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

4.23

27 reviews

1005 HWY 13, GRANGEVILLE, ID 83530, USA

SwimmingSummer Destination

Quick Facts

2,539 ft

Price

$25/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

5 campsites

Season

Open for reservation...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Opens Nez Perce National Forest site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Quick Facts

2,539 ft

Price

$25/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

5 campsites

Season

Open for reservation...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Opens Nez Perce National Forest site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

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

$25.00 - $25.00 / night

Campsite Fees

The nightly rate for the group site during the peak season (June 1 to September 30) is $25. This rate does not include discounts, taxes, or...

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$25.00

Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

208-983-1950

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What Campers Say

4.23

Satisfactory

Based on 27 reviews

19 Google reviews

Most mentioned

quietcleanwaterbeach

Some mention

noise

"User reviews generally describe the campground as quiet, scenic, and well-maintained, with easy access to a river, sandy beach, and swimming holes. However, some users noted that the proximity of the highway can be disruptive due to traffic noise."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

1005 HWY 13, GRANGEVILLE, ID 83530, USA

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

1005 HWY 13, GRANGEVILLE, ID 83530, USA

Driving directionsFrom the Forest Service offices in Grangeville, head south on Grangeville-Salmon Road. Turn left at the drive-in theater toward the small town Mt. Idaho. Continue on the Mt. Idaho Grade toward Elk City on Highway 14. South Fork Campground is located at milepost 14 on Highway 14.

Accessible via paved roads along Highway 14. Visitors report limited parking availability, and the campground is close to the highway, which may contribute to noise.

Nearby places

Grangeville (approximately 14 miles, approximately 20 minutes drive)

Nearby supplies

Grangeville is the closest supply center for groceries, camping supplies, and fuel.

Best Time to Camp at South Fork Group Site 5 - Nez Perce Nf (Id)

Summer transforms South Fork into a sun-drenched paradise, with warm, dry days perfect for riverside relaxation and forest exploration. As autumn approaches, the campground becomes a photographer's dream of golden light and crisp air. Winter brings a hushed transformation as light snow blankets the landscape and temperatures dip below freezing, creating a serene wonderland best admired from afar. The prime camping window stretches through the glorious summer months when wildflowers paint the meadows and long days invite endless adventure.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.5 / 5

Top 23% in ID

Summer is peak season; warm days, camp host present, best swimming and river access per reviews.

Fall(Sep-Nov)

3.5 / 5

Autumn offers photography and cooler weather but campground closes end of Sept; limited seasonality.

Spring(Mar-May)

Not recommended

Reservation window begins June 1; spring availability limited/closed.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

Not recommended

Campground closed outside Jun 1–Sep 30 reservation window.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: June 01, 2025 - September 30, 2025. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open for reservations from June 1, 2025, to September 30, 2025.

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

Where the crystal-clear waters of the South Fork Clearwater River dance through ancient forests, South Fork Campground offers an intimate escape into Idaho's untamed wilderness. This riverside sanctuary welcomes RV adventurers seeking a perfect balance of accessibility and natural beauty. Days here unfold with the gentle soundtrack of flowing water, whether you're casting a line for native trout, filling your basket with sun-ripened huckleberries, or quietly observing elk and deer as they emerge from the forest shadows at dusk.

South Fork Campground includes standard campsites that are first-come, first-served, and a reservable group site accommodating up to 25 people.

Historical SignificanceThis corner of the Nez Perce National Forest carries echoes of centuries past, where ancient trails once connected indigenous communities across the rugged landscape. The surrounding terrain tells stories of the Nez Perce people who called these mountains home, traveling historic routes that wind through the very forests that shade today's campsites. Every vista and valley holds layers of history, inviting visitors to connect with the enduring legacy of this sacred landscape.

Weather and SeasonsSummer transforms South Fork into a sun-drenched paradise, with warm, dry days perfect for riverside relaxation and forest exploration. As autumn approaches, the campground becomes a photographer's dream of golden light and crisp air. Winter brings a hushed transformation as light snow blankets the landscape and temperatures dip below freezing, creating a serene wonderland best admired from afar. The prime camping window stretches through the glorious summer months when wildflowers paint the meadows and long days invite endless adventure.

ElevationWhile precise elevation details await discovery, the campground's mountain setting creates a refreshing retreat where cool forest air and river breezes provide natural air conditioning even on summer's warmest days.

Natural Features and ScenerySouth Fork Campground sits at the intersection of nature's most dramatic artistry. Towering granite peaks pierce the sky while deep canyons carve ancient stories into the earth below. Dense forests of pine and fir create cathedral-like groves where sunlight filters through in golden streams. In spring and early summer, meadows explode with lupine, Indian paintbrush, and bear grass, while weathered granite outcroppings provide natural viewpoints over this tapestry of wilderness. The lodgepole pines standing sentinel throughout the uplands frame perfect sunset views that paint the canyon walls in shades of amber and rose.

Geological RegionPositioned along the scenic Highway 14 Corridor within the Nez Perce National Forest, South Fork Campground showcases the region's geological diversity at every turn. Here, millennia of natural forces have sculpted a landscape where forested canyons plunge between rugged granite outcroppings, each formation telling the story of ancient volcanic activity and patient erosion. The distinctive lodgepole pine forests that blanket the uplands create a striking contrast with lush wildflower meadows, offering campers a front-row seat to one of Idaho's most geologically fascinating regions.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

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Reserving a campsite

Check-in

Not explicitly stated

Check-out

Not explicitly stated

Stay Limit

You may stay up to 14 nights during a visit at this campground.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Up to 25 guests allowed at the group site.

Groups

The group site can accommodate up to 25 people.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutThe campground layout includes paved parking spurs, picnic tables, grills, and tent pads for each site.

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made through Recreation.gov for group sites.

Walk-in AvailabilityFirst-come, first-served availability applies to standard campsites. No specific information is provided on the number of walk-up sites available or common fill patterns.

Cancellation PolicyReservations can be canceled any time before arrival. A $10 cancellation fee applies, along with forfeiture of the first night's recreation use fee for late cancellations (less than 14 calendar days before check-in for group sites). No-show customers incur a $20 fee and forfeiture of the first night's fees.

AccessibilityNo specific accessibility features for campers with disabilities are mentioned.

Site SizeAccording to user reviews, some sites are described as small, but others can accommodate larger setups such as 36-foot RVs.

PrivacyUser reviews suggest varied privacy at campsites, with some noting they are quiet but close to the highway.

Total Campsites5 campsites

Recommended SitesReviews recommend spot 3 for its quiet ambiance, proximity to a sandy beach, and refreshing water access.

Amenities available

Potable water

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

Group Sites

Activities you can enjoy

South Fork Campground offers recreational activities such as fishing, berry picking, and wildlife viewing. The proximity to Highway 14 also allows for scenic drives through various landscapes and historic areas.

FishingAnglers can fish for trout, steelhead, and salmon in the nearby Clearwater River. User reviews also highlight easy river access and good swimming holes.

SwimmingUser reviews mention the presence of nice sandy beaches and refreshing water, which offer good swimming opportunities.

Wildlife viewingWildlife viewing is noted as an activity available at the campground.

Beach activitiesSeveral user reviews describe sandy beaches that are suitable for relaxation and swimming.

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPotential hazards include proximity to the highway (noise), wildlife interactions, and limited parking availability.

Fire PolicyBring locally sourced firewood to prevent the spread of pests. Campfire use is allowed.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are Not explicitly stated.

Emergency ServicesGrangeville provides emergency services including hospitals and police stations.

Trash & RecyclingCampers are advised to bring their own trash bags, especially during the off-season. Specific recycling facilities are not mentioned.

Water FeaturesThe campground is situated along the South Fork Clearwater River, offering easy river access and swimming holes.

Camp HostA campground host may be on-site during the summer, and reviews indicate they provide excellent service and knowledge of the area.

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

Reviews

4.2

27 reviews

Satisfactory

South Fork Group Site 5 - Nez Perce Nf (Id) is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews generally describe the campground as quiet, scenic, and well-maintained, with easy access to a river, sandy beach, and swimming holes. However, some users noted that the proximity of the highway can be disruptive due to traffic noise.

Review Summaries

Based on 27 reviews

What Campers Love

Positive highlights include the caring and knowledgeable camp host, clean facilities, sandy beaches, refreshing water, and good swimming holes. Several users also appreciated the campground's quiet...

Based on 27 reviews

Common Concerns

A few reviews mention small campsite sizes and the high noise level from the nearby highway. One user reported an issue with locked gates at the pin location, leading to a need to camp elsewhere.

Based on 27 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers are advised to bring trash bags and drinking water during the off-season. For a quieter experience, consider sites further away from the highway.

Based on 27 reviews

Seasonal Insights

During the summer, the campground is more active with the presence of a camp host and available drinking water. Reviews emphasize the good swimming and river access during warmer months.

Based on 27 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'Mark is a good campground host very caring for the campers knows the area for adventures.' 2. 'Sweet spot. We were in spot 3 and it was nice. Quiet camping, beautiful refreshing water. Nice sandy...

Based on 27 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

User reviews highlight site 3 as quiet and picturesque, while a complaint about locked gates at site 5 caused inconvenience. Larger RVs were accommodated at specific sites.

Based on 27 reviews