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Swimming holes near Sac

Swimming holes and beaches near Sacramento: Folsom Lake, Lake Natoma, the American River, Auburn confluence and more, with drive times and fees.

Swimming 8 min

Tiscornia Beach

Sacramento

Sandy beach at the point where the American River meets the Sacramento River, next to Discovery Park. A free life jacket loaner station operates here in summer, and using one is strongly advised because the confluence has drop-offs and swirling currents that have caused drownings. Stay close to shore and keep kids in life jackets.

Fees: $8 per vehicle day use ($11 on major summer holiday weekends)

Best: July through September

Has: restrooms · life jacket loaner station · picnic tables

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Swimming 12 min

Paradise Beach (Glenn Hall Park)

Sacramento

Free city park beach on the American River behind Glenn Hall Park in River Park, near Sac State. A wide sandy bar and a slower bend of the river make it the closest classic swim beach to midtown. There are no lifeguards, and the current still gets strong when flows are up.

Fees: Free

Best: July through September

Has: restrooms · picnic tables · playground

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Swimming 22 min

Nimbus Flat, Lake Natoma (Folsom Lake State Recreation Area)

Rancho Cordova

Calm swim beach on the east end of Lake Natoma near Hazel Avenue. The 5 mph boat limit keeps the water flat, but the lake runs cold all year because it is fed from the bottom of Folsom Dam. Sandy entry, lawns, and a launch for kayaks and paddleboards make it popular on hot days.

Fees: $10 per vehicle day use

Best: June through September

Has: restrooms · swim beach · picnic tables · boat launch

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Swimming 22 min

Sunrise Recreation Area (American River)

Rancho Cordova

County river access at Sunrise Boulevard where gravel bars and slow side channels draw waders and rafters all summer. The county tests water quality here weekly in swim season. The river is cold and the current is stronger than it looks, and there are no lifeguards.

Fees: $8 per vehicle day use ($11 on major summer holiday weekends)

Best: July through September

Has: restrooms · picnic tables · raft and kayak launch · bike trail access

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Swimming 25 min

Black Miners Bar, Lake Natoma (Folsom Lake State Recreation Area)

Folsom

Day use area on the north shore of Lake Natoma in Folsom, formerly called Negro Bar and renamed by State Parks. It has a swim area, shade ramadas, barbecue pits, and seasonal kayak rentals on quiet 5 mph water. The site was one of the larger Gold Rush camps founded by Black miners in 1849.

Fees: $10 per vehicle day use

Best: June through September

Has: restrooms · swim area · boat ramp · shade ramadas · more

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Swimming 30 min

Beals Point Beach (Folsom Lake State Recreation Area)

Folsom

Sandy swim beach on the southwest shore of Folsom Lake with gentle entry and a large grassy picnic area behind it. Lifeguards are not always on duty, so swim with care. The paved bike trail and snack facilities make it an easy family day trip.

Fees: $12 per vehicle day use

Best: Late May through September

Has: restrooms · showers · picnic tables · swim beach · more

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Swimming 35 min

Granite Bay Main Beach (Folsom Lake State Recreation Area)

Granite Bay

The largest developed swim area on Folsom Lake, with a long sandy beach, shade trees, and big lawns on the northwest shore. Water levels change a lot through the year, so the beach grows and shrinks with the lake. No lifeguards are posted at all times, so watch children closely.

Fees: $12 per vehicle day use

Best: Late May through September

Has: restrooms · picnic tables · swim beach · boat launch · more

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Swimming 35 min

Rancho Seco Lake Swim Beach

Herald

Designated sandy swim beach on the southeast side of Rancho Seco Lake, near the group picnic areas and campground. Changing rooms and outdoor showers sit right behind the beach. The no-gas-motor rule keeps the swim area calm and quiet.

Fees: $12 per vehicle day use

Best: June through September

Has: swim beach · restrooms · outdoor showers · changing rooms · more

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Swimming 40 min

American River Confluence (Auburn State Recreation Area)

Auburn

Well-known swimming hole where the north and middle forks of the American River meet below Auburn, with clear pools near the Highway 49 bridge. Parking costs $10 at self-pay kiosks, in lots and along the road. Spring flows are cold and fast, so most people swim mid to late summer, and there are no lifeguards.

Fees: $10 per vehicle day use parking

Best: July through September

Has: portable toilets · hiking trails · roadside and lot parking

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Swimming 45 min

Brannan Island State Recreation Area (Windy Cove)

Rio Vista

Protected Delta swim area inside Brannan Island State Recreation Area near Rio Vista. The cove is sheltered from boat wakes and the shallow water warms up fast in summer. Restrooms and picnic areas sit close to the swim beach, and there are no lifeguards.

Fees: Check current fees; state park day use fee per vehicle

Best: June through September

Has: swim beach · restrooms · picnic tables · showers

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Swimming 50 min

Sandy Beach County Park

Rio Vista

Long sandy beach on the Sacramento River at Rio Vista where the water is warm by mid-summer. Afternoon Delta winds are strong, which draws windsurfers but can make swimming choppy. There are no lifeguards and boat traffic passes offshore, so stay near the beach.

Fees: Check current fees; day use parking fee charged

Best: July through September

Has: beach · restrooms · showers · picnic tables

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Swimming 55 min

Jenkinson Lake Swim Areas (Sly Park Recreation Area)

Pollock Pines

Clear, cool mountain lake near Pollock Pines with swimming allowed along most of the shoreline outside boat launch zones. The water is cleaner and colder than valley lakes because it sits at about 3,500 feet in the pines. There are no lifeguards, so swim at your own risk.

Fees: Check current fees with EID; day use charged per vehicle

Best: July through September

Has: restrooms · picnic tables · shoreline trail · boat launch

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Swimming 55 min

Lake Camanche Swim Areas

Ione

Warm foothill reservoir with quiet coves and beaches for swimming along 54 miles of shoreline. A 5 mph boat limit within 200 feet of shore keeps swim areas calmer. There are no lifeguards, so swimming is at your own risk.

Fees: Day use $15 per vehicle

Best: June through September

Has: restrooms · beaches · picnic tables · camp store

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Swimming 70 min

South Yuba River, Highway 49 Crossing (South Yuba River State Park)

Nevada City

Granite-lined swimming holes on the South Yuba River where Highway 49 crosses between Nevada City and North San Juan. Pools are clear and deep, but snowmelt keeps the river dangerous until flows drop, so the safe season is roughly late June through September. Parking at the small lot by the bridge fills early on summer weekends.

Fees: Free parking at the crossing; the Bridgeport unit charges $10 per vehicle

Best: Late June through September

Has: portable toilets · hiking trails · limited parking

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