About American
River Rentals

Located at our Sunrise location. Check out our River Mart for all your river enjoyment essentials. Don't miss out on top sellers like our water cannons, river shoes, straw hats, sunglasses, sunblock, and ice chests topped off with all your favorite River Store snacks and drinks!

We have two parking lots to provide plenty of on-site parking for our guests. Parking is $10 per vehicle on weekends and holidays at our Sunrise location. The county offers paid parking at our Sailor Bar location. The price for county parking at Sailor Bar is subject to change but is usually $6 per car.

Important: we recommend you DO NOT LEAVE VALUABLES IN YOUR VEHICLE.

Our buses run 7 days a week to provide return shuttle service. Shuttle tickets are $10 per person and can be purchased at check-in. On weekdays, buses may only run once per hour starting at 1pm. TIMES AND PICKUP POINTS ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE. Please check shuttle times before you go rafting. California law prohibits pets on shuttle buses.

TIP: Members of your group can wait at River Bend Park with pets while sending your drivers on our shuttle bus to retrieve vehicles. Drivers can then return to collect the remaining members of your group and pets.

We suggest you arrive 15 minutes before your scheduled arrival time and bring along food and drinks in an ice chest. The contract signer for your group will need a valid ID and credit card. Please be ready with the number of people in your group and know the shuttle services you will need. You will carry your raft on a short 10–15 minute walk (less than a quarter-mile) down to the raft launch site unless you pay a raft delivery fee ahead of time. Then you are off for a great day of rafting!

The approximate float time to River Bend Park is 3 to 4 hours depending on releases from Nimbus Dam. Upon arriving at River Bend Park you will return all raft rental equipment to our staff. If you purchased shuttle passes our fleet of shuttle buses will return you and your group to the start once all of your equipment is turned in.

About halfway down the river, get ready for the thrill of the San Juan Rapids. These rapids are exciting yet navigable by even the novice rafter. Be sure to smile for our photographer on weekends from Memorial Day through Labor Day. Enjoy the rest of your float sunning and swimming in one of the clearest rivers in the west! Don't forget that photos are available for purchase.

Hats, sunglasses, snacks, beverages (no glass containers), small ice chest(s), shoes, or sandals will make your trip more comfortable. Please do not bring pets. If you need any of these items on arrival please visit our River Mart.

Reservations are recommended for weekends and holidays. For raft reservations call (888) 338-7238 or book online. For tube reservations, please call or book online as well.

Rented rafts can be used on the Lower American River only, between Sunrise Blvd. and River Bend Park. Rafts must be turned in at our take-out location, River Bend Park by 6:00 pm. We do not offer overnight rentals. Raft rentals are only offered at our Sunrise location 7-days a week.

Inherent physical risks are involved in rafting. These risks can be minimized by always wearing your life jacket. For your child's safety we require children to weigh at least 40 lbs. and be 5 years or older. You must be 12 years or older to rent Kayaks and Paddle Boards.

Alcohol is allowed on the river except for holiday weekends, but is not permitted on most beaches. No alcohol is allowed on the Memorial Day, 4th of July, or Labor Day weekends. Sacramento County also maintains the right to ban alcohol for large social media events. No glass is allowed on our rafts or in the river. Be aware that other laws and regulations still apply.

Specializing in large group events: Call today for groups of 35 or more and ask for an Event Coordinator to help set up your big event. We offer activities, catering, and VIP rafting at an affordable rate for groups of ANY size.