How much does camping cost at South Fork Campground?

Camping fees at South Fork Campground are $5/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

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

South Fork Campground 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.

What is the best time to visit South Fork Campground?

South Fork Campground is open null. 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 Campground?

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

Can I have a campfire at South Fork Campground?

Fire policies at South Fork Campground: null. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

How many campsites does South Fork Campground have?

South Fork Campground 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 Campground?

Pets are not allowed at South Fork Campground. 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 Campground?

South Fork Campground offers: Restrooms, Potable Water. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at South Fork Campground?

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

South Fork Campground

3.75

8 reviews

Quick Facts

1,611 ft

Price

$5/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

1 campsites

Season

null

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Check Availability Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

1,611 ft

Price

$5/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

1 campsites

Season

null

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Check Availability Official Website

Get Directions

South Fork Campground

$5.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Single Site: $5/night. Interagency Senior/Access Recreation Passes provide a 50% discount to Single Campsites ONLY. The discount applies only to the...

Standard Site Fee$5.00

Get Notified When Available

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USFS

Provider

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I manage this campground

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Campground Map

South Fork Campground

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Weather at South Fork Campground

Current alert: From the east on M10: The slide above Fouts Springs has been temporarily repaired. It is passable with a lightweight 4wd vehicle, but could slide again after a heavy storm.

Best Time to Camp at South Fork Campground

Spring is prime time here. By mid-April, daytime highs reach the mid-60s to mid-70s with nighttime lows in the 40s and 50s. The creek runs strong, wildflowers appear on the ridges, and OHV trails are in good shape by late April. Summer brings heat and lower water levels. Winter sees February lows around 40°F with Pacific storms that can make access roads muddy or impassable. Lightweight 4WD is recommended even in dry months due to road damage.

Best

Spring(Mar-May)

4.0 / 5

Described as prime: high creek flows, good spring fishing and wildflowers on ridges.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: null. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: null

About South Fork Campground

South Fork Campground sits along the South Fork of Stony Creek in Mendocino National Forest at 1,611 feet elevation. The single tent site costs $5 per night and draws dirt bikers, anglers, and hunters looking for remote access to the Grindstone OHV trail system. Bring your own water. There's none on site.

South Fork Campground accommodates a variety of camping experiences, including tent camping and OHV-focused camping. The site is noted for providing opportunities for OHV trail riding and camping.

Historical Significance

Families return here across generations for hunting and riding trips. The area holds personal significance for longtime users who've built decades of traditions around its trails and campsites.

Weather and SeasonsSpring is prime time here. By mid-April, daytime highs reach the mid-60s to mid-70s with nighttime lows in the 40s and 50s. The creek runs strong, wildflowers appear on the ridges, and OHV trails are in good shape by late April. Summer brings heat and lower water levels. Winter sees February lows around 40°F with Pacific storms that can make access roads muddy or impassable. Lightweight 4WD is recommended even in dry months due to road damage.

ElevationThe campground's position within the rolling topography of Mendocino National Forest provides varied terrain that challenges riders and rewards explorers with ever-changing vistas.

Natural Features and SceneryThe campground occupies a forested drainage where Stony Creek cuts through mixed conifer and hardwood stands. Ridgelines frame the valley, and the approach road offers views down into the canyon. Creek flows are highest in spring, making for decent fishing before summer drawdown. The setting is rugged. Expect forest cover rather than meadows or dramatic vistas.

Geological RegionSouth Fork Campground claims its place where the South Fork of Stony Creek has carved its patient path through the diverse ecosystems of Mendocino National Forest. This remarkable watershed showcases Northern California's geological diversity, where ancient creek beds meet forested ridgelines, creating a dynamic landscape that has attracted outdoor enthusiasts for decades.

Scenic ViewsUser review mentions "Nice view of campgrounds coming in and leaving."

Lodging & AccommodationsThere is no mention of hotel-style lodging or accommodations at this campground.

Programs & ActivitiesThere is no information available on cultural or educational programs.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in

2:00 p.m.

Check-out

11:00 a.m.

Stay Limit

Null

Guests Allowed Per Site

Null

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation Platformshttps://store.usgs.gov/recreational-passes

Walk-in AvailabilitySites may be reservable. Walk-up availability not explicitly stated.

Cancellation PolicyReservation fees may apply.

Site SizeNo information regarding the specific sizes of campsites is provided.

PrivacyNo specific information is provided on the privacy of campsites.

Total Campsites1 campsites

Recommended Sitesnull

Need help booking South Fork Campground?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

When to Book

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Cancellation Alerts

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Amenities available

The South Fork Campground is located on the South Fork of Stony Creek and offers basic amenities. While restrooms are available, potable water is not provided on site. Campers should plan accordingly to bring their own drinking water. The site is cash or check only, and payment information indicates that discounts apply with specific passes.

Potable water

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

Things to do at South Fork Campground

South Fork Campground offers a range of recreational opportunities, including off-highway vehicle (OHV) camping, OHV trail riding, and fishing in rivers or streams. Hunting may also be an activity here. However, potential users should note that the Grindstone OHV trail system might have damage from recent storms, including downed trees, which could impact trail usability.

Biking4.0/5Top 13% in California

Users praise dirt biking; direct access to Grindstone OHV trail system; OHV camping draw.

Fishing3.5/5

On South Fork of Stony Creek; fishing permitted; creek flows high in spring improving fishing.

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Not sure what to pack?Our complete camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPotable water is not available. Quiet hours are enforced.

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.

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

Rate South Fork Campground

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From Booking Sources

3.8

8 reviews

Mixed Reviews

South Fork Campground has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews highlight the South Fork Campground as a memorable location for family trips and recreational activities. Many reflect positively on the opportunities for dirt biking and the overall camping experience.

Review Summaries

Based on 8 reviews

What Campers Love

Several users praised the campground for its suitability for dirt biking and family bonding. One user mentioned, 'Great place to ride dirt bike,' while another fondly recalled, 'My dad and my whole...

Based on 8 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

No site-specific reviews are available.

Based on 8 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers should prepare to bring their own drinking water as potable water is not available at the campground. Those using the Grindstone OHV trail system should be prepared for possible trail damage...

Based on 8 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'Great place to ride dirt bike.' (Robert, 2018-05-26) 2. 'My dad and my whole family have camp and hunting trips that I will remember forever.' (David Mccluskey, 2018-05-15)

Based on 8 reviews

Accessibility Features

No user reviews address accessibility features or experiences.

Based on 8 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

No reviews mention pet-related policies or experiences.

Based on 8 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

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South Fork Campground

$5.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Single Site: $5/night. Interagency Senior/Access Recreation Passes provide a 50% discount to Single Campsites ONLY. The discount applies only to the...

Standard Site Fee$5.00

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

Learn more about alerts →

Share this campground

USFS

Provider

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Go if

Dirt bikers and anglers who want cheap, no-frills access to the Grindstone OHV trails in spring. At $5 a night, it's hard to argue with, and the creek fishing is at its best before summer drawdown.

Skip if

No potable water on site means hauling everything in, and the approach road from the east requires a lightweight 4WD even after recent repairs. One site, cash or check only, adds logistical friction most casual campers won't want.

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