Gold River, CA, United States
Nimbus Flat, Lake Natoma
Nimbus Flat is a small beach on Lake Natoma, the four-mile reservoir on the American River just above Nimbus Dam and home to the Sacramento State Aquatic Center. A 5 mph limit keeps wakes down, but you share the water with rowing crews and paddlers, so stay near shore and wear a bright cap. Summer E. coli results are posted weekly; check them first.
Photo: The Oaked Ridge · CC BY-SA 3.0
Latest reading · SwimScore 84/100 (Get in) for a typical swimmer: air 20°C, wind 16 km/h, UV 2. Updated .
Know before you go
- Getting in
- Day-use area of Folsom Lake State Recreation Area on Lake Natoma near Nimbus Dam; vehicle day use is $10 (fees can change). Dogs are not allowed in the swim area or on the turf.
- Parking & transport
- Fee parking lot at Nimbus Flat.
- Water quality
- The Central Valley Regional Water Quality Control Board samples near-shore E. coli through the summer and posts weekly results on the SWAMP Recreational Water Quality Monitoring page; a State Parks health alert (July 1, 2026) reported elevated E. coli at Nimbus Flat in late-June samples.
- Season
- Summer.
- Watch for
- Elevated E. coli has been recorded (late June 2026); avoid swimming with open wounds
- Rowing shells, kayaks and other boats share the lake (5 mph speed limit)
- Facilities
- Designated swim area · Turf area · Paddle rentals on Lake Natoma · American River Bike Trail nearby
Sources: parks.ca.gov, parks.ca.gov, en.wikipedia.org
Hand-checked spots nearby
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Details
- Location
- Gold River, CA, United States
- Type
- lake
- Coordinates
- 38.6364, -121.2161