Recreation at Folsom Reservoir is managed by the California Department of Parks and Recreation under agreement with the Bureau of Reclamation, Central California Area Office. The reservoir was created by Folsom Dam across the American River. The dam is a feature of the Central Valley Project - American River Division - Folsom and Sly Park Units. Folsom Lake offers 75 miles of shoreline. Usually open 7 days a week, 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., contact the park office for seasonal variations. Facilities include 3 public campgrounds, 2 with showers, 60 miles of equestrian trails, 10 miles of paved bicycle trails, 8 miles of advanced mountain bike trails, and excellent year-round bank or boat fishing. Several launch ramps provide continuous boat launching access throughout the lake fluctuation zone. At capacity, Good fishing for both cold- and warm-water species including rainbow trout, brown trout, black bass, catfish, crappie, and bluegill. The American River Water Education Center at Folsom Dam contains exhibits that promote water education directly related to the American River Watershed.

Folsom Lake is located 20 miles northeast of Sacramento via Highway US 50.