South Fork American River Camping

Tent camping & glamping options available to ALL our rafting guests

Camping on the South Fork American River is available to all our rafting guests:

Camping is included with our 2 day American River trips. If you are rafting with us, then you may add camping to your experience. 

Our riverfront campground is 20 acres and is also home to our South Fork American River rafting trip operations. Our spacious campground offers space for guests to bring their own tent, group camping areas and glamping canvas tent rentals. 

We have a main parking lot that is used by rafting guests and campers. Vehicles are not permitted in camping areas, but we do provide carts to assist in transporting your overnight gear from car to camp.  You can set up in any available location, but please be considerate in your use of the space. 

If you are booked on a 2 day overnight American River Trip:

All our 2 day American River trips include camping at the camp the night before your trip.

  • 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

Campground Amenities

OUTDOOR SHOWERS

Private individual showers with changing area.

NICE BATHROOMS

Do your thing in comfort with flushing toilets!

GAMES

We have giant jenga, ping pong and lots of board games and fun activities at camp.

All Camping Options

Tent Camping

Bring your own tent for closest camping to the river, if your trip does not include camping, the cost is $15/person for each night

Glamping in Canvas tents

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. These are $100/night (for 4 people).

Group Camping

Our 20 acre campground has plenty of space for large groups. We have secluded areas 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. Cost is nightly @ $15/person.

RV & Car Camping

You are welcome to park your RV in our parking lot or camp in your car. The parking area is not riverside and vehicles are not allowed to drive into the camping areas, but the walk is only a couple minutes to the river. Cost is nightly @ $15/person.

Images coming soon!

Some Rules

NO DOGS (OR ANY PETS) ALLOWED AT CAMP 

We love animals, but please leave your pets at home. If you are in need of a place to leave your dog while you raft or camp with us at the South Fork American River Dogwoods Resort in Garden Valley is a great option, just be sure to book well in advance!

FIRES & BBQS

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.

COUNTY ENFORCED QUIET HOURS

The county of El Dorado has mandatory quiet hours for all campgrounds and residences between the hours of 10pm – 7am. This is to regulate any amplified music and loud parties and is not an issue with most of our guests. 

Photos of our American River Camp

Campground Location

Tributary Whitewater – American River Outpost
6500 CA-49
Lotus CA 95651