South Fork American River

Travel Info for the South Fork American River

Meet Place for South Fork American River Trips

The All-Outdoors River Center in Lotus, CA (1026 Lotus Rd) View on map

Note: If you plan to use a GPS navigation system or online mapping service, please use in conjunction with the driving directions we provide below.

Meet Time:_______________

All-Outdoors hosts a variety of trip options and meet times. Please refer to the information sent to you in your Trip Confirmation email,
check with your group’s organizer, or contact our office. Plan to be on time; guests that arrive late may miss their trip.

Driving Directions to the South Fork American

Traveling east from the Bay Area and Sacramento on Hwy 50:
Take the North Shingle Rd/Mother Lode Dr Exit # 37 (also called Ponderosa Rd), just after Cameron Park. Turn left over the freeway and take the first right onto North Shingle Rd (after 4.5 miles it becomes Lotus Rd). Travel 10.5 miles until you get to the first stop sign at Bassi Rd.

To get to the All-Outdoors River Center continue straight on Lotus Rd after the stop sign at Bassi Rd (DO NOT turn left on Bassi Rd). The entrance to our River Center is on Lotus Rd, the second driveway on the left after the River Store. The entrance is marked by a wooden sign and a metal sculpture of a school of fish. Park in the parking area and sign in at the All-Outdoors check-in area under the large oak tree.

Traveling west from South Lake Tahoe on Hwy 50:
From Hwy 50 turn right (north) onto Hwy 49/Spring Street in Placerville (this is the second stoplight in Placerville). On Hwy 49, take the bend in the road to the left and follow the signs to Coloma for 7 miles. Once in Coloma, Hwy 49 passes through Marshall Gold Discovery State Park. Continue straight through the park for a 1/2 mile to the stop sign at the intersection of Lotus Rd and Hwy 49.

To get to the All-Outdoors River Center, turn left at the stop sign onto Lotus Rd in Coloma just before the Hwy crosses over the South Fork of the American River. Travel ¾ of a mile past the small town of Lotus (3 old buildings on your right) and turn into the All-Outdoors River Center entrance on your right. If you go past our River Office or get to the stop sign at Bassi Rd, you have gone a block too far.

We encourage you to print and use our driving directions and not rely strictly on GPS navigation. GPS / cellular service is limited to nonexistent in outlying areas.

Map

Driving Distances and Times to Meeting Place From:

Placerville: 10 mi/ 20 min
Coloma: 1 mi/ 5 min
N Lake Tahoe: 100 mi/ 2 hrs
S Lake Tahoe: 85 mi/ 1.5 hrs
Los Angeles: 425 mi/ 7-8 hrs
San Francisco: 130 mi/ 3 hrs
San Jose: 155 mi/ 3 hrs
Walnut Creek: 115 mi/ 2.5 hrs
Sacramento: 40 mi/ 50 min
Auburn: 18 mi/ 30 min

These are approximate mileages and driving times and do not take into account any delays or stops. Please allow a little extra time to assure correct arrival time to the meeting place. Thank you!

Accommodations

Campgrounds

Camp Lotus:
Lotus, (530) 622-8672

This small and public campground, situated along the South Fork of the American River, offers tent camping and RV sites. Located only a mile from our meet place, it is a convenient campground for pre- and post-trip camping in conjunction with our trips. Advance reservations are required.

Hotels and B&B's

Cabins at Camp Lotus:
Lotus, (530) 622-8672

Located only a mile from the All-Outdoors River Center, Camp Lotus offers lodging in their American River Cabins and Yuba River Cabin. These lovely cabins provide quiet, privacy, and a little bit of luxury in the Coloma-Lotus Valley. The Yuba River Cabin features a full kitchen, wood burning stove, and private yard. The smaller American River Cabins are perfect for couples and have access to the river.

Eden Vale Inn:
Coloma, (530) 621-0901

Just 5 minutes down the road from AO's River Center in Lotus is the adults-only Eden Vale Inn. The owners transformed a rustic 1919 barn into an elegant but casual and modern B&B surrounded by lush gardens, a trout pond and local views. There are five private, uniquely-appointed rooms and two premium suites. Rates include a gourmet breakfast. This is a wonderful choice for those looking for a romantic getaway.

Bella Vista B&B Inn:
Placerville, (530) 622-3456

Even though their address states Placerville, this upscale B&B is located on a 5-acre estate in the heart of the Coloma-Lotus Valley and a short 5-minute drive from the AO River Center. This romantic inn features 4 guest rooms/suites, most with stunning panoramic views of the valley and the American River. Rates include locally sourced breakfast.

The Historic Cary House Hotel:
Placerville, (530) 622-4271

About 20 minutes from the All-Outdoors River Center in Lotus, the Cary House offers 38 guest rooms and suites with private bath, TV, telephone, and air conditioning. No two rooms are the same at the Historic Cary House and it is the perfect venue for your stay in the gold country. The Cary House will give a $20 discount off their room rates for guests of AO.

The American River Inn:
Georgetown, (530) 333-4499

Located 20 minutes from the AO River Center in Lotus, this is a unique & historical place to stay in the heart of gold country! The Inn has 10 rooms and 4 suites with either private or shared bathrooms. Restored and decorated in Country Victorian, room rates include a gourmet breakfast, wine, and hors d’oeuvres each afternoon.

Best Western Plus Placerville Inn:
Placerville, (800) 780-7234 or (530) 622-9100

A reliable chain hotel located about 20 minutes from the All-Outdoors River Center in Lotus. Each room has a refrigerator, microwave, and private bath. Complimentary hot and cold breakfast buffet.

Courtyard by Marriott in Folsom:
Folsom, (916) 984-7624

A Marriott hotel featuring comfortable rooms and suites located near Folsom Lake and about 30 minutes from the All-Outdoors River Center in Lotus. The Courtyard has an in-house restaurant and pool and is located near restaurants and other services.

Local Information

Surrounding Attractions

Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park:
Coloma, (530) 622-3470

A trip to the Coloma-Lotus Valley would not be complete without visiting the site where gold was discovered in 1848, starting the California Gold Rush. Tour the replica of Sutter’s sawmill as well as other outdoor and indoor exhibits before trying your hand in gold panning.

Boeger Winery:
Placerville, (530) 622-8094

Family-owned and operated since the 1970s and growing over 28 varietals, Boeger Winery is particularly known for its Barbera. This award-winning winery's beautiful grounds are a popular spot for post-tasting picnics. Tours available by appointment.

Jack Russell Farm Brewery:
Camino, (530) 647-6222

Visit a real English farm brewery for tours, tastings, and special events. Tours of the facility's modern brewing and bottling equipment are available upon request. Visitors are invited to linger and enjoy the pub-like environment of the tasting room and the serenity of the adjacent picnic area.

Solid Ground Brewing:
Diamond Springs, (530) 344-7442

Visit this beautifully renovated old firehouse, turned brewery. They are using barrel aging techniques and blend wine into beer to create harmonious hybrids. They also offer a delicious selection of food that pairs beautifully with the current beer on tap. The menu is ever-changing, just like the tap list.

River Conditions
(Real Time)

Real-time, up to the hour flow information is available for the South Fork of the American River on our Updated River Conditions page.

Local Weather

The important thing to remember about the weather in the Sierra Foothills is that it can change on short notice. It is always best to be prepared for any kind of weather situation.

Seasonal patterns do exist. During the months of Nov-Mar, low temperatures are to be expected (45-60 degrees) as well possible precipitation. Apr-May, days are generally breezy and warm (60-70 degrees). Nights can be in the 50's; generally cooler during the earlier spring trips. The summer months are usually hot and dry (85-100 degrees).

For specific questions, contact our Reservations office at (800) 247-2387.

South Fork American Lotus, CA

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