• Choose Your Trip

    Let's go Rafting!

    We offer a wide variety of California Whitewater Rafting trips. We suggest choosing by location, duration, or difficulty.  Need A little more help making your choice?

    LET'S GET STARTED

    CALIFORNIA RAFTING

    OREGON RAFTING

    GUIDE SCHOOL!

    Choose By TRip Area

    • American River
    • Gold Country
    • Northern California
    • Oregon
    • Sacramento
    • San Francisco Bay Area
    • SoCal / Los Angeles
    • Tahoe/Reno
    • Yosemite

    Choose By DIFFICULTY

    Low Spice Beginner Trips (Class II
    Medium Spice INtermediate Trips (Class III)
    Full Spice Advanced Trips (Class IV)
    Too Hot Advanced Trips (Class V)

    CHOOSE BY LENGTH

    Single Day Trips Great for first timers!
    2 Day Trips Make it an overnighter!
    Half-Day Trips Fast n' Fun!
    Multi-Day Trips The ultimate experience
  • Rafting Prices

    RAFT TRIP PRICING

    We offer a wide variety of rafting trip pricing that can fit any budget! From half-day quick runs to multi-day overnight adventures, we’re looking forward to getting you on the water.

    DEALS & DISCOUNTS
    VIEW ALL PRICING

    GROUP DISCOUNTS

    We offer the following group discounts for our California white water rafting adventures. You can also check out some of our most popular group rafting trips:

    • 5% off with 6-11 people
    • 10% off with 12-17 people
    • 15% off with 18-23 people
    • 20% off with 24-29 people
    • 25% off with 30+ people
    Learn More

    FAMILY RAFTING SPECIALS

    20-50% off Overnight vacations on selected weekday summer dates. Options for American River, Klamath, Carson and more!

    Learn More
  • Camping
  • Photos

    GET YOUR PHOTOS!

    Did you have an awesome trip? Our action photography partners have your pics ready to go, choose by provider.

    CHECK OUT OUR VIDEO AND PHOTO GALLERY

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  • Resources

    About Us

    Who are these Tributary Whitewater folks anyway?

    FAQ

    Frequently asked questions about our rafting trips.

    WHAT TO BRING

    Rafting, camping, or both? Check out our gear guide.

    GIFT
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    This season, skip the stuff... gift the gift of rafting.

    OFFICIAL
    BLOG

    Keep up with the news on our official blog.

    Contact us.

    • 800-672-3846
    • Contact Us
    • 6500 CA-49 Lotus, CA 95651
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South Fork American River – Camping

Camping on the South Fork American River is available to all our 1 day American River trip rafting guests.

This is also the location for camping on many of our 2 day American River rafting trips. Our 60 acre campground will sure to give your group. A cart to assist in transporting your overnight gear should be available at the top of the steps into our camp. You can set up in any available location, but please be considerate in your use of the space.

RIVERSIDE CAMPING

our river camp is full of secluded nooks for sleeping out under the stars.

RV'S WELCOME!

We've got spots for your campers and RV's. (Sorry, no hookups)

HOT SHOWERS AND NICE BATHROOMS!!

Do your thing in comfort with our individual showers and flush toilets!

ACTIVITIES

up to 25 people (additional $20/person with 50 total max.)

RIVERSIDE GLAMPING!

THE BEST way to camp on the South Fork American River! We offer 4 person canvas tent rentals for a more “glamping” experience. These are all situated on a wood platform with a private deck. Cots, sleeping pads & chairs are provided.

TENT & RV CAMPING

Bring your own tent for closest camping to the river. Our parking areas are large with some shaded areas for RV's. There are no hook-ups, but you have use of our restroom and shower facilities during your stay.

Group Camps

For large groups we have a private riverside area located within the 40 acre Private Campground. This is the ideal camp area for groups who would like a secluded area. Great for family reunions, scout groups, healing adventures, corporate team building events and more! Some of our amazing employees are certified yoga, and massage therapists – inquire with us if you are interested in additional activities.

Camping is available to our rafting guests @ $15/person for each night. Our overnight trips usually include 1-2 nights camping already.

Many of our guests bring their own kitchen items to cook at camp. Please be aware that we do not provide any BBQ’s or kitchen items, you are welcome to bring your own.

Open Fires – We usually have a ban on open flames (campfires, charcoal BBQ’s etc) in the peak summer months when California is especially susceptible to fires. We do not usually allow any campfires, charcoal BBQ’s or any open flame at camp. Propane cook stoves & BBQ’s are allowed, so we suggest you plan on bringing those if you are cooking at camp.

*If you are looking to go camping on the river, but not interested in a rafting trip, please Contact Us. We do not always offer just a camping option, and if we are not, we are happy to give you information on local camping options!

South Fork American River Trips

2 Day Ropes & Rafting Adventure

Lotus, CA /
2 Day
Medium Spice: Intermediate (Class III)
starting at
$329
- TRIP DETAILS -

Wine Tasting Tour / South Fork American River Rafting - 2 Day Trip

Lotus, CA /
2 Day
Medium Spice: Intermediate (Class III)
starting at
$399
- TRIP DETAILS -

South Fork American River – ½ Day AM Chili Bar Rafting Trip

Lotus, CA /
Half Day
Medium Spice: Intermediate (Class III)
starting at
$99
- TRIP DETAILS -

South Fork American - 1 Day Full River Rafting Trip

Lotus, CA /
1 Day
Medium Spice: Intermediate (Class III)
starting at
$139
- TRIP DETAILS -

South Fork / Middle Fork American River - 2 Day Rafting Trip

Lotus, CA /
2 Day
Medium Spice: Intermediate (Class III)
starting at
$319
- TRIP DETAILS -

South Fork American River – 2 day Wilderness Rafting Trip

Lotus, CA /
2 Day
Medium Spice: Intermediate (Class III)
starting at
$319
- TRIP DETAILS -
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Meeting Location

Raft California Camp, 6500 CA-49, Lotus CA 95651

  • You will be looking for the large raftcalifornia.com sign from Highway 49 (also called Coloma Rd).
  • Please print your map, cell phone reception is also not always available in these rural areas.  
  • This is a group campground – there are no individual sites.
  • Solely for the use of our American River rafting clients, not open to the general public.
  • It is the meeting location for all our rafting trips on the South Fork American River.
  • Advance reservations are required.
  • Free parking.
  • Sorry, no pets allowed. See dog sitting services on our Area Information page

 

Arriving the night before an American River rafting trip:

Most of our 2 day American River trips include camping at the camp the night before your trip (not included with Lower Middle Fork combo trips, but available). 

  • Arrive between 4:00pm-8:00pm the night before your trip
  • Camp host on site to greet you, sometimes available after 8:00pm
  • If you are scheduled on an overnight trip breakfast is included the first day of your rafting trip

South Fork American River Trips
South Fork American River Area Information

About Tributary Whitewater

Tributary Whitewater Tours has been running white water rafting trips in Northern California & beyond since 1978. The company was originally founded by Dan Buckley, an integral player in the development of white water rafting in California. Dan Buckley’s love to share the excitement, wonder, and natural beauty that rivers have to offer with others lives on with the current owner, Jeremiah Copper.

Tributary continues to be an industry leader in the west coast rafting industry. We offer more rivers than any other outfitter, giving us the ability to accommodate younger kids down to ages 4 (thru our own experience as parents). Our team is one a kind, and everyone in our staff, from guides, to drivers, to the folks answering the phones – we all have a passion for what we do.

The rivers call to us for different reasons, be that extreme white water, fishing, enjoying nature or just experiencing new things & places. There is magic in every river trip. For some, you may first see a bald eagle in flight for the first time, or maybe conquer your first Class 5 rapid. We are here to help you choose your perfect adventure, for any excitement level.

Get In Touch
Tributary Whitewater Tours
6500 CA-49 Lotus, CA 95651
800-672-3846
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RAFTING NEWS

How long does it take to raft the South Fork American River?

April 3, 2022

Middle Fork American River Rafting Trips – Summer 2022 Update

March 17, 2022

How to Become a River Guide

January 14, 2022

We’re Hiring – Join the Tributary Team in 2022

January 7, 2022

keep calm and paddle on