The Ultimate Weekend Getaway From Sacramento

48 Hours of American River Rafting, Camping and Gold Country Adventure

Craving a good dose of adventure and a night (or two) under the stars? Or maybe you’re camping-curious but not quite ready to rough it? This easy weekend getaway in California’s Gold Country offers the perfect mix of outdoor adventure and creature comforts.

Designed to be completely stress-free, we’ve put together the ultimate 48-hour itinerary that combines two nights of riverside camping with a fun-filled day of American River rafting, plus a few favorite local spots to check out while you’re there. Just an hour from Sacramento, it’s one of the easiest ways to turn an ordinary weekend into an unforgettable one.

Friday | Set up base camp at OARS American River Outpost

6 p.m. Arrive in Coloma and check-in to the campground at OARS American River Outpost, which offers its American River rafting guests one night of camping before and/or after trips for $15 per person/per night.

You can bring your own camping gear, or not. The Outpost has tents and sleep kits available for rent to make packing a breeze. 

7 p.m. If you want to prepare dinner at your site, go for it. Otherwise, make it easy and head to nearby Gorilla Rock Taco where you can get three super-tasty tacos for under $10, plus a variety of craft beers.

8 p.m. Try a game of chess on the life-size chess board in camp, unwind over drinks in the communal area, or take a jaunt down to the river and watch for shooting stars on the beach.

Saturday | South Fork American River Rafting

8 a.m. Fuel up for your rafting adventure. If wrestling with your camp stove this early doesn’t sound fun, take the 2-minute stroll next door to Sierra Rizing for coffee and a variety of homemade breakfast options (closed Tuesdays and Wednesdays). After breakfast, start gearing up for a day on the river.

11 a.m. Check in with your trip leader near the camp store, and then head to Upper Camp for a tasty picnic lunch included with your trip. After lunch and a detailed safety talk, you’ll walk down to the beach with all of your gear to enjoy an afternoon of swimming, whitewater splashes, and big fun on a South Fork Gorge trip. Don’t forget to smile at the camera for Satan’s Cesspool and Hospital Bar, some of the best rapids on the American River.

5 p.m. Back at camp, take advantage of the Outpost’s amenities and freshen up with a hot shower before dinner. No pit toilets here!

Elevate Your Adventure

Not into sleeping on the ground? Upgrade your accommodations and stay the night before and after your rafting trip in an elevated cabin tent at our neighboring property, EarthTrek Camp.

6 p.m. After an action-packed day, opt for a stress-free happy hour and a catered camp meal at the Outpost (ask about availability when you book your trip).

If you’d prefer to go out, don’t miss the chance to check out Troublemakers Beer Garden where you can grab a cold brew and a wood-fired pizza and other tasty pub food. On your walk over, drop by Hotshot Imaging to check out your rafting photos from the day.

8 p.m. Unwind with family and friends in camp and relive the best whitewater moments of the day. Before long, tired and content from an adventure-filled day, you’ll be ready to cozy up in your tent.

Sunday | Marshall Gold Discovery Park & Auburn State Recreation Area Hiking

8 a.m. Pack up camp and drive five minutes down the road to Marshall Gold Discovery Park. Here, you can grab a casual breakfast at the Argonaut Farm to Fork Cafe, which offers a menu inspired by the area’s local farmers and purveyors. Afterward, stroll by the river, watch a blacksmith in action or learn how to pan for gold.

10 a.m. End your adventurous weekend with a hike or trail run in the Auburn State Recreation Area, which spans a 40-mile stretch of land along the Middle and North Forks of the American River and offers more than 100 miles of recreational trails. The 2.2-mile Black Hole of Calcutta Falls hike, just 15 minutes past the Outpost, is a relatively close option and with a year-round waterfall, it’s a nice place to relax and cool off before hiking back and heading home.