Camp Lotus

Family-owned riverside camp — 23 acres, deli, espresso & no dogs policy

Location: Lotus, CA — 4 miles from Coloma, CA

Price: From $60 per night

Price range: $60–$120 per night

Rating: 4.3 out of 5 (89 reviews)

Elevation: 760 feet

Season: Open 2026 season — gates close 5pm until May 21

23 verdant acres along the South Fork American River in the Lotus community, 4 miles from Coloma. Family-owned since 1969. 30 grassy irrigated tent sites plus 10 RV sites with water and electric hookup. Deli open Memorial Day to Labor Day with fresh-baked muffins, espresso, and made-to-order sandwiches. Free hot showers 24 hours. Known for the quieter, more private experience compared to resort-style campgrounds. No dogs. Book via phone (530-622-8672) or camplotus.com. Rates from $60/night for t

Cell coverage (FCC estimate): strong signal. Actual signal may vary in remote areas. Best carrier: T-Mobile. Verizon 4G: 100%. AT&T 4G: 100%. T-Mobile 4G: 100%.

Amenities: Deli & espresso bar (Memorial Day–Labor Day), Free hot showers 24hr, Flush toilets, Fire rings with grates, Picnic tables, River access (multiple points), Camp store (7am–7pm), Lending library, Volleyball & badminton, Wildlife trail (1-mile loop), Event/meeting hall, Firewood for sale, Online booking available, No dogs (strictly enforced)

Family-owned since 1969 with 23 acres of irrigated lawn along the South Fork. No dogs means no dog drama — genuinely quieter and cleaner than most river camps. The deli with fresh muffins and espresso is excellent, not a camp store afterthought.

The 1-mile wildlife trail along the property’s back edge passes through a riparian corridor most guests never find. River otters, great blue herons, and osprey are regulars. Ask at check-in for the trailhead — it’s not on the map. ⇒ Water: Camp Lotus has three swimming holes: the main beach (calm, good for kids), the Slot (0.3 mi upstream — a natural water slide over smooth granite), and the Deep Pool (0.5 mi downstream, 15 feet deep, used for cliff jumping). Locals know all three; most guests only find the main beach.

What is new at Camp Lotus: Online booking now available at camplotus.com alongside phone reservations.

Wildlife alert: River otters, herons, and osprey along the wildlife trail. Rattlesnakes possible near rocky riverbank areas.

Fire rules: Fires in designated fire rings only. CalFire restrictions apply in summer. Check fire.ca.gov.

Things to do near Camp Lotus: Deli open Memorial Day to Labor Day — get the breakfast burritos and fresh muffins before 9am. South Fork river swimming — multiple access points, different water speeds. Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park (4 miles) — gold panning, ranger talks on weekends.

Insider tips for Camp Lotus: Call (530) 622-8672 for same-week availability — they don’t always post online cancellations RV sites have water and electric only, no sewer. Dump station on site.

Skip Camp Lotus if: You have a dog — strictly no pets, no exceptions. You want on-site rafting — American River Resort (4 miles) is better for that.

Best time to visit Camp Lotus: Jun–Aug — Deli open. River perfect for swimming. Lawn sites at their best.. Apr–May — Lower rates, fewer people, river running well..

Common issues at Camp Lotus: No dogs policy enforced without exception. If you have a dog, book American River Resort or Coloma Resort instead.

What campers say about Camp Lotus: "No dogs meant everyone was relaxed. The deli made sandwiches to order. Honestly the nicest campground we’ve been to." — Yelp reviewer "Grassy sites, river access from multiple points. Kids swam for hours every day." — Google reviewer "Strictly no dogs. If you show up with one they will turn you away — no exceptions." — TripAdvisor reviewer

Nearby campgrounds: American River Resort (Coloma, CA — South Fork American River), Dru Barner Campground (Georgetown, CA), Ponderosa Cove Campground (Twin Bridges, CA), Stumpy Meadows (GEORGETOWN, CA).