california rafting trips & vacations

South Fork American River – Camping

RIVERSIDE CAMPING

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

RV'S WELCOME!

Campers and RV's are welcome at our Lotus campground. (Sorry, no hookups)

UPGRADED RESTROOMS & SHOWERS!

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

Camp for FREE!

If you’re a rafting guest we invite you to tent camp on the shores of the American River at our private campground for FREE!

Our riverfront campground is 20 acres and is also home to our South Fork American River rafting trip operations. Our campground offers space for rafting guests to bring their own tent and camp by the river for free, available the night before or after your rafting trip.

Note: Reservations are still required for free camping. Free camping is offered the night before or after your rafting trip.

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 CAMPING

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!

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

Raft California’s large riverside campground is great for seasonal camping (April-September). Amenities include:

  • FREE Camping for Rafting Guests
  • tent camping
  • Glamping options in Canvas Tents
  • New outdoor showers & restrooms
  • general camping
  • lots of great options for small groups and private nooks for smaller tents
  • on-site camp host to greet guests from 4:00pm-8:00pm
  • Camp Store with river apparel & more
  • Potable drinking water
  • Large wheelbarrows to assist in transporting your overnight gear are available at the top of the steps into our camp. We just ask you return them after you have settled in for the next guest. 
  • propane fire pits around camp for communal use, but please do not use them for cooking, they are for ambiance. (If you are planning to cook your own food at camp, please bring a propane or gas cooking device.
  • We do not provide any cooking stoves, utensils, pots or pans etc to our guests for sanitary purposes. Please plan accordingly, our 2 day rafting trips include camping and several meals). 
  • Free parking
  • 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!

Half Day & 1 Day American River Rafting

For half day & one day rafting trip guests:

  • FREE for river rafting guests the night before or after your trip. Reservation still required. 
  • Bring your own tent
  • Upgrade to Glamping – Rent a Canvas Tent (additional cost)
  • 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.
Overnight American River Rafting Trips

Did you Book a 2-day Rafting Trip on the American River? Your Camping Reservation is Confirmed!

If you’ve already booked a 2-day, 1-night trip on any of our American River trips your camping reservation is booked! You do not need to reach out to us to make a reservation for your overnight stay. If you would like to stay an EXTRA night, before or after your trip, you need to contact us to ADD that night. 

You may bring your own tent(s) or rent a Canvas Tent from us (additional cost)

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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.

Pets – We love animals & pets, but there are no animals or pets allowed. This rule pertains to all rafting guests and overnight campers. Please make alternative plans for your pets while you are rafting or joining us for more than a day. This ensures the most pleasant experience for all our guests.