South Middle Fork American River Deluxe 2-Day Combo
- 2 Days
- Adventurous First Timer, Intermediate
- 12+ years
- From $330
Combination Trips
Combination Trips
Experience the ultimate rafting adventure with our 2 or 3-day combination trips on the American River! Explore the thrilling rapids of the South Fork, Middle Fork, and North Fork, combining two or three river trips into one unforgettable experience.
After each action-packed day on the water, relax at our private riverside camp. Bring your own camping gear or rent our deluxe cabin tents, which comfortably sleep five and include beds and pads for a restful night’s sleep. Savor delicious, freshly prepared meals while enjoying the peaceful surroundings and starry skies.
This is more than just a rafting trip—it’s a complete adventure that blends adrenaline-pumping river runs with the comforts of a fully equipped camp.
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All Experience Levels
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Good for Families
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7+ years
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Group Discounts Available
Combination Trips
Combination Trip Experience
More Information
Download Your Trip Information
Combination Trip Information PDF Downloads
Check-In Times
All check-ins are at the Whitewater Excitement Camp Store. Please be on time! We only wait a short time for late arrivals.
2-Day Trips
- After 5:30 PM the night before your trip. Please check the camping board upon arrival for your breakfast times.
Directions
Address
Whitewater Excitement Camp 6580 Highway 49, Lotus, CA 95651
***Always take directions with you. Cell service for mapping apps is limited to Verizon.**
Directions from Sacramento
- Take Highway 50 east towards Placerville and South Lake Tahoe.
- Exit Ponderosa Rd (Exit #37) in Shingle Springs. This is 1 mile past the town of Cameron Park.
- Turn left on Ponderosa Rd and cross over Highway 50.
- At the second stop light (immediately over the overpass), turn right on North Shingle Rd towards Coloma.
- Drive 4.5 miles and you’ll come to a curve in the road, keep left, this is Lotus Rd.
- Drive 7 miles on Lotus Rd. Lotus Rd will dead end into Highway 49.
- Turn left on Highway 49 and drive 1.7 miles.
- Start slowing down at the 1.5 mile mark.
- Look for the Whitewater Excitement sign on the left.
- Turn left into the driveway, stay to the right and follow the signs to the WWE parking area.
Directions from South Lake Tahoe
- Take Highway 50 west to Placerville.
- Turn right on Highway 49 (Spring Street, sign to Coloma).
- Follow Highway 49 to Coloma.
- Pass Marshall Gold State Park and you’ll cross a bridge over the river.
- Drive 1.5 miles past the bridge to the Whitewater Excitement sign on the left.
- Turn into the driveway, stay to the right and follow the signs to the WWE parking area
Directions from Auburn
- Exit Highway 49 Southbound towards Placerville/Cool.
- Follow Highway 49 down the canyon.
- At the bottom of the canyon turn right across the bridge and up to the town of Cool.
- Four miles past Cool is Pilot Hill.
- Drive 5.5 miles past the town of Pilot Hill and look for Whitewater Excitement sign on the right.
- Turn into the driveway, stay to the right and follow the signs to the WWE parking area.
What To Bring
What Is Provided
- Expert, professional guides to ensure a safe and memorable adventure.
- Top-quality gear, including inflatable rafts, paddles, helmets, and personal flotation devices (PFDs).
- Wetsuits and splash jackets are provided for spring trips as needed.
- Convenient transportation to and from the river.
- Refreshing drinks and snacks to wrap up your trip.
What To Bring
- River clothing – very casual clothing you should expect to get wet!
- Bathing suit/swim trunks
- Lightweight quick-drying top (rash guard works well)
- Lightweight windbreaker for cool mornings
- Sweatshirt for cool evenings
- River sandals or old tennis shoes (no flip-flops or bare feet allowed)
- Hat with visor (optional under helmet)
- Sunglasses with retaining device so they don’t end up in the river
- Waterproof sunscreen and lip protection
- Bottle of water (drinks provided at lunch and end of trip)
- Inexpensive waterproof camera (professional pictures are taken at one rapid)
- Dry clothes for the trip home, to be left in your car
Camping Items
- Tent and ground cloth (not needed if you reserved a 4-person dome tent or a 5-person deluxe cabin tent with us – call to book: 1-800-750-2386)
- Sleeping bag
- Sleeping pad
- Pillow
- Long pants
- Shorts
- Shirt
- Sweatshirt or light jacket
- Dry shoes
- Flashlight
- Lantern
- Insect repellent
- Food, snacks, and drinks (see above for what we provide on your trip)
- Campfire wood (when campfires are permitted, please call for current conditions)
What Not To Bring
- Pets
- Fireworks
- Firearms
- High-pressure water guns
Places To Stay In The Area
Campgrounds
Our Private Camp Area, Only For Our Guests
Our private campground is on the bank of the South Fork of the American River.
Our shared facilities include:
- Tent and RV sites (no hookups)
- Bathrooms with hot showers
- Flush toilets, sinks, and mirrors
- Recreation areas with volleyball and horseshoe pits
Reservations:
- Reservations are required
- To reserve, call our office at 1-800-750-2386
- If your group is small, you may be assigned to a shared site with another group
Cost:
- $15 per person per night
Other Campgrounds
Coloma Resort (530) 621-2267
Camp Lotus (530) 622-8672
Lodging
Hotels / Motels
Marriott – Springhill Suites, Auburn, CA 530-492-5656
Holiday Inn, Auburn (530) 887-8787
Motel 6, Cameron Park (530) 677-7177
Quality Inn, Cameron Park (530) 677-2203
Best Western, Auburn (800) 201-0121
Gold Country Inn, Placerville, CA (530) 622-3124
Mother Lode Motel, Placerville, CA (530) 622-0895
Cary House Historic Hotel, Placerville, CA (530) 622-4271
Bed & Breakfasts
Enchanted April Inn Cool, CA (916) 939-9144
Cottages by the River
Coloma Cottages, Coloma, CA (530) 334-3479
Where To Eat
Local Eateries
American River Pizza (530) 887-1969 (10 min away)
Appetizers, BBQ ribs, salad bar, sandwiches, burgers, wraps, pasta, pizza, beer, local wines, beverages and more.
Troublemakers Beer Garden (530) 663-8723 (3 min away)
Great outdoor summer dining experience serving Roman-style pizza, salad, curry, rice bowls, local beer and wine.
Cafe Mahjaic (530) 622-9587 (5 min away)
New American, a mixture of all ethnic backgrounds. All foods, sauces, and breads are made from scratch using naturally raised organic meats and grains. Daily specials. Open Wednesday-Sunday
Sierra Rizing Bakery, Catering & Coffee House (530) 642-1308 (4 min away)
Breakfast, lunch, and dinner fare with locally roasted coffee, fresh baked goods, soups, salads, pasta, pot pies, and more. Enjoy daily dinner specials, fine desserts, and espresso well into the evening. Open daily year-round.
Coloma Club Café (530)626-6390 (3 min away)
Opens at 6:30 AM. Great family-style eatery, full bar, and live music every weekend.
Other Options And Things To Do
Other Local Places Of Interest
James Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park
This park is located where gold was discovered in California in 1848. There are historic trails wandering through the park, picnic tables by the river, and a gold rush history museum.
Weather
Weather Info
Our area can experience extreme changes in weather, especially in April, May, and June, so please check the weather for Coloma, CA before your trip.
Average Area Air and Water Temperatures
| Month | Air (Day) °F | Air (Night) °F | Water Temp. °F |
| May | 75-79 | 50-54 | 60 |
| June | 80-90 | 54-60 | 63 |
| July | 90-105 | 60-70 | 65 |
| August | 85-105 | 60-70 | 68 |
| September | 80-100 | 55-50 | 70 |
