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, our newly expanded 19 acre camp stretches 1/2 mile of riverfront along 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 powered by solar, 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 dating back thousands of years. A five minute drive away from camp, visitors will want to check out the Marshall Gold Discovery State Park and Sutter’s Mill where gold was discovered in California in 1848. Award-winning wineries, breweries, are also very close by. For the multi-sport enthusiast, countless miles of hiking, biking and horseback riding trails are less than a mile from our camp. We are 20 minutes away from Placerville or Folsom and less than an hour from Lake Tahoe and Sacramento.
Accommodations Options
Glamour Camping: Our Glamour Cabins are surrounded by oak trees and grass, share a private river beach, and have full or twin size beds with mattresses. Fully equipped with sturdy canvas roll up windows and doors, 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. Cost: $100/night flat rate.
Canvas Cabin Tents: We have 8 tents accommodating up to 4 people each with bunk bed cots provided. Cost: $50/night flat rate. Our 9th and 10th tent accommodates up to 8 people with 4 bunk bed cots. Cost: $60/night flat rate. You provide only your pillow and sleeping bag. For extra comfort, sleeping pad rentals are also available. Cost: $5 each.
Dome Tent Camping: We also rent dome tents of varying sizes (Cost: $10-$20) 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.
Meals
Great food is also a longstanding MaLode tradition, and it is easy to appreciate that each guide is an accomplished cook. From the aroma of fresh brewed coffee in the morning, to mouth-watering meals prepared from ingredients that are always fresh, beautifully presented and often include organically grown vegetables from our organic garden, eating well is guaranteed at Mother Lode. Read on for our meal options* and pricing (per person)!
Breakfast – $10: Pancakes with eggs, sausage, fresh fruit, country potatoes, orange juice, and, of course, coffee!
Lunch – $15: Deli style with lots of options (veggie/vegan friendly), fresh fruit, crackers, and cookies.
Dinner – $25: Classic BBQ served with sauteed vegetables, potatoes, salad, garlic bread and dessert (chef’s choice).
*Meal offerings are based on product and staff availability.
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!
