california rafting trips & vacations

South Fork American 1/2 Day PM Gorge Run

North Fork American River is a GO this Spring

Plan Your 2024 Vacation

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!

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:

  • 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-more below). 
  • 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:

  • Cost is $15/person for our general camping (add this during online checkout or call our office)
  • Group Campsites also available
  • 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

For guests booked on a 2 day trip:

  • The night before you start rafting and the night in between are included for our General Camping 
  • You may bring your own tent(s) or rent a Canvas Tent from us (additional cost)
  • 5 Meals included – breakfast, lunch & dinner day 1 / breakfast & lunch day 2 (vegetarian, vegan and gluten free options)

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo.

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.