South Fork Campground
4.657 reviews47050 Generals Highway, Three Rivers, CA 93271, USA
South Fork Campground
$3.00 - $6.00 / 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$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Camping fee is $6 per night for up to six people. Senior or Access Pass holders receive a 50% discount, reducing the fee to $3 per night.
About this campground
Tucked away in the pristine wilderness of Sequoia National Park, South Fork Campground offers adventurers a truly off-the-grid experience along the rushing waters of the South Fork Kaweah River. This intimate, primitive campground beckons those seeking solitude in nature's raw embrace. Currently closed due to damage from powerful winter storms and landslides, this remote sanctuary typically provides a peaceful retreat far from civilization's reach. When open, its primitive facilities and challenging access road make it a haven exclusively for tent campers ready to disconnect and immerse themselves in the untamed beauty of California's foothills.
South Fork Campground is a primitive camping option with ten tent-only sites. It is not suitable for RVs, trailers, or large groups due to limited amenities and challenging access roads.
Historical SignificanceEach spring, South Fork Campground becomes the stage for one of nature's most enchanting performances - the arrival of countless ladybugs that transform the landscape into a living, moving tapestry of red and black. This remarkable phenomenon has drawn nature enthusiasts and photographers for generations, creating a seasonal pilgrimage to witness these tiny beetles congregating in massive numbers among the emerging wildflowers and warming rocks.
Weather and SeasonsPerched at 3,600 feet elevation, South Fork experiences nature's full seasonal symphony. Summer transforms the landscape into a sun-drenched haven where temperatures soar and the river becomes a welcome companion for cooling off. As autumn arrives, the heat gradually yields to crisp mountain air. Winter brings dramatic change as Pacific storms sweep through, painting the peaks with snow and filling the river with rushing snowmelt. Spring emerges as perhaps the most magical season, when wildflowers carpet the hillsides and perfect camping weather returns to this mountain paradise.
ElevationRising 3,600 feet into the Sierra Nevada foothills, South Fork Campground occupies a sweet spot between the valley floor and the high country. This mid-elevation perch creates a unique microclimate where summer days bask in warm sunshine perfect for river play, while evenings bring cool mountain breezes ideal for campfire gatherings. Winter transforms this elevation into a temperamental wonderland where rain dominates but occasional snowflakes dust the landscape, reminding visitors of the higher peaks looming above.
Natural Features and SceneryThe melodic soundtrack of the South Fork Kaweah River sets the scene at this wilderness retreat, where crystal-clear waters cascade over granite boulders and create inviting swimming holes. Towering oaks and pines frame dramatic vistas of the surrounding foothills, while a network of hiking trails beckons explorers deeper into the backcountry. The campground serves as a natural amphitheater where morning mist dances above the river, golden hour paints the canyon walls, and star-filled nights reveal the Milky Way in all its glory.
Geological RegionHidden within the rugged foothills of Sequoia National Park's western boundary, South Fork Campground occupies a dramatic geological transition zone where ancient granite meets sedimentary rock. The South Fork Kaweah River has carved this remote canyon over millennia, creating a landscape of weathered boulders, steep canyon walls, and river terraces that tell the story of California's dynamic geological past. This secluded corner of the park remains one of its wildest and least accessible areas, preserving the raw beauty that defines the Sierra Nevada foothills.
Campsite details
AccessibilityThere are currently no designated accessible campsites, and the uneven, unpaved terrain makes wheelchair access difficult. However, the park aims to improve accessibility features in the future.
Sites Privacy"Super quiet and secluded even from the other camp sites," as described by a user review.
Total Campsites10 campsites
Recommended CampsitesSome reviews recommend sites close to the river for better access and quietude.
Best Campsitesnull
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
24 hours for first-come-first-serve arrivals.
Check-out
By checkout time the day after arrival for staffed facilities.
Stay Limit
14 days maximum stay
Guests Allowed Per Site
Up to six people per site.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutAll 10 campsites are tent-only and located along the river, with food storage lockers provided to prevent bear interactions.
Open and Closed SeasonClosed indefinitely due to damage from winter storms.
Reservation PlatformsNot applicable, reservations unavailable.
Walk-in AvailabilityAll sites are first-come, first-served.
Cancellation PolicyNo reservations available, all sites are first-come, first-served. Cancellations incur a $10 fee and may forfeit the first night's fee if canceled late.
Amenities available
Food storage lockers
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
South Fork Campground offers a quiet, secluded environment suitable for relaxation, with opportunities to access the South Fork of the Kaweah River and nearby hiking trails. Activities are limited due to the campground's remote location and current closure.
Hiking
The campground provides access to hiking trails, including the Ladybug Trail. Trails are described by visitors as clean and less frequented, making them ideal for nature enthusiasts seeking solitude.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Fire restrictions are common during summer due to dry conditions. Wood and charcoal fires may be prohibited during periods of high fire danger.
- Quiet hours are null
Hazards
General hazardsFlood and landslide damage has rendered the campground inaccessible. Black bears are active in the area, and visitors must store food properly.
Active alertsClosure due to winter storm damage. Additionally, South Fork Road is also closed due to roadway damage.
Weather forecast
83
°F
Aug 26
Tuesday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 24%
Very dry conditions, stay hydrated
Wind: 5.4 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Overcast
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
Closest emergency services located in the town of Three Rivers.
Good to know
Peak season datesnull
Trash and recyclingTrash and recycling collection are available year-round. Campers are encouraged to properly dispose of waste to protect wildlife.
Proximity to water featuresLocated near the South Fork of the Kaweah River.
Common complaintsSome reviews mention squatters living in the campground, creating an uncomfortable environment for others. Complaints of unpleasant smoke from improper firewood use.
HostNo staff on-site.
Campground Map
47050 Generals Highway, Three Rivers, CA 93271, USA
Driving directionsTake Highway 198 to the town of Three Rivers. Five miles before the main Sequoia park entrance, turn onto South Fork Road and travel east for 12.3 miles. The paved road ends a short distance before you reach South Fork Campground, and a dirt road continues to the campsites, ending at the Ladybug Trailhead. The dirt portion of the road is rough, and cars with low clearance are not recommended.
The dirt road to the campground is completely impassable to vehicles due to extensive damage from winter storms. Cars with low clearance are not recommended for the dirt portion of the road leading to the Ladybug Trailhead.Nearby places
Three Rivers (12.3 miles)
Nearby supplies
Closest supplies available in the town of Three Rivers.
Camper Reviews
4.7
7 reviews
South Fork Campground is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews highlight the campground's peaceful and secluded environment, along with its proximity to hiking trails and the river. However, some reviews mention concerns about unauthorized long-term stays by other visitors and the lack of day-use parking.
Review Summaries
Based on 7 reviews
What Campers Love
"Super quiet and secluded even from the other camp sites," and "an amazing hidden campground" are frequently praised aspects. Visitors also appreciate the clean and less trafficked trails.
Based on 7 reviewsCommon Concerns
Concerns include the presence of unauthorized long-term campers, lack of day-use parking, and challenging access roads. One user noted that "the road is meant for off-road vehicles" and described the...
Based on 7 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Campers are advised to prepare for the challenging access road, which is rough and unsuitable for low-clearance vehicles. Visitors should also bring sufficient water and plan for the lack of cell...
Based on 7 reviewsShow more
Seasonal Insights
Weather at this campground features hot and dry summers and cooler, rainy winters, with occasional snow. Springtime is noted for its unique sight of ladybugs, as described by a user: "During spring...
Based on 7 reviewsShow more
Camper Quotes
"With the new reserve system at the main park, this was a super great place to camp," noted one visitor. Another observed that "the trails are very nice and clean since not everyone goes there." A...
Based on 7 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Specific campsite reviews are not available, but users generally describe the area as quiet and secluded.
Based on 7 reviewsAccessibility Features
No detailed accessibility reviews are available, but the terrain is uneven and unpaved.
Based on 7 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pets are allowed, but they must be leashed at all times. No specific reviews about pet-friendly experiences are noted.
Based on 7 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025