OARS American River Outpost
Looking for a place to stay while rafting on the American River?
Camp at OARS American River Outpost
OARS offers limited camping for rafters before and/or after your trip at the American River Outpost in Lotus. All nights of camping are $15 per person/night. Advance reservations required. Please call 530-626-5600 to reserve. Whether you’re interested in relaxing in the shade, swimming by the beach, or enjoying a good cookout, our campground is the perfect way to extend your rafting trip into a fun-filled California getaway.
A few of our campground amenities include men’s and women’s restrooms, hot showers, camp store, beach and river access, games and free WiFi. All within a few minutes walk of Sierra Rizing Bakery & Coffee House and a handful of other local restaurants.
If you’re ready to spend a night or two under the stars before or after your South Fork American River rafting or Middle Fork American River rafting trip, we’re here to help with whatever you need! If you have your own gear, you can pitch your own tent at one of our great campsites. Of course, if you’re not a regular camper, we have all the gear you might need available for rent. Finally, if sleeping on the ground just isn’t your style, then you might be interested in our pre-set platform tents, which are fully-equipped to make your camping excursion both comfortable and relaxing.
The best part about camping with OARS at our American River Outpost? You get to enjoy a leisurely morning—sleeping in, reading a book or going for a hike— rather than an early departure and the stress of traffic en route to the meeting point for your trip.
7330 River Park Drive,
Lotus, CA 95651
View Map
Local Phone: 530-626-5600
Toll-Free: 855-541-4792
Email: rafting@oars.com
Office Hours:
October – March:
Monday through Friday:
7am – 5pm, PST
April – September:
Monday through Friday:
6am – 6pm, PST
with weekend coverage
from 7 am to 5 pm, PST
Campground Features
- Beach access for swimming in the river
- Both Individual and Group campsites
- Restrooms with flush toilets
- Changing rooms and hot showers
- Riverside Camping (on a limited basis)
- Games, including volleyball and a life-size chess board
- Easy walking distance to local cafes
- Nature Trail Walk
- Free WiFi
- Standard camping gear available to rent
- Limited Pre-Set Platform Tents – Call early to reserve yours!
- Camp Store where you can pick up T-shirts, water bottles & clips, sunglasses & Chums, water shoes, towels, sun block, flashlights, batteries, soft drinks, ice cream and more!
CLICK HERE for a campground map and regulations.
Camping reservations must be made in advance of arrival and guests may check-in between 3:30 and 8:00 PM.
We reserve the right to assign campsites on the basis of departure and arrival dates, group size, and special needs, although we will take requests for specific campsites into consideration.
Call 530-626-5600 to book your camping spot before or after your trip!
Camping Rentals
If you don’t have your own camping gear, please ask about renting ours! Whether it’s a tent, a sleeping bag, or anything in-between, we’ve got you covered.
Our tents fit two adults comfortably and cost $30 per tent to reserve. Family tents cost $50. Our sleep kits cost $25 per person, and contain a sleeping bag, sleep sheet, pillow, pillow case, and an air- and foam-filled ground pad. Alternatively, you can rent just an air- and foam-filled ground pad for $10 per person.
Rentals should be arranged in advance of arrival.
To reserve camping gear or a pre-set tent call 530-626-5600.
All prices are inclusive of tax
Pre-Set Platform Tents
While we at OARS are huge advocates of roughing it a bit, we also enjoy the finer things in life. Our pre-set platform tents are conveniently set up before you arrive and include all the amenities you’d never imagine as part of an outdoor camping experience. Ask your adventure consultant for more information, as there is limited availability! Our platform tents sleep two and cost $99/night. For families/groups of three, our platform tents can accommodate one additional guest on the floor, for an additional fee of $25/night + the cost of a sleep kit if necessary.
Pre-Set Platform Tents Include:
- Two twin mattresses
- Lofty comforters, sheets & pillows
- Bedside table, rug, and lamp
- Private deck with two chairs
- Seclusion in a serene setting
- Private lounge area
- Easy access to the restrooms
- No hassle—these tents are set up before your arrival
Catered Meal Options
Dinner and breakfast are available by request for groups of 8 or more; if your group is smaller, please ask about dates we are already serving meals, and we’ll do our best to accommodate you.
Meals available:
- Hot Breakfast: adults $15, youth $12 + tax
- Happy Hour, Dinner, and Dessert: adults $40, youth $30 + tax
- Overnight Meal Package (includes dinner & breakfast): adults $55, youth $42 + tax
Dinner menus change regularly, but always include a main course, a fresh salad, and at least one side. Happy Hour includes a selection of local wines, micro- and macro-brewed beer, and soft drinks; appetizers will also be served, with an assortment of cheeses, crackers, olives, and tapenade.
Please ask us about the ability to accommodate your dietary needs or restrictions. If you prefer, we can recommend some delicious dining options within walking distance!
