South Fork Family Campground

Star4.56
71 reviews
Highway 38 Fawnskin, CA 92333

Quick Facts

6,400 ft

Price

$23 - $31/night

Booking

First-Come

Sites

28 campsites

Season

Open seasonally from...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Opens Mountaintop Ranger District and Discovery Center site

Official Website
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South Fork Family Campground
$23.00 - $31.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Single site fees range from $23 per day, increasing to $31 on holidays. Camping fees include entry for one vehicle, with an extra vehicle fee of $8...
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Standard Site Fee$29.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Provider
(909) 382-2790
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What Campers Say

4.56

Top-Rated

Based on 71 reviews

67 Google reviews

Most mentioned

shadehikingwater

"Reviews for South Fork Family Campground are generally positive, highlighting its peaceful ambiance, scenic surroundings, and proximity to hiking trails. However, the lack of potable water and restrooms are common complaints. The campground is praised for its simplicity, making it ideal for tent campers and small RVs."

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Campground Map

Highway 38 Fawnskin, CA 92333

South Fork Family Campground

Highway 38 Fawnskin, CA 92333

Driving directionsFrom the Discovery Center take SR Hwy 38 towards Redlands for 23 miles and turn left into the campground. From the Mill Creek Work Center take SR Hwy 38 towards Big Bear for 21.6 miles and turn right into the campground. Additionally, from Big Bear City, CA, at the intersection of Greenspot Rd. and Big Bear Blvd., take Greenspot Rd. (State Rt. 38) south 17.7 miles to campground sign. Turn left at sign into campground.
The campground is accessible via State Route 38 and involves paved roads. RV parking aprons are paved, but the site overall is best suited for tents or smaller RVs. Seasonal closures and flooding may impact access.
Nearby places
Big Bear City: ~17.7 miles (~30 minutes), Angelus Oaks: ~24 miles (~40 minutes), Fawnskin: ~23 miles (~35 minutes)
Nearby supplies
Limited groceries are available at Angelus Oaks, west of the campground on State Route 38. Additional supplies might require a trip to nearby cities like Big Bear City. Firewood is available at the campground for a fee.

Best Time to Camp at South Fork Family Campground

Summer arrives like a welcome friend at South Fork, bringing warm days perfect for exploration and refreshingly crisp mountain nights that demand cozy sleeping bags and campfire stories. As autumn paints the forest in golden hues, the high-elevation air turns bracingly cool after sunset, reminding visitors they're truly in mountain country. These seasonal rhythms create ideal conditions for those who love sunny days paired with sweater-weather evenings under star-studded skies.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Summer brings warm days, cool nights; most popular season per reviews and season dates.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
3.5 / 5

Open into late Sept; autumn colors and cooler temps are appealing though season short.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.5 / 5

Opens May 2; late spring has cool nights and good trail access, but season start limits early spring use.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Campground is seasonally closed in winter (open May–Sept).

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: May 2 through September 27, 2025.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open seasonally from May 2 through September 27, 2025.
  • Current Alerts: The campground is closed for 2025 due to maintenance issues, including past flooding.

About South Fork Family Campground

Nestled high in the San Bernardino National Forest at 6,400 feet, South Fork Family Campground offers an authentic mountain escape where the whisper of wind through towering pines replaces the buzz of daily life. This intimate 28-site haven draws families seeking genuine outdoor connections, with the melodic Santa Ana River providing nature's soundtrack to unforgettable camping memories. Here, rustic simplicity meets mountain majesty, creating the perfect backdrop for starlit conversations and dawn adventures.
South Fork Family Campground caters to tent campers and small RVs. The campground offers a mix of standard and walk-in tent sites, as well as combined sites for tents and smaller vehicles.
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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
Check-in at 2:00 PM.
Check-out
Check-out by 12:00 PM.
Stay Limit
Maximum stay of 14 days per reservation.

Amenities available

Fire rings
Picnic tables
Firewood available
Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

The campground offers access to outdoor activities such as hiking, fishing, and wildlife viewing. The Santa Ana River Trail and Lost Creek Trail provide opportunities for hiking, while the nearby Santa Ana River offers fishing for trout. The area is well-suited for nature enthusiasts and families looking for a peaceful outdoor experience.
HikingThe Santa Ana River Trail (#2E053) spans 36 miles and is suitable for both foot and horse travel. The Lost Creek Trail (#1E09) is a shorter, 2-mile trail that connects to the San Gorgonio Wilderness network. Campers have praised the hiking opportunities, with one reviewer noting, 'Santa Ana River Trail crosses the campground. I hiked both sides, and it is good for long or short hiking.'
FishingFishing is available in the Santa Ana River, with rainbow trout being the primary catch. A reviewer stated, 'Stream fishing for trout is available!'
BikingThe area has roads suitable for mountain biking. One camper mentioned that 'there are some roads nearby good for mountain biking.'
Wildlife viewingWildlife viewing is possible, with birds being the most commonly observed animals. One review mentioned, 'The only animals I saw were bugs and birds.'
Winter Activities
Water Sports
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsThis is bear country, and campers are advised to practice safe food storage techniques. Seasonal flooding may also be a concern.
Active AlertsThe campground is closed for 2025 due to maintenance issues, including past flooding.
No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.
No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.

Weather at South Fork Family Campground

Reviews

4.6
71 reviews
Top-Rated
Top-Rated
South Fork Family Campground is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
Reviews for South Fork Family Campground are generally positive, highlighting its peaceful ambiance, scenic surroundings, and proximity to hiking trails. However, the lack of potable water and restrooms are common complaints. The campground is praised for its simplicity, making it ideal for tent campers and small RVs.
Review Summaries
Based on 71 reviews

What Campers Love

Users appreciated the scenic beauty, ample shade provided by trees, and access to hiking trails. 'It has pit toilets, but no running water. Past fires and flooding have wreaked some havoc on it, but...
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Based on 71 reviews

Common Concerns

The most common issues raised include the lack of potable water, the unpleasant odor of vault toilets, and the occasional overcrowding on weekends. A reviewer mentioned, 'Bathrooms were clean, but...
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Based on 71 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers recommend bringing your own water supply and arriving early to secure a spot. 'Bring gallons to fill, as water is very limited,' one user advised.
Based on 71 reviews

Seasonal Insights

The campground is open seasonally from May to September. Summer and fall are the most popular times, with campers enjoying the cooler mountain temperatures. Some noted that weekends can be busy,...
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Based on 71 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'One of the camp spots has a tiny tributary trickling through it. I like to hang my hammock over!' 2. 'Bathrooms & water with a camp host, $25/night.' 3. 'The sites aren't cramped together like...
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Based on 71 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site-specific reviews mentioned that some sites have better access to the creek and more shade than others. A tiny tributary runs through one campsite, making it a favorite for campers with hammocks.
Based on 71 reviews

Accessibility Features

There are no specific mentions of accessibility features in the reviews.
Based on 71 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pet-related reviews are not explicitly available, but one user mentioned their dog enjoying hikes and water play near the river.
Based on 71 reviews

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Last updated January 5, 2026
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