes, Peninsula Campground has shower facilities available for campers. Check the amenities section for details on hours and any fees.

How many campsites does Peninsula Campground have?

Peninsula Campground has 85 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Peninsula Campground?

Yes, pets are allowed at Peninsula Campground. Dogs must typically be kept on a leash (usually 6 feet or shorter) and under control at all times. Be sure to clean up after your pet and check for any breed or size restrictions.

What amenities are available at Peninsula Campground?

Peninsula Campground offers: Restrooms, Showers, Potable Water, Dump Station, Pets Allowed. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Peninsula Campground?

Popular activities at Peninsula Campground include Hiking, Fishing, Swimming, Biking, Boating, Wildlife Viewing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Peninsula Campground

Q: Can I have a campfire at Peninsula Campground?

Fire policies at Peninsula Campground: Campfires and charcoal are prohibited during summer due to fire risks. Propane/butane stoves are recommended.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

3.99

61 reviews

7755 Folsom-Auburn Road, Folsom, CA 95630

Summer Destination

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

591 ft

Price

$28 - $33/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

85 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyShowers

Book on California Department of Parks and Recreation Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

591 ft

Price

$28 - $33/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

85 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyShowers

Book on California Department of Parks and Recreation Official Website

Get Directions

Peninsula Campground

$28.00 - $33.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Camping fees range from $28 during the off-season to $33 during the peak season. An additional reservation fee of $8.25 applies for online bookings.

Standard Site Fee$33.00

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Reserve California

Provider

916-988-0205

I manage this campground

Plan a trip to Peninsula Campground

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Campground Map

7755 Folsom-Auburn Road, Folsom, CA 95630

Peninsula Campground

7755 Folsom-Auburn Road, Folsom, CA 95630

Nearby places

Pilot Hill (9 miles, approximately 20 minutes), Cool (approximately 45 minutes via narrow roads), Auburn (approximately 30 minutes), El Dorado Hills (approximately 10 miles).

Nearby supplies

The closest grocery store and camping supplies are in Cool, CA, approximately a 45-minute drive from the campground. Visitors are advised to bring all necessary supplies before arriving due to the road's difficulty.

Driving directionsFrom Hwy 80 east (towards Reno), take the Elm St. exit out of Auburn. Turn left at the first light, then left again at the next light onto High St., which becomes Hwy 49. Continue for 10 miles to Pilot Hill, then turn right onto Rattlesnake Bar Rd. Continue 9 miles to the campground. From Hwy 50 (towards South Lake Tahoe), take the El Dorado Hills Blvd. exit and proceed north for about 10 miles (road changes to Salmon Falls Rd.). At Pilot Hill, turn left onto Rattlesnake Bar Rd. Continue 9 miles to the campground.

The road leading to Peninsula Campground is narrow, twisty, and somewhat rundown towards the beginning, but improves when entering state-managed land. Motorhomes over 24 feet and trailers over 18 feet are not advised. During rainy conditions, caution is recommended, especially for towing vehicles.

Weather at Peninsula Campground

Current alert: Seasonal fire restrictions prohibit campfires and charcoal use during summer. Visitors should check for current advisories at parks.ca.gov.

Best Time to Camp at Peninsula Campground

Spring delivers the best camping conditions, with daytime highs between 55-75°F and higher water levels from Sierra snowmelt that make the river channels scenic and active for boating. Wildflowers line the trails, oak woodlands stay green and shady, and fishing picks up. Weekdays remain quiet; weekends draw more day-users from nearby communities. Summer heat climbs above 100°F, turning mornings and late afternoons into the only comfortable times for hiking. Winter brings cool, damp conditions with fog rolling through from the Central Valley. Fall offers warm days and crisp nights, though water levels drop as summer releases taper off.

Best

Spring(Mar-May)

4.0 / 5

Described as best season: 55–75°F, higher water levels, wildflowers and active boating/wildlife.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: Peak season runs from May 15th through September 15th.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Peninsula Campground is open year-round, but reservations are only required during the on-season. During the off-season, sites are first-come, first-served.

About Peninsula Campground

Peninsula Campground sits between the North and South Forks of the American River in Folsom Lake State Recreation Area, 85 sites spread across rolling Sierra foothill terrain at 591 feet elevation. The campground costs $28-33 per night and offers both tent and RV camping with flush toilets, showers, and lake access. Getting here requires navigating a narrow, winding access road that keeps crowds down but demands careful driving.

Peninsula Campground offers tent camping, RV camping, and boat camping opportunities. It is primarily suited for smaller trailers and motorhomes due to narrow access roads.

Weather and SeasonsSpring delivers the best camping conditions, with daytime highs between 55-75°F and higher water levels from Sierra snowmelt that make the river channels scenic and active for boating. Wildflowers line the trails, oak woodlands stay green and shady, and fishing picks up. Weekdays remain quiet; weekends draw more day-users from nearby communities. Summer heat climbs above 100°F, turning mornings and late afternoons into the only comfortable times for hiking. Winter brings cool, damp conditions with fog rolling through from the Central Valley. Fall offers warm days and crisp nights, though water levels drop as summer releases taper off.

ElevationNestled in the gentle rise and fall of the Sierra-Nevada foothills, Peninsula Campground offers a perfect vantage point between valley and mountain, where the landscape begins its dramatic ascent toward the high country.

Natural Features and SceneryValley oak, blue oak, and digger pine create open woodlands across the campground's hilly terrain, where ancient Sierra granite meets sedimentary valley floor. The confluence of the American River's two forks shapes the landscape into dramatic channels and rolling topography. Wildlife is abundant: wild turkeys appear at dawn, deer graze at dusk, and reviewers mention occasional bobcat sightings. Rattlesnakes are present, a reminder this is genuinely wild country. Views of Folsom Lake vary by site. Some campers get scenic water views, but not all sites are lakefront despite the peninsula location.

Geological RegionPeninsula Campground sits at the geological crossroads where ancient Sierra granite meets sedimentary valley floor, creating the distinctive rolling topography of the Sierra-Nevada foothills. This unique position between the North and South Forks of the American River showcases nature's sculptural prowess, where centuries of water flow have carved dramatic channels through the landscape. The open woodlands of valley oak, blue oak, and digger pine tell the story of California's Mediterranean climate adaptation, creating a living museum of the state's natural heritage.

Scenic ViewsMany sites offer partial views of Folsom Lake, though not all are lakefront. The lake is particularly stunning during dusk.

Lodging & AccommodationsThere are no hotel-style accommodations available within Peninsula Campground.

Programs & ActivitiesThe park offers cultural and historical programs, including guided nature shows by rangers.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in

Check-in starts at 2:00 PM.

Check-out

Check-out is at 12:00 PM.

Stay Limit

Maximum stay of 15 consecutive nights.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Maximum occupancy per site is 8 guests.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutSites line narrow roads along hillsides. Spacing is inconsistent: some reviewers found adequate privacy, others felt sites were too close together. Many sites sit uphill or downhill from parking, requiring some carrying. Terrain slopes throughout the campground, typical for foothill topography.

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made through ReserveCalifornia.com, or by calling 1-800-444-7275.

Walk-in AvailabilitySites are available on a first-come, first-served basis during the off-season. Walk-ups are allowed if sites are not reserved during the peak season.

Cancellation PolicyReservations can be canceled through the California State Parks website or by calling 1-800-444-7275. Specific penalties depend on timing and reservation type.

AccessibilityPeninsula Campground offers one accessible campsite and a combination restroom with shower. The Oaks Nature Trail is an accessible out-and-back trail within the park.

Site SizeSites vary in size; many are described as small or standard, with some being large. Several are uphill or downhill from the parking area.

PrivacySites are spaced enough for privacy according to some reviewers, while others mention close clustering.

Total Campsites85 campsites

Recommended SitesVisitors seeking lake views are advised to inquire specifically about site placement before reserving. Sites uphill may require climbing.

Best CampsitesSites 3 and 6 at the top of the hill get mentioned for wildlife sightings and proximity to facilities. Several sites require walking uphill or downhill from parking areas. Size varies considerably: some are small and clustered, others large with better spacing.

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Amenities available

Peninsula Campground offers a mix of family campsites with services such as flush toilets, piped drinking water, showers (pay type), and a sanitation dump station. Reviewers have highlighted that restrooms are often dirty and in disrepair. "Bathroom near our site was both filthy from campers and in pretty bad disrepair." Other campers appreciate the availability of water sources and restrooms spread throughout the campground.

Showers

Potable water

Flush toilets

Dump station

Fire rings

Food storage lockers

I manage this campground

RV details

Activities you can enjoy

Peninsula Campground provides access to hiking, kayaking, and day-use swimming at Folsom Lake. Seasonal activities such as bird watching and wildflower viewing are available.

Hiking

Fishing

Swimming

Biking

Boating

Wildlife viewing

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsRattlesnakes are common and active at night. Poison oak is widespread. The winding access road poses risks, especially for larger vehicles.

Food Storage RequiredFood lockers are provided at individual campsites to deter wildlife.

No Electric HookupsElectric hookups are not available at this campground. RV campers should arrive with a full battery and plan for off-grid power (generator hours/quiet rules permitting).

No Water HookupsSite-level water hookups are not available. RV campers should fill freshwater tanks before arrival; check the No Potable Water note above if applicable for drinking water.

Fire PolicyCampfires and charcoal are prohibited during summer due to fire risks. Propane/butane stoves are recommended.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are from 10 PM to 6 AM.

Emergency ServicesThe nearest emergency services are located in Cool, CA, about 45 minutes away, and include medical facilities. For immediate assistance, contact the park office at (916) 988-0205.

Trash & RecyclingThere is no specific on-site trash or recycling program mentioned in the source materials.

Water FeaturesClose to Folsom Lake, with two launch ramps for boating. Shore access varies depending on water levels.

Camp HostFriendly and knowledgeable staff are available to assist campers. Past hosts have enjoyed their seasonal roles in providing information and safety.

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Questions & answers

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Tips from campers

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Reviews

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From Booking Sources

4.0

61 reviews

Mixed Reviews

Peninsula Campground has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews are mixed, with complaints about road access and cleanliness contrasted by positive remarks about the friendly staff, wildlife viewing, and lake access. "Very nice place for camping. The staff is super friendly and kind."

Review Summaries

Based on 61 reviews

Best sites at a glance

Pulled from per-site mentions in 61 reviews.

Site #3Mentioned
Site #3 and #6 are described as being at the top of the hill and requiring uphill climbs.
Site #43Mentioned
Site #43 is noted for being a hike from facilities.

What Campers Love

Reviewers appreciate the scenic views, wildlife sightings, and friendly staff. "Beautiful views of the lake. The place was relatively quiet and sites are spaced enough for privacy."

Based on 61 reviews

Common Concerns

Common complaints include narrow, windy roads; lack of cleanliness in bathrooms; and small campsites. "Bathrooms are pretty nasty, and the shoreline by the dock is poor."

Based on 61 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Tips include bringing all supplies due to the remote location and preparing for windy and narrow roads. "Make sure you have all your supplies and proper cooking equipment as getting to the store is...

Based on 61 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer brings high temperatures and restrictions on campfires. "Use of campfires and charcoal is prohibited during the summer." Spring offers vibrant wildlife viewing and wildflowers.

Based on 61 reviews

Camper Quotes

"The lake is awesome at dusk." "Campground is known for its rattlesnakes, which like to come out at night." "Road coming up makes it very inconvenient to go back into town once here."

Based on 61 reviews

Accessibility Features

Wheelchair-accessible features are limited but include one designated campsite and trails.

Based on 61 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed, with notable restrictions in certain areas. "Dogs allowed on trails and in water but not at swim areas."

Based on 61 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

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Go if

Spring weekday campers chasing trout, bass, or just quiet oak woodland will find the best version of this place: mild temps, higher lake levels, two boat launches nearby, and deer at dusk nearly guaranteed. Sentiment from recent visitors is trending up.

Skip if

Dirty bathrooms are the most consistent complaint here, and the 45-minute haul to Cool for supplies is real. Sites like #43 sit far from facilities, and no electric hookups means comfort-focused RV campers will be working hard for a mediocre site.

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4.5

(196)

Black Miners Bar Campground

7755 Folsom-Auburn Road, Folsom, CA 95630

Black Miners Bar Campground sits on Lake Natoma's shore in Folsom Lake State Recreation Area, offering three large group sites for 25-50 people each. The campground honors African-American miners who worked claims along these riverbanks during the Gold Rush. Fees run $115-$195 per night, and trail access is immediate.