South Fork Campground - Mendocino National Forest

5.00

6 reviews

Quick Facts

Price

Varies

Booking

First-Come

Sites

Varies

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Not Allowed

RV Friendly

Opens Mendocino National Forest site

Get Directions

Quick Facts

Price

Varies

Booking

First-Come

Sites

Varies

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Not Allowed

RV Friendly

Opens Mendocino National Forest site

Get Directions

South Fork Campground - Mendocino National Forest

No fees available

Campsite Fees

Payment is first-come, first-served; visitors must physically arrive to purchase and claim a site. On-site payment can be made by scanning a QR code...

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

Total Campsite Fees$0.00

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

(530) 963-3128

What Campers Say

5.00

Top-Rated

Based on 6 reviews

6 Google reviews

Most mentioned

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"Reviewers are very positive about South Fork Campground, describing it as a memorable, pleasant place to camp, ride, and spend time with family. Many comments reflect long-term, nostalgic connections to the area and a strong desire to return."

Read all reviews

Best Time to Camp at South Fork Campground - Mendocino National Forest

The campground truly comes alive during winter and early spring, when seasonal rains transform the adjacent stream into a rushing waterway that draws anglers from across the region. As the stream swells with fresh mountain runoff, it becomes a prime destination for those seeking the thrill of river and stream fishing in cooler months. The flowing waters and crisp air create an invigorating atmosphere that contrasts beautifully with the typical summer camping experience.

Spring (Mar-May)

Wildflowers bloom, mild temperatures, fewer crowds. Great for hiking and photography.

Best

Summer (Jun-Aug)

Peak season with warm days. Most facilities open. Reserve ahead.

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

About South Fork Campground - Mendocino National Forest

Tucked into the heart of Mendocino National Forest, South Fork Campground offers a peaceful retreat where the gentle murmur of a year-round stream accompanies your stay beneath a canopy of spreading oaks. This first-come, first-served gem features two spacious camping areas equipped with tables and fire rings, welcoming RVs up to 30 feet. Pay conveniently on-site by scanning the Recreation.gov QR code.

Two large camping areas available on a first-come, first-served basis. The site explicitly accommodates trailers up to 30-foot.

Weather and SeasonsThe campground truly comes alive during winter and early spring, when seasonal rains transform the adjacent stream into a rushing waterway that draws anglers from across the region. As the stream swells with fresh mountain runoff, it becomes a prime destination for those seeking the thrill of river and stream fishing in cooler months. The flowing waters and crisp air create an invigorating atmosphere that contrasts beautifully with the typical summer camping experience.

Natural Features and SceneryAncient oak trees stretch their gnarled branches overhead, creating a dappled shade that filters the California sun into soft patterns across your campsite. The year-round stream that borders the campground provides a constant, soothing soundtrack to your wilderness experience, its waters reflecting the changing seasons. During winter and early spring, when the stream reaches its peak flow, the landscape transforms into an angler's paradise, with rushing waters that promise excellent fishing opportunities. The open grove setting offers both the comfort of tree cover and enough space to appreciate the surrounding forest wilderness.

Geological RegionMendocino National Forest

Campsite details

Sites SizeAccommodates up to 30-foot trailers.

Total Campsitesnull campsites

Recommended CampsitesTwo large camping areas with a total of 10 tables and fire rings; accommodates trailers up to 30 feet. Visitors must physically arrive to claim sites and may use the Recreation.gov app to pay on-site via QR code.

Best Campsites

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Reserving a campsite

Tents

Tents are not allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive are not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Site layoutTwo large camping areas.

Reservation PlatformsRecreation.gov (Scan & Pay mobile app) for on-site payment only; no reservations accepted (first-come, first-served).

Walk-in AvailabilityFirst-come, first-served only; visitors must physically arrive at the campground to purchase and claim a site.

Amenities available

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Activities you can enjoy

Fishing and motorized off-highway vehicle (OHV) use are primary recreational activities. The Forest Service and California OHV Fund have developed roads, trails, and facilities for OHV users; visitors should follow state and federal safety and registration requirements.

Fishing

River and stream fishing is popular in the winter and early spring when the stream is in full flow. The campground is adjacent to a year-long stream.

Winter Activities

River and stream fishing in winter and early spring when the stream is in full flow.

Campground rules

Pets are not allowed
Sites provide fire rings (10 tables and fire rings are available).

Hazards

General hazardsHazards are primarily associated with Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) operation including risks from excessive speed, reckless driving, racing, and other dangerous maneuvers; vehicle operation while under the influence is prohibited. No other specific natural hazards are listed.

Weather at South Fork Campground - Mendocino National Forest

°F

Dec 11

Thursday

Clear sky

Precipitation: 0%

Humidity: 28%

Wind: 4 mph

Clear sky

Weather History

Weather data powered by Open-Meteo

Detailed 7-Day Forecast

Reveal forecast

Good to know

Proximity to water featuresAdjacent to a year-long stream; river/stream fishing available nearby.

Campground Map

South Fork Campground - Mendocino National Forest

Driving directionsLocated 9.5 miles west of Stonyford on Road 18N03.

Accessible via Forest Road 18N03; located 9.5 miles west of Stonyford.

Nearby places

Stonyford - 9.5 miles

Reviews from booking and map sources

5.0

6 reviews

Top-Rated

South Fork Campground - Mendocino National Forest is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews

Reviewers are very positive about South Fork Campground, describing it as a memorable, pleasant place to camp, ride, and spend time with family. Many comments reflect long-term, nostalgic connections to the area and a strong desire to return.

Review Summaries

Based on 6 reviews

What Campers Love

Campers highlight the campground as extremely pleasant for weekend trips and family outings. Reviewers also praise the area for dirt bike riding and note nice views of the campground when driving in...

Based on 6 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

This location seems well-suited for group or family trips and for visitors interested in off-road/dirt bike riding. Consider planning a weekend stay to fully enjoy the setting and views driving in...

Based on 6 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Extremely pleasant place to spend the weekend. The wives and I will be returning in the future." "Great place to ride dirt bike.nice view of camp grounds coming in and leaving" "My dad an my hole...

Based on 6 reviews