South Fork American

CA

California's most-run whitewater. Class II-III through Coloma.

38.800°N 120.900°W1,113 ft
CampingPaddlingSwimming
Today75°FPartly Sunny · low 57°F
Wind3 mphWNW · NWS

Photo: blmcalifornia · Public domain · Wikimedia Commons

Rentals, stays & trips for South Fork AmericanPartner links · same price for you
Guided trip on South Fork AmericanRafting, kayak and fishing trips with a guideViator Stay near South Fork AmericanLake cabins, vacation homes and hotelsExpedia · Vrbo Folding kayaksPacks into a car trunk, sets up in minutesOru Kayak Riverside campsitePrivate sites near the waterHipcamp

Heads up: Cooler months are quiet on the river. Check flows before you go.

Guided trip on South Fork AmericanViator · partner link→
Guides for South Fork AmericanRiver trips →Camping →
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenFreeMap · USGS 3DHP

Quick facts

Type
River
State
California
Elevation
1,113 ft
Boat ramps
None listed
Campgrounds
None listed
Fish species
None recorded

Get on the water

Ramps & rentals

Boat ramps and marinasNone listed yet in Recreation.gov or OpenStreetMap for this water.
River trips

Float South Fork American with a guide

Guided rafting, kayak and fishing trips. Or bring your own boat and gear.

Affiliate links

Where to stay

Camp near the water

CampgroundsNone listed yet in Recreation.gov or OpenStreetMap for this water.
Public sites full?

Private sites nearby

Ranch, desert and waterfront sites hosted by landowners.

Affiliate link
Rather sleep indoors?

Cabins and hotels near South Fork American

Lake houses, cabins and hotels close to the water, with free cancellation on many stays.

Affiliate link
No rig? No problem

RV delivered to camp

Some owners will drop a trailer at the campground and pick it up when you leave.

Affiliate links

Off the water

Nearby trails

TrailheadsNone listed yet in Recreation.gov or OpenStreetMap for this water.

Trailheads from OpenStreetMap and hand-checked notes. Open the trailhead in your hiking app for full route details.

Before you launch

Gas, bait & supplies nearby

Gas and fuel docks

  • Shell
    0.8 mi
  • Speedway 519 Placerville Drive, Placerville
    6.1 mi
  • Kiwk Serv
    6.2 mi
  • Arco 24/7
    6.6 mi

Bait and tackle

  • Mosquito Creek Outfitters 3000 Mosquito Road, Placerville
    7.6 mi
  • Sipes Tahoe
    13.0 mi
  • REI 2425 Iron Point Road, Folsom · Mo-Fr 10:00-21:00; Sa 10:00-19:00; Su 10:00-18:00
    16.1 miCall
  • Bass Pro Shops 5472 Crossings Dr, Rocklin · Mo-Sa 09:00-21:00; Su 10:00-19:00
    16.2 miCall

Groceries and ice

  • Speedway 519 Placerville Drive, Placerville
    6.1 mi
  • Raley'sIce
    6.1 mi
  • Grocery OutletIce
    6.4 mi
  • ampm
    6.6 mi

RV dump and fresh water

  • RV dump stationDump station
    15.7 mi

Ranger stations

  • Gatehouse 4771 Sly Park Road, Pollock Pines
    18.6 miCall
  • Pacific Ranger District
    20.7 mi

Hospitals and urgent care

  • Telecare El Dorado County PHFEmergency 935-B Spring Street, Placerville
    7.0 mi
  • Gastroenterology Clinic 1000 Fowler Way
    7.7 miCall
  • Marshall Medical CenterEmergency 1100 Marshall Way, Placerville · 24/7
    7.8 miCall
  • Action Urgent Care 3380 Coach Lane, Cameron Park
    10.6 miCall

Distances are straight-line from the water. Listings © OpenStreetMap contributors; hours change, so call ahead. In an emergency, call 911.

Trip planner

Build your weekend

Saturday74°FSunnyWind 0 to 5 mph S
Sunday76°FSunnyWind 0 to 6 mph S

National Weather Service forecast. Afternoon wind builds on big lakes; plan crossings for the morning.

How many days
Who's coming
Main thing

Packing list

Don't forget

Photos

South Fork American in pictures

Dave Moore Nature Area (51270786343).jpg
blmcalifornia · Public domain · Wikimedia Commons
Dave Moore Nature Area (51271332254).jpg
blmcalifornia · Public domain · Wikimedia Commons
Dave Moore Nature Area (51271631815).jpg
blmcalifornia · Public domain · Wikimedia Commons

Good to know

South Fork American FAQ

Is there gas near South Fork American?

The closest listed fuel is Shell, about 0.8 miles from the water.

Where can I buy bait near South Fork American?

Bait and tackle nearby: Mosquito Creek Outfitters (7.6 mi), Sipes Tahoe (13.0 mi), REI (16.1 mi). Hours change, so call ahead.

Keep exploring

Nearby water

Folsom Lake13 mi · 40% fullLake Tahoe50 miNew Melones Lake59 mi · 63% fullLake Oroville63 mi · 44% full

Sources: USGS 3DHP, Recreation.gov RIDB, OpenStreetMap contributors, CDFW and AZGFD, GBIF, NWS. Photo credits are listed on the photo credits page. All outbound links are affiliate links.