Tuolumne River

Accommodations

Hotels and B&B's

Groveland Hotel:
Groveland, (209) 962-4000

Step back in time at the historic Groveland Hotel, the oldest in the Yosemite area, located just 20 minutes from the meet place for our Tuolumne River rafting trips. This early California ranch-style hotel features 18 beautifully appointed guest rooms, wrap-around porches and a tiered patio. Incorporated are all the modern amenities you're looking for, including on-site EV charging stations.

Hotel Charlotte:
Groveland, (209) 962-6455

Hotel Charlotte is located in downtown Groveland and about 20 minutes from the All-Outdoors meet place. Innkeepers Brennen & Finn invite you to enjoy the ambience of this “Old West” boutique hotel which features 13 unique guest rooms and suites.

All Seasons Groveland Inn:
Groveland, (209) 962-0232

Located in downtown Groveland, just 20 minutes from the AO meet place, this charming B&B blends modern amenities with old-world charm. Each of the 5 rooms features a local artist’s mural, a fireplace, refrigerator, TV, coffee station, and a private bath with a steam room or Jacuzzi tub. A full hot breakfast is included.

Yosemite Rose:
Groveland, (866) 962-6548

Less than 10 minutes from the Casa Loma meet place, this B&B is a replica of a late 1800s Bay Area mansion. Set on a quiet 210-acre property, guests can hike to Clavey Falls, one of the Main Tuolumne’s most challenging rapids, or enjoy activities like horse trail rides, billiards, and piano music. Manor house guests receive a full country breakfast, and a charming cabin is also available for rent.

Blackberry Inn at Yosemite:
Groveland, (209) 962-4663

Once a country farmhouse with a wraparound porch, this luxurious inn in the forest was expanded to a total of 10 bedrooms in two buildings. It is gracious, welcoming and only a 5-minute drive to our meet place at the Casa Loma store! Take a stroll on the trails on their 36 acre property. This adult-only facility offers a complimentary, delicious full breakfast.

Yosemite Westgate Lodge:
Groveland, (209) 962-5281

This easy to find hotel is located about 5 minutes from the All-Outdoors meet place at the Casa Loma store. In addition to standard rooms, they have many “family-style” rooms with a dining area with microwave and refrigerator. Relax in the pool & spa. Enjoy a delicious meal at the on-site seasonal restaurant Lucky Buck Cafe.

First Lights Resorts

A trio of resort-style lodging options near Yosemite National Park:

Firefall Ranch:
Groveland, (209) 379-6820

Opened in 2024, Firefall Ranch, just across the road from the AO meet place, is a convenient choice for rafters. With stylish cottages, a heated pool, and an on-site restaurant, it’s a great spot to relax before or after your trip, or to extend your adventure with mountain views and hiking trails nearby.

Rush Creek Lodge:
Groveland, (209) 379-2373

Only 20 minutes from the AO place at the Casa Loma store, this lodge features 143 lodge rooms, suites, and hillside villas with modern amenities. Rush Creek Lodge offers a fine dining restaurant and casual tavern. They also have a bar at the pool.

Evergreen Lodge:
Groveland, (209) 379-2606

This 1921 lodge sits on the border of Yosemite National Park, about 35 minutes from our Casa Loma meet place. It offers a range of accommodations, from cabins to fully equipped campsites. Guests can enjoy on-site dining, a rustic tavern, guided hikes, a recreation center, and the option for a soothing massage.

Campgrounds

Yosemite Lakes Preserve:
Groveland, (877) 570-2267

Part of the Thousand Trails camping system, this resort property located about 15 minutes from the All-Outdoors meet place sits on a 400 acre preserve. It offers non-member tent and RV campsites, yurts, bunkhouse cabins and a hostel. Situated along the South Fork Tuolumne River, guests can rent paddle boats & kayaks, swim, fish, and bike. Amenities include a clubhouse, restroom/shower facilities, game room, and mini golf.

Yosemite Pines RV Park:
Groveland, (209) 962-7690

About a 10-minute drive to our meet place, this resort-style facility offers tent and RV camping, a variety of cabin sizes, yurts and even "glamping" in a covered wagon. The grounds include a general store, laundry room, swimming pool, exercise trail, clubhouse, playground and petting zoo.

USFS Campgrounds:
(209) 962-7825

There are ten USFS campgrounds within the Groveland Ranger District. Those mentioned below are on Hwy 120 and are nearest to the AO meet place. These developed sites use well water and have pit toilets. Large trailers or RV’s can not be accommodated. No advance reservations are taken. Call the above number for more information.

• Sweetwater: 13 miles east of Groveland
• Pines: 8 miles east of Groveland (no phone)
• Lost Claim: 13 miles east of Groveland

Yosemite National Park:
(209) 372-0200

The Park contains 13 popular campgrounds with many taking advance reservations. Use the link for current information and to reserve a campsite.

Moccasin Pt. Campground:
(209) 852-2396

Located on Lake Don Pedro eight miles west of Groveland on Hwy 120, about 30 minutes from our meeting place, this campground offers both tent and R.V. sites. Reservations accepted.

Local Information

Surrounding Attractions

If you plan to spend additional time in the area before or after your trip, there are many interesting places to visit. Our meet place is at the doorsteps of the Stanislaus National Forest which offers camping, hiking, picnicking, fishing, and other water activities. The entrance to Yosemite National Park is on Hwy 120 and 16 miles east of the meet place for our Tuolumne and Cherry Creek trips. Any reservations for accommodations in Yosemite Park should be made well in advance of your visit. Visit the Virtual Visitors Center or call (209) 372-0200 for general park information.

Pine Mountain Lake is a resort community in Groveland that has houses and condominiums available for rent on a daily basis via popular vacation rental websites/apps. Staying in these facilities is an excellent way for individuals or groups to relax together before, and/or after a rafting trip.

If Gold Rush era history is of interest to you, Hwy 49 connects with Hwy 120 near Groveland. Hwy 49 runs the length of the "Gold Rush Country" taking you through quaint, historic towns and beautiful Sierra Foothills scenery. For detailed information, visit the Tuolumne County Visitors Bureau or call (800) 446-1333.

River Conditions
(Real Time)

Real-time, up to the hour flow information is available for the Tuolumne River on our Updated River Conditions page.

Local Weather

The important thing to remember about the weather in the Sierra Foothills is that it can change on short notice. It is always best to be prepared for any kind of weather situation.

Seasonal patterns do exist. In April and May, days are generally breezy and warm (60-70 degrees). Nights can be in the 50's; generally cooler during the earlier spring trips. The summer months are usually hot and dry (85-100 degrees). Night temperatures can range from the low 60's to the low 70's.

Even though these patterns exist, it is not uncommon to get a 90 degree day in May and a breezy, rainy day in June or July. It is always important to bring sun protection and cold weather gear to the river. You can decide which is most appropriate once you have arrived.