South Fork Campground

4.04

16 reviews

Quick Facts

1,496 ft

Price

Free

Booking

First-Come

Sites

8 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

No Service

Pets

Check Policy

Opens U.S. Forest Service site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Quick Facts

1,496 ft

Price

Free

Booking

First-Come

Sites

8 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

No Service

Pets

Check Policy

Opens U.S. Forest Service site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

South Fork Campground

$0.00 - $0.00 / night

Campsite Fees

There is no fee mentioned in the authoritative sources for South Fork Campground.

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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What Campers Say

4.04

Satisfactory

Based on 16 reviews

19 Google 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."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

South Fork Campground

37.8397, -120.0458

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.

The road to South Fork Campground is a single-lane dirt road with gravel. As noted from user reviews, 'The road is a single lane dirt road with gravel which follows the river' and 'It's about a 7 mile descend to the campsites. It's a jeep road but if my 2011 Sonata can do it any vehicle can.' However, it is clear that the road is rough, as another user stated, 'The road to the campsite is a bit rough, would not recommend for all vehicles.' Trailers over 12 feet are not recommended. Seasonal closures and sudden weather-related difficulties may further restrict access.

Nearby places

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

Nearby supplies

Information not provided.

Best Time to Camp at South Fork Campground

South Fork transforms with the seasons, offering distinct experiences throughout the year. Winter brings dramatic skies and occasional storms that showcase the river's power, while spring through fall delivers those perfect camping moments—crisp mornings giving way to warm afternoons under impossibly blue skies. The most coveted camping weeks feature bone-dry conditions with star-filled nights that seem to stretch forever. However, winter visitors should remain weather-aware: this canyon location within the historic Rim Fire zone can experience sudden flash flooding during heavy rains, adding an element of wild unpredictability to the landscape.

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Open season, great stargazing and fishable river after ice melt; road is accessible in summer.

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

Quiet riverside setting and pleasant conditions expected in fall; no crowds noted.

Spring(Mar-May)

3.0 / 5

Spring offers changing river conditions; fishing and access can be limited by ice melt and closures.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

2.0 / 5

Campground open year‑round but access road closed Dec 15–Apr 15, limiting practical winter visits.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: There is no specific peak season mentioned for South Fork Campground.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: The campground is open year-round, but the road leading to it (Lumsden Road) is closed from December 15 to April 15 each year. Additionally, the road may close due to inclement weather.
Current Alerts: The campground is located in the Rim Fire Burned Area, and visitors are advised to use caution due to potential hazards like falling rocks and flash floods. Seasonal and weather-related road closures also apply.

About South Fork Campground

Hidden where the South Fork meets the legendary Tuolumne Wild & Scenic River, South Fork Campground offers an intimate escape into California's untamed wilderness. This remote riverside sanctuary sits just a mile from its sister sites at Lumsden and Lumsden Bridge, forming part of the cherished Tuolumne-Lumsden Recreation Area. Each thoughtfully placed campsite comes equipped with its own picnic table and fire ring with grill, perfect for riverside meals under towering trees. While vault toilets provide basic comfort, the campground's true luxury lies in its pristine isolation—there's no cell service here, just the ancient rhythm of flowing water. Adventurous souls can draw water directly from the river, though purification is essential before drinking from this wild source.

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.

Historical SignificanceSouth Fork bears witness to nature's cycles of destruction and renewal, sitting within the footprint of the historic Rim Fire. This transformative event reshaped the landscape, creating a unique environment where blackened sentinels stand alongside vibrant new growth. The fire's legacy adds a profound dimension to camping here—you're not just visiting a campground, but experiencing firsthand how wilderness recovers and thrives after catastrophic change.

Weather and SeasonsSouth Fork transforms with the seasons, offering distinct experiences throughout the year. Winter brings dramatic skies and occasional storms that showcase the river's power, while spring through fall delivers those perfect camping moments—crisp mornings giving way to warm afternoons under impossibly blue skies. The most coveted camping weeks feature bone-dry conditions with star-filled nights that seem to stretch forever. However, winter visitors should remain weather-aware: this canyon location within the historic Rim Fire zone can experience sudden flash flooding during heavy rains, adding an element of wild unpredictability to the landscape.

ElevationTucked into the river canyon at low elevation, South Fork offers year-round accessibility when many mountain campgrounds lie buried in snow. This riverside position creates a unique microclimate where the temperature stays mild and the air carries the constant music of flowing water.

Natural Features and SceneryAt South Fork, you'll fall asleep to nature's symphony—the Tuolumne River's eternal song mixing with the nighttime chorus of insects while a million stars pierce the darkness overhead. The campground embraces its riverine setting completely, with each site offering direct access to the water's edge. The landscape tells a compelling story of resilience, where fire-scarred trees frame stunning river views and new growth pushes through the transformed forest floor. Morning mists rise from the confluence, afternoon light dances on the water, and evenings bring a profound sense of connection to this recovered wilderness.

Geological RegionSouth Fork occupies a special place where rivers have carved their story into ancient stone. The confluence of the South Fork Tuolumne and the main Tuolumne Wild & Scenic River creates a dynamic geological theater—a low-elevation oasis where water has sculpted granite bedrock over millennia. This riverine ecosystem supports a surprising diversity of life in its protected canyon environment, offering campers a front-row seat to one of California's most pristine watershed systems.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

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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

Site layoutThe campground features 8-10 campsites, each with a picnic table, a campfire pit, and a bear-proof food storage locker. Sites are located in close proximity to the river.

Reservation PlatformsReservations are not available for this campground.

Walk-in AvailabilityAll sites are first-come, first-served. Availability can vary based on seasonal demand and road access conditions.

Cancellation PolicyThe campground does not take reservations; it operates on a first-come, first-served basis. Cancellations do not apply to this system.

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

Fire rings

Food storage lockers

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

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.

Fishing"Great spot for fly fishing just make sure you go after the ice melt slows down" - Jorge Ruiz. This indicates that fishing is a popular activity, particularly fly fishing, but may be affected by seasonal conditions like ice melt.

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsThe campground is located in a burned area with potential hazards such as loose rocks, falling trees, debris flows, and flash floods. Campers should avoid the area during high winds or heavy rain and should remain vigilant for falling objects and unstable terrain.

Active Alertsfor falling objects and do not linger around large trees. | The campground is located in the Rim Fire Burned Area, and visitors are advised to use caution due to potential hazards like falling rocks and flash floods. Seasonal and weather-related road closures also apply.

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.

Fire PolicyCampfires are allowed within designated fire pits. Due to risks posed by the burned area, fire safety precautions should be strictly observed.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are Information not provided.

Emergency ServicesInformation not provided.

Trash & RecyclingNo information provided about trash or recycling facilities.

Water FeaturesLocated near the confluence of the South Fork Tuolumne River and the Tuolumne Wild & Scenic River.

Camp HostInformation not provided.

Weather at South Fork Campground

Reviews

4.0

16 reviews

Satisfactory

South Fork Campground is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% 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

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