Granite Bay, CA, United States

Granite Bay, Folsom Lake

Granite Bay is one of Folsom Lake's two main western-shore day-use areas, with a designated swim area, landscaped picnic areas, beach-equipment rentals and plenty of parking. Boats and water skiers use the lake too, so keep your swim inside the designated area. The reservoir is highest in early summer and drops through fall, so the shoreline moves farther from the lot as the season goes on.

Directions

Photo: Gamesyns · CC BY-SA 4.0

Get your personalized SwimScore

Latest reading · SwimScore 83/100 (Get in) for a typical swimmer: air 29°C, wind 13 km/h, UV 7. Updated 23 Sept, 22:00 UTC.

Know before you go

Best conditions: Early summer, when the reservoir is typically fullest.
Getting in: Folsom Lake State Recreation Area day-use area on the western shore; vehicle day use is $12 (fees can change). Dogs are not allowed in the swim area.
Parking & transport: Day-use parking at the Granite Bay Main Beach area (fee applies).
Water quality: State Parks relays Central Valley Regional Water Quality Control Board E. coli sampling for Folsom Lake SRA (weekly results on the SWAMP Recreational Water Quality Monitoring page); Granite Bay was not among the sites flagged in the July 1, 2026 alert, which also noted the potential for harmful algal blooms on Folsom Lake.
Season: Summer.
Watch for: Boating and water skiing on the lake
Water levels fluctuate widely (about 440 feet in early summer to 405 feet in early winter), changing depths and exposing hazards
Potential harmful algal blooms
Facilities: Designated swim area · Restrooms and water faucets · Landscaped picnic areas and two reservable group sites · Snack and beach-equipment concessions · Boat launch · Multiuse activity center