Great Kayaking scene! Location: near the Sac State Aquatic center and right at the Dam is Nimbus Flat! Lake Natoma has a lot of different areas to jump off from but I think this one is the most popular. The spot is great for bringing family as there is a lot of open beach and lots of clear water to hang out with family on. Across from the flats is a nice rocky shore, shallow water and turtle alley. Activities: Located right next to Sac State Aquatics and just off Hazel, this place can be VERY busy. Quite often if you are coming here later in the summer the lot is full. I highly recommend coming early. There isn't a rental place right off the beach like Black Miners bar but I think this is due to the aquatic center where you can rent quite a bit of equipment. They are actually a separate parking lot from the Nimbus Flat parking Lot. The area also connects to the trails that run along the entire lake and connects to the overall American River Bike Trail. This makes it even more popular. There is a nice boat landing (non motorized boats) and restrooms as well as some picnic tables and good tree cover on site. The only issue is that beach quality can be so-so but great for water sports and not having to deal with motorized boats like Folsom Lake. It's such a great gem to have a space like this. Folsom Lake and Natoma are both great depending on what kind of vibe you are looking on the water read more

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This is a great place to rent kayaks, boats and paddles boards. The staff is very friendly and knowledgeable. Great way to beat the summer heat. I have since purchased my own paddle board and go to the lake every summer. The park is clean and is easily accessible read more

Nimbus Flat - Parks Near Me - Rancho Cordova, California

This is my absolute favorite place to go paddle boarding! It's absolutely packed on the holidays and weekends but if you go midday during the week, you get the whole lake to yourself. It connects all the way down to the bridge in Folsom. Excellent for kayaking and fishing as well as swimming and paddle boarding highly recommend. You can get a season pass for $125 or it's $10 per visit per vehicle. read more

Nimbus Flat - Geese are Everywhere at nimbus flat - Parks Near Me - Rancho Cordova, California

Kayaking is great here. The water cool and calm. Picnic area is busy yet not too crowded. read more

Nimbus Flat - Inflatable kayak - Parks Near Me - Rancho Cordova, California

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Nimbus Flats is a great family day destination. 10.00 day fee There are plenty of parking spots and shade. Swimming, paddleboarding, and kayaking. There is launch access conveniently close to the parking lot. There is plenty of wildlife, and the grounds are very clean. It can get a bit noisy, but it just adds to the energy of the park. Paddleboarding was awesome Pretty calm that day with a light wind (9/9/24) I didn't spend too much time on land because we were there to paddleboard, but everyone looked like they were having a blast m, especially the kids. Also, which I thought was great were available lifevests! I suggest you give it a try. read more

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Enjoy Lake Natoma for picnicking, hiking, and water fun. Near CSUS Aquatic Center. Lots of parking. Busy on the weekends. Options for on leash adventures with your best friend. Highly recommend! read more

Nimbus Flats. A great place to Paddle Board, Kayak, Float, Long Distance swimming and also a place to lose some paitence. What do I mean? Let's just say people don't care about any rules or an ounce or respect for even open parking stalls. So let me provide some insights to the first time visitors during the summer. First off, if you have kids or people can't swim. Invest in a lifevest or use the park provided vests. The up-front cost of lifevests far outweigh the costs of a plot and coffin or coffins. And being on the local newscasts. Socialites, don't care if you are good swimmer. If bikini swimwear fashion and looks outweigh using a lifevest. Stay on shore or at home. Secondly, if you decide to come here on the weekend. Don't party or stay up late on a Friday night. Parking can fill up way before 8AM. So get your gear in your vehicle and get here early in the morning. SUP users, air pump ahead if you have a rack. Table spots are first come, first serve basis. As I sit here typing this up. I can see ALL THE DISAPPOINTED PEOPLE after 9:30am. Trust me when I say disappointed. The "I don't care/negative/gripe/vent" section Fair warning, you will smell recreational weed. So your neighboring party may have someone smoking that ganja weed. It can get dusty by wind and people walking by you kicking up dust. When we arrived at the very end, there this family group who decided to unload all of their kayak gear and other gear in a empty parking stall. Then they also decided to move other gear in the roadway. Thus blocking what would be considered a 2 way road. Even the park ranger was shaking his head at the stupidity of this family. Till they noticed the Park Ranger. Another example of the area we were at, there is a loading/unloading section area. Makes sense right? However, a fitness trainer decided to put up his cones to train his trainees. Thus preventing cars to unload gear or even load gear. But he was getting paid so he was oblivious to his surroundings. Why? People don't care. Another example, there are people who parks in the bike entrance trails to either unload/load gear. Or simply become "smart" thinking "rules" don't apply to them, and all of a sudden they became privileged to park there until a Park Ranger shows up and tickets the vehicles. People don't care. Another example, if you bring your own grill. Don't dump your charcoal, hot, warm or cold on the ground near in front of the parking stalls near dry brushes. As Bobby Singer would say " Stupid IDJIIT". Lastly, Bicyclist DON'T CARE ABOUT ANYONE. Period. They will zip by you, travel at high speeds on normal walkways (especially by the water side and picnic area) parking lot and stall areas. They travel in packs and all spaced out to ensure maximum ground coverage before hitting the bike trails. The "This place is great" section Honestly, this is probably the best place to learn SUP (paddle board). The water is calm and managing to balance up-right for practice just makes it easier. Picnic tables are your standard tables of concrete and wood. You can bring your own tables if you are having a party or the pre-determine tables are occupied. I would also recommend a pop up or half dome tent for shade. If you are going to bring a beach umbrella. Bring a weighted stand. Trying to dig your pole into this man made dam ground is a P.I.T.A.. This not by experience but what I witness. All neighbors are respectful of one another space and personal property. Leaving your board or kayak at the shoreline is pretty much monitored by the shoreline visitors. So someone stealing will be visible to all. But the shoreline can quickly fill up. Not just by visitors. But visitors that have kayak, SUP, and those big giant floaties that sits kids or alcholics. LOL The bike and walk trails are nice. Just bring your drink. This is a friendly family location. Kids of all ages love the shoreline as the water is crisp and chilled. As of this writing in August 2022. The water has receded uite a bit. The center section of the park as a water step, site-seeing section. In June the water was just at its last step. Now the water has receded away. But its still a great plqce for everyone to enjoy the water. The restrooms are both gender and non-gender designated. Though Men's bathroom will always look like crap cause most can't even aim or are hella drunk and can't see straight LOL.. And if they need to go #2 them fools need to hold it till they get colon cancer cause one the areas I walked in for #1, I walked out as some fella had an internal and external explosion. Seriously guys, are some of you even potty trained or is your mind slipping as you age? Anyhow, this is still a great place! Setup early, get your grill on, party responsibly, walk to the water and paddle your life away, bike, jog, walk the trails. Afterall enjoyment is never perfect until you make the best of it and then its perfect. Happy trails! read more

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Decent little spot to chill at lake natoma. It can get pretty busy though as the day goes on. I went the other day and arrived at 7am with little to no people there but it was pretty crowded by noon. My only complaint would be the amount of jagged tiny rocks on the beach and under the water. Ended up scraping my arm on a giant rock while swimming. The tiny rocks were a little painful to walk on while trying to get to and from shore. read more

What a gem. We got here on Saturday, 6/17/2023, at 3:30pm. Cover: $10 at the entrance. We had an annual pass since we go often to all the state parks. Parking: even though it was Father's Day weekend and it was packed, there was still a lot of parking. Atmosphere: Lots of families that come to paddle board and kayak. There's plenty of beach space where lots of people put up pop up canopies and BBQ. Water: it was still pretty cold but loved it. There are plenty of places to row to if you love to explore. There's a bit of a current but I thing it was due to the wind. I took a nap and ended up floating to the other side. There's also a bridge nearby that you can row under and you can see the I-80 from there. The Aquatic center nearby was closed but it looks like when they are open, they rent out lots of things like paddle boards and sail boats but don't quote me on that. I thoroughly enjoyed all the space we had on the water. It didn't seem crowded at all! I'd suggest coming here over Folsom Lake. read more

Nimbus Flat - Paddle boarding - Parks Near Me - Rancho Cordova, California

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Sacramento is very fortunate to have such a place to go for all of their paddle sports needs. If you want to learn to sail, kayak, Stand-Up Paddleboard, or just play with floatie water toys, Nimbus Flat is a good first destination. The Sac State Aquatic Center is here if you need instruction or equipment rental. Otherwise, you can bring your own gear here and safely test it in a flat water environment. It's a slice of paradise right here in the city. Sure, it's not exactly a wild river or anything, but the water is refreshing, the put-in spots are plentiful, there are bathrooms, and lifeguards if you get in trouble and need assistance. It's an overall safe place to use your watersports gear that is eminently accessible. Any caveats? Yes. This place is popular during the summer on a weekend. it can fill up. As anyplace that's over crowded, it can lose much of it's charm if there're too many people there. I recommend going there on a weekday during the peak July-August season. read more

I have taken part in the various water activities here yet, but I've come up where multiple times for a turn around point. During several solo and group cycling rides around the American River Bike Trail. And with it being Summertime and being nice and warm out, I've come to see countless people enjoying the beautiful weather at Nimbus Flat. You can come out to Nimbus Flat and bring or rent paddle boards and kayak's, or you can play near the shores. There's also people who come out to train in the open waters, like those who are training for the swim portion of Triathlon events like a half or full Iron Man. So me I've come out here to enjoy the view of the lake half way through a standard 30-45 miles bike ride. It's a nice break to enjoy and look at even if not playing around the beach side or in the waters. Nimbus Lake is definitely a place to come out and check if possible. read more

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Always a great family friendly place to restore your sanity and reconnect with nature!

Oasis in town! Easy access to the park by car and by trek. $$ entrance fee is affordable- I suggest getting an annual state park pass if you plan of being part of the lake life and going more than 5 times in the warmer months. Weekends/ 90^F Weather in the summer: Parking- before 11am both parking lots (smaller free parking lot right before the entrance to nimbus park and bigger parking lot inside park) fill up quick and the lot will be full, meaning no access to parking and you will be turned away. This doesn't mean that you can't unload your personal kayak/paddle board and gear at the entrance and then go park somewhere else. 1pm-2pm- people begin to leave and parking lot access is opened back up. This is what I observed on a Saturday with nice weather and a breeze. There is a ramp into the water where you can back up your car to unload your kayaks etc. Beach/cove area- there are plenty of shady spots to set up your site under the trees and there seemed to be plenty of spots open with all the people there. If you want to be right by the water and don't want anyone in front of you then I suggest bringing a pop up canopy for shade. BBQ- plenty of people brought there mini bbq grills. Not sure if this is licensed or unlicensed, but usually any park you can bbq. Bathrooms- there are two different bathroom buildings with 3 or 4 different solo bathrooms. Yes animal friendly! Plenty of people with dogs out of the water and on paddle boards and kayaks in the water :) Water is beautiful and calm but very cold! The lake is huge and actually goes for miles and there is a trail that extends alongside the lake. Recommendations/suggestions: Food Electrolytes Water Life jackets Kayak, paddle board, tubes etc Sun hat and sunscreen Cooler that fits in paddle board and or kayak Water proof bag that floats for phone and other non water proof stuff. Pop up canopy or pop up tent Beach chairs/ picnic blanket or pad. We have been here several times this summer and love it! read more

If you're looking for heaven on earth, Nimbus Flat is it. Living in Sacramento, i'm always looking for those local places to safely enjoy. Nimbus flat has been my secret getaway. It's one of the best places to go for a quiet picnic ( great day date spot), an easy walk, and a wonderful place to feel like you've escaped from city life. During non-covid times, the water is usually filled with kayaks, and other non-motorized water equipment. While I miss those days, I love being able to have this beautiful part of nature literally in my backyard. read more

One of our favorite places to visit .Nimbus Flat area is a quick escape from suburbia into fun and peaceful nature. Just minutes of the Hazel ave exit , parking is a breeze, but be prepared to pay a fee of 10$. Once you park, you'll find a boat launch area, bathrooms, picnic tables , a lovely trail that runs along the lake, and of course the lake ! During the warmer months , its can get pretty crowded with kayakers and paddle boarders. It's one of the most convenient places to launch into the lake . There is also a bit of shoreline where families can hang out and splash in the waters . Driving a bit further down the parking lot will take you to a few areas where you can fish and picnic, along with the start of a very easy trail where you can hike and see the lake views . The entire area is dog friendly for well behaved dogs. If you visit often, you may also want to invest in the poppy parking pass that good for a year and works at a lot of state parks around CA. We loved our pass and use it frequently. Enjoy ! read more

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Beautiful place to explore. They have rentals at the Aquatic Center or you can bring your own water toy. I love this lake as no large boats allowed. Lake is big enough to find your own little spot to play or swim. I have been here at this location twice this month. Exploring the different ponds and hidden spots. Fishing swimming or just exploring lake. Right now there are Lots of blackberries along the shore line. We saw several people picking them so we joined in for a tasty treat later or maybe even make some jam if I can get enough. We will be back again. read more

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Sacramento has so many things to do outdoor which is great. I came here for a morning walk and to get some fresh air. This park is beautiful with a lot to do. The dam itself is pretty impressive and made me wish I had taken civil engineering in school. read more

Luv the trails for biking ‍ it's my favorite place to go on the weekends . It's very serene and I luv being near the water ! read more

Nimbus Flat - Parks Near Me - Rancho Cordova, California

Came here for a family picnic. Not a local of Sacramento but found this place relaxing and a fun place to bring family especially on weekends and summer days. The teens and adults enjoy playing volleyball. We haven't really explored the lake, stayed in the shade because of the heat, a three digit temperature. But overall it was a nice experience! read more

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Stopped by to get a whiff of nature yesterday with my dog. We went near noon and I was surprised that there were still some picnic tables available. The ones that shade you were taken quickly, but we managed to find one with some shade. There was a bunch of people already at the tables, launch area for boats, kayakers, and swimmers. Everyone was very friendly and social distanced themselves. I really like this place because they're also dog friendly, so I got to see my dog swim for the first time haha. Definitely will be coming back, just a lot earlier next time. Day fee to get in is $10 by the way! read more

Went here on Sunday during Memorial Weekend. My family practiced social distancing while at the lake. I don't believe the park rangers were controlling how many people were coming through. There should really be a limit of how many people could enter. We got there around 2:45pm and people were still going in. I would think they wouldn't let anyone in because it was sort of crowded, but there was room to maintain 6 feet of social distancing. Park rangers were driving around in there patrol cars and not on foot to supervise the crowds. I didn't like the fact that there was a family close by smoking weed and we were 30 feet away from them. I could tell it was from that family when I walked by them. Really no respect or class. There were kids with these so called parents and relatives. It also cost $10 for parking. I won't be returning any time soon until this country has a handle on Covid-19. read more

Growing up back East but spending my summers in Sacramento as a kid, Lake Natoma and Nimbus Flat were always a staple of a hot summer day. Between taking an aquatics camp through Sacramento State's facility out at the lake to having picnics on the beach at the Nimbus Flat park, everything about this place brings back so many good memories. Now as an adult, living in Sacramento, I frequent Nimbus Flat whenever friends or family come to town to visit. It's a great park and place to spend a warm, sunny afternoon. Parking can be a little tight but it helps that they've expanded their lots (it's $10 to park for the day; a little steep in my opinion but if it supports the upkeep and maintenance of the park, I guess I support it). They have quite a few picnic tables and grills available but if you want to get one, be sure to arrive early (lots of birthday parties, reunions, and get together's happen here on the weekends and you can miss out on having a table/grill if you don't arrive early). There is lots of shade and public restrooms that aren't completely disgusting. They have lifeguards on duty during the summer months, although the water is FREEZING (because it's just melted snow). All in all, a nice, easy, close "get away" from downtown Sacramento without having to drive forever to get there. read more

You better go early! My girlfriend got there before me and set up a nice beach area and when I got there they wouldn't let me in and said the parking lot was full. They were so rude and unaccommodating! As I told them my girlfriend had already set up a beach area and pumped up her paddleboard. I saw about five cars leave and they still wouldn't even let me in! Now she had to pack up and we have to go over to black miners ravine. I won't go there again. Lesson learned. Super rude staff!!!! read more

As someone who lives in Folsom, I enjoy walking my dogs here, along with many other areas. But I have to say, The amount of trash generated by the people who crowd this spot Thursday through Saturday is mind numbing. Aside from the dumpsters and trash bins overflowing, there is trash all up and down the beach, on the water line, and all along the borders of and in the nature areas. Broken glass, cups floating, dirty diapers galore and some floating in the water on the shoreline, clothes, underwear, broken chairs, tents and flat rafts, food on plates just left behind. It's disgusting, but truly just very sad. If you enjoy these places, pick up after yourselves and have some respect for the planet if not yourselves. The need a serious clean up crew. I think they should charge more just for the trash coat alone. I can't imagine how much is getting in the lake. read more

Thai is a beautiful area to hangout either on the water or on land. The bathrooms are clean and they have a faucet to clean your feet. No quick outdoors showers. They have bbq pit and benches. There's many trees so can be shady in certain area. They have an entrance to a walking/biking trail. They do get crowded when it's warm and hot...limited space for social distance. The beach can be rocky and cold until later in the summer but it's much warmer than any area in American river. It cost $10 day use but its worth it. If you park in the carpool and walk on then no cost but that parking lot can be dangerous because I see broken glasses on the ground all the time. read more

Nimbus Flat - Parks Near Me - Rancho Cordova, California

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Nimbus flat is a nice place to spend the day with the family. Located next to the Sacramento state aquatic center where you can rent paddle boards, kayaks and other water crafts for around $15-$16 an hour. Bbq pits and tables are limited so be sure to go early on a weekend or holiday visit. The downside to this location is that close parking to the lake and picnic area are extremely limited. As well as for how busy this place gets they could use another restroom facility. They currently have one restroom building with 4 separated restrooms that are all gender neutral and well kept up. Overall great place to take the family for a summer bbq and day at the water. read more

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I might have over looked this place, because if you don't pay close attention you'll miss it while driving, but I'm so glad that I discovered it! Nimbus Flat is conveniently located right next to the Sacramento State Aquatic Center. It's right next to the water, has picnic tables, a clean bathroom, and even a biking trail to fulfill your outdoor needs. I first discovered this place about three years ago when I was looking for a place to throw my husband a birthday BBQ. I originally planned to do it at the actual aquatic center, because I thought it'd be fun to kayak and have a picnic on the beach area, but at the aquatic center it's pretty expensive and you're only allowed to be there for about a 3 hour time slot. This was the next, and actually BEST thing to come along, because you only have to pay 10.00 for parking, and the park is YOURS. The area is huge, with lots of picnic tables, running room, and you are not restricted to time! The summers can get pretty busy, and obviously this place is first come first serve, so if you want a good spot, you most likely have to get out there no later than 9:00 on the weekends. You'll see some geese roaming around, and people who are swimming, kayaking, canoing, and sometimes even sailing. You can bring your BBQs out and have a fun filled day, and what we usually do is walk over to the aquatic center, rent a few kayaks, and kayak it over to our picnic spot. There are picnic tables, and people usually bring their canopies to block the sun, lots of lawn chairs, and picnic blankets. I noticed that in June, there's a lot of geese droppings all over the grass, but come July, it's really clean. Bathrooms are close and very clean, and there's a big dumpster near the picnic area so everyone can throw away their trash and keep the park clean. I highly recommend this place for parties, reunions, or even if you just want a relaxing day for a picnic. This place is as good as it gets! read more

Like Sarah G. way back in '08, I am astonished that there are not more reviews for Nimbus Flat. Perhaps that's one reason the park was so blissfully uncrowded when we went. It's beautiful here, especially if you're looking for easy access to the calm lake. The turnoff for the park is easily missed. We actually went past it and turned into the CSUS Aquatics Center that's right next door. Not knowing we were in the wrong parking lot, we initially thought maybe the overflow lot for the Center was actually the lot for the park. Thankfully, I asked a fellow dog lover who looked like a local and she pointed me back out to Hazel and over about 30 yards. You'll know you're in the right place if you're paying to park ($8-10). Walking into the picnic area that's just a few yards away from the parking lot, we were pleasantly surprised by the number of clean, well-kept picnic spots. Some are right next to the beach. Others are further back for larger or more private groups. Most have their own built-in BBQ and trash can. There was plenty of room between tables to play a little fetch with the dogs. I'm sure the park is leash only, but I saw quite a few folks (including us) bending the rules a bit to get the canines in the water. The park and the Aquatics Center share a portion of the lake that is smooth and quiet. Lots of paddleboats, kayaks and canoes were out on the water. The beach area is generous and even in March, there were already sunbathers. This was an ideal stop for many hours of fun in the sun. It was one of the few times that I actually debated whether or not to do a review. I'm hoping it will still be a little-known spot next time we go back. Still, as a good little Yelper, when you find something this good, ya just gotta share. * Quick Tip* Even if you're not a tremendous fan of Spaghetti Factory, they do a pretty mean takeout and it's practically right next door. We pulled up the menu on-line and called in the order about 15 mins. before reaching the exit. Fresh sourdough & pasta in the park!! read more

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This a great place to take a date or your family. Rent a kayak or hydro bikes from the Sac State Aquatic Center or pick a spot for a picnic while the kids play in the water. The water can be pretty cold but when it's 90° you won't care but for that 1st splash. On holiday wknds, you want to get there by 10. Also if you do intend to rent from the Aquatic Center on a holiday wknd, be prepared to stand in line for 30-45 min. The park entrance fee is $10 unless you have the $150 state park annual pass. Finally, please teach your kids not to feed the geese. Those things just will not go away easily & when they do finally leave you find yourself stepping into some fresh goose poop. Awesome. read more

Nimbus Flat - Parks Near Me - Rancho Cordova, California

$10 parking, got there at about 9 am and there were plenty of tables with grills. The water is very close and convenient to the picnic area. The place is kept as clean as possible, including the bathrooms. There was the convenience of large trash and recycle bins everywhere. Overall, family friendly & we'd definitely come back again! read more

My one gripe . The handicap fishing dock is not usable to us. Swimmers and water craft make it unsafe to fish from.Calling to complain gets a runaround. Area should be blocked off just for fishing or the dock should be moved to another area. Lake has a 5mph speed but I guess that don't count for the aquatic center.? People at entrance just shrug shoulders. read more

Beautiful! Spacious! You can swim, fish, grill, walk, bike. Theres picnic tables next to trees so plenty of shade. Its very nice. Unless youre afraid of geese coming close to you this place is perfect for a day out. read more

Went fishing at 8am on a Tuesday. We were directed to the fishing dock. Swimmers AND paddleboarders kept going right over our lines! They didnt even care that we were saying please move out about 10 feet (or preferably 20!). They showed absolutely no regard and quite frankly could have easily been tangled in our lines. Never going to return. read more

For swimmers looking for open water time. Was informed today that lifeguards are assigned to Nimbus Flat 11-7 everyday in summer. Also at Negro Bar, Beals', Granite Bay. Info person said not 100% guarantee at any site as they move guards to cover crowds and not have guard watching empty beach. Guessing Nimbus is usually staffed. Trying out next week. Lake Natoma has calmer waters than Folsom beaches. Swam here twice, water too cold for me, 58-60 degrees in early July Switched to Granite Bay and have enjoyed swimming along their 300-400yd buoy line in a defined swimming area. No buoyed area at Nimbus Water 80+ degrees read more

Beautiful lake- I gave 4 stars because the lake bottom was rocky- definitely better with water shoes, or sneakers- and it was pretty cold... but great for a picnic with plenty of tables and trees, bathrooms, water spigots, trash and views. Most people were on the lake- lots of boats and watercraft, many rented next door- but no motors allowed which kept the lake clean, quiet a relaxing :-) The close parking was taken, but there was plenty in the next lot over. I did swim because thats what I was there for... just didn't stay in too long! read more

Nice spot for day outing. But for finding the best spot you have to go early otherwise you don't get the spot. You can do Kayaking there. Water was warm and clean. They charge $10 for parking. Restroom are ok. read more

Fantastic find, perfect spot to cool down on these 100 degree days. Bit rocky under the feet. Floaties work well keeps your feet off the rocks. read more

Beautiful place to bring the family and have a picnic than go take a dip in the water afterwards. they have the sac state aquatic center walking distance where you can rent bikes, kayaks, etc. read more

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It's a great place to hang out in the summer though people get confused with the sac state aquatic center next door when they visit here. Lots of space and lots of activities around the park. read more

This is a really neat place to chill and hangout with the FAM BAM! The water feels great, its a little rocky on the feet but i rec some swim shoes read more