South Fork Campground
4.266 reviewsQuick Facts
Price
$12/night
Booking
Walk-in Only
Sites
9 campsites
Season
Year-round
Cell
Unknown
Pets
Not Allowed
RV Friendly
Get DirectionsQuick Facts
Price
$12/night
Booking
Walk-in Only
Sites
9 campsites
Season
Year-round
Cell
Unknown
Pets
Not Allowed
RV Friendly
Get DirectionsSouth Fork Campground
$12.00 - $12.00 / night
Campsite Fees
$12.00 per night. There is an additional fee of $3 for each extra vehicle.
Standard Site Fee$12.00
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
Total Campsite Fees$12.00
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USFS
ProviderWhat Campers Say
4.26
Satisfactory
Based on 6 reviews
19 Google reviews
Most mentioned
quietcleanwaterbeach
Some mention
noise
"User reviews generally highlight the campground's quiet atmosphere, scenic location, and proximity to the South Fork of the Clearwater River. The campground host receives positive mentions for being helpful and attentive. However, some complaints are raised about the highway noise due to the campground's close proximity to the road."
Fees & Passes at South Fork Campground
$12/night
Campsite fees
Standard Site
Basic tent/RV spot
Prices verified August 10, 2025
Prices may vary by season and site type. Always confirm current rates on the official Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests website.
Best Time to Camp at South Fork Campground
Experience the dramatic beauty of Idaho's changing seasons at South Fork Campground. Winter transforms this riverside haven into a snow-draped wonderland, with crystalline landscapes and the hushed serenity that only fresh snowfall can bring. As spring melts into summer, the campground awakens to warm, sun-drenched days perfect for river adventures, with temperatures climbing to a comfortable 85°F. These dry summer months create ideal conditions for swimming, fishing, and lounging on the sandy riverbank under endless blue skies.
Spring (Mar-May)
Wildflowers bloom, mild temperatures, fewer crowds. Great for hiking and photography.
Best
Summer (Jun-Aug)
Peak season with warm weather, perfect for water activities. Book early.
Fall (Sep-Nov)
Beautiful fall colors, cooler temps, quieter campgrounds. Ideal for peaceful trips.
Winter (Dec-Feb)
Snow activities available. Some facilities may close. Check conditions.
Planning Tips
- Operating Season: Open year-round, but might not be accessible because of snow.
About South Fork Campground
Nestled along the scenic Highway 14, South Fork Campground offers an intimate riverside retreat with just 9 thoughtfully spaced sites welcoming both RV adventurers and tent campers. This peaceful sanctuary along the South Fork of the Clearwater River provides the perfect balance of accessibility and wilderness escape. During peak season, you'll often find a friendly Volunteer Campground Host ready to share local insights and ensure your stay is memorable. While most sites offer cozy accommodations perfect for smaller rigs and tents, Site #3 stretches out to 31 feet and Site #8 extends to 25 feet, providing options for those traveling with larger RVs.
South Fork Campground accommodates both tent and RV campers with 9 sites available. No additional types of camping accommodations, such as group sites or cabins, are detailed.
Weather and SeasonsExperience the dramatic beauty of Idaho's changing seasons at South Fork Campground. Winter transforms this riverside haven into a snow-draped wonderland, with crystalline landscapes and the hushed serenity that only fresh snowfall can bring. As spring melts into summer, the campground awakens to warm, sun-drenched days perfect for river adventures, with temperatures climbing to a comfortable 85°F. These dry summer months create ideal conditions for swimming, fishing, and lounging on the sandy riverbank under endless blue skies.
Elevationnull
Natural Features and SceneryThe crown jewel of South Fork Campground is its prime position along the pristine South Fork of the Clearwater River, where crystal-clear waters wind through a landscape of natural splendor. A rare sandy beach provides direct river access, inviting campers to dip their toes in cool mountain waters or launch kayaks for downstream adventures. The surrounding forest creates a verdant canopy overhead, while the gentle murmur of the river provides nature's soundtrack to your camping experience. This riverside oasis offers front-row seats to spectacular sunrises reflecting off the water and wildlife viewing opportunities as deer and other forest creatures come to drink at dawn and dusk.
Geological RegionSouth Fork Campground sits within the magnificent expanse of the Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests, where the South Fork of the Clearwater River has carved its ancient path through millions of years of geological history. This remarkable landscape showcases the raw beauty of Idaho's wilderness, where dense coniferous forests meet pristine waterways in a testament to the enduring power of nature's artistry.
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Campsite details
AccessibilityThere is no information about accessibility options for campers with disabilities.
Sites SizeSite #3 is 31 feet long, site #8 is 25 feet long, and all other sites are shorter.
Sites PrivacyUser reviews suggest that sites are "kinda small" and highlight some privacy concerns given the size and proximity of the sites.
Total Campsites9 campsites
Recommended CampsitesSite #3 is recommended, especially for its length (31 feet) and peaceful setting.
Best Campsites
Curated by campers, for campers
Reveal picks
Reserving a campsite
Groups
Group camping sites are not mentioned.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutnull
Open and Closed SeasonOpen year-round, but might not be accessible because of snow.
Amenities available
Picnic tables
Activities you can enjoy
The campground provides opportunities for fishing in the South Fork of the Clearwater River. User reviews also mention easy river access, sandy beaches, and swimming holes, suggesting that campers enjoy water-based recreation in addition to fishing.
Fishing
Fishing is available in the South Fork of the Clearwater River. Specific details such as types of fish or fishing quality are not provided.Swimming
User reviews frequently reference the "nice sandy beach" and "good swimming holes," making swimming a notable activity at this campground.Beach activities
Several user reviews emphasize the quality of the sandy beach, describing it as 'nice' and a highlight of the campground experience.Winter Activities
The campground is open year-round, but accessibility can be restricted by snow. Specific winter activities are not mentioned.Water Sports
Swimming and fishing are popular water activities at the campground. However, no details about kayaking, canoeing, or paddleboarding are provided.Advertisement
Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- null
- Quiet hours are null
Hazards
General hazardsPotential hazards include snow during winter months, making the campground inaccessible.
Weather at South Fork Campground
46
°F
Dec 7
Sunday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 64%
Moderately humid conditions
Wind: 5.3 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Overcast
Weather History
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Reveal forecast
Good to know
Trash and recyclingGarbage services are not available. Campers are required to Pack It In, Pack It Out.
Proximity to water featuresAdjacent to the South Fork of the Clearwater River with a sandy beach and swimming holes highlighted in reviews.
Common complaintsSome reviews express dissatisfaction with the noise from the nearby highway.
HostA Volunteer Campground Host may be present during the operating season. User reviews praise the host for being "very caring" and "knows the area for adventures."
Campground Map
Driving directionsFrom the east end of Grangeville, turn south on the Grangeville Salmon Road and turn left at the drive-in theater toward the small town Mt. Idaho. Continue on the Mt. Idaho Grade, and junction with State Highway 14 headed toward Elk City. South Fork Campground is located at Mile Post 14 on Hwy 14.
The campground is located directly off Highway 14, providing paved access. However, snow may make the campground inaccessible during the winter months.Reviews from booking and map sources
4.3
6 reviews
South Fork Campground is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews generally highlight the campground's quiet atmosphere, scenic location, and proximity to the South Fork of the Clearwater River. The campground host receives positive mentions for being helpful and attentive. However, some complaints are raised about the highway noise due to the campground's close proximity to the road.
Review Summaries
Based on 6 reviews
What Campers Love
Positive highlights include the 'beautiful refreshing water,' 'nice sandy beach,' and 'quiet camping' experience. Reviewers also appreciate the campground's cleanliness and the attentive Volunteer...
Based on 6 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Common complaints include the highway noise being 'so loud and close,' which detracts from the otherwise peaceful experience. Site sizes are also cited as a drawback, with one user noting, 'sites are...
Based on 6 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Campers recommend selecting spots further from the highway to minimize noise. Site #3 receives specific praise for being 'nice.'
Based on 6 reviewsSeasonal Insights
The campground is open year-round, but snow may limit accessibility during the winter. Summer reviews highlight the sandy beach and swimming holes as major attractions, while winter reviews are...
Based on 6 reviewsShow more
Camper Quotes
1. 'Mark is a good campground host very caring for the campers knows the area for adventures.' - Jennifer Simler, 2018.
2. 'Sweet spot. We were in spot 3 and it was nice. Quiet camping, beautiful...
Based on 6 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Site #3 receives consistently positive mentions, described as 'nice' and suitable for a quiet camping experience. Site size limitations are noted, with one user reporting fitting a 36ft RV in the...
Based on 6 reviewsShow more
Accessibility Features
No reviews specifically address accessibility features or experiences.
Based on 6 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
No reviews mention pet policies, pet-friendly features, or pet owner experiences.
Based on 6 reviewsCamper Reviews by Outdoorithm campers
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Last updated August 10, 2025
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