South Fork Group - Eldorado Nf (Ca)
01 review7887 HIGHWAY 50, POLLOCK PINES, CA 95726, USA
South Fork Group - Eldorado Nf (Ca)
$100.00 - $100.00 / night
Campsite Fees
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$100.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Group sites are available for $100.00 per night during peak season (May 29 - October 5). Fees do not reflect discounts, taxes, or incremental charges.
About this campground
Nestled deep within the Crystal Basin Recreation Area, South Fork Group Campground stands as the region's premier gathering place for outdoor enthusiasts seeking an authentic wilderness escape. This expansive campground offers the ultimate flexibility for your adventure - whether you're planning an epic reunion for up to 125 guests in one massive group site, or prefer the intimacy of individual family camping spots scattered throughout the forest. Far from the crowds and noise of everyday life, South Fork provides that coveted remote camping experience where the only sounds are rustling pines and distant bird calls.
South Fork Group Campground is designed primarily for group camping but includes options for single-family sites. It supports primitive camping experiences with limited facilities.
Weather and SeasonsWinter transforms South Fork into a crystalline wonderland, with temperatures hovering around a crisp 44°F during the day before dipping to a cozy 29°F at night - perfect for gathering around the campfire with hot cocoa in hand. Fresh snowfall occasionally blankets the area with up to 6 inches of powder, while moderate mountain breezes whisper through the evergreens. As peak season arrives, the campground awakens to gloriously mild temperatures and seemingly endless blue-sky days, creating ideal conditions for every outdoor pursuit imaginable.
ElevationPerched at an invigorating 5,200 feet above sea level, South Fork offers that perfect sweet spot of mountain camping - high enough to escape the valley heat and enjoy crisp, pine-scented air, yet accessible enough for comfortable camping throughout the summer months. The elevation creates naturally cool conditions that turn even the warmest summer days into pleasant outdoor adventures.
Natural Features and SceneryImagine waking to misty mornings over Union Valley Reservoir, spending lazy afternoons exploring the pristine shores of Loon Lake, or casting a line into the tranquil waters of Gerle Creek Reservoir - all within easy reach of your campsite. This mountain sanctuary at 5,200 feet delivers breathtaking vistas at every turn, where towering pines frame azure waters and granite peaks pierce the horizon. The surrounding wilderness offers an ever-changing canvas of natural beauty, from wildflower meadows to rocky outcrops perfect for sunset watching.
Geological RegionSouth Fork claims its place in the heart of the magnificent Crystal Basin Recreation Area, a jewel within the vast Eldorado National Forest. This elevated paradise at 5,200 feet forms a natural bridge between the sparkling waters of Union Valley Reservoir below and the alpine splendor of Loon Lake above, creating a unique geological setting where mountain forests meet pristine waterways in perfect harmony.
Campsite details
AccessibilityNo specific accessibility features are mentioned in the provided information.
Sites SizeThe campground is designed to accommodate large groups, with a maximum capacity of 125 guests for the group site.
Sites PrivacyPrivacy levels of individual sites are not discussed in the authoritative or user reviews.
Total Campsites1 campsites
Recommended CampsitesContact the forest service early to resolve access issues related to gate combinations and ensure safe entry into the campground.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Check-in details are not explicitly mentioned.
Check-out
Check-out details are not explicitly mentioned.
Stay Limit
- Maximum stay of 14 consecutive nights per visit
- 14 total nights per year.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Group sites can accommodate up to 125 guests.
Groups
The group site can accommodate up to 125 guests and includes a group cooking area with food preparation tables and double grills.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Open and Closed SeasonOpen season: May 29 - October 5. Closed out-of-season.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made through Recreation.gov.
Walk-in AvailabilityThe site is reservable online, but walk-up availability is not explicitly mentioned.
Cancellation PolicyCancellation fees include a $10 fee plus forfeiture of the first night's recreation use fee for cancellations within 14 days of the arrival date. Late cancellations may incur additional penalties.
Accomodation available
GroupGroup campsites are offered for larger parties such as families, schools, or organizations. These sites provide space and facilities to accommodate multiple people camping together.
Amenities available
Fire rings
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
South Fork Group Campground offers a variety of recreational activities. Fishing, swimming, and water sports are available at the South Fork of the Rubicon River within walking distance. Hiking, camping, biking, and hunting are also listed as main activities. Non-motorized boating and swimming can be enjoyed at Gerle Creek Reservoir, located 5 miles north of the campground.
Hiking
"Hiking" is listed as an available activity, but details on trail specifics, lengths, or difficulty levels are not provided.Fishing
Fishing is available at the South Fork of the Rubicon River near the campground. No details on types of fish or fishing conditions are included.Swimming
Swimming is available both at the South Fork of the Rubicon River and Gerle Creek Reservoir. Safety measures are not specified.Biking
Biking is mentioned as an activity, but no additional details about trails or terrain are provided.Boating
Non-motorized boating is available at Gerle Creek Reservoir, a peaceful location where motorized boating is prohibited to maintain tranquility.Winter Activities
No specific winter activities are mentioned.Water Sports
Water sports are available at the South Fork of the Rubicon River, but exact details are not provided.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Fires are restricted to existing metal campfire rings only.
Hazards
General hazardsBears frequent the area. Use bear-proof food storage practices. The campground lacks drinking water and electricity.
Active alertsNo active alerts were noted.
Weather forecast
82
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 25%
Very dry conditions, stay hydrated
Wind: 7.6 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Clear sky
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
For emergencies, the Eldorado National Forest office can be contacted at 530-644-6048. Specific nearby hospitals or ranger stations were not mentioned.
Good to know
Peak season datesMay 29 - October 5 (annually).
Trash and recyclingNo information is provided regarding trash and recycling facilities at the campground.
Proximity to water featuresThe South Fork of the Rubicon River is within walking distance, and Gerle Creek Reservoir is 5 miles north of the campground.
Common complaintsReviews mention difficulties with navigation to the campground due to poor signage and inaccurate coordinates on mapping platforms. Issues with gate access combinations were also reported.
HostHosts or attendants were not explicitly mentioned.
Campground Map
7887 HIGHWAY 50, POLLOCK PINES, CA 95726, USA
Driving directionsTravel 21 miles east from Placerville on Highway 50 and turn left on the Ice House Road. Go 25 miles north and turn left on South Fork Road. The campground is a mile from the turn-off, on the right side of the road.
The road to the campground is poorly marked, with no signage indicating its location until you arrive at the gate. The layout of Wentworth Springs Road makes it easy to turn off early and get lost.Nearby places
Placerville (21 miles, approximately 30 minutes)
Nearby supplies
Drinking water is not available at the campground. Visitors can boil stream water or fill up at nearby boat ramps. Specific locations for groceries, camping supplies, or fuel are not outlined.
Camper Reviews
0.0
1 reviews
South Fork Group - Eldorado Nf (Ca) has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews provide mixed feedback about the South Fork Group Campground. While some appreciate the natural beauty and amenities, others highlight significant issues such as inaccurate location information, poor signage, and gate access problems. The overall sentiment score for camping-specific reviews is 0; general reviews average 4.0.
Review Summaries
Based on 1 reviews
What Campers Love
The campground is praised for its natural surroundings and remote location, which provides a true outdoor camping experience. Amenities like campfire rings and the group cooking area are considered...
Based on 1 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Common complaints include issues with location accuracy on maps and reservation emails, difficulties obtaining the gate combination, and poor road signage leading to the facility.
Based on 1 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Users suggest contacting the Forest Service early to resolve gate access issues and ensuring familiarity with driving directions before arrival due to inadequate signage.
Based on 1 reviewsSeasonal Insights
No seasonal trends are explicitly discussed, but the campground operates from late May to early October, which aligns with warmer months conducive to outdoor activities.
Based on 1 reviewsCamper Quotes
1. "The campground is in good condition with a surprising amount of amenities, and the surrounding area is pretty." - User Review by Laura D. 2. "The road to the campground is also poorly marked,...
Based on 1 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Site-specific reviews include issues with gate access and challenges with road navigation. Specific site numbers like "001" in Loop "AREA SOUTH FORK GROUP" were mentioned by Laura D.
Based on 1 reviewsAccessibility Features
No user reviews specifically discuss accessibility features or experiences.
Based on 1 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
No reviews address pet policies or experiences.
Based on 1 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025