Black Miners Bar (Lake Natoma)

Black Miners Bar is a day-use area and launch on Lake Natoma, part of Folsom Lake State Recreation Area, reached from Greenback Lane just south of historic Folsom. Lake Natoma is the roughly 4-mile, 500-acre lake between Folsom Dam and Nimbus Dam.

On the water

Powerboats may use Lake Natoma but are held to a 5 mph no-wake limit, so the water stays calm for kayaks, paddleboards and rowing. The Black Miners Bar launch is especially popular with anglers. Fish here have shown high mercury levels, and the state has a safe-eating advisory.

Camping and the name

The Black Miners Bar Group Campground is the only public campground on the lake. The site's earlier name was dropped after public requests, and State Parks has been consulting on a permanent name that recognizes the Black miners of the Gold Rush era.