How much does camping cost at South Fork Campground?

Camping fees at South Fork Campground range from $12/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Fees are typically paid at the campground entrance.

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.

Can I see photos of campsites at South Fork Campground before I book?

Yes! South Fork Campground has 8 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit South Fork Campground?

South Fork Campground is open Open year-round, but might not be accessible because of snow.. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

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.

Can I have a campfire at South Fork Campground?

Fire policies at South Fork Campground: null. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

How many campsites does South Fork Campground have?

South Fork Campground has 9 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 activities can I do at South Fork Campground?

Popular activities at South Fork Campground include Fishing, Swimming, Beach Activities. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

South Fork Campground

3.86

22 reviews

SwimmingSummer Destination

Quick Facts

2,398 ft

Price

$12/night

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

9 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Check Availability Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

2,398 ft

Price

$12/night

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

9 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Check Availability Official Website

Get Directions

South 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

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I manage this campground

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Campground Map

South Fork Campground

45.8246, -115.9565

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.

Weather at South Fork Campground

Best Time to Camp at South Fork Campground

Summer brings the most reliable conditions, with daytime highs in the mid-60s to mid-80s and nights cooling to the 40s and 50s. River flows settle into pleasant levels for fishing and swimming. The campground stays quieter than larger forest campgrounds, though expect some company on summer weekends. Winter access is possible for those interested in snow camping, but amenities may be limited.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Summer reviews highlight the sandy beach, swimming holes and pleasant river conditions.

Planning Tips

Operating Season: Open year-round, but might not be accessible because of snow.

About South Fork Campground

South Fork Campground has 9 sites along the South Fork of the Clearwater River, accessible from Highway 14 near Grangeville. Sites cost $12 per night and accommodate both tents and RVs, though most are small. Site #3 fits rigs up to 31 feet, and site #8 takes 25 feet. A volunteer host is usually on-site during summer.

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 SeasonsSummer brings the most reliable conditions, with daytime highs in the mid-60s to mid-80s and nights cooling to the 40s and 50s. River flows settle into pleasant levels for fishing and swimming. The campground stays quieter than larger forest campgrounds, though expect some company on summer weekends. Winter access is possible for those interested in snow camping, but amenities may be limited.

Elevationnull

Natural Features and SceneryThe campground sits at 2,398 feet elevation where the South Fork of the Clearwater River flows through dense coniferous forest. A sandy beach provides direct river access. Reviews describe the water as "beautiful" and "refreshing." The river runs clear enough for fishing and swimming in calmer stretches. Forest cover provides some shade, though sites are described as small and close together.

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.

Scenic ViewsReviews mention "Nice sandy beach with good swimming holes" and "beautiful refreshing water." The proximity to the Clearwater River offers peaceful and scenic views.

Lodging & AccommodationsThere are no hotel-style lodges mentioned in the authoritative data or user reviews.

Programs & ActivitiesNo cultural or educational programs are mentioned.

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 camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Site layoutnull

Site SizeSite #3 is 31 feet long, site #8 is 25 feet long, and all other sites are shorter.

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 SitesSite #3 is recommended, especially for its length (31 feet) and peaceful setting.

Best CampsitesSite #3 gets specific praise in reviews for being "sweet" and offering a quiet experience. Sites farther from Highway 14 reduce road noise. The 31-foot length of site #3 also makes it the best option for larger RVs.

Amenities available

South Fork Campground provides basic amenities suitable for both RVs and tent campers. There are 9 campsites, with two specific site lengths mentioned: site #3 is 31 feet long and site #8 is 25 feet long. All other sites are shorter. A Volunteer Campground Host might be present during the operating season. Officially, potable water is not available at this campground, as mentioned in the authoritative source, however, one user review contradictorily states, "Potable water available in Campground." Picnic tables are confirmed to be available at this site. Garbage services are not provided, which means campers must adhere to a 'Pack It In, Pack It Out' policy. The campground is designed to suit modest camping needs and lacks advanced facilities.

Picnic tables

I manage this campground

RV details

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

Swimming

Beach activities

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPotential hazards include snow during winter months, making the campground inaccessible.

No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

Fire Policynull

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are null

Trash & RecyclingGarbage services are not available. Campers are required to Pack It In, Pack It Out.

Water FeaturesAdjacent to the South Fork of the Clearwater River with a sandy beach and swimming holes highlighted in reviews.

Camp 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."

Cell CoverageNo details on cell phone service are provided in the authoritative content or user reviews.

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

Researching this campground? Ask anything — other campers and our team will weigh in. No visit required.

Tips from campers

Short heads-ups about the road in, gear quirks, timing, and more. You don't have to have been here to share what you know.

Reviews

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From Booking Sources

3.9

22 reviews

Mixed Reviews

South Fork Campground has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% 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 22 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 22 reviews

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 22 reviews

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 22 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers recommend selecting spots further from the highway to minimize noise. Site #3 receives specific praise for being 'nice.'

Based on 22 reviews

Seasonal 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 22 reviews

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 22 reviews

Accessibility Features

No reviews specifically address accessibility features or experiences.

Based on 22 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

No reviews mention pet policies, pet-friendly features, or pet owner experiences.

Based on 22 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

Be the first to review this campground

Every adventure creates another. Share what you learned so the next camper feels a little more prepared heading out.

Go if

Swimmers and anglers who grab site #3 early will get the most out of this place. The beach is genuinely good, the water runs clear, and the knowledgeable volunteer host makes a real difference for first-timers to the area.

Skip if

Highway noise is a real problem, especially on sites closer to the road. Couple that with no potable water confirmed on-site and a pack-it-out trash policy, and comfort campers will find the basics too thin.

Nearby Campgrounds

Less Visited

South Fork Group Site 5 - Nez Perce Nf (Id)

3.9

(27)

South Fork Group Site 5 - Nez Perce Nf (Id)

1005 HWY 13, GRANGEVILLE, ID 83530, USA

South Fork Group Site 5 sits along the South Fork Clearwater River near Grangeville in the Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests. Operated by the Nez Perce National Forest, this small group campground offers riverside access for fishing and wildlife viewing with vault toilets, potable water, and picnic tables. Reviewers praise the attentive camp host, clean facilities, and sandy beaches with good swimming holes, though highway noise and gate restrictions at the group site are occasional drawbacks.

South Fork Campground

Quick Facts

Quick Facts

Get Notified When Available

Plan a trip to South Fork Campground

Campground Map

Weather at South Fork Campground

Best Time to Camp at South Fork Campground

Planning Tips

About South Fork Campground

Best Campsites

Reserving a campsite

Amenities available

RV details

Activities you can enjoy

Policies & Safety

Trip Planning Tools

Reviews

What Campers Love

Common Concerns

Site-Specific Reviews

Go if

Skip if

Overview

Plan a trip to South Fork Campground

Best Time to Camp at South Fork Campground

Planning Tips

Best Campsites

Reserving a campsite

Amenities available

Activities you can enjoy

Policies & Safety

Trip Planning Tools

Reviews

What Campers Love

Common Concerns

Site-Specific Reviews