1-800-346-6277Sierra Nevada Family Adventure Camp
$737 adult / $701 youth
$787 adult / $751 youth for Middle Fork American option
Deposit: $250
Additional Costs: $24 per person federal, state and local access fees
Sleep Kit/Tent $25/$30
River Rating  | Minimum Age |
|---|---|
| Class III | 7 Yrs |
- Legend
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American River: Sierra Nevada Adventure Camp - Overview
Based out of Rivers Bend Resort, for four days, guests on our Sierra Nevada Adventure Camp Trip will raft the family-friendly South Fork of the American River, sea kayak an alpine lake in the High Sierra and if they want to, spend a day paddling the American River in an inflatable kayak. Enjoy visiting Marshall Gold Discovery State Park in Coloma, home of Sutter’s Mill and spend time hiking the many local trails, gold panning, day-use picnicking and swimming. If you’re up to it, you can also raft the Class IV Middle Fork of the American River - all this, in one action-packed getaway. Gold rush history and beautiful scenery, rolling hills sprinkled with deep green oak and pine trees, rocky gorges and early-season wildflowers all contribute to making this the ideal family adventure vacation in California's Sierra Nevada Mountains.
American River: Sierra Nevada Family Adventure Camp - Itinerary at a Glance
- Meet at River's Bend for a tour of Marshall Gold Discovery State Park—birthplace of the California Gold Rush and home of Sutter's Mill, museums, hiking trails and gold panning. Visit the American River Nature Center
- After a delicious BBQ lunch, warm up on Class II rapids then raft through the narrow granite walls of the Gorge section of the South Fork of the American River
- Experience rolling waves and thrilling rapids like Fowlers Rock and Satan's Cesspool
- Settle into our riverside camp, take a swim or shower, or join a game of volleyball or horseshoes
- Feast on another delightful meal and hang out by the campfire with a slide show of the day's events
- Enjoy a scenic ride from the rural foothills to the High Sierra and head out for a day of sea kayaking on an alpine lake
- Paddle the pristine waters of Silver Lake, a deep blue jewel nestled in a wilderness setting surrounded by the frosted peaks of the majestic Sierra Nevada mountain range
- Board inflatable kayaks for more whitewater excitement, or for those with children age 14 or over, choose to raft the Class IV Middle Fork of the American River
- Shuttle to Chili Bar for a final day of whitewater rafting on the upper section of the South Fork of the American River
- Challenge Meat Grinder, Racehorse Bend, Triple Threat and Trouble Maker rapids
- Enjoy a picnic lunch at Marshall Gold Discovery State Park and return to River's Bend for the conclusion of our adventure
- Testimonials
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“We had a great time in the Sierras with your wonderful, knowledgeable and patient guides. They filled us with confidence, humor and good food (and early AM coffee!) and were always courteous and supportive. I wanted a vacation that appealed to the different ages within our two families and this fit the bill.”
Kathy Anderson ~Claremont, CA
- Weather
- Packing List
- Trip Planner
- Recommended Reads
| Average Temperatures | ||
| Month | Days | Nights |
| June | 85° | 57° |
| July | 95° | 63° |
| August | 100° | 62° |
| September | 85° | 59° |
| Water Temperatures | ||
| Seasonal Average: 50° - 60° F | ||
Current Conditions
What to bring on the Sierra Nevada Family Adventure Camp trip
This is a sample list. Please refer to your trip planner for a detailed list for your particular trip. If you do not already own any of the items on the suggested packing list feel free to call our office for suggestions. However, many of the items listed are available for purchase online in the OARStore. Please be mindful of the natural environment when purchasing items for your trip. Whenever possible, consider recyclable containers, rechargeable batteries, natural (non-toxic) sunscreens, lotions, biodegradable soaps, and so on.
Equipment:
- Duffel bag
- Sleeping bag, sleeping pad, ground cloth, sheet and small pillow – (early and late season trips require a synthetic-fill bag rated to 20 degrees Fahrenheit)
- Water bottles: 2 heavy-duty and minimum 1-liter capacity each with a carabiner to attach it to the boat. For day hikes, hydration systems like a CamelBak® are great, but you will still want 1 water bottle while in the boat
- Headlamp or flashlight, extra batteries and bulb
- Camera w/extra media cards and batteries
Personal Items:
- Sunglasses (preferably polarized) with securing strap and a spare
- Towel: small, quick-drying and washcloth
- Toiletries including biodegradable soap and shampoo with moisturizer (Nature's Gate is recommended by our guides)
- Sunscreen: waterproof & SPF 30 or higher
- Lip protection: SPF 30 or higher
- Moisturizing lotion or cream: 1 bottle (Skin tends to get REALLY DRY – this is a VERY important item!)
- Insect repellent (with deet)*
- Spare pair of glasses and/or contacts (Blowing sand can cause problems for contact wearers)
- Cash for gratuities and goodies
- Quarters for showers at River’s Bend
*During certain months, mosquitoes can be a bothersome problem. Please make sure you bring an adequate supply of insect repellent.
Clothing:
- Long-sleeved shirt: 2-3 lightweight and light color for sun protection (UPF rated shirts are great)
- Long pants: lightweight and light color for sun protection (No jeans while on the river)
- Shade hat or visor with securing strap and a spare
- Bandana
- Rain jacket & pants: waterproof (not water resistant) to protect you from the wind and splash from rapids, as well as rain. A hooded jacket is recommended as well as good secure closures around your head, neck, wrists and ankles to prevent water from seeping in
- Swimsuits: 2 (two piece suits recommended for women). Tankinis are a great option
- Underwear: quick-drying
- Shorts: 2 pair lightweight, and quick-drying
- Hiking shorts: 2 pair (some people prefer different shorts for the river and hiking)
- T-shirts or lightweight quick-drying tops: 3-4
- River sandals: 1 pair to wear in the boat and for short wet hikes (such as Teva)
- Athletic shoes or lightweight hiking boots: 1 pair, comfortable and with good tread
- Hiking socks: 3-4 pair mid-weight
- Synthetic long underwear top & bottom: 1 set light to mid-weight
- Fleece top & bottom: 1 set light to mid-weight
Additional Essentials for spring & fall:
- Extra pair of dry shoes for camp
- Wetsuit booties and/or neoprene socks
- Additional fleece top & bottom
- Warm hat and gloves: synthetic or wool
- Fleece vest
Optional Items:
- Solar shower: small “solo” showers heat up faster and are easier to use
- Bathing towels/wipes: pre-moistened disposable wipes such as Coleman Swash Cloths
- Binoculars: small
- Whisk broom: small (no long handle). To sweep wet sand off of tent and ground cloth
- Paddling gloves
- Splash jacket and pants
- Lightweight cord and clothespins for drying clothes in camp
- Notebook and pen
- Sketchbook, paperback book
- Small daypack or fanny pack for hikes
Download our travel planner here:
Sierra_Nevada_Family_Adventure_Camp_Trip_Planner.pdf
Trip planner is in PDF format and requires Acrobat Reader.
