Boat ramp guide
Nimbus Flat (Lake Natoma)
Gold River, Sacramento County, CA
Overview
Nimbus Flat is the day-use and launch area at the south end of Lake Natoma, the narrow reservoir on the American River below Folsom Dam and above Nimbus Dam. The Bureau of Reclamation owns the lake and California State Parks manages recreation as part of Folsom Lake State Recreation Area. The Sac State Aquatic Center, a National Boating Instruction Safety Center open to the public, sits on the shore here at 1901 Hazel Avenue.
Who boats here
Lake Natoma is built for paddling and rowing. The whole lake has a 5 mph speed limit, so it draws rowing crews, outrigger and kayak paddlers, sailing and windsurfing classes, and anglers in small boats. Youth and masters rowing teams train out of the Aquatic Center.
Hand launch only
Under State Parks' April 2025 golden mussel rules, only hand-launched boats are allowed on Lake Natoma; trailered vessels aren't. State Parks' September 2025 ramp status listed Nimbus Flat as open for hand launch only. Every boater, including paddlers and rowers, must arrive with the boat clean, drained and dry.
Seasonal hours
The lake is usually open daily, 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. from April 1 to October 15 and 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. the rest of the year. The Aquatic Center keeps its own rental hours, which change by season.
Getting there & access
By road
Nimbus Flat is off Hazel Avenue at the south end of Lake Natoma, about 15 miles northeast of Sacramento via US 50. The Sac State Aquatic Center is at 1901 Hazel Ave, Gold River.
Launching
Launching is by hand only: kayaks, canoes, paddleboards, rowing shells and similar craft. Trailered vessels aren't allowed on Lake Natoma under the 2025 golden mussel rules. Arrive with your boat and gear clean, drained and dry.
On the water
Keep to 5 mph everywhere on the lake. Expect rowing shells and coached crews on the course, especially early mornings and weekends.
Rentals and lessons
The Aquatic Center rents boats to the public (bring photo ID and one set of car keys) and runs classes in sailing, windsurfing, paddling, outrigger, rowing, water skiing and wakeboarding. Call (916) 278-2842 for current hours.
Amenities
- Sac State Aquatic Center — Public rentals, lessons, youth camps and rowing programs
- Hand-launch area — For kayaks, canoes, paddleboards and rowing shells
- Rowing programs — Capital Crew youth rowing, masters and Sac State crews train here
- Group reservations — Beach and meeting reservations, team building and events through the Aquatic Center
- Lake hours — Open daily with seasonal hours set by the park
Rules & official resources
- Only hand-launched boats are allowed on Lake Natoma; trailered vessels are not
- 5 mph speed limit for motorized craft on Lake Natoma
- All boaters, including paddlers and rowers, must arrive with watercraft clean, drained and dry
- Lake hours: 6 a.m.–9 p.m. April 1–October 15; 7 a.m.–7 p.m. in winter
- Check State Parks' current launch status before you go; in September 2025 Nimbus Flat was open for hand launch only
Common boat service needs here
Small-craft transport
Rowing shells, outriggers and long kayaks need proper racks or trailers to get to the lake, and regatta crews often hire transport.
Find Boat Transport, Towing & Delivery providers →Fiberglass and composite repair
Shells and kayaks pick up dings at busy launch areas and docks; small composite repairs keep them racing-ready.
Find Fiberglass, Gelcoat & Structural Repair providers →Washing and cleaning between waters
Clean, drain and dry rules mean a thorough wash and dry after every trip, especially if a boat also visits the Delta or other lakes.
Find Boat Detailing & Washing providers →Guides & FAQs
Nearby providers
No providers listed near this location yet — check back soon.
Sources
Last verified October 8, 2026