Laurel L.

Wonderful program and experience for White Water and Kayak merit badge for our boy scout troop (kids ages 11-16). Came early on a Saturday and stayed 1 night. All food and tents were provided, along with high quality education and training. Our time on the water was unforgettable for our scout troop and all of the guides were fabulous. Worked great with the scouts and treated us to a buffet of meals. John was great to work with when planning the event and we plan to make this an annual trip each year. Scouts all loved doing Class I, II and III rapids and kayaking down the South Fork. Appreciated the wetsuits as well (we came in May) and all of the safety gear. Wonderful to work with and would recommend for any other scout group or family reunion. Thank you to the awesome River Runner's team!

Isabela G.

We went rafting and it was one of the best experiences ever! and thanks to Chris, he is a clear example that when you love what you do it shows, you are the best !! highly recommended

Hope D.

If you're sitting wondering if you should go rafting with River Runners...just say YES! River Runner is the best rafting company on the American River hands down! This is an experience you won't regret and wish would never end! A 2-day rafting trip on the South Fork of the American River with River Runners means enjoying the river for hours, guides who are extremely skilled on the river have great personalities (jokes, fun facts, and insightful conversations are endless), pulling over on the river to immerse yourself in nature (nature walks, rock art, jumping off rocks, berry picking, eddy swims, etc.), running rapids (and then turning around to surf them) and so much more! And don't forget about the camping amenities and food. It's an all inclusive ordeal! The camp and tents are set up for you upon arrival and the food is DELICIOUS (so much variety...it's not your typical hot dog/canned food situation you'd find camping). Definitely check out their website for the full spiel. I would recommend River Runners a thousand times over!!!

Stephen T.

Just spent three days up at Camp Lotus with River Runners USA and it was absolutely AMAZING! We brought a group of seven Boy Scouts and four adults, the Scouts were to earn their whitewater and kayaking merit badges. While another adult coordinated the arrangements with John, the owner the process was very smooth. We arrived on Friday afternoon, checked in at the Camp Lotus office and were directed to the River Runners campsite. All of our tents were set up upon arrival, as John and Sara met us and give up a quick overview of the camp. We provided the blue merit badge cards for John, filled out so he could sign them upon completion of the merit badge courses. We got settled into our tents and relaxed. The camp is located right on the river, which made it very easy to launch the following day. As evening came, we went for a quick swim, as the temperature and humidity was stifling. We arrived back at camp and as the sun was going down the Scouts played games, shared laughs and memories. John started a small campfire and s'mores items were left out for all camps are partake in. It was a great first night Aside from the rafting, the food was outstanding! I identified as "vegan" when I signed up and they took care of me! Some great food over the course of three days and it was really appreciated. It was not just salad and tofu, there was so much good food to partake in, not only for me but for all the the boys and other adults. Saturday night, steak, chicken and fish! I don't think anyone walked away hungry. The entire staff did a great job keeping all of us fed. As for the rafting, I was a first timer and didn't know what to expect. Heard stories about another company our troop used last year, but this year seemed to be better in many respects. Most importantly, the guides. The Scouts spent all the time on the water with Kyle, who really catered to the boys and made them have a great time. While knowledgeable, was able to connect with the boys and have fun while learning. While there are many companies on the American River, River Runners USA took their time down the river. Our guide, Sabrina took her time, we made quite a few stops, to swim, jump off rocks or skip rocks. It never felt like I was rushed by the company to get down the river. The class III rapids were experienced were challenging at times, but great fun! She did a great job providing instruction and answer the endless questions we seem to have reassuring some of us the raft wasn't going to flip over or sink when it filled with water. All in all, I would HIGHLY RECOMMEND River Runners USA. The camp location, their set up, the food, the guides and the owners all made this a very memorable experience for our group. I can't wait to contact John and set up another rafting experience next year. Thank you so much for everything provided!

Debbie Z.

It was our first time going river rafting and this was 5 stars! Loved the entire experience from the rafting, dinners to the tent sleeping. We had a group of 17 friends and family, and every single person had such an amazing time. This company truly does cater to your group to make sure everyone is happy. Not like any of the other corporate companies that are strict. River Runners makes you feel like your trip is customized for your family. Totally recommend " Remy", he was our tour guide and kept us laughing and smiling for two solid days. The meals prepared were so awesome! Steak, fish and chicken ! Also the showers and bathrooms were very clean. This will be our yearly trip for the family. Look no further as River Runners is the best!

Sharon E.

Class 3 was such a blast. We did the one-day Gorge rafting trip and it was amazing. I have never done this I wasn't sure what to expect and I was a little nervous. Our guide, was Rae ‍ She was really fun she tailored the day to the eight adults in the raft we did so many things other rafters (companies) we're not doing. I would recommend river runners to anyone (all ages) it is safe, adventurous and very very fun. I should mention the lunch was delicious, fresh and there was plenty of it.

Stephen T.

Just spent three days up at Camp Lotus with River Runners USA and it was absolutely AMAZING! We brought a group of seven Boy Scouts and four adults, the Scouts were to earn their whitewater and kayaking merit badges. While another adult coordinated the arrangements with John, the owner the process was very smooth. We arrived on Friday afternoon, checked in at the Camp Lotus office and were directed to the River Runners campsite. All of our tents were set up upon arrival, as John and Sara met us and give up a quick overview of the camp. We provided the blue merit badge cards for John, filled out so he could sign them upon completion of the merit badge courses. We got settled into our tents and relaxed. The camp is located right on the river, which made it very easy to launch the following day. As evening came, we went for a quick swim, as the temperature and humidity was stifling. We arrived back at camp and as the sun was going down the Scouts played games, shared laughs and memories. John started a small campfire and s'mores items were left out for all camps are partake in. It was a great first night Aside from the rafting, the food was outstanding! I identified as "vegan" when I signed up and they took care of me! Some great food over the course of three days and it was really appreciated. It was not just salad and tofu, there was so much good food to partake in, not only for me but for all the the boys and other adults. Saturday night, steak, chicken and fish! I don't think anyone walked away hungry. The entire staff did a great job keeping all of us fed. As for the rafting, I was a first timer and didn't know what to expect. Heard stories about another company our troop used last year, but this year seemed to be better in many respects. Most importantly, the guides. The Scouts spent all the time on the water with Kyle, who really catered to the boys and made them have a great time. While knowledgeable, was able to connect with the boys and have fun while learning. While there are many companies on the American River, River Runners USA took their time down the river. Our guide, Sabrina took her time, we made quite a few stops, to swim, jump off rocks or skip rocks. It never felt like I was rushed by the company to get down the river. The class III rapids were experienced were challenging at times, but great fun! She did a great job providing instruction and answer the endless questions we seem to have reassuring some of us the raft wasn't going to flip over or sink when it filled with water. All in all, I would HIGHLY RECOMMEND River Runners USA. The camp location, their set up, the food, the guides and the owners all made this a very memorable experience for our group. I can't wait to contact John and set up another rafting experience next year. Thank you so much for everything provided!

Book with River Runners for a truly memorable experience! I would give River Runners 6 stars if I could! Everyone is super chill and really focused on making sure all their guests have a blast. John was able to accommodate our reservation with short notice and once we arrived at camp Lotus everything from there was all organized and taken care of for our 1 day trip down the gorge. Our guide Chris was what really made the trip fun and memorable. He took his time guiding us down the river checking out many spots and stopping to swim and jump off rocks. Surfing was epic!! Chris knows so much about the area and we really enjoyed our time and conversations. Every video from the trip the whole boat is laughing and enjoying the moment. Already looking forward to coming back next year to see our new friends at River Runners!!

Erin K.

I want to start off by saying river runners had a big reputation to live up to. Back in the 80's our dad would plan huge trips of about 30 or more people from SoCal to go up on these weekend rafting trips. The pictures and stories were what we grew up on. He took us when we were old enough and it was a blast! So with our dads passing a few years back we decided we had to go in memory of him. Last year we opted for a little bit cheaper option. It was fun and a good experience but NOTHING Compared to this year!!! Our guide Kyle was seriously the best!!! You see we are a group that loves to laugh, tease each other (especially Paul) and the weirder we are the more we laugh. Let's just say Kyle fit right in! From picking grapes and enjoying them to picking blackberries and smothering ourselves in them so we looked like we survived a zombie apocalypse going down the river, it was HILARIOUS!! The looks of fear on other's faces was priceless! Ok so not only was Kyle way beyond fun but he knew what he was doing and did everything he could to make sure our rafting trip was FUN and safe! My favorite part and also scariest part was "surfing"! I have never surfed on any of the other 3 white water rafting trips I had been on. Kyle worked his butt off to get us in there and we surfed a ton of rapids! Then at one point we decided to go bob sled style with my brother on the front of the boat riding it like a bull, lol!! The men with us went swimming down the swimmers rapid (too cold for me). We all tried standing down some smaller rapids which as hilarious! Kyle was definitely the most skilled guide I've been with because we didn't have one hiccup going down the rapids! We even had kayakers come up to us saying "they couldn't believe how we were surfing the rapids!" Oh and we saved a few kayakers on our way too! Then we got back to camp after the most EPIC RAFTING EXPERIENCE EVER, where Kyle and Sarah (the owner) cooked us up a delicious lunch! They actually took all of our food preferences and intolerances into consideration. Kyle helped me make a lettuce wrap for my burger (I'm gluten intolerant) and they made extra veggie burgers for my friend who does not eat meat. We asked Kyle to eat with us cause we didn't want our time to end with him. Let's just say our only regret was not using river runners last year and not staying for the entire weekend! We are 100% coming back to camp at least once next year (we already have 1 full boat and most likely another) and hopefully a few weekend trips before we go for the middle fork! Thank you river runners and thank you Kyle!!!

Kristel M.

What an AMAZING TIME! We booked the 2 days river raft camp package. It was so much more then we imagined! Food was great, campsite clean, new, organized, closed off from other cars and campers, fun activities( cornhole, jenga, fire pit, s'mores ext.) Everything about the location is great! The rafting day one was so wonderful! It was a long fun day of easy safe rafting, and some fun wild times! Cruising down 12 miles we got to swim, run rapids, surf the raft, jump off rocks and swim in some of the most fun spots all the way down! Chris, we like to call him snaggletooth, because he has one missing tooth, was soooo fun! He made the trip easy, safe and made sure we all had a laughing good time the entire day! The boats are not over filled, and they do not rush the day! Unlike the other companies that were rushing by ya while we found fun spots to jump off rocks and swim. The food... amazing! Full meals cooked by the entire crew made hot and fresh! Breakfast, lunch, snakes, dinner, desert! So good This was a amazing time for us! Thank you river runners for making it so easy to have a good time and relax! Highly recommend you book these guys! Even if it's just for the day! Kay McCoy

If there were more than five stars, I would certainly give them to River Runners, as they definitely deserves them! From my very first phone conversation with Sarah, and there were several of them as I constantly wanted more information, to the morning we had to pack up and head home, was an absolute delight. We were so impressed with their service, food, accommodations, and knowledge of the river and all that surround it. From the moment we arrived we were made to feel super welcomed and comfortable. The staff are all so friendly and like a big family. Our guide John, being our first time, put us all at ease from the start and was so gracious in taking his time to point out so many unique spots along the 19 mile trip. As we made our way down the river, over the course of two days, I noticed several other rafting companies pass by us and not participate in any of the fun activities River Runners offers. I asked John about it, and he informed me that the other companies don't do it. We were able to jump off rocks, surf the tide, get out and swim, and a multitude of other activities. Thank you John, Sarah and the entire staff at River Runners. We will be back and cannot wait. Sending you all our best, Andrew & Michael The gay/straight buddy duo.

Josh F.

This place was recommended by a friend who has been going there for several years. I recently got back from what I can only describe a 100% awesome rafting adventure! I went with my two boys (13 and 11) and our friends who have boys the same age. This was our first time and I can't imagine it could have gone better. River Runners made our trip special, amazing, and incredibly easy! We loved it so much that we will be going back again soon. John and Sarah own the company and they are there giving tours and working. John's brother Daniel was out guide and he was outstanding! Daniel is like a river whisperer. He and his family grew up playing in and around the river and Daniel showed us so many special treats that the trip went well beyond a regular white water rafting adventure. Daniel showed us special currents we could float in, he encouraged us to float around in some of the calmer water, we jumped off of rocks, picked wild blackberries and so much more. While we were doing all of these unique experiences, other rafting companies were paddling down the river from one white water spot to the next. If I could give them 6 stars I would. Included in our two day package were all meals, tents, sleeping pads, and river guide. All we brought was sleeping bags and sunscreen. Sara and John cooked the food which was fresh, local, and delicious. The accommodations at Camp Lotus where we stayed were comfortable and convenient. (Showers and flush toilets). The tents were actually set up for us when we arrived. Everything about our trip was outstanding. John, Sara, and Daniel gave us an experience we will never forget and one we want to repeat every year! Here's a video I made of our trip - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VrM4WtCARVI