South Fork Campground

4.65

21 reviews

47050 Generals Highway, Three Rivers, CA 93271, USA

Peace & QuietSwimmingSummer Destination

Featured in:Camping Near Kings Canyon National Park#2 Sequoia Camping Near Sequoia National Park

Quick Facts

3,600 ft

Price

$3 - $6/night

Booking

First-Come

Sites

10 campsites

Season

Closed indefinitely ...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Opens National Park Service site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Quick Facts

3,600 ft

Price

$3 - $6/night

Booking

First-Come

Sites

10 campsites

Season

Closed indefinitely ...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Opens National Park Service site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

South Fork Campground

$3.00 - $6.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Camping fee is $6 per night for up to six people. Senior or Access Pass holders receive a 50% discount, reducing the fee to $3 per night.

Standard Site Fee$0.00

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

(559) 565-3341SEKI_Information@nps.gov

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What Campers Say

4.65

Top-Rated

Based on 21 reviews

35 Google reviews

Most mentioned

quietcleansites

"User reviews highlight the campground's peaceful and secluded environment, along with its proximity to hiking trails and the river. However, some reviews mention concerns about unauthorized long-term stays by other visitors and the lack of day-use parking."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

47050 Generals Highway, Three Rivers, CA 93271, USA

South Fork Campground

47050 Generals Highway, Three Rivers, CA 93271, USA

Driving directionsTake Highway 198 to the town of Three Rivers. Five miles before the main Sequoia park entrance, turn onto South Fork Road and travel east for 12.3 miles. The paved road ends a short distance before you reach South Fork Campground, and a dirt road continues to the campsites, ending at the Ladybug Trailhead. The dirt portion of the road is rough, and cars with low clearance are not recommended.

The dirt road to the campground is completely impassable to vehicles due to extensive damage from winter storms. Cars with low clearance are not recommended for the dirt portion of the road leading to the Ladybug Trailhead.

Nearby places

Three Rivers (12.3 miles)

Nearby supplies

Closest supplies available in the town of Three Rivers.

Best Time to Camp at South Fork Campground

Perched at 3,600 feet elevation, South Fork experiences nature's full seasonal symphony. Summer transforms the landscape into a sun-drenched haven where temperatures soar and the river becomes a welcome companion for cooling off. As autumn arrives, the heat gradually yields to crisp mountain air. Winter brings dramatic change as Pacific storms sweep through, painting the peaks with snow and filling the river with rushing snowmelt. Spring emerges as perhaps the most magical season, when wildflowers carpet the hillsides and perfect camping weather returns to this mountain paradise.

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Hot, dry summers and river swimming holes make summer attractive for visitors.

Fall(Sep-Nov)

3.5 / 5

Foothill setting likely pleasant in fall; fewer explicit mentions than summer/spring.

Best

Spring(Mar-May)

4.0 / 5

Spring noted for ladybug spectacle and pleasant river/foothill conditions.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

2.0 / 5

Occasional snow and recent severe winter-storm damage; currently closed after landslides.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: null. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Closed indefinitely due to damage from winter storms.
Current Alerts: Closure due to winter storm damage. Additionally, South Fork Road is also closed due to roadway damage.

About South Fork Campground

Tucked away in the pristine wilderness of Sequoia National Park, South Fork Campground offers adventurers a truly off-the-grid experience along the rushing waters of the South Fork Kaweah River. This intimate, primitive campground beckons those seeking solitude in nature's raw embrace. Currently closed due to damage from powerful winter storms and landslides, this remote sanctuary typically provides a peaceful retreat far from civilization's reach. When open, its primitive facilities and challenging access road make it a haven exclusively for tent campers ready to disconnect and immerse themselves in the untamed beauty of California's foothills.

South Fork Campground is a primitive camping option with ten tent-only sites. It is not suitable for RVs, trailers, or large groups due to limited amenities and challenging access roads.

Historical SignificanceEach spring, South Fork Campground becomes the stage for one of nature's most enchanting performances - the arrival of countless ladybugs that transform the landscape into a living, moving tapestry of red and black. This remarkable phenomenon has drawn nature enthusiasts and photographers for generations, creating a seasonal pilgrimage to witness these tiny beetles congregating in massive numbers among the emerging wildflowers and warming rocks.

Weather and SeasonsPerched at 3,600 feet elevation, South Fork experiences nature's full seasonal symphony. Summer transforms the landscape into a sun-drenched haven where temperatures soar and the river becomes a welcome companion for cooling off. As autumn arrives, the heat gradually yields to crisp mountain air. Winter brings dramatic change as Pacific storms sweep through, painting the peaks with snow and filling the river with rushing snowmelt. Spring emerges as perhaps the most magical season, when wildflowers carpet the hillsides and perfect camping weather returns to this mountain paradise.

ElevationRising 3,600 feet into the Sierra Nevada foothills, South Fork Campground occupies a sweet spot between the valley floor and the high country. This mid-elevation perch creates a unique microclimate where summer days bask in warm sunshine perfect for river play, while evenings bring cool mountain breezes ideal for campfire gatherings. Winter transforms this elevation into a temperamental wonderland where rain dominates but occasional snowflakes dust the landscape, reminding visitors of the higher peaks looming above.

Natural Features and SceneryThe melodic soundtrack of the South Fork Kaweah River sets the scene at this wilderness retreat, where crystal-clear waters cascade over granite boulders and create inviting swimming holes. Towering oaks and pines frame dramatic vistas of the surrounding foothills, while a network of hiking trails beckons explorers deeper into the backcountry. The campground serves as a natural amphitheater where morning mist dances above the river, golden hour paints the canyon walls, and star-filled nights reveal the Milky Way in all its glory.

Geological RegionHidden within the rugged foothills of Sequoia National Park's western boundary, South Fork Campground occupies a dramatic geological transition zone where ancient granite meets sedimentary rock. The South Fork Kaweah River has carved this remote canyon over millennia, creating a landscape of weathered boulders, steep canyon walls, and river terraces that tell the story of California's dynamic geological past. This secluded corner of the park remains one of its wildest and least accessible areas, preserving the raw beauty that defines the Sierra Nevada foothills.

Best Campsites

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Reserving a campsite

Check-in

24 hours for first-come-first-serve arrivals.

Check-out

By checkout time the day after arrival for staffed facilities.

Stay Limit

14 days maximum stay

Guests Allowed Per Site

Up to six people per site.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Site layoutAll 10 campsites are tent-only and located along the river, with food storage lockers provided to prevent bear interactions.

Reservation PlatformsNot applicable, reservations unavailable.

Walk-in AvailabilityAll sites are first-come, first-served.

Cancellation PolicyNo reservations available, all sites are first-come, first-served. Cancellations incur a $10 fee and may forfeit the first night's fee if canceled late.

AccessibilityThere are currently no designated accessible campsites, and the uneven, unpaved terrain makes wheelchair access difficult. However, the park aims to improve accessibility features in the future.

PrivacySuper quiet and secluded even from the other camp sites," as described by a user review.

Total Campsites10 campsites

Recommended SitesSome reviews recommend sites close to the river for better access and quietude.

Amenities available

Food storage lockers

Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

South Fork Campground offers a quiet, secluded environment suitable for relaxation, with opportunities to access the South Fork of the Kaweah River and nearby hiking trails. Activities are limited due to the campground's remote location and current closure.

HikingThe campground provides access to hiking trails, including the Ladybug Trail. Trails are described by visitors as clean and less frequented, making them ideal for nature enthusiasts seeking solitude.

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsFlood and landslide damage has rendered the campground inaccessible. Black bears are active in the area, and visitors must store food properly.

Active Alertsclosed until further notice. | Closure due to winter storm damage. Additionally, South Fork Road is also closed due to roadway damage.

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.

Food Storage RequiredEach campsite includes a bear-resistant food storage locker measuring 47”W x 33”D x 28”H, designed to protect wildlife from human food.

Fire PolicyFire restrictions are common during summer due to dry conditions. Wood and charcoal fires may be prohibited during periods of high fire danger.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are null

Emergency ServicesClosest emergency services located in the town of Three Rivers.

Trash & RecyclingTrash and recycling collection are available year-round. Campers are encouraged to properly dispose of waste to protect wildlife.

Water FeaturesLocated near the South Fork of the Kaweah River.

Camp HostNo staff on-site.

Weather at South Fork Campground

Reviews

4.7

21 reviews

Top-Rated

South Fork Campground is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews highlight the campground's peaceful and secluded environment, along with its proximity to hiking trails and the river. However, some reviews mention concerns about unauthorized long-term stays by other visitors and the lack of day-use parking.

Review Summaries

Based on 21 reviews

What Campers Love

"Super quiet and secluded even from the other camp sites," and "an amazing hidden campground" are frequently praised aspects. Visitors also appreciate the clean and less trafficked trails.

Based on 21 reviews

Common Concerns

Concerns include the presence of unauthorized long-term campers, lack of day-use parking, and challenging access roads. One user noted that "the road is meant for off-road vehicles" and described the...

Based on 21 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers are advised to prepare for the challenging access road, which is rough and unsuitable for low-clearance vehicles. Visitors should also bring sufficient water and plan for the lack of cell...

Based on 21 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Weather at this campground features hot and dry summers and cooler, rainy winters, with occasional snow. Springtime is noted for its unique sight of ladybugs, as described by a user: "During spring...

Based on 21 reviews

Camper Quotes

"With the new reserve system at the main park, this was a super great place to camp," noted one visitor. Another observed that "the trails are very nice and clean since not everyone goes there." A...

Based on 21 reviews