South Fork sits in an oak grove along a year-round stream, designed for OHV enthusiasts who want a base camp with some shade and running water. The two camping areas handle trailers up to 30 feet, but you'll need to show up in person to claim one of the 10 sites.
Campground Details
- ⛺Type
- Developed
- 💵Fee per Night
- Free
- 📍GPS
- 39.36151, -122.65259
- 🐾Pets Allowed
- No
- 📞Phone
- N/A
- 🗺️Address
- CA
The Camp
Two distinct camping areas spread through open oak woodland next to the South Fork. Ten tables and fire rings serve the sites, which can accommodate trailers up to 30 feet. The setting trades dense forest for the practical advantage of a permanent water source and decent trailer access.
What to Know
This is strictly first-come, first-served territory. No reservations, no calling ahead — you drive in and hope for an open site. Once you're there, payment happens through the Recreation.gov mobile app's QR code system, so download it before you arrive. Cell service gets spotty in these parts, and you don't want to get stuck unable to pay for your site.
The stream runs strongest in winter and early spring, which also happens to be prime fishing season. Summer likely sees lower water levels.
OHV Access
South Fork exists primarily to serve the off-highway vehicle crowd. The Forest Service partnered with California's Green Sticker fund to build and maintain OHV roads and trails throughout this area. Standard California rules apply: helmets mandatory, spark arresters required, Green or Red Sticker registration needed, sound limits at 96 dba or lower.
For current trail conditions and closures, contact the Stonyford Work Center at (530) 963-3128. They maintain a Motor Vehicle Opportunity Guide for the area that covers the network of approved routes.
Davis Flat and Fouts campgrounds sit nearby, along with various OHV trail systems and the Bathhouse Trailhead. This puts South Fork in the middle of a cluster of developed camping options rather than out on its own.