Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park has no camping. The nearest campgrounds are on the South Fork American River — walking distance from where the California Gold Rush began in 1848. Tent sites, RV hookups, gold panning, and whitewater rafting, all within 4 miles of Coloma.
3 campgrounds · Coloma & Lotus, CA · South Fork American River · Open year-round
Where to stay
All three are on the South Fork American River, within 4 miles of Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park.
6921 Mt. Murphy Rd, Coloma CA 95613
36 reviews
Surrounded by Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park on three sides. Nearly 1 mile of South Fork American River frontage, RV hookups (up to 45ft), tent sites, South Fork Cabins, pool, Argonaut farm-to-fork cafe. Walk directly to the state park museum with no parking fee. Book via Campspot.
6019 New River Rd, Coloma CA 95613
227 reviews
Nearly 40 acres on the South Fork American River. Tent sites from $20/person, full hookup RV sites $50–60/night, glamping platform cabin tents $89–129/night, deluxe river cabins $210–270/night. Pool (Memorial Day–Sep 30), fishing pond, on-site rafting, free hot showers. 2026 rates verified.
5461 Bassi Rd, Lotus CA 95651
89 reviews
23 acres on the South Fork in Lotus, 4 miles from Coloma. 30 tent sites from $60/site, 10 RV sites (water + electric) from $70/site, bell tent glamping $120/night. Deli and espresso bar Memorial Day–Labor Day. Free hot showers 24hr. Strictly no dogs. Book at camplotus.com or by phone.
What to do
History, whitewater, and the river — all from your campsite.
Troublemaker Rapid on the South Fork — Class III–IV in spring
Try your luck in the same river where gold was found in 1848
Float from Troublemaker to Henningsen Park, May–September
Walk to Marshall Gold Discovery Park — no parking fee if you’re camping nearby
Coloma, California is a small community in El Dorado County in the Sierra Nevada foothills, best known as the site of the 1848 gold discovery that triggered the California Gold Rush. On January 24, 1848, James Marshall found gold in the tailrace of Sutter's Mill on the South Fork American River — an event that drew over 300,000 people to California within two years.
Today, Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park preserves the site with a museum, a replica of Sutter's Mill, more than 20 historic buildings, and costumed interpreters. The park is day-use only — no camping is allowed inside the park boundaries. Visitors who want to spend the night must stay at one of the private campgrounds along the river.
The three campgrounds nearest to Coloma — Coloma Resort, American River Resort, and Camp Lotus — are all on the South Fork American River. Coloma Resort and American River Resort are walking distance from the park entrance, meaning guests can visit the historical site without paying the $10 parking fee.
Spring is peak season for whitewater rafting (the South Fork's Troublemaker Rapid is a Class III–IV run fueled by Sierra snowmelt). Summer is best for river tubing and swimming. Fall brings fall foliage and fewer crowds. Winter in Coloma is mild by Sierra standards — campfires are typically allowed outside red flag days, and the park is far less crowded.
FAQ
No. Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park is a day-use-only park. There is no camping inside the park boundaries. The nearest campgrounds are Coloma Resort and American River Resort, both within a 10-minute walk of the park entrance along the South Fork American River.
The three main campgrounds near Coloma CA are Coloma Resort (6921 Mt. Murphy Rd), American River Resort (6019 New River Rd), and Camp Lotus (5461 Bassi Rd, Lotus). All three are on the South Fork American River within 4 miles of Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park.
Yes — though not inside the park. Coloma Resort sits adjacent to the park boundary and is walking distance from the Sutter’s Mill replica. American River Resort is about 10 minutes’ walk from the discovery site. Both campgrounds sell gold pans and offer gold panning at or near the campground.
Spring (April–June) is peak season for whitewater rafting due to Sierra snowmelt. Summer (July–September) is ideal for river tubing and swimming. Fall (October–November) brings cooler temperatures, fall foliage, and fewer crowds. Winter is quiet and mild — campfires allowed most nights outside fire restriction periods.
Yes. American River Resort offers full hookup RV spaces with 30-amp power, water, and sewage. Coloma Resort also has RV sites with hookups. Both campgrounds are on Highway 49 in Coloma and can accommodate large rigs, though the one-lane bridge on Mt. Murphy Rd to Coloma Resort has a clearance limit — check before arriving with an oversized vehicle.
Coloma is approximately 45 miles from Sacramento — about a 50-minute drive via Highway 50 East and Highway 49 North. It is also about 90 miles from San Francisco (roughly 2 hours), and 60 miles from Lake Tahoe via Highway 49.
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