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Family Adventures

Fun on the river for ages 6 to 106

The Ultimate All Inclusive California Family Adventure

All-Inclusive Family Fun Outdoor Adventure Activities


The 2024 Whitewater Rafting Season will start in mid-March and continue through October with excellent recreational water flows. Please feel free to call us to book your trip spaces at 530-642-0804, book directly online, or email [email protected]

The Best and Most Affordable California Rafting Trips for Families

The Ultimate All-Inclusive California Family Adventure starstarstarstarstar

The South Fork American River is the ideal outdoor whitewater rafting adventure for families. Enjoy the fun and excitement of whitewater rafting with your kids in the outdoors while creating wonderful memories of time spent together on the river. Your kids will develop an appreciation for the great outdoors, get to know the wonders of nature, and have a terrific fun time. Our whitewater rafting guides are enthusiastic, safety-conscious, and looking forward to introducing your family to the thrills of whitewater rafting. We’ll take good care of you and your kids on these special family fun trips.

Families can also enjoy the Class 3 and Class 4 Middle Fork Rafting Combo at the special Family Midweek price. This trip is a great experience for those families with children who are 12 years of age or older.

Only American Whitewater’s campground is able to offer your children such fun-filled activities as fishing in a trout-stocked pond, swimming in the pool, and playing volleyball and horseshoes. Plus, Troublemaker Rapid, where you can watch dozens of rafters paddle their way down the biggest rapid on the South Fork, is just a 2-minute walk from our campground. Spend an afternoon exploring James Marshall Gold Discovery State Park which is only a 5-minute walk. There is no fee to enter the park if you walk. Learn all about the History of the Gold Rush with an afternoon spent in this historic area.

Family Fun Midweek Special

Midweek river trips offer an opportunity to experience rafting at a slower, more relaxed pace, with fewer people on the water, the same great food, and all at a lower price. You can even stay an extra day at our South Fork campsite ($20 per person per night midweek and $25 per person on Friday or Saturday nights) while you see the sights in the heart of the Gold Rush country including quality restaurants in Placerville and Auburn, parks and antique stores.

Combine your rafting adventure with a visit to Sacramento, Tahoe, or San Francisco, or enjoy the local sights and history just minutes from our camp. You’ll want to book your midweek trip early. Try a weekday escape this season and find out for yourself why midweek trips are so enjoyable. It can become a habit!

Adults paying full fare can take ONE CHILD PER ADULT for half that rate and additional children at a special reduced price. Prices are per person.

You’ll really appreciate the slower midweek pace and the special attention you’ll receive.

1 & 2 DAY FAMILY FUN MIDWEEK SPECIALS – SOUTH FORK AMERICAN RIVER

Family Midweek Specials One Day South Fork Lower Gorge Two Day South Fork Lower Gorge & Chili Bar Run One Day South Fork Whole River Trip Two Day South & Middle Fork Combo
(Ages 12+)
Adult price: $129.00 $269.00 $149.00 $309.00
Special Youth,
6-16, price:
$64.50 $134.50 $74.50 $216.00
Additional Youth price: $97.00 $217.50 $120.00 $247.00

An 8% Government Land & River Use Fee is added to all trip prices. No other discounts or specials apply.

This Family Special cannot be booked online. Call now to book at 1-800-825-3205 – Spaces Fill Fast

AGE REQUIREMENTS:

  • South Fork trips: Minimum age is 6 years.
  • Middle Fork trips: Minimum age is 12 years.
  • Youth Prices are for ages 6 – 16.

THESE FAMILY FUN SPECIAL TRIPS ARE AVAILABLE AS FOLLOWS:

One Day
Lower Gorge Run
Two Day South Fork Lower
Gorge and South Fork
Chili Bar Run
One Day South
Fork Whole
River Trip
Two Day South Fork
& Middle Fork
Combo
Monday, Tuesday,
Thursday, & Friday
Monday & Tuesday,
Thursday & Friday
Monday, Tuesday,
Thursday, & Friday
Monday & Tuesday,
Thursday & Friday
Where: Coloma to Salmon Falls
15 miles
Class: III
Where: Chili Bar to Salmon Falls
21 miles over two days
Class: III
Where: Chili Bar to Salmon Falls
21 miles
Class: III
Where: Chili Bar to Coloma or Coloma to Salmon Falls and Oxbow Bend to Greenwood Bridge
33 miles over 2 days
Class: III & IV

 

Trips list

#1Day Trip - South Fork Lower Gorge

The longest Lower Gorge Run on the South Fork and our most popular one day rafting trip. Spend a relaxing day filled with moments of excitement paddling through fun rapids. Perfect for first timers, families with young children and groups looking for a fun day out.

Meeting Time: 10:00 AM

Length: 15 miles

Time on water: 6 Hours including lunch

Class/Level: II - III

Cost range: $119 - $149

8% Government Land & River Use Fee is added to all trip prices. Be sure to check out the family special, group rates and last minute specials.

Click Here for Details and Itinerary

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#2Day Trip - South Fork Whole River

Are you looking for a super full day of whitewater rafting on a river that’s just packed with fun, excitement, and thrills? Then this is the trip for you! You’ll raft the entire 21 mile length of the South Fork Chili Bar and the Lower Gorge Sections in a wet and wild one day trip.

Meeting Time: 8:30 AM in Coloma

Length: 21 Miles

Time on water: 7 hours with lunch

Class/Level: II - III

Cost range: $139 - $165

8% Government Land & River Use Fee is added to all trip prices. Be sure to check out the family special, group rates and last minute specials.

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#3Two Day South Fork Trip - Lower Gorge + Chili Bar

Join us for two days of fun, sun, and whitewater on the South Fork of the American River, one of the most popular whitewater rafting trips in the world! A perfect way to relax, unwind and enjoy time with family and friends.

Meeting Time: 10:00 AM on Day 1

Length: 21 Miles

Time on water: Day 1 - 6 Hours Including Lunch, Day 2 - 2 Hours

Class/Level: II - III

Cost range: $249 - $309

8% Government Land & River Use Fee is added to all trip prices. Be sure to check out the family special, group rates and last minute specials.

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#4Two Day Trip - South Fork Lower Gorge + Middle Fork

Our most popular Middle Fork Rafting two day trip! Warm up on the fun rapids of the South Fork and then head to the Middle Fork for an even more intense run surrounded by breathtaking scenery.

Meeting Time: 10:00 AM on Day 1

Length: 33 miles (15 miles on the South Fork and 18 miles on the Middle Fork)

Time on water: Day 1 - 6 Hours including Lunch, Day 2 - 6 Hours Including Lunch

Class/Level: III - IV

Cost range: $289 - $349

8% Government Land & River Use Fee is added to all trip prices. Be sure to check out the family special, group rates and last minute specials.

Click Here for Details and Itinerary

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