Free and secure parking along American River/Natomas/Folsom area?

I know most places in this area charge, Negro Bar,Beals, Rattlesnake,Sailor Bar. Looking to take the new kayak out after work on weeknights and paying to park every time could add up. Can anyone provide some tips on not only where to park and launch but fairly secure spots as well, so I don't come back with a smashed window?

Thanks in advance.

You can buy a sac parks pass which is unlimited access to the American river parkway parking. There's really no such thing as secure parking anywhere in sac metro, even inside the gates. $80 a year for car + kayak.

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If you're looking for a state parks pass they have those as well.

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Best bet is to buy a pass and park where the gates are manned with an attendant. Those seem to have the least break ins.

The American River Parkway is the worst. The parking lots are always targeted and especially during salmon season. Don't leave anything in your car/truck visible and don't put stuff in your trunk and lock it at the ramp. The tweaker homeless thieves are watching from the moment you enter the parkway. And they will smash and grab anything they see.
Riverbend and Harrington are the two lots I recommend. Sailor bar and Watt and Howe being the worse.
Lower Sunrise is also good, Upper Sunrise no way.

Good luck.


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You can park outside the parkway, but a park pass is cheaper than replacing a window. I forgot my pass once and parked outside of the parkway. I cam back to a busted window.

Thanks for the tips everyone.

If I'm correct it looks like you have to buy 2 different passes if you want yearly parking to the AR (Parkway Pass) and the Folsom and Natomas area (California State Parks pass). Still doesn't look like a bad investment if you consider $10 to $12 every time.

Had my window smashed at Sailor Bar last year as well. Didn't even have anything in the truck but a towel. Freaking tweakers!

Poppy Pass if for parks just got one for Foslom/Lake natoma and about a hundred other areas $125 for the year