The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is responsible for 1 in every 10 acres of land in the U.S.
The three forks of the American River, North, Middle, and South, all originate in the Sierra Nevada Mountains. The three forks join together in Folsom Lake, east of Sacramento. Each fork of the river has its own personality. The North Fork is very wild, and only experienced river rafters can tackle its rapids. The Middle Fork has many canyons that are also challenging for rafters. The South Fork is the friendliest to all levels of rafters and boaters. Besides whitewater rafting, popular activities in the area include hiking, hunting, fishing, and camping. The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) manages the public land in the area. The BLM is charged with managing public land to benefit multiple groups and interests, including commercial and recreational activities. Camping is allowed on most BLM land in California. This includes developed campsites as well as free camping on undeveloped sites. Search for "BLM camping near me" to find BLM camping sites.
There are three national parks within a reasonable drive of the American River. From Folsom, near where the three forks of the river meet, Pinnacles National Park and Lassen Volcanic National Park are each three and a half hours away, and Kings Canyon National Park is four hours away.
The South Fork American River via Greenwood Creek Trail near Lotus is a good trail for all skill levels. It follows the path of the river and has beautiful views and river access. Occasionally, rattlesnakes have been sighted nearby, so be cautious in the area.
Length: 2.6 miles
Intensity: Easy
The Middle Fork American River Quarry Trail near Auburn follows the river where the railroad carrying limestone from the quarry once traveled. The trail passes a large cave that was studied by paleontologists and also was mined at one time. It ends in the quarry, where beautiful limestone formations rise high above the trail.
Length: 10.8 miles
Intensity: Moderate
The American River and Folsom Trail Loop is near Folsom and is a loop trail that is good for all skill levels. There is a bike trail next to the hiking trail. Most of the trail follows the river, but part of the trail goes through the historic downtown area of Folsom. Eagles and cormorants can sometimes be seen along the trail.
Length: 10.9 miles
Intensity: Easy
The many lakes in the area, as well as parts of the river, are great for fishing. Folsom Lake, where the three branches of the river meet, is home to bass, trout, bluegill, salmon, and catfish. The South Fork section of the lake is especially known for catches of trophy-sized bass. Boating is also popular on Folsom Lake.
If you like rock climbing, you can find some great sites along the river. One example is Riverside Boulder on the Middle Fork of the American River, which has three climbing routes.
The areas near the river are great for birdwatching. Quail, doves, blue jays, bluebirds, warblers, and eagles have been seen in the area. Coyotes, mule deer, black bears, and mountain lions are some of the mammals that make their home near the river. Fish, including trout, are plentiful. The lakes above 6,000 feet in elevation were previously without fish, but recently, fish have appeared in those lakes as well.
Folsom Lake State Recreation Area, where the three branches of the river meet, is a great spot for picnicking. The recreation area has many family picnic sites, including Willow Creek, Granite Bay, Beals Point, and Brown's Ravine.
You can go whitewater rafting on all three branches of the river, but the South Fork is the most family-friendly and easy for rafting. The other two forks are best left for experts.
Bureau of Land Management campgrounds with developed facilities are not available in this area. Developed RV camping options in the area include Auburn RV Park in Auburn near the North Fork of the American River and Ponderosa RV Resort on the South Fork in Lotus. Both campgrounds have full hookups for RVs.
BLM land is usually available for free dispersed camping on undeveloped sites. However, the BLM land near the South Fork of the American River is not available for camping. Check with the BLM before you go to find out the rules for camping on their land near the North Fork or Middle Fork of the river.
Bureau of Land Management free camping is allowed on most of the BLM land in California, with the exception of the South Fork of the American River. Dispersed camping refers to camping on unimproved sites on BLM land. To find a site, look along the unpaved roads in the area to see previously used campsites. They will have packed-down dirt in a cleared-out area, maybe with a fire pit nearby. You can only stay in a dispersed camping site for at most 14 days at a time.
Before you head out on your trip, check out our blog for all you need to know about BLM camping.
The BLM urges people to "leave no trace" on the land. This means that you need to take all your garbage and other items with you when you leave. You should leave the campsite and surrounding land in as natural a condition as you can. This includes not piling up rocks, logs, or leaving anything behind that would indicate that you were there. The next people to use the campsite want to see a pristine natural site just as you did when you arrived.
The North, Middle, and South Forks of the American River start in the Sierra Nevada Mountains and end in Folsom Lake near Folsom, California. The address of the BLM office responsible for these lands is:
Mother Lode Field Office
5152 Hillsdale Circle
El Dorado Hills, CA 95762
Ready to visit the North, Middle, or South Fork of the American River? An RV rental is a great way to experience your destination. Not only will you be close to all the action, but at the end of a long day exploring, you'll have your RV to return to for the night, where you'll enjoy a full kitchen, bathroom, and nice soft bed. Not sure about renting an RV? Here’s a step-by-step guide to renting an RV with RVshare.
