American Whitewater Expeditions - Coloma, California

Mike Olsen

The rafting here was amazing, but the campground not so much. I WOULD HAVE A MUCH LOWER REVIEW IF IT WEREN'T FOR THE GREAT TIME ON THE RIVER. I DO NOT SUGGEST STAYING AT THE CAMPGROUND. We were on the Middle Fork for two days with a group and had Jan as our guide for both days while Duffy was a guide for another raft in our group. Both were very knowledgeable, friendy, and helpful. Jan (my guide) was awesome, with a great talent on the river and stories about some history of the location! The equipment was all in great shape and we felt very safe the entire time while still feeling the thrill of the river.

The rest of the story is the campground. All staff we encountered were helpful. There ends the good part... When we checked in we were sternly told there is a very strict 10pm quiet time, but of our three nights camping there was zero enforcement of this policy. The first night was a football team right across from us that were very loud until 2am, even after someone from.our group approached the coaches and asked them to keep it down. The other nights it was music, yelling, barking dogs, etc. well into the night. When we needed to be up early for our rafting it made for some short and miserable nights. We may come back for the rafting, but will NOT camp here again.

Courtney Moore

If you are looking for your next adventure this is certainly a fun time! There was plenty of excitement mixed with mellow floating time. From start to finish it was organized, safe, informative, and fun! Duffy, Cam, Jill, and the rest of the crew made you feel so welcome and safe from the moment you meet them. They treated our group so well, like old friends getting together for a fun day - though you can tell that is just who they are and I am sure they do that with all the clients which is awesome. All great guys guiding the rafting with a ton of experience and amazing stories to share of all their worldly adventures mixed in with fun ragging, pranks, and joking around. Truly a fun day, lunch was great too!! We are already planning our next trip back, but only if Duffy is our guide!! Loved the camping also. Can't say enough good things about this company, these guys, and the fun of the day!

Dave

First off, the river rafting was great...Duff was an expert and knew alot of history of the area. All the guides were professional and knew the river well. It was the camping that got the 3 star.

The "store" is not much. They invested more in apparel than regular camping needs. You can tell where they make their money and don't want to invest in simple camping needs. THEY DON'T SELL WATER NOT WINE OR BEER...NO DRINKS. The refrigerators are empty...not even sure plugged in. The desk personnel just said "they didn't buy anything this year". The food selection in not good either.

The breakfast was gross. Cold egg casserole, gross shredded potatoes, and the most saltiest, poor quality sausage I've ever had.

THE POOL WAS CLOSED THE 3 DAY WE WERE THERE AND IT WAS 105 degrees. We went to the pool to swim instead of sweating at our tent. Grabbed our towels and headed down....sign said closed. Front desk said, "yes its closed....maybe tomorrow". The only recourse they had was handing me a brochure and said "call the number". I called...no answer. Left a message and never returned the call. When we left on day 3, the pool was still closed for unknown reasons.

But like I said, the rafting was great...just stay at Red River Casino..we moved there the second night....20 min drive.

Debra Kelly

Best outfitter ever! Took 14 people on a 2 day Middle Fork adventure. Everyone had a great time. Guides were all phenomenal. Special shout-out to Duffy who put up with my group 2 days in a row! Incredibly knowledgeable about the history of the area and provided great instruction and humor for us.

Food is phenomenal, campground is great, pool was refreshing as it was HOT.

This is my 3rd trip with them and I highly recommend.

Tina N

We had a group of 12, with Marcos and Gustavo as our guides. We were with Marcos, he was an amazing guide, during the quiet time he gave us the history of the area, gold mining, wild life we saw. He taught us how to very carefully splash our friends - LOL - This is our 4th time using this company, and Marcos was by far the best guide. We did the South Fork Lower Gorge, we had a few first timers and they loved it. It was the perfect mix of chill and excitement. We recommend this company, and especially Marcos!!!!!

Nicki Enriquez

2 times, twice the fun! 2nd time booking with American Whitewater Expeditions. We were lucky enough to get Chole as our guide both times (requested him the 2nd time). He is an EXPERT on the river and at entertaining the raft. Could not have asked for a better experience. Had fun but more importantly, felt safe the entire time. Booking a 3rd trip on a different part of the river and definitely requesting Chole again! If you want to live the "Pura Vida", book with American Whitewater Expeditions. You will not be disappointed ❣️☀️?

Michael Risney

Had a great day on the water with my 15 yr old son. We took the South Fork Whole River trip, 20 something mile ride.

Our guide was Christian, from Costa Rica. Can not say enough on how good he was
He was a lot if fun and knowledgeable about the history of the area. He controlled the raft expertly, making it look easy?

The camp grounds were also nice. Our package included 2 nights, and food. The tent was set up and ready when we arrived. The dinners and breakfast were all good.

The bathrooms were a lot better than most campsites - super clean. Private showers and lots of TP?

Definitely will come back, my son wants to do the North Fork next spring. If they can heat up the water, it would be perfect

(Edit: Sorry, a couple Starbucks pictures slipped in, do not see a delete option for the two)

Melissa Montellano

My family and I went on our first water rafting trip. My youngest son being 7. Tara our raft guide was truly the best! I am glad we got to spend the day with her. Felt confident and safe with her expertise. She was very kind. Carol was also great! Everyone we met really nice and helpful. I don't write many reviews but if you're in the area and thinking about going water rafting it's a good place.