Clark Fork Campground

4.52

58 reviews

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Quick Facts

6,148 ft

Price

$23/night

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

88 campsites

Season

"A-loop is the first...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

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Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Quick Facts

6,148 ft

Price

$23/night

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

88 campsites

Season

"A-loop is the first...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Opens null site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Clark Fork Campground

$23.00 - $23.00 / night

Campsite Fees

"Camping fees were payable with cash-only." - User review

Standard Site Fee$23.00

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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What Campers Say

4.52

Top-Rated

Based on 58 reviews

77 Google reviews

Most mentioned

peacefulcleanhikingsites

"Clark Fork Campground is generally well-regarded, with an average sentiment score of 4.53. Positive highlights include its natural beauty, peaceful atmosphere, and proximity to the river. Negative feedback often focuses on poorly maintained facilities, such as restrooms and dumpsters, as well as issues with site spacing and enforcement of rules."

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Campground Map

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Clark Fork Campground

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Driving directions25 miles east of Pinecrest on Clark Fork Road, near Clark Fork Horse Campground and Iceberg Meadow Trailhead.

"You will arrive at this campground after leaving CA Hwy 108 and driving about 6 miles on Clark Fork Road, a good paved road, suitable for all types of vehicles." - User review

Nearby places

"It is about 25 miles east of the Summit Ranger Station." - Authoritative content

Nearby supplies

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Best Time to Camp at Clark Fork Campground

Summer at Clark Fork brings a delightful dance of temperatures that seasoned campers have come to cherish. As one visitor notes, the days warm beautifully under the California sun, inviting endless outdoor adventures, while nightfall transforms the campground into a refreshingly cool retreat. This natural air conditioning means you'll want to pack layers—shorts for daytime exploration and cozy fleece for evening campfire gatherings. The crisp mountain nights offer some of the best sleeping weather you'll find anywhere, with temperatures that make snuggling into your sleeping bag a pure pleasure.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Peak season; days warm and nights cold — popular summer reviews and open loops.

Fall(Sep-Nov)

3.0 / 5

Some loops close early fall due to weather; A-loop remains open longer.

Spring(Mar-May)

3.0 / 5

Spring conditions variable with snowmelt; some loops open later in season.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

Not recommended

Seasonal closures implied; campground not positioned for winter camping activity.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: Summer months. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: "A-loop is the first to open and last to close during the camping season." - Authoritative content
Current Alerts: null

About Clark Fork Campground

Nestled in the heart of the Stanislaus National Forest, Clark Fork Campground welcomes adventurers with two distinct camping experiences across its thoughtfully designed A-Loop and B-Loop sections. The smaller, intimate A-Loop offers 28 sites including three spacious double sites, perfect for families camping together, while the expansive B-Loop provides 60 sites with six double sites for larger groups. Every campsite comes complete with its own sturdy picnic table and traditional campfire ring, where countless stories have been shared under starlit skies. Smooth paved roads and parking pads make arrival effortless, while modern amenities blend seamlessly with the natural surroundings—vault toilets serve the cozy A-Loop, and convenient flush toilets accommodate the busier B-Loop.

The campground supports a mix of camping types, including standard, double, and accessible sites. RVs can be accommodated but hookups are not available.

Historical SignificanceFor nearly five decades, Clark Fork Campground has served as a cherished outdoor classroom where generations of families have forged lifelong connections with nature. One devoted camper shares a touching testament to this legacy: 'We've been camping there since 1974. Our children both learned about the outdoors at Clarksville campground.' This enduring tradition speaks to the campground's role as more than just a destination—it's a place where childhood memories take root, where parents pass down camping wisdom, and where the simple joys of outdoor living create bonds that span generations.

Weather and SeasonsSummer at Clark Fork brings a delightful dance of temperatures that seasoned campers have come to cherish. As one visitor notes, the days warm beautifully under the California sun, inviting endless outdoor adventures, while nightfall transforms the campground into a refreshingly cool retreat. This natural air conditioning means you'll want to pack layers—shorts for daytime exploration and cozy fleece for evening campfire gatherings. The crisp mountain nights offer some of the best sleeping weather you'll find anywhere, with temperatures that make snuggling into your sleeping bag a pure pleasure.

Elevationnull

Natural Features and SceneryThe melodic waters of the Clark Fork of the Stanislaus River serve as both the soundtrack and centerpiece of this scenic campground. Towering pines and firs create a natural cathedral overhead, their branches filtering sunlight into dancing patterns on the forest floor. The riverside location offers more than just beautiful views—it provides a natural playground where visitors can wade in cool mountain waters, try their luck at fishing, or simply relax on smooth granite boulders while listening to the river's ancient song. The surrounding landscape showcases the raw beauty of the Sierra Nevada foothills, where every turn of the trail reveals new vistas and hidden treasures.

Geological RegionClark Fork Campground claims its place along the legendary Clark Fork of the Stanislaus River, deep within the protected embrace of the Stanislaus National Forest. This remarkable geological region tells the story of California's gold rush era through its carved canyons and mineral-rich waters. The river has spent millennia sculpting the landscape, creating the perfect blend of accessible riverbanks and dramatic canyon walls that make this area a geological wonder. The surrounding forest represents one of California's most diverse ecosystems, where Sierra Nevada geology meets pristine mountain waterways, creating an outdoor paradise that has captivated visitors for generations.

Best Campsites

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Reserving a campsite

Check-in

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Check-out

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Stay Limit

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Guests Allowed Per Site

Up to 6 people, 3 tents, and 2 cars per site.

Groups

No specific group camping sites are described.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Site layoutTwo loops: A-Loop with 28 sites and B-Loop with 60 sites.

Reservation Platformsnull

Walk-in AvailabilityWe stayed at this campground for 1 night and had no problem, without a reservation, finding a site on a Saturday night." - User review

Cancellation PolicyCamping reservations cancelled on the day before arrival ('late cancellation') will incur a $10.00 cancellation fee AND forfeit the first night's fees." - Policy excerpt

AccessibilityThree campsites in B-Loop are designated as fully accessible and are near the first restroom.

Site SizeBoth loops provide a mix of standard and double sites. However, reviews suggest that some sites feel cramped due to proximity to neighboring campsites.

PrivacySites are described variably as semi-private, with some reviewers complaining about the close proximity of campsites to one another.

Total Campsites88 campsites

Recommended SitesSpaces are roomy and well-groomed." - User review

Amenities available

Potable water

Flush toilets

Dump station

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Campground activities include hiking, fishing, and star gazing. The Clark Fork River nearby is a popular spot for wading and fishing. Wildlife viewing is also highlighted, with some users mentioning abundant trout and the ability to see many stars at night.

HikingHiking opportunities are available nearby, though specific trails are not detailed beyond the Iceberg Meadow Trailhead's proximity.

FishingFishing is noted as a significant activity, particularly trout fishing. One user stated, 'Great fishing (trout).'

Wildlife viewingWildlife is a highlight, with reviews mentioning abundant trout and general wildlife sightings.

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Policies & Safety

Hazards & Alerts"Not to frighten anybody but we also heard Bigfoot howling one night." - User review

Active Alertsnull

Fire Policy"Free to collect firewood so keep that in mind." - User review

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are null

Emergency Servicesnull

Trash & RecyclingDumpsters are available but are described as being in poor condition, with 'bottoms rotted out and patches that didn’t work,' according to one reviewer.

Water FeaturesAll sites are easy walking distance from the Clark Fork River.

Camp Host"Love this place been coming here since I was a kid!!! I would just like to give a huge shout out the camp hosts the Bates they are amazing people." - User review

Weather at Clark Fork Campground

Reviews

4.5

58 reviews

Top-Rated

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

Clark Fork Campground is generally well-regarded, with an average sentiment score of 4.53. Positive highlights include its natural beauty, peaceful atmosphere, and proximity to the river. Negative feedback often focuses on poorly maintained facilities, such as restrooms and dumpsters, as well as issues with site spacing and enforcement of rules.

Review Summaries

Based on 58 reviews

What Campers Love

Positive feedback often highlights the campground's natural surroundings, fishing opportunities, and peaceful atmosphere. Several reviewers noted the ability to enjoy activities such as 'fishing,...

Based on 58 reviews

Common Concerns

Common complaints include poorly maintained facilities, limited enforcement of campground rules, and a lack of privacy between campsites. One reviewer commented, 'The camp hosts were nonexistent. In...

Based on 58 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Users recommend bringing cash for camping fees, as payment was noted as cash-only in 2021. Another tip is to prepare for temperature fluctuations, as nights can be cold even in summer.

Based on 58 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Reviews suggest the campground is most popular in the summer, with some loops closing in early fall due to weather. Temperatures are described as hot during the day but cold at night during the...

Based on 58 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'Nice, quiet little campground to take your family for a quick trip. Clean bathrooms and the camp hosts are super friendly.' 2. 'You will arrive at this campground after leaving CA Hwy 108 and...

Based on 58 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site-specific reviews highlight that A-Loop is the first to open and last to close, while B-Loop sites near the first restroom are fully accessible. Many users noted that some sites are too close...

Based on 58 reviews