In the heart of the gold country, the Auburn State Recreation Area (Auburn SRA) covers 40-miles of the North and Middle Forks of the American river. Once teeming with thousands of gold miners, the area is now a natural area offering a wide variety of recreation opportunities to over 900,000 visitors a year.

Major recreational uses include hiking, swimming, boating, fishing, camping, mountain biking, gold panning, equestrian/horseback riding trails and off-highway motorcycle riding. Whitewater recreation is also very popular on both forks of the river, with Class II, III and IV runs. Over 30 -private outfitters are licensed to offer whitewater trips in Auburn SRA.

Auburn SRA is made up of the lands set aside for the Auburn Dam. California State Parks administers the area under a contract with the US Bureau of Reclamation.

Four primitive campgrounds are available in the Auburn State Recreation Area. Camping is limited to 14 consecutive days, with a 30 day total camping limit per year. Camping is only allowed in the following designated areas:

MINERAL BAR - (off Iowa Hill Road)

On the east side of the North Fork American River, where the Colfax Iowa Hill Road crosses the river. There are 18 designated campsites with tables, firepits, and dry toilets. No drinking water is available. A narrow paved road serves the campground. There is a 14 day camping limit. From Hwy 80 in Colfax exit at Canyon Way, head north on Canyon way turn right onto Iowa Hil Rd. 3 mile paved road to sites and river.

RUCK-A-CHUCKY - (Drivers Flat Rd. off Foresthill Rd.)

Five primitive campsites are located on the north side of the river on the Placer County side. Toilets and trash cans are provided. No drinking water is available. The campground is at the end of a 2.5 mile gravel/dirt road. Vehicles with high clearance are strongly recommended. The road can be closed during inclement weather. From Hwy 80 exit at Foresthill Rd. Going towards Foresthill turn right onto Drivers Flat Road, a 2.5 mile dirt road down to the site and river.

BOAT-IN CAMPING AT LAKE CLEMENTINE - (Lake Clementine Rd. off Foresthill Rd.)

Boat-in camping in 15 primitive sites with pit-toilets, picnic tables, and fire rings. Directions: From Hwy 80 exit at Foresthill. Follow Foresthill Rd. 3.5 miles, then turn left at Lake Clementine Rd. Follow 2 miles down to the boat ramp. There is no vehicle access to the camp areas, which are accesible only by boat. No drinking water is available and dogs are not allowed. There is a 14 day camping limit.

RIVER-TRAIL CAMPS

Permits are available for camping in some areas outside of the designated campgrounds for those rafting the American River only from October 16th to June 31st. River Permit camping is prohibited July 1st- Oct. 15, due to high fire danger. Information and permits are available at the Auburn SRA Ranger Station, 501 El Dorado Street in Auburn.