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

South Fork Campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis. Arrive early, especially on weekends and holidays, to secure a spot.

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.

How many campsites does South Fork Campground have?

South Fork Campground has 8 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Arrive early for the best site selection.

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. 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 Hiking. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

South Fork Campground

3.53

16 reviews

Top 11% in CAFall

Featured in:Primitive Camping California

First-come, first-served

This campground doesn't take reservations — sites are claimed in person on arrival, so there's no availability to check online. Plan to arrive early, especially on weekends and holidays.

Quick Facts

1,496 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

8 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

No Service

Pets

Check Policy

Book on U.S. Forest Service Official Website

Get Directions

First-come, first-served

This campground doesn't take reservations — sites are claimed in person on arrival, so there's no availability to check online. Plan to arrive early, especially on weekends and holidays.

Quick Facts

1,496 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

8 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

No Service

Pets

Check Policy

Book on U.S. Forest Service Official Website

Get Directions

South Fork Campground

No fees available

Campsite Fees

No paid fee categories listed.

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Campground Map

South Fork Campground

37.8397, -120.0458

Nearby places

Groveland: approximately 7.5 miles (driving time variable due to road conditions).

Driving directionsFrom Groveland, travel approximately 7.5 miles east to Ferretti Road. Turn left (north) onto Ferretti Road. Travel 1 mile and turn right (east) onto Lumsden Road/Forest Route 1N10 off of Ferretti Road. Travel approximately 5.5 miles to the campground, which is located on the right (south) side of the road. Note: RVs and trailers are not recommended on Lumsden Road/Forest Route 1N10. This road is subject to closure during inclement weather, and from December 15 to April 15 as per the Motorized Travel Management Plan.

Weather at South Fork Campground

Current alert: for falling objects and do not linger around large trees.

Best Time to Camp at South Fork Campground

Best season: fall. Fall offers the best combination of comfortable temperatures, lower river flows, and quieter campsites — ideal for riverside camping and fishing. Daytime highs are often in the mid-60s to low-80s °F (18–27°C) with crisp nights in the 40s–50s °F (4–11°C), making evenings perfect for campfires (when allowed) and stargazing. River clarity improves after summer, trout and warm-water fishing are at their best, and crowds thin after Labor Day; be aware that hunting seasons (usually October–November) & Peak months: October, September, June, July Avoid: January, February, March

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.5 / 5

Top 11% in CA

Overview: 'Fall brings the best conditions'—mild temps and improved water clarity for fishing.

Planning Tips

About South Fork Campground

South Fork Campground sits along the Tuolumne River in Stanislaus National Forest, a secluded U.S. Forest Service site in the Sierra foothills near Groveland. This primitive campground offers riverside tent sites with vault toilets, fire rings, and picnic tables, accessed by a narrow dirt and gravel road that follows the river. Each site borders the water, providing a quiet escape for campers seeking solitude and stargazing.

South Fork Campground primarily supports tent camping with a secluded and natural setting. The campground is accessible by a rough dirt road, limiting the suitability for RVs and trailers.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: fall. Fall offers the best combination of comfortable temperatures, lower river flows, and quieter campsites — ideal for riverside camping and fishing. Daytime highs are often in the mid-60s to low-80s °F (18–27°C) with crisp nights in the 40s–50s °F (4–11°C), making evenings perfect for campfires (when allowed) and stargazing. River clarity improves after summer, trout and warm-water fishing are at their best, and crowds thin after Labor Day; be aware that hunting seasons (usually October–November) & Peak months: October, September, June, July Avoid: January, February, March

Elevation1496 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryThe South Fork meets the Tuolumne here in a granite canyon where water has carved bedrock for thousands of years. Every campsite sits next to the river. You fall asleep to flowing water and wake to mist rising from the confluence. Fire-scarred trees frame the canyon, evidence of the Rim Fire's passage, with new growth filling in the understory. At night, stars fill the sky without light pollution to compete. The protected canyon supports diverse riparian vegetation and wildlife year-round.

Programs & ActivitiesNo information about cultural or educational programs is provided.

Best Campsites

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Reserving a campsite

Guests Allowed Per Site

Information not provided.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations are not available for this campground.

AccessibilityAccessibility features for campers with disabilities are not mentioned.

Site SizeSite sizes are not explicitly described, but each site includes a picnic table and a campfire pit with a grill.

PrivacyThe campground is described as secluded. "This is a lovely secluded campground" - Sumi Dumi. "Each campsite is next to the river" - Papa Duke.

Total Campsites8 campsites

Recommended SitesTrailers over 12 feet in length are not recommended due to the rough and narrow road. Vehicles should be well-fueled, and visitors should prepare for remote conditions, including the potential for bear encounters.

Amenities available

South Fork Campground offers a range of basic amenities in a serene and secluded environment. Each campsite is equipped with a picnic table and a campfire pit with a grill. A vault toilet is available at the campground, and untreated water is accessible from the nearby river. Campers are advised to treat water before consumption. However, campers should exercise caution as the campground is located within the Rim Fire Burned Area, which presents hazards such as loose rocks, falling debris, weakened trees, and potential flash floods, especially during high winds or heavy rain.

Fire rings

Food storage lockers

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

Activities you can enjoy

The activities at South Fork Campground primarily revolve around the natural surroundings. The campground's proximity to the South Fork Tuolumne River provides opportunities for outdoor recreation such as fishing. Campers also mention the scenic beauty and peaceful environment as highlights.

Hiking

Winter Activities

Water Sports

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 Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.

Food Storage RequiredEach campsite is equipped with a bear-proof food storage locker to minimize wildlife encounters.

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

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Reviews

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From Booking Sources

3.5

16 reviews

Mixed Reviews

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

User reviews emphasize the secluded nature of South Fork Campground and its challenging access road. Campers appreciate the peaceful environment, proximity to the river, and the ability to stargaze. However, the rough access road and lack of cell service are common concerns.

Review Summaries

Based on 16 reviews

What Campers Love

"This is a lovely secluded campground. The road is a single lane dirt road with gravel which follows the river. You get to sleep under a million stars to the sound of the Tuolumne River and insects."...

Based on 16 reviews

Common Concerns

"Be prepared for a crazy access road to get to the campground." - Cathy P. "The road to the campsite is a bit rough, would not recommend for all vehicles." - Austin Warren.

Based on 16 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

No site-specific reviews are provided.

Based on 16 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

"Make sure your car has enough gas, be prepared for bears too." - Jorge Ruiz. "Great spot for fly fishing just make sure you go after the ice melt slows down." - Jorge Ruiz.

Based on 16 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Spring and early summer may be affected by ice melt as noted by Jorge Ruiz. Additionally, weather conditions such as high winds or heavy rain may pose hazards in the Rim Fire Burned Area.

Based on 16 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Definitely secluded from everything, no cell service and a long descend on a one way gravel road, trailers aren’t recommended unless they are under 12’ in length." - Jorge Ruiz. "Good collection of...

Based on 16 reviews