Located on the South Fork of the American River in Coloma, the Mother Lode River Center is one of California’s original whitewater rafting camps.
Affectionately known as “MaLode” by locals, our camp provides the perfect setting for whitewater rafting, challenge ropes and outdoor education programs. Available exclusively to our guests, the camp is over 19 gorgeous acres stretching nearly half of a mile of riverfront on the South Fork American River. (See our Camp Tour below.) Amenities include delicious home cooked meals from our large commercial kitchen, modern shower and bathroom facilities, riverside fire rings and river sauna. Points of interest in camp include a huge calm eddy pool for swimming, as well as charming stone walking paths leading to Nisenan (a local native tribe) grinding stones, illustrating the ancient use of our camp by Native Americans that dates back thousands of years. Less than a five minute drive away, history buffs will also want to visit the Marshall Gold Discovery State Park and Sutter’s Mill where gold was discovered in California in 1848. Also award-winning wineries and countless miles of hiking, biking and horseback riding trails are less than a mile away. We are 20 minutes away from Placerville or Folsom and less than an hour from Lake Tahoe and Sacramento.
Accommodations Options
NEW for 2012! Vacation Home Rentals on the River: You can now enjoy all the activities Mother Lode River Center and Gold Country has to offer, and then retreat to the comforts of our modern, fully equipped River House. The River House provides comfortable lodging options with a flexible floor plan of a 1, 2 or 3 bedroom guest unit. This property can easily accommodate family get-a-ways, special events and corporate retreats. Soak in spectacular views of the river and canyon, roam the private beaches and trails of our 20 acre camp and star gaze from the soothing hot tub. Located on-site, the River House is our newest addition of lodging options that will enhance your the experience at Mother Lode River Center. For more information click here to visit our River House page.
Glamour Camping: Our gorgeous Glamour Cabins are surrounded by oak trees, share a private beach area on the river, and have full or twin size beds with plush mattresses. Fully enclosed by sturdy canvas with mesh screen windows, enjoy nature while being protected from sun and cool nights. Make sure and reserve these super-plush tent cabins early, as they are very popular. All you need to bring is your sleeping bag and pillow for extra warmth just in case.
Canvas Cabin Tents: We have 8 tents accommodating up to 4 people each with bunk bed cots provided. Our 9th and 10th tent accommodates up to 8 people with 4 bunk bed cots. You provide only your pillow and sleeping bag. For extra comfort, sleeping pad rentals are also available.
Dome Tent Camping: We also rent dome tents of varying size that accommodate up to 6 people each, and upon request, we’ll set them up for you prior to your arrival. If you plan to camp on the grass in your own tent, we recommend tents that they are easily assembled and moved.
Help Save the Grass! Please remember to remove your tent from the grass before leaving for the river. Tents left on the grass during the day will destroy the grass. Without the grass the camp washes downstream during floods. Think “dome” tent. They can be moved in seconds.
Local B&Bs, Historic Hotels and Motels
The Helpful Links section provides information on local establishments. If you have questions, feel free to contact our friendly reservations staff!
Tour the Camp!