Is Jones Fork Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

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

Are there showers at Jones Fork Campground?

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

How many campsites does Jones Fork Campground have?

Jones Fork Campground has 10 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Arrive early for the best site selection.

Are dogs allowed at Jones Fork Campground?

Yes, pets are allowed at Jones Fork Campground. Dogs must typically be kept on a leash (usually 6 feet or shorter) and under control at all times. Be sure to clean up after your pet and check for any breed or size restrictions.

What amenities are available at Jones Fork Campground?

Jones Fork Campground offers: Restrooms, Pets Allowed. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Jones Fork Campground?

Popular activities at Jones Fork Campground include Fishing, Biking. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Jones Fork Campground

4.23

52 reviews

Pet FriendlySwimmingSummer Destination

Featured in:Spring Camping California

Quick Facts

4,980 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

10 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Top 3% in state

RV Friendly

Book on Recreation.gov Official Website

Get Directions

Elevation by Open-Meteo.com, licensed under CC BY 4.0, processed by Outdoorithm.

Quick Facts

4,980 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

10 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Top 3% in state

RV Friendly

Book on Recreation.gov Official Website

Get Directions

Elevation by Open-Meteo.com, licensed under CC BY 4.0, processed by Outdoorithm.

Jones Fork Campground

No fees available

Campsite Fees

No campsite fee categories listed.

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Campground Map

Jones Fork Campground

38.8589, -120.3847

Nearby places

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Weather at Jones Fork Campground

Best Time to Camp at Jones Fork Campground

Best season: summer. Summer is the best time to visit Jones Fork for reliably warm weather, full access to the sand beach, and peak boating, swimming, and fishing (daytime highs typically 70–85°F, nights in the 40s–50s). Water recreation and long daylight hours make it ideal for kayaking, shoreline hikes, and evening campfires, while the small 10-site layout keeps crowding moderate even on busy summer weekends. Expect clear skies and easy trail access, but be mindful of regional wildfire season and possible campfire Peak months: July, August, September

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Best season: warm weather, full beach access and peak boating, swimming and fishing.

Planning Tips

Weather data by Open-Meteo.com, licensed under CC BY 4.0, processed by Outdoorithm.

About Jones Fork Campground

Jones Fork Campground sits in mid-elevation forest within Eldorado National Forest, operated by the U.S. Forest Service. This very small campground offers tent, RV, and primitive sites with vault toilets, fire rings, and picnic tables. Visitors fish the nearby lake and bike forest trails, with a 14-day stay limit and pets welcome.

Jones Fork Campground is a small, primitive camping area designed primarily for tent and small vehicle camping. It offers limited facilities and is ideal for visitors seeking a remote and simple camping experience.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: summer. Summer is the best time to visit Jones Fork for reliably warm weather, full access to the sand beach, and peak boating, swimming, and fishing (daytime highs typically 70–85°F, nights in the 40s–50s). Water recreation and long daylight hours make it ideal for kayaking, shoreline hikes, and evening campfires, while the small 10-site layout keeps crowding moderate even on busy summer weekends. Expect clear skies and easy trail access, but be mindful of regional wildfire season and possible campfire Peak months: July, August, September

Elevation4980 ft above sea level

Weather data by Open-Meteo.com, licensed under CC BY 4.0, processed by Outdoorithm.

Natural Features and SceneryThe campground backs up to a large, clear lake where you can see bottom pebbles through the water. Mixed conifers provide shade across most sites. The shoreline includes a sandy beach area that gets heavy use in summer. The forest floor stays relatively open, with riparian vegetation concentrated near the water's edge. At just under 5,000 feet, the elevation keeps temperatures moderate even in peak summer.

Lodging & AccommodationsThere are no hotel-style lodging accommodations available.

Programs & ActivitiesThere are no mentions of cultural or educational programs.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

14 consecutive nights per visit.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Guests per site are not specified.

Groups

Group camping is not specifically mentioned.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations are not applicable as the campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis.

AccessibilityAccessibility features are not explicitly mentioned in the source materials.

Site SizeCampsite sizes vary, but the campground is suitable for smaller setups. User reviews mention that larger RVs and trailers might face challenges fitting into most sites.

PrivacyThe campground is small and has closely spaced campsites, which may limit privacy. However, Site #1 is mentioned as being more spacious and secluded.

Total Campsites10 campsites

Recommended SitesCampsite 1 is recommended for larger vehicles due to its size, but campers should note that navigating the campground with large trailers or RVs may be challenging due to narrow roads and low-hanging trees.

Best CampsitesSites 8 and 9 sit closest to the lake. Site 1 offers more space and better separation from neighbors than the rest of the loop. Most other sites are tightly spaced and work best for smaller setups.

Amenities available

Jones Fork Campground is a small and basic camping destination. It features minimal amenities such as vault toilets and access to potable water. Trash collection is also available. Campers have access to bear-proof food storage and picnic tables, but the simplicity of the facilities is a key characteristic.

Fire rings

Food storage lockers

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

RV details

Things to do at Jones Fork Campground

Jones Fork Campground provides access to a range of recreational activities, including hiking, fishing, and lake-related activities such as swimming. The proximity to hiking trails offers additional opportunities for outdoor exploration.

Fishing4.0/5

Beach activities4.0/5Top 24% in California

Shoreline includes a sandy beach area that gets heavy use in summer.

Biking3.0/5

Overview references biking forest trails, but trail specifics and difficulty are lacking.

Water Sports3.0/5

Boating is allowed on the lake, so kayaking is plausible though not detailed.

Winter Activities2.0/5

Mid-elevation may get snow but no winter facilities/activities are described.

Signature experiences

Photography4.0/5Clear lake, towering pines and waterfall trails create strong 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 ToiletsThere are no flush toilets available.

Food Storage RequiredBear-proof food storage lockers are available at the campground as part of the amenities provided.

No Electric HookupsElectric hookups are not available at this campground. RV campers should arrive with a full battery and plan for off-grid power (generator hours/quiet rules permitting).

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.

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

Researching this campground? Ask anything — other campers and our team will weigh in. No visit required.

Good to know

Short heads-ups about the road in, gear quirks, and timing, compiled by Outdoorithm from public reviews and operator information.

Reviews

Rate Jones Fork Campground

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From Booking Sources

4.2

52 reviews

Satisfactory

Jones Fork Campground is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews

Jones Fork Campground receives mixed reviews. Some campers appreciate its secluded and quiet atmosphere, while others criticize the poor maintenance of facilities, especially the vault toilets.

Review Summaries

Based on 52 reviews

What Campers Love

Campers highlighted the beautiful lake with clear water, great fishing, and the campground's pet-friendly environment. One reviewer stated, "This place is absolutely beautiful. The lake is huge,...

Based on 52 reviews

Common Concerns

The most common complaints were the poorly maintained vault toilets, lack of potable water at certain times, and warnings about plague-bearing fleas. One reviewer remarked, "The bathroom smelled so...

Based on 52 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site #1 is praised for its privacy and size, described as "all by itself and very big" with "good views". Sites #8 and #9 are noted as the best for lake access.

Based on 52 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers suggest bringing your own water and considering sites #8 and #9 for the best lake access. Site #1 is recommended for its size and privacy.

Based on 52 reviews

Seasonal Insights

User experiences generally improve in off-peak seasons due to fewer visitors, enhancing the peaceful atmosphere. Summer visits are more popular but come with challenges such as busy vault toilets.

Based on 52 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. "We had a wonderful time at Jones Fork Campground last year. It was quiet with just 10 camping spots and easy access to the lake." - Shelli Hughlett 2. "Bathrooms were horribly maintained. It's...

Based on 52 reviews

Accessibility Features

The campground lacks specific accessibility features. No complaints from users with disabilities were noted.

Based on 52 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

The campground is pet-friendly, but visitors are advised to keep pets away from rodents due to a warning about plague-bearing fleas. "Great for dogs and kids," noted one reviewer.

Based on 52 reviews

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Jones Fork Campground

No fees available

Campsite Fees

No campsite fee categories listed.

Get Notified When Available

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Go if

You want a quiet, small-scale lake camping experience with fishing and don't mind basic facilities.

Skip if

You need well-maintained restrooms or guaranteed potable water availability.

Nearby Campgrounds

Fashoda is a small campground in Eldorado National Forest near Pollock Pines, operated by Royal Elk Park Management at 5,100 feet elevation. Shaded sites with fire rings and picnic tables sit within walking distance of Union Valley Reservoir, where campers fish, swim, and launch boats. The campground offers showers and potable water during its seasonal operation.

Jones Fork Campground

Quick Facts

Quick Facts

Get Notified When Available

Ask Camp Sage about Jones Fork Campground

Campground Map

Weather at Jones Fork Campground

Best Time to Camp at Jones Fork Campground

Planning Tips

About Jones Fork Campground

Best Campsites

Reserving a campsite

Amenities available

RV details

Things to do at Jones Fork Campground

Policies & Safety

Trip Planning Tools

Reviews

What Campers Love

Common Concerns

Site-Specific Reviews

Get Notified When Available

Go if

Skip if

Explore related camping guides

Ask Camp Sage about Jones Fork Campground

Best Time to Camp at Jones Fork Campground

Planning Tips

Best Campsites

Reserving a campsite

Amenities available

Things to do at Jones Fork Campground

Policies & Safety

Trip Planning Tools

Reviews

What Campers Love

Common Concerns

Site-Specific Reviews