Lake Natoma
Folsom, CA
Lake Natoma is a very beautiful lake with great scenery, wildlife, fishing, recreational activities and very close to Sacramento. During the summer the lake does have a lot of visitors and gets really busy so I would recommend going during the week or in the morning to avoid the bulk of people.
Launch Areas
Lake Natoma has 3 different launching areas. All 3 have car/trailer parking, a concrete launch ramp with small dock, and space for launching from the shore near the parking area. It's $10/day to park your vehicle at a launch area and they do accept the CA Parks and Rec annual parking passes including the Golden Poppy Parking Pass.
Nimbus Flat Launch Area
Nimbus Flat is at the southern most tip of the lake right next to the dam and Sac State Aquatic Center with a large beach and picnic areas. This area gets pretty busy on the weekends and in the afternoons during the summer. There are a few small beaches just up the shore from the main beach.
Directions (from Sacramento, CA):
1. Head east on Highway 50.
2. Exit at Hazel Ave and go left (north) on Hazel.
3. After crossing over the overpass on the right will be a sign for the Nimbus Flat launch area, turn right just after the sign.
4. Stop at the paybooth, then make your first left after the booth into the parking lot and launch area.
Willow Creek Launch Area
This is the smallest of the launch areas and is in the middle of the lake on the east shore. The parking lot does sometimes fill up during weekends in the summer. Usually there are not many people hanging around at the launch area because there is no beach and only a couple covered picnic tables.
Directions (from Sacramento, CA):
1. Head east on Highway 50.
2. Exit at Folsom Blvd and go left on Folsom.
3. Travel to Blue Ravine Road and make a U-turn to now head the other direction on Folsom Blvd.
4. In less than a mile make your first right at the sign for the Willow Creek launch area. There is a lot of overgrowth blocking the view of the sign and the entrance until the last moment while on Folsom Blvd.
5. There is no paybooth but there will be a ranger at a table under an awning near the beginning of the parking area.
Negro Bar Launch Area
This launch area is near the northern tip of the lake with a very large beach nearby and large parking area. There are only a couple parking spots right next to the launch ramp so if you are launching your kayak alone and those spots are full I would recommend having a kayak trolley or you will be leaving your kayak unattended for a few minutes while parking.
Directions (from Sacramento, CA):
1. Head east on Highway 50.
2. Exit at Hazel Ave and go left (north) on Hazel.
3. Turn right onto Madison Ave.
4. Madison Ave becomes Greenback Lane if you keep going.
5. Turn right onto Park Road. There will be a sign for the Negro Bar launch area.
6. Follow Park Road to the parking area and launch ramp.
Kayak Rentals
Kayaks can be rented at all 3 of the launch areas.
Nimbus Flat: rent at the Sac State Aquatic Center building.
Willow Creek: look for a booth near some cargo containers by the bathrooms. There will be a sign saying kayak rentals.
Negro Bar: at the cargo containers by the beach.
