South Fork American River

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is responsible for 1 in every 10 acres of land in the U.S.

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South Fork American River

South Fork American River is a popular destination for outdoor recreation in Northern California that is managed by the Bureau of Land Management. This government agency manages and preserves over 247 million acres of public lands within the United States. Known for its gentle river rapids, this location enables visitors to enjoy whitewater rafting, kayaking, shuttle tours, boating, and fishing. If you prefer activities on dry land, there are multiple nature trails, picnic areas, and designated spaces for horseback riding and hunting. South Fork American River is located approximately 50 miles from Sacramento, the state's capital and a historic hub of the region. Accessible at many points from Highway 49, the river begins about 10 miles south of Lake Tahoe. It flows west for nearly 87 miles before emptying into Folsom Lake in the Sierra Nevadas. With its prime location, the South Fork American River held a significant role during the California Gold Rush of 1849. While working on the construction of a water-powered sawmill near the modern-day town of Coloma, carpenter James W. Marshall discovered gold on the riverbanks on January 24, 1848. The municipal area eventually became known as El Dorado County. Visitors can commemorate the event by visiting Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park or nearby El Dorado National Forest.

What to See and Do

Hiking and Biking

Cronan Ranch Trailhead

Cronan Ranch Trailhead contains 12 miles of trails for activities like hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding. Located in Pilot Hill, California, the ranch intersects with the South Fork American River corridor trail that spans from Greenwood Creek to Salmon Falls. Due to this location, the terrain has a balance of slopes and hills along with unique ecological features like oak forests. Length: 12 miles Intensity: Moderate

Magnolia Ranch Trailhead

The Magnolia Ranch Trailhead is located approximately five miles north of Coloma, California. Easily accessible via Highway 49, the Magnolia Ranch Trailhead enables a peaceful stroll along the flat terrain of South Fork American River's Gerle Loop. Upon completing the Gerle Loop, visitors can cross into high-intensity trails along Hastings Creek before heading north to the larger Cronan Ranch Trailhead. Length: 2.5 miles Intensity: Easy

Old Flume Trailhead

The Old Flume Trailhead is a picturesque interlude between the towns of Placerville and Coloma. Accessible from Highway 49, this trail opens from a wide parking lot into an initial pathway of flat terrain. However, the trail then features a steep decline of 800 feet in less than a mile of walking. The trail concludes upon reaching the Racehorse Bend Rapid located on South Fork. Length: 2.5 miles Intensity: Moderate to Difficult

Fishing and Boating

The South Fork American River is one of the most famous whitewater runs for boating, rafting, and kayaking in California. This river has multiple access points and features high water flows during spring. The river also maintains a steady boating flow during summer months when other rivers have dropped too low for watercraft. Experienced boaters can traverse the 21-mile river within a day, and beginner or intermediate boaters can seek guidance from one of the BLM-permitted commercial companies that help operate the river. Visitors interested in fishing can also reach the Greenwood Creek River Access location directly from the Magnolia Ranch Trailhead parking lot.

Climbing

The South Fork American River flows through the foothills of the Sierra Nevada, offering a plethora of rock-climbing opportunities for beginners. Visitors can book appointments with commercial companies located in Coloma or Lotus, California. Most climbing sites start at the Gorge section of the river and conclude near the Salmon Falls Bridge.

Wildlife Viewing

Abundant in biodiversity, the South Fork American River is replete with salmon, waterfowl, beavers, and river otters. Mountain lions are native to the region, and woodland animals like bears, squirrels, furbearers, and jackrabbits live within the oak forests. State law prohibits individuals from hunting non-game species, but visitors can hunt game like deer or turkey during the appropriate season.

Picnicking

Popular picnic areas near South Fork American River include the Dike Eight Picnic Area in Folsom, California and the Bridal Veil Group and Picnic Area in nearby El Dorado National Forest. Both areas are accessible via Highway 49. The areas are animal friendly, but all pets must remain on a leash, and picnickers must clean the area before departing.

Bureau of Land Management Camping

RV Camping

If you want to make the most of your trip, RV camping near South Fork is possible. This form of camping allows you to experience nature firsthand while maintaining access to the best amenities. Popular camping facilities include Camp Lotus, the Coloma Resort, and the American River Resort. Benefits of choosing commercial facilities include easy river access, picnic tables, and full-service restrooms. You can make reservations in advance to ensure availability or search "BLM camping near me" for more options upon reaching the area.

Free Camping

In order to preserve the area's natural resources, there is no dispersed camping permitted on public lands directly along the South Fork American River. However, there are areas along Highway 49 suitable for RV traffic and camping. One such example is the Calaveras Big Trees Park in nearby Arnold, California. This area has accessible parking and abundant sequoia trees for natural shade. There are also several Bureau of Land Management campgrounds in the local town of Downieville, California. Finally, you can find Bureau of Land Management free camping opportunities on the famous Indian Creek Campground in the eastern foothills of the Sierra Nevada. Located between the California towns of Woodfords and Markleeville, the Indian Creek Campground is about an hour and a half away from South Fork.

RV Rentals Near South Fork American River Plan your next adventure

Credit: Vanna Mae, @vannamaeart

Planning your South Fork American River BLM trip

It is important to note that there are no dispersed camping plots located on public lands along the South Fork American River. Instead, you should plan to park your RV within an organized RV park in a commercial area. Fortunately, South Fork American River is located 50 miles from Sacramento and only 10 miles south of Lake Tahoe. Use these commercial areas to stock up on supplies like food, drinking water, and cookware. Other essentials include sunscreen, insect repellent, hiking shoes, and layered clothing to adapt to weather conditions in the foothills. Given the diversity of the South Fork habitat, you may also wish to plan for your trip by creating a bucket list of unique activities like gold panning or birdwatching. BLM camping is an economical and environmentally friendly way to explore this historic region of Northern California. Before you head out on your trip, check out our blog for all you need to know about BLM camping.

Leave No Trace

BLM requires that visitors to South Fork American Rivers clean up after themselves to conserve the area's natural habitat. Only travel and camp on durable surfaces, and minimize ecological disturbance by bringing your own portable water. To prevent the destruction of flora and fauna, do not engage in fuelwood cutting or the use of fireworks. Leave the camping area clean by packing up any trash and burying human waste at least 200 feet away from the water. Utilize the "Leave No Trace" guidelines. With these practices in mind, you can help preserve the area for others to enjoy in the future.

South Fork American River Location

The South Fork American River is accessible from numerous points along Highway 49. One of the easiest ways to enter South Fork is through the historic town of Coloma. From North Lake Tahoe, for example, take Interstate 80 west toward Auburn. Then enter Highway 49 South, and travel approximately 17 miles. You will arrive in the city of Coloma after about 30 minutes. From South Lake Tahoe, head toward Placerville, and turn right onto Highway 49 North. Drive an additional 8.5 miles into Coloma until you reach South Fork. Address: South Fork American River, Mother Lode Field Office, El Dorado Hills, CA 95762 Ready to visit South Fork 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.