4.5231 reviewsPrice
$20/night
Booking
Walk-in Only
Sites
15 campsites
Season
Open seasonally from...
Cell
Unknown
Pets
Check Policy
Price
$20/night
Booking
Walk-in Only
Sites
15 campsites
Season
Open seasonally from...
Cell
Unknown
Pets
Check Policy
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Learn more about alerts →South Fork Campground & Trailhead
39.8670, -107.5341
Anglers and hikers who want a quiet launch point: Rainbow and Brook trout in the river, and South Fork Trail #1827 (16.5 miles) or the short Spring Cave Trail start right here. Late May opening through June hits peak wildflowers and light crowds at cool daytime temps.
No potable water on-site means hauling everything in or treating river water, and the nearest resupply is 29 miles away in Meeker. Fire bans can shut down the grilles entirely, and it's first-come-first-served with only 15 sites on summer weekends.
Reference information about South Fork Campground & Trailhead sourced from official USFS records and forestcamping.com. View official recreation.gov page →
<p><strong>The South Fork Campground</strong> provides good access to fishing on the South Fork of the White River, and hiking & horseback riding in the <a href="http://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/whiteriver/recarea/?recid=81112">Flat Tops Wilderness</a>.</p><p>This site provides access to <a href="https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/whiteriver/recarea/?recid=40823">South Fork Trail #1827 </a>and <a href="https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/whiteriver/recarea/?recid=40825">Spring Cave Trail #1834</a>.</p><p>Overflow camping is available (regular fees apply).</p><p> </p><div><p><a class="usa-button" href="https://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/FSEPRD1095189.pdf" style="margin: 0; margin-top:30px">View Dates and Fees</a></p></div>
The elevation is 8,000 ft. The campground, among spruce trees, is adjacent to the South Fork of the White River and the Flat Tops Wilderness. The understory is heavy providing privacy between camp sites. Some sites are adjacent to the river. The trailhead at end of campground has hitching rails and ample parking for horse trailers. There are eight additional overflow sites.
Open May 18 through October 22
The parking aprons are gravel and grass. There is an RV waste station with potable water available for a fee at the City Park in Meeker, CO.
In Buford, CO, at South Fork campground sign (County Rt. 17), turn south onto Rt. 17 (dirt and gravel) and go 1.1 miles to another campground sign (County Rt. 10). Turn left onto Rt. 10 and go 10.2 miles to campground. NOTE: County Rt. 10 is a wide, single lane, dirt road.
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Late spring after the May 18 opening delivers the best conditions. Daytime temps run 45–65°F, nights drop to 25–35°F. River flows peak for trout fishing, wildflowers emerge in high meadows, and trails shed winter snow. Crowds stay light compared to summer weekends. Snow patches and muddy approaches can linger into early June. Summer warms up considerably at this elevation, though evenings still cool down fast. Fire bans sometimes close the established fire pits.
Late spring (post‑opening) highlighted as best: river peak flows for fishing, wildflowers and praised Spring Cave trail.
South Fork Campground provides basic amenities in a wilderness setting. There are vault toilets available at the site, which are wheelchair friendly. Potable water is not available, requiring campers to bring their own or treat water from natural sources. Each of the 15 campsites features picnic tables and fire grilles. A bathroom is available, as mentioned in user reviews, but no flush toilets or hot showers are present.
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