Third Fork Campground

Star4.28
27 reviews
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Quick Facts

5,187 ft

Price

Free

Booking

First-Come

Sites

5 campsites

Season

May

Cell

No Service

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Opens Minidoka Ranger District site

Official Website
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Third Fork Campground
$0.00 - $0.00 / night
Campsite Fees
The campground is free of charge.
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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208-678-0430: null
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What Campers Say

4.28

Satisfactory

Based on 27 reviews

25 Google reviews

Most mentioned

hikingwell-maintained

"User reviews consistently highlight the natural beauty of Third Fork Campground, its proximity to a creek, and its quiet atmosphere. However, they also mention challenges such as aggressive bees, noise from parties, and the presence of wildlife like rattlesnakes and cougars."

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Campground Map

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Third Fork Campground

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Driving directionsFrom I-84 take Kimberly/Twin Falls exit @182, from Hansen, and go south on Rock Creek Road.
The road in is reportedly well-maintained even though much of it is gravel, as per user KN Yurk: "road in is very well maintained even though much is gravel."
Nearby places
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Nearby supplies
No immediate supplies available
campers need to 'pack it in, pack it out,' per Stacy Dutt's review.

Best Time to Camp at Third Fork Campground

Summer transforms Third Fork into an outdoor paradise, with comfortable temperatures hovering around 58°F during sun-drenched days and cooling to a crisp 38°F under star-filled nights—perfect for campfire stories and morning coffee rituals. As autumn paints the aspens gold, the mountain air grows sharper, preparing visitors for winter's dramatic arrival. When snow blankets the landscape, the campground enters its quiet season, with freezing temperatures and heavy snowfall creating a pristine wonderland that challenges even the hardiest souls.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Summer is popular: comfortable days (~58°F), creek access, hiking and swimming attract visitors.

Best
Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Aspens and rim views imply strong fall color and mild conditions for hiking and photography.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.0 / 5

Mild weather and creek flows make spring pleasant though bees and limited services can be downsides.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
3.0 / 5

Reviews mention snowshoeing and skiing but limited winter facility detail; quieter experience noted.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: : null. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: May
  • Current Alerts: The campground is currently closed due to fire damage.

About Third Fork Campground

Nestled in the heart of nature's playground, Third Fork Campground welcomes adventurers with five intimate camping units, each offering a gateway to unforgettable outdoor experiences. While currently closed due to fire damage, this beloved basecamp traditionally serves as the perfect launching point for exploring the renowned Wahlstrom Hollow Trail (#38) and the breathtaking Rim View Trail (#235). Though motor homes and trailers can navigate to this mountain retreat, many visitors discover it shines brightest as a day-use destination, where accessible vault toilets and strategic trail connections create the ideal hub for backcountry exploration.
Third Fork Campground offers a mix of camping options including tent and RV camping. It also permits day use and is suitable for motor homes and trailers. Based on user reviews, the campground includes about 7-8 campsites, most of which are located along a creek.
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Stay Limit
Camping prohibited for more than 14 days within a 28-day period.

Amenities available

Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Recreational opportunities at Third Fork Campground include hiking, horseback riding, picnicking, and wildlife viewing. The area serves as a trailhead for an extensive trail system with easy to moderate trails suitable for day hikes and horse travel. Winter activities such as cross-country skiing are also available in the nearby Rock Creek area.
HikingThe campground offers access to the Third Fork Trail (#004) and other trails such as the Wahlstrom Hollow (#38) and Rim View Trails (#235). The Rim View Trail, a 9.5-mile hiking/horse trail with moderate terrain, provides excellent views of Rock Creek. The trail includes a 1900 ft. elevation gain and crosses several live streams through sub-alpine fir and aspen forest.
FishingUser reviews mention fishing opportunities in the creek, which is abundant with brook trout. Some fish are noted to be as large as 12 inches long.
SwimmingNear the campground, there is a swimming hole in a day-use area. The swimming hole is about 3 feet deep in late summer and includes a small hot spring. However, it is not handicap accessible and requires a walk down a trail.
Wildlife viewingWildlife mentioned in user reviews includes rattlesnakes and cougars, which are commonly seen in the area.
Winter Activities
Water Sports
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsRattlesnakes and cougars are common in the area, particularly along hiking trails.
Active AlertsThe campground is currently closed due to fire damage.
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.

Weather at Third Fork Campground

Reviews

4.3
27 reviews
Satisfactory
Satisfactory
Third Fork Campground is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews consistently highlight the natural beauty of Third Fork Campground, its proximity to a creek, and its quiet atmosphere. However, they also mention challenges such as aggressive bees, noise from parties, and the presence of wildlife like rattlesnakes and cougars.
Review Summaries
Based on 27 reviews

What Campers Love

Positive aspects include the well-maintained grounds, creek access, free camping, presence of picnic tables and fire pits, and proximity to hiking trails. Many users appreciate the serene and...
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Based on 27 reviews

Common Concerns

Common complaints include the absence of potable water, no trash services, aggressive bees during certain seasons, and occasional noisy visitors. One user specifically mentioned loud partying at...
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Based on 27 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring your own water and pack out your trash. Avoid visiting during seasons when bees are aggressive. Some users recommend visiting later in the year to avoid bee infestations. Campers are also...
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Based on 27 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer visits are popular for creek access and hiking but may include issues like aggressive bees. Winter brings opportunities for skiing and quieter experiences. Spring and fall offer mild weather...
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Based on 27 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Free camping. There are spots along the creek that offer parking and a tent site as well as picnic tables." - KN Yurk. "This campground is free of charge... The creek is abundant with brook trout....
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Based on 27 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Sites along the creek are noted to be more desirable due to their proximity to the water. One user mentioned that most sites have fire pits and picnic tables.
Based on 27 reviews

Accessibility Features

The presence of an accessible vault toilet is noted, but other features, such as access to the swimming hole, are not handicap accessible.
Based on 27 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are mentioned in passing, with one user noting their dog was stung by aggressive bees. No other detailed pet-related reviews are available.
Based on 27 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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