American River Resort

6019 New River Rd, Coloma, CA 95613, Auburn Lake Trails, United States

Guest rating: 4.3 / 5

Overview

American River Resort is a campground-style resort in Coloma, California, set along the American River in the historic Gold Country near Auburn Lake Trails. Guests can stay in tents on the campground, RV sites, or on-site cabins and tents already set up by the resort, making it a flexible base for outdoor stays rather than a traditional hotel property. Its riverside setting places it within walking distance of Gold Rush-era landmarks and direct river access.

Accommodations

Lodging options span do-it-yourself tent camping, RV hookup sites, and pre-set cabins or canvas tents for those who don't want to bring their own gear. This range of unit types suits both rugged campers and travelers wanting a more furnished outdoor experience.

Amenities & Recreation

The resort offers a small on-site pool, a catch-and-release fishing pond, and multiple restroom facilities, including some with shower stalls. A registration-office shop sells ice, snacks, and drinks (no alcohol), and open wood fires are not permitted, though propane fires are allowed. The property is dog-friendly, and the river itself is a major draw for cooling off in warm weather.

Location & Surroundings

The resort sits just 798m from Sutter's Mill and 910m from Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park, placing guests at the doorstep of California's Gold Rush history. The Gold Discovery Museum (674m) and American River Conservancy (446m) are also within easy walking distance, and the small town of Coloma nearby offers a handful of eateries, a blacksmith shop, and gift shopping. Farther afield, guests can reach Apple Hill Growers Association and Apple Hill (about 10-15km), Gold Bug Park & Mine and Downtown Placerville (roughly 9-11km), Lava Cap Winery (13.5km), and larger recreation areas like Folsom Lake and Auburn State Recreation Area (about 19km).

Best for

This resort is best suited to families and groups planning an outdoor camping trip who want river access, a pool, and a fishing pond without traveling far from historic sites. It also appeals to RV travelers and tent campers seeking a dog-friendly, nature-focused base near Gold Rush landmarks like Sutter's Mill and Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park.

Travel tips

Bring propane rather than firewood, since open wood fires are not permitted on-site. Pack basic supplies, though the registration-office shop stocks ice, snacks, and drinks (no alcohol), and a nearby marketplace within a short walk or drive covers most other camping needs. Plan a walk into Coloma to see the museum, blacksmith, and small eateries, and expect the on-site pool to get crowded during busy periods given its small size.

What guests say

Guests consistently praise the scenic riverside setting, the food and drink options available on-site, and the range of amenities like the pool, fishing pond, and easy river access for cooling off. Many reviewers highlight it as an enjoyable, relaxing spot for family and group camping trips with tents, RVs, or cabins, and appreciate its dog-friendly policy and proximity to Coloma's small-town attractions. A recurring complaint involves inconsistent hot water in some shower facilities, and at least one reviewer noted that RV guests were given access to cleaner bathrooms than tent campers, suggesting some unevenness in facility upkeep across the campground.

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