Hotels

There are many options for camping near the Lower American River–but those of you craving the finer things will also find plenty of places to stay as well in nearby Folsom, Sacramento, Granite Bay, or even the Sierra Foothills of El Dorado County.

Camping Near the Lower American River

Beals Point Campground is located in the Folsom State Recreation Area, near hiking and biking trails and, depending on water levels, fairly close to Folsom Lake for sunbathing if you’re into brown leathery skin, and of course water skiing and toodling around in a kayak. There are car camping style sites, as well as areas for RVs and trailers. No hook ups, but plenty of room for kids to run around and holler so don’t expect to hear the crickets.

Peninsula Campground is also part of the Folsom Lake State Recreation Area and can be accessed by car via Pilot Hill or by boat, if you’re feeling expeditionary. Car, RV and trailer camping is available. No hook-ups but there is a dump station. For more details visit the California Park’s website.

Camping Tip

Even if the Lower American River is close to home, treat yourself to a “weekend away,” pack up your stuff, and go camping near Sacramento for the weekend.

Camp Lotus: Located on the banks of the South Fork of the American River in the gold country foothills. Though fairly quiet and peaceful, this is definitely a car camping place so forget having an isolated wilderness experience here. You are as likely to see wild geese or a deer or two as a car full of bachelorettes or a family reunion so bring your beers and stay up all night with them or plan on using ear plugs. There are a few RV sites, a camp store and deli, and hot showers and flush toilets. Private boaters can use this as a put-in or take out. Kayakers will appreciate it’s just upstream of Barking Dog rapid. (530) 622-8672.

Hotels and B&Bs near the Lower American River

There are literally too many hotels, motels, B&Bs and vacation rentals of every stripe close to the Lower American River to list here. You will find just about any chain you could possibly want in Sacramento, Roseville, and Folsom, as well as smaller, family-owned establishments in Gold-Rush towns like Placerville, Auburn, and the Coloma-Lotus Valley. For a list of smaller establishments in El Dorado county, visit our South Fork American page if you want to stay on the Hwy 50 corridor, or our Middle Fork American page if you’re oriented to the Hwy 80 corridor.