Camping Now Open on Middle Fork American River

After a private boater was cited for misdemeanor criminal charges for camping, American Whitewater asked California State Department of Parks and Recreation to reconsider their camping policy on the Middle Fork American River (MFA).  This policy essentially banned private boating camping from July to October to reduce the risk of fire.  In a letter to Superintendent Mike Lynch, Auburn State Recreation Area (ASRA), Dave Steindorf acknowledged the importance of protecting the recreation area from fire risks but did not believe State Park’s intent was to exclude private boaters from enjoying a river camping experience on the MFA.   

Fortunately, our partners at ASRA agreed and with the help of Bill Deitchman, State Park Ranger Whitewater Program Manager, American Whitewater is pleased to share ASRA 2015 River Camping Permit Information.

Camping is now open under conditions of the ASRA permit in the following areas on the Middle Fork American:

·      Volcano Creek to Big Snyder Gulch

·      Gas Canyon to Browns Bar

Camping on the North Fork American River was also addressed and the following areas will be open with an ASRA permit:

·      2000’ downstream of Iowa Hill Bridge to 1000’ upstream of Yankee Jim Bridge

·      2000’ downstream of Ponderosa Bridge to 1 mile downstream of Codfish Creek

Please keep in mind that the threat of fire is still of great concern thus a campfire permit and/or a camp stove permit will be required too.  Also, while they transition into this new policy it would be best to contact and pick up your permits at the Auburn State Recreation Area office.