How much does camping cost at South Fork Group - Eldorado Nf?

Camping fees at South Fork Group - Eldorado Nf range from $100/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is South Fork Group - Eldorado Nf first-come first-served or reservation?

South Fork Group - Eldorado Nf accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

Can I see photos of campsites at South Fork Group - Eldorado Nf before I book?

Yes! South Fork Group - Eldorado Nf has 3 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit South Fork Group - Eldorado Nf?

South Fork Group - Eldorado Nf is open May 29 to October 05. 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 South Fork Group - Eldorado Nf?

South Fork Group - Eldorado Nf does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

How many campsites does South Fork Group - Eldorado Nf have?

South Fork Group - Eldorado Nf has 1 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at South Fork Group - Eldorado Nf?

Pets are not allowed at South Fork Group - Eldorado Nf. This policy helps protect local wildlife and other campers. Consider nearby pet-friendly campgrounds if traveling with animals.

What amenities are available at South Fork Group - Eldorado Nf?

South Fork Group - Eldorado Nf offers: Restrooms. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at South Fork Group - Eldorado Nf?

Popular activities at South Fork Group - Eldorado Nf include Hiking, Fishing, Swimming, Biking, Boating. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

South Fork Group - Eldorado Nf (Ca)

2.69

7 reviews

7887 HIGHWAY 50, POLLOCK PINES, CA 95726, USA

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

5,200 ft

Price

$100/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

1 campsites

Season

Open season: May 29 ...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Book on Eldorado National Forest Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

5,200 ft

Price

$100/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

1 campsites

Season

Open season: May 29 ...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Book on Eldorado National Forest Official Website

Get Directions

South Fork Group - Eldorado Nf (Ca)

$100.00 - $100.00 / night

Campsite Fees

GROUP STANDARD NONELECTRIC: $100.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9 phone / $3 in person).

Group Site Fee$100.00

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

530-644-2324

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

7887 HIGHWAY 50, POLLOCK PINES, CA 95726, USA

South Fork Group - Eldorado Nf (Ca)

7887 HIGHWAY 50, POLLOCK PINES, CA 95726, USA

Nearby places

Placerville (21 miles, approximately 30 minutes)

Weather at South Fork Group - Eldorado Nf (Ca)

Best Time to Camp at South Fork Group - Eldorado Nf (Ca)

Best season: summer. Summer offers the warmest, most reliable weather and full access to the Crystal Basin's lakes and reservoirs, making it ideal for boating, swimming, group gatherings, and peak fishing (daytime highs typically in the mid-70s to low 80s°F, nights in the 40s–50s°F). Trails and roads are clear, water levels are high for kayaking and boating on Union Valley and Loon Lake, and the large group site is most usable for reunions and events. Expect busiest weekends and holiday weeks—reservations are highly Peak months: July, August, June, September Avoid: October, November, December, January

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Open May 29–Oct 5; summer offers best weather and highest water levels for swimming/boating.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: May 29 to October 05. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open season: May 29 - October 5. Closed out-of-season.

About South Fork Group - Eldorado Nf (Ca)

South Fork Group is a remote, primitive group campground in Eldorado National Forest near Pollock Pines, operated by the Forest Service in the Crystal Basin Recreation Area. Set in mid-elevation forest with access to Union Valley and Loon Lake, it serves groups seeking a backcountry-style base camp for water sports, fishing, and trail exploration. The site includes vault toilets, fire rings, and a shared cooking area, but expect minimal infrastructure and potential navigation challenges on forest roads.

South Fork Group Campground is designed primarily for group camping but includes options for single-family sites. It supports primitive camping experiences with limited facilities.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: summer. Summer offers the warmest, most reliable weather and full access to the Crystal Basin's lakes and reservoirs, making it ideal for boating, swimming, group gatherings, and peak fishing (daytime highs typically in the mid-70s to low 80s°F, nights in the 40s–50s°F). Trails and roads are clear, water levels are high for kayaking and boating on Union Valley and Loon Lake, and the large group site is most usable for reunions and events. Expect busiest weekends and holiday weeks—reservations are highly Peak months: July, August, June, September Avoid: October, November, December, January

Elevation5200 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryThe campground occupies forested terrain in the Crystal Basin, with Union Valley Reservoir below and Loon Lake above. Pine forest surrounds the site at this mid-elevation zone. Access to nearby Gerle Creek Reservoir, Union Valley, and Loon Lake provides multiple water options within the basin. Reviewers praise the natural surroundings and remote feel, though the location's remoteness contributes to navigation challenges.

Lodging & AccommodationsNo hotel-style lodging is mentioned in either authoritative or user content.

Programs & ActivitiesNo cultural or educational programs are mentioned.

Best Campsites

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Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

Maximum stay of 14 consecutive nights per visit
14 total nights per year.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Group sites can accommodate up to 125 guests.

Groups

The group site can accommodate up to 125 guests and includes a group cooking area with food preparation tables and double grills.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made through Recreation.gov.

Site SizeThe campground is designed to accommodate large groups, with a maximum capacity of 125 guests for the group site.

PrivacyPrivacy levels of individual sites are not discussed in the authoritative or user reviews.

Total Campsites1 campsites

Recommended SitesContact the forest service early to resolve access issues related to gate combinations and ensure safe entry into the campground.

Need help booking South Fork Group - Eldorado Nf (Ca)?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

Find your booking window

Cancellation Alerts

Free alerts for this campground

Amenities available

Vault toilets are provided, however, drinking water is not available at the campground. Visitors can boil stream water or fill up at nearby boat ramps.

Fire rings

Vault toilets

Group Sites

I manage this campground

Activities you can enjoy

South Fork Group Campground offers a variety of recreational activities. Fishing, swimming, and water sports are available at the South Fork of the Rubicon River within walking distance. Hiking, camping, biking, and hunting are also listed as main activities. Non-motorized boating and swimming can be enjoyed at Gerle Creek Reservoir, located 5 miles north of the campground.

Hiking

Fishing

Swimming

Biking

Boating

Winter Activities

Planning your trip?Check out our 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 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 Water HookupsSite-level water hookups are not available. RV campers should fill freshwater tanks before arrival; check the No Potable Water note above if applicable for drinking water.

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

Short heads-ups about the road in, gear quirks, timing, and more. You don't have to have been here to share what you know.

Reviews

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From Booking Sources

2.7

7 reviews

Mixed Reviews

South Fork Group - Eldorado Nf (Ca) has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews provide mixed feedback about the South Fork Group Campground. While some appreciate the natural beauty and amenities, others highlight significant issues such as inaccurate location information, poor signage, and gate access problems. The overall sentiment score for camping-specific reviews is 0; general reviews average 4.0.

Review Summaries

Based on 7 reviews

What Campers Love

The campground is praised for its natural surroundings and remote location, which provides a true outdoor camping experience. Amenities like campfire rings and the group cooking area are considered...

Based on 7 reviews

Common Concerns

Common complaints include issues with location accuracy on maps and reservation emails, difficulties obtaining the gate combination, and poor road signage leading to the facility.

Based on 7 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site-specific reviews include issues with gate access and challenges with road navigation. Specific site numbers like "001" in Loop "AREA SOUTH FORK GROUP" were mentioned by Laura D.

Based on 7 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Users suggest contacting the Forest Service early to resolve gate access issues and ensuring familiarity with driving directions before arrival due to inadequate signage.

Based on 7 reviews

Seasonal Insights

No seasonal trends are explicitly discussed, but the campground operates from late May to early October, which aligns with warmer months conducive to outdoor activities.

Based on 7 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. "The campground is in good condition with a surprising amount of amenities, and the surrounding area is pretty." - User Review by Laura D. 2. "The road to the campground is also poorly marked,...

Based on 7 reviews