🌤 Weather at Black Miners Bar at Folsom Lake State Recreation Area by season
| Spring | Summer | Fall | Winter |
|---|---|---|---|
| 47–81 °F | 59–94 °F | 45–89 °F | 41–62 °F |
Each range runs from the coldest monthly average low to the warmest monthly average high in that season (1991-2020 climate normals), measured at Sacramento 5 Ese, 13 mi away, elevation 38 ft. Conditions at the park can differ from the station, especially where elevation differs — check a forecast before you go.
Black Miners Bar is a day-use area at the northern end of Lake Natoma, near Folsom in Sacramento County. It is part of Folsom Lake State Recreation Area, which California State Parks runs, and it is not a separate state park. The area was formerly called Negro Bar. In June 2022 the California State Park and Recreation Commission voted unanimously for the temporary name Black Miners Bar, and in February 2026 State Parks wrote that the debate about a final name was still ongoing.
California State Parks describes the day-use area as ideal for family picnics or kayak launching year-round. This page covers hours, fees and facilities as California State Parks lists them, as of October 2026.
Quick Facts
| State | California |
| Nearest City | Folsom |
| County | Sacramento County |
| Part of | Folsom Lake State Recreation Area (California State Parks, Gold Fields District) |
| Vehicle day use | $10.00 (as of October 2026) |
| Phone | Folsom Lake SRA sector office, (916) 988-0205 |
Hours and fees
California State Parks lists these hours for the Black Miners Bar entrance (as of October 2026):
| Season | Hours |
|---|---|
| Summer, April 1 to October 31 | 6 a.m. to 30 minutes after sunset |
| Winter, November 1 to March 31 | 7 a.m. to 30 minutes after sunset |
The vehicle day-use fee at Black Miners Bar is $10.00. State Parks notes that special rates may apply in peak season, on high-demand holidays and on weekends, and that prices can change without notice. Folsom Lake State Recreation Area accepts the California Explorer and Golden Poppy vehicle day-use annual passes, among other State Parks passes. Check the Folsom Lake SRA page for current advisories before you go; in October 2026 it listed a health alert for elevated E. coli levels at some areas of the recreation area.
Picnics, boating and swimming
Group picnic sites. Black Miners Bar has two reservable group picnic sites at the renovated day-use area, with easy access to Lake Natoma. Each site holds up to 50 people and has six picnic tables, a large prep and buffet table, a shade ramada, a large barbecue station and trash and recycling containers, next to flush toilets. The sites are available year-round during normal park hours, and day-use fees apply. You can reserve up to 90 days in advance at the Folsom Sector Office, 7755 Folsom-Auburn Road, Folsom, or by emailing the application form from the Folsom Lake SRA page.
Boating and paddling. A sign at Black Miners Bar marks a boat launch ramp. Lake Natoma is managed mainly for non-motorized and slow-speed recreation such as rowing and paddling, and a 5-mph speed limit applies on the entire lake.
Swimming and dogs. Dogs are allowed on trails and in the water at Folsom Lake SRA, but not in the swim area at Black Miners Bar.
Getting there. Folsom Lake State Recreation Area lies about 25 miles east of Sacramento and can be reached via Highway 50 or I-80. A roadway sign for Black Miners Bar stands on Greenback Lane east of Folsom-Auburn Road.
History of the site and its name
An 1850 newspaper article reported Black miners finding gold at this location in 1848. A few years before the Gold Rush, in 1844, the area was part of a Mexican land grant, Rancho Rio de los Americanos, received by William Alexander Leidesdorff, a multiracial West Indian immigrant and entrepreneur.
The mining town known as Negro Bar stood south of the historic city of Folsom, across the American River from today’s day-use facilities. The 1850 U.S. census and election returns from the 1850s give it 500 to 600 residents. In the early 20th century, dredge companies covered the townsite with soil and debris.
Where the name came from is disputed, according to California State Parks: it may refer to the miners named in the 1850 article, to Leidesdorff’s partly Black identity, or to the Spanish word for “black”, describing the dark sand at this part of the river. Since 2018 State Parks has worked on requests to rename the area. The 2022 vote is part of its Reexamining Our Past initiative, and a permanent name is to follow after more research and community engagement. The day-use area also hosts Folsom’s Juneteenth celebration.
Explore More Parks in California
Black Miners Bar is one of many entrances to Folsom Lake State Recreation Area, which also includes Folsom Lake and the rest of Lake Natoma. Discover more parks in our Best State Parks in California guide, or use our Park Finder to search by activity, location, or features.
Editor’s note: An earlier version of this page described the site as Negro Bar State Park, a separate state park. It used general California fees and camping tips, and it listed wildlife and distances that we could not confirm with California State Parks. In October 2026 we rewrote the page using information from California State Parks.
More parks nearby: Folsom Powerhouse State Historic Park is a short drive away, while Clay Pit State Vehicular Recreation Area lies a short drive away.
🐾 Dogs & Pets at Black Miners Bar at Folsom Lake State Recreation Area
- Pets allowed? statewide rule
- Dogs are permitted in California State Parks only in developed areas — campgrounds, picnic areas, parking lots and paved roads — and are prohibited on most trails, beaches and undeveloped areas unless specifically designated as dog-friendly.
- Leash rule statewide rule
- Maximum 6-foot leash at all times; dogs may not be left unattended.
- Beaches & swim areas statewide rule
- Dogs are prohibited on most state beaches; only beaches specifically designated as dog-allowed permit them (varies by park).
- Cabins & lodging statewide rule
- Pets are generally not allowed in buildings or cabins; overnight campers must keep dogs inside a tent or vehicle at night.
- Statewide exceptions statewide rule
- Designated dog-friendly trails and beaches vary park by park; misrepresenting a pet as a service animal is a misdemeanor.
Are dogs allowed at Black Miners Bar at Folsom Lake State Recreation Area?
Dogs are permitted in California State Parks only in developed areas — campgrounds, picnic areas, parking lots and paved roads — and are prohibited on most trails, beaches and undeveloped areas unless specifically designated as dog-friendly. Individual parks can post stricter rules — check signage on arrival.
Rules verified July 2026 via parks.ca.gov. More: California state parks guide · Dog rules in all 50 states compared
Park Location
Plan your gear for Black Miners Bar at Folsom Lake State Recreation Area
From our editorial guides, matched to this park’s activities:
