What are the fire rules at Camp Lotus?

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

What is the 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.

What are the best things to do near Camp Lotus?

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.

Is there wildlife at Camp Lotus?

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

What are the common problems at Camp Lotus?

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

What are the insider tips for Camp Lotus?

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.

What makes Camp Lotus unique?

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.

How do I book a campsite at Camp Lotus?

Book Camp Lotus directly at camperwatch.org/book/camp-lotus. No booking fees. Select your dates, site type, and pay online. CamperWatch takes 5% only on completed bookings.

Camp Lotus

✓ Sites Available

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

Lotus, CA — 4 miles from Coloma4.3 (89)760 ft

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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 tent sites.

Things to do nearby

Barking Dog surf waveMarshall Gold Discovery SPColoma townDeli open Memorial Day to Labor Day

Best For

KayakersRaftersGroupsFamilies without dogsQuiet seekers

Site Types

TentRVCabin

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)

Check-in

2:00 PM

Check-out

12:00 PM

Season

Open 2026 season — gates close 5pm until May 21

Max/site

6 people

Known Issues

No dogs — strictly enforced. No sewer hookup (dump station only). Gates close at 5pm until May 21. No late arrivals accepted without prior reservation. Quiet hours 10pm–8am strictly enforced.

Cancellation Policy

Deposits refundable up to 10 days before stay, less $20 handling fee. No refund within 10 days. $7 non-refundable reservation fee on all bookings.

Why campers love Camp Lotus

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.

What's new in 2026

Online booking now available at camplotus.com alongside phone reservations.

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

Not the right fit if…

✕You have a dog — strictly no pets, no exceptions
✕You want on-site rafting — American River Resort (4 miles) is better for that

Frequently asked questions

How much does Camp Lotus cost per night?+

Camp Lotus costs $60–$120 per night depending on site type and season. Hookup options: Water and electric on RV sites. No sewer — dump station on-site.

What season is Camp Lotus open?+

Camp Lotus is open Open 2026 season — gates close 5pm until May 21. Check-in is 2:00 PM, check-out is 12:00 PM.

Does Camp Lotus have hookups?+

Water and electric on RV sites. No sewer — dump station on-site.

What is the maximum RV length at Camp Lotus?+

Camp Lotus can accommodate RVs up to 30 feet long.

How do I make reservations at Camp Lotus?+

Book Camp Lotus directly at camperwatch.org/book/camp-lotus. No booking fees. Select your dates and site type and pay online.

Does Camp Lotus have cabins?+

Yes — Camp Lotus offers cabin rentals in addition to tent and RV sites. Cabin availability and pricing vary by season. Book at camperwatch.org/book/camp-lotus.

What is the cell service like at Camp Lotus?+

Verizon: decent. AT&T: decent. T-Mobile: weak. Valley cuts some signal.

How far is Camp Lotus from the nearest town?+

Nearest services: Placerville — 10 miles