Is Southfork Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Southfork Campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis. Arrive early, especially on weekends and holidays, to secure a spot.

What is the best time to visit Southfork Campground?

Southfork Campground is open Open all year.. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Southfork Campground?

Southfork Campground does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

How many campsites does Southfork Campground have?

Southfork Campground has 21 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Arrive early for the best site selection.

Are dogs allowed at Southfork Campground?

Pets are not allowed at Southfork Campground. This policy helps protect local wildlife and other campers. Consider nearby pet-friendly campgrounds if traveling with animals.

What amenities are available at Southfork Campground?

Southfork Campground offers: Restrooms. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

Southfork Campground

4.38

115 reviews

C-Report Card

Featured in:Summer Camping California

Quick Facts

4,500 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

21 campsites

Season

Open all year.

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Book on null Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

4,500 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

21 campsites

Season

Open all year.

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Book on null Official Website

Get Directions

Southfork Campground

No fees available

Campsite Fees

No campsite fee categories listed.

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Campground Map

Southfork Campground

34.3956, -117.8207

Nearby places

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Weather at Southfork Campground

Best Time to Camp at Southfork Campground

Best season: fall. Fall offers the best balance of comfortable daytime temperatures (roughly 55–75°F) and cool, crisp nights (30–45°F), making hikes and fishing trips pleasant without the summer heat. Vegetation turns to warm golden tones and grasses, wildlife is active as animals prepare for winter, and crowds thin after the summer peak — expect low to moderate visitation on weekdays and busier weekends. Fire danger can still be present early in the season, but overall access is reliable and trail conditions are— Peak months: October, November, April, May

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

Fall described as best season: comfortable temps, fall foliage and thinner crowds.

Planning Tips

Operating Season: Open all year.

About Southfork Campground

Southfork Campground sits in mid-elevation Angeles National Forest, offering tent, RV, and primitive sites along a creek popular for wading. The small campground provides vault toilets, fire rings, and picnic tables in a quiet setting reviewers call a hidden gem. Visitors come for hiking, creek access, and fall foliage when temperatures cool and crowds thin.

Southfork Campground is a rustic site catering to tent and small RV camping (up to 16 feet). It operates on a first-come, first-served basis and is open year-round.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: fall. Fall offers the best balance of comfortable daytime temperatures (roughly 55–75°F) and cool, crisp nights (30–45°F), making hikes and fishing trips pleasant without the summer heat. Vegetation turns to warm golden tones and grasses, wildlife is active as animals prepare for winter, and crowds thin after the summer peak — expect low to moderate visitation on weekdays and busier weekends. Fire danger can still be present early in the season, but overall access is reliable and trail conditions are— Peak months: October, November, April, May

Elevation4500 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryBig Rock Creek runs through the campground, forming wading pools that reviewers mention as a highlight for cooling off. The canyon setting offers views of surrounding granite peaks and desert vegetation transitioning to mountain flora. Wildlife includes Desert Bighorn Sheep in the area. The landscape reflects the transition zone between two geological provinces. Ancient uplifted granite meets Mojave sedimentary formations.

Lodging & AccommodationsThe campground does not offer hotel-style lodging or cabins.

Programs & ActivitiesNo cultural or educational programs are mentioned.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

14 consecutive days maximum at camping locations in Angeles National Forest.

Guests Allowed Per Site

8guests per site

Groups

No specific group camping facilities are described.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Reservation Platformsnull

Site SizeSites are described as spacious.

PrivacyThe level of privacy at campsites is not explicitly mentioned.

Total Campsites21 campsites

Recommended Sitesnull

Amenities available

Southfork Campground offers a blend of natural beauty and basic amenities. Situated at a 4,500-foot elevation, it has 21 first-come-first-served campsites that are described as spacious and year-round tranquil. Each campsite is equipped with a fire ring, grill, and picnic bench. Vault toilets are available, but there is no potable water. Firewood is not explicitly mentioned as being available for purchase. The campground lacks modern amenities such as showers, electricity, or Wi-Fi. Accessibility for campers with disabilities is not detailed. Cell phone reception is described as spotty, improving from zero signal in the past to limited service currently.

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

RV details

Things to do at Southfork Campground

Southfork Campground offers a variety of outdoor recreation, including hiking, horseback riding, fishing, snow play, and stargazing. The location provides access to trails leading to prominent natural landmarks such as the Devil's Punchbowl and Vincent's Gap. Wildlife viewing is an additional attraction, with opportunities to see species such as the Nelson's Big Horn Ram.

Hiking4.0/5

Popular trails to Devil's Punchbowl and Islip Saddle; hiking frequently mentioned.

Hiking is a popular activity, with trails leading to destinations such as the Devil’s Punchbowl and Islip Saddle. Trails vary in difficulty and offer scenic views, seasonal waterfalls, and unique geological formations. User reviews highlight the proximity of the Manzanita Trail to the campground, with one reviewer recommending against the South Fork Trail due to its precarious paths along cliffs (review by Sarah).

Wildlife viewing4.0/5

Wildlife viewing highlighted; Desert Bighorn Sheep/Nelson's Big Horn Ram noted.

Winter Activities2.0/5

Snow play mentioned but no groomed winter-sport facilities or major snowfall amenities.

Signature experiences

Photography4.0/5Granite peaks, creek oasis, fall foliage and night skies provide varied photo opportunities.

Not sure what to pack?Our complete camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

No Flush ToiletsFlush toilets are not available at Southfork Campground.

No Dump StationThere is no dump station at this campground. Plan to use a dump station along your route or at a nearby facility before or after your stay.

Trash & RecyclingThere are onsite dumpsters for trash disposal. However, user reviews highlight significant issues with litter, including garbage along the creek and shattered glass. One reviewer noted that the area is 'infested with ants and flies' due to trash (Nicole Ridgely).

Cell CoverageCell phone reception is described as spotty, which is an improvement from having no signal at all in previous years (user review by Rafael Escobar).

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Questions & answers

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Tips from campers

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Reviews

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From Booking Sources

4.4

115 reviews

Recommended

Southfork Campground is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews highlight the scenic beauty and tranquility of Southfork Campground while consistently pointing out issues with litter and noise from disruptive visitors. Many reviewers appreciated the access to trails and natural features like the creek and wading pools.

Review Summaries

Based on 115 reviews

What Campers Love

Users praised the natural setting, with comments like 'hidden gem in the Mojave Desert' and 'plenty of walking, hiking, and exploring opportunities.' The creek was frequently mentioned as a highlight...

Based on 115 reviews

Common Concerns

Negative feedback centers on the poorly maintained restroom facilities, excessive litter, and disruptive behavior from other campers, including loud music and late-night partying. Specific complaints...

Based on 115 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Campsite #1 is highlighted as the best spot for its proximity to the Manzanita Trailhead (review by Sarah).

Based on 115 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Reviewers suggested bringing extra trash bags, personal restroom supplies, and sage to repel bugs. They also recommended visiting during weekdays to avoid disruptive weekend crowds.

Based on 115 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summers can be busy and noisy, with complaints about loud music and parties. Weekdays and off-season visits are considered better for a peaceful experience.

Based on 115 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'After an evening around the fire, hike south to see seasonal waterfalls or spot a Nelson's Big Horn Ram!' (official source). 2. 'The restrooms are terrible. Maybe practice a leave-no-trace...

Based on 115 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

There were no reviews specifically addressing pet policies or experiences.

Based on 115 reviews

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Southfork Campground

No fees available

Campsite Fees

No campsite fee categories listed.

Get Notified When Available

We'll monitor this campground and alert you the moment sites become available.

Free to start · paid plans add 2-min scans

256,000+ sites monitored · Email alerts to start; SMS and in-app with an account

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Share this campground

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Provider

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Go if

You want a quiet creek setting with hiking access and don't mind basic vault toilet facilities.

Skip if

You need developed amenities like showers, hookups, or staffed services.

Nearby Campgrounds

Frequently Visited

4.3

(54)

Sycamore Flat Campground

null

Sycamore Flat Campground sits at 4,200 feet in Angeles National Forest, where the Mojave Desert meets the San Gabriel Mountains. The 11 primitive sites require only an Adventure Pass ($5 per day or $30 per year) and sit across from Big Rock Creek. Vault toilets and picnic tables are available, but there's no potable water. Cell service (including Verizon) doesn't reach here.

Southfork Campground

Quick Facts

Quick Facts

Get Notified When Available

Ask Camp Sage about Southfork Campground

Campground Map

Weather at Southfork Campground

Best Time to Camp at Southfork Campground

Planning Tips

About Southfork Campground

Best Campsites

Reserving a campsite

Amenities available

RV details

Things to do at Southfork Campground

Policies & Safety

Trip Planning Tools

Reviews

What Campers Love

Common Concerns

Site-Specific Reviews

Get Notified When Available

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How campers graded it

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Ask Camp Sage about Southfork Campground

Best Time to Camp at Southfork Campground

Planning Tips

Best Campsites

Reserving a campsite

Amenities available

Things to do at Southfork Campground

Policies & Safety

Trip Planning Tools

Reviews

What Campers Love

Common Concerns

Site-Specific Reviews