American River Camping​: The Top 9 Locations off the Beaten Path

If you’re eager for a scenic camping experience with extra adventure and history, come to the American River. From popular resorts to boat-in wilderness camping, each fork of the American River features river front sites. From family friendly cabins to large group campsites, the river holds a little something for everyone. And best of all, the American River is an excellent place for adventures like whitewater rafting.

American River Camping in California

The American River, one of California’s top sports for whitewater rafting, is also a beautiful place to camp.

Some guidelines for camping:

• Campsites should be at least 200 feet from rivers to protect waterways
• Only dump wastewater at designated sites
• Take your trash with you when you leave
• Use existing trails and fire rings
• Tread lightly
• Be respectful of other campers, animals, and the land

The Top 9 American River Campgrounds

The Most Beautiful American River Campgrounds

1. Coloma Campground

• South Fork
• Nearly one mile of riverfront camping
• American River cabins for rent
• Accommodations for group events

2. Camp Lotus Campground

• South Fork
• Full accommodations, including:
  • Private green tent campsites with irrigation, fire rings, flush toilets, and hot water showers
  • RV hook-ups with potable water, electricity, and dump stations
  • Fully-stocked lodging: cabins and a glamping tent
    • Each offers private outdoor space, a propane BBQ, and a picnic area

3. American River Resort

• South Fork
• Private furnished platform cabin tents
• Riverfront campsites
• Mountain view campsites
• RV sites
• Pool
• Fishing pond
• Picnic tables
• Fire pits

American River Camping Off the Beaten Path

4. Bureau of Land Management land

• Many locations include developed facilities for camping, possibly including:
  • Restrooms
  • Potable water
  • Electrical hookups
  • Picnic areas
  • Garbage cans
  • Tent pads
  • Group shelters
• Other sites only have picnic tables and fire rings

California State Park Land

5. Mineral Bar

• North Fork
• 15 designated campsites
• Picnic tables
• Garbage receptables
• Pit toilets
• Fire rings (seasonal fire restrictions may apply)

6. Ruck-A-Chucky

• Middle Fork
• 5 primitive campsites
• Picnic tables
• Garbage receptables
• Pit toilets
• Fire rings (seasonal fire restrictions may apply)

7. Boat-in Camping at Lake Clementine

• North Fork
• 15 primitive sites
• Floating restrooms
• Picnic tables
• Fire rings (seasonal fire restrictions may apply)
• No garbage receptables

Make it an American River Camping and Rafting Adventure

Of course, one of our favorite things about American River camping is the opportunity for rafting excursions! Rafting is our passion at H2O Adventures rafting company, and we believe it brings out the best in people. The American River offers rapids at class 2, 3, 4, and 5. This makes it an excellent location for rafters of any skill level.

Our overnight rafting adventures include riverside camping in either:

8. Lotus, CA

• Hot water showers
• Flush toilets
• Manicured open land (no assigned tent spaces)
• Fire rings
• A full communal kitchen space.
  • Large prep tables
    A propane grill
  • A propane three burner stove
  • A commercial three compartment sink

9. The Tahoe National Forest

• Wilderness camping
• Accessible only by raft
• Pack-it-in, pack-it-out environment

Learn more about our rafting trips in the American River.