Third Fork Campground
4.287 reviews: null
Third Fork Campground
$0.00 - $0.00 / 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
The campground is free of charge.
About this 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.
Historical SignificanceThe stories of Third Fork remain unwritten in official records, leaving visitors to imagine the countless adventurers, wildlife, and ancient peoples who have passed through these mountain corridors over the centuries.
Weather and SeasonsSummer 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.
ElevationWhile the exact elevation remains a mystery, the thin mountain air and sub-alpine environment tell their own story of heights that touch the sky and views that stretch forever.
Natural Features and SceneryStep into a living postcard where sub-alpine firs stand sentinel alongside shimmering aspens that dance in the mountain breeze. Crystal-clear streams weave through the landscape, inviting careful crossings and moments of reflection. Hidden seasonal hot springs offer nature's own spa experience, while the gentle babbling of the creek reveals tiny trout darting through sun-dappled pools. Each bend in the trail promises new wonders, from intimate forest groves to soul-stirring moments of solitude in this mountain sanctuary.
Geological RegionRock Creek Canyon embraces Third Fork Campground in its ancient arms, where millennia of geological artistry have carved a masterpiece of stone and water. Sub-alpine firs and aspens clothe the canyon slopes in living green and gold, while gentle terrain invites exploration across babbling streams that have shaped this landscape for eons. The trail system reveals the canyon's greatest treasures—spectacular vantage points along the rim where Rock Creek winds far below, and intimate encounters with the geological forces that continue to sculpt this remarkable corner of the wilderness.
Campsite details
AccessibilityThe campground includes an accessible vault toilet and barrier-free stock loading.
Sites SizeCampsites vary in size, with some being small and close together while others are more spacious, as noted by user reviews.
Sites PrivacySite privacy is mixed. Some campsites are clustered and small, while others are spacious and provide a degree of separation. All campsites are set above the creek, requiring a short walk downhill to access the water.
Total Campsites5 campsites
Recommended CampsitesChoose creekside sites for scenic views, but be aware of noise from trailhead activity and possible wildlife hazards.
Best CampsitesMost campsites are along the creek, providing scenic views. Per Stacy Dutt, 7-8 sites have mature pine trees, metal fire pits, and picnic tables.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
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Check-out
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Stay Limit
Camping prohibited for more than 14 days within a 28-day period.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Limit of 2 vehicles per site. Not explicitly stated for guests.
Groups
Group camping specifics are not provided.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layout5 individual units, accessible vault toilet, and barrier-free stock loading.
Open and Closed SeasonMay
Reservation Platforms: null
Walk-in AvailabilityThe campground is free and operates on a first-come, first-served basis.
Cancellation Policy: null
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.
Hiking
The 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.Fishing
User 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.Swimming
Near 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 viewing
Wildlife mentioned in user reviews includes rattlesnakes and cougars, which are commonly seen in the area.Winter Activities
Winter activities are well-supported with four cross-country ski trails ranging from 1.2 to 8.1 miles in length near the Rock Creek area, with three trails being groomed and signed.Water Sports
Opportunities for non-motorized water sports such as kayaking or canoeing are not mentioned in descriptions.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Fire pits available. No specific fire policy mentioned.
- Quiet hours are : null
Hazards
General hazardsRattlesnakes and cougars are common in the area, particularly along hiking trails.
Active alertsThe campground is currently closed due to fire damage.
Weather forecast
75
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Partly cloudy
Precipitation: 0%
Strong wind, exercise caution
Humidity: 55%
Moderately humid conditions
Wind: 9.1 mph
Strong wind, exercise caution
Partly cloudy
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 are likely available through Minidoka Ranger District, Burley, ID, contact at 208-678-0430.
Good to know
Peak season dates: null
Trash and recyclingTrash services are not available. Visitors are required to pack out all their trash.
Proximity to water featuresLocated along Rock Creek with easy access to creekside trails, a swimming hole, and seasonal hot springs.
Common complaintsAggressive bees were noted by Kathleen Jacoby during some seasons, as well as disruptions from loud parties as described by Jessica Shavlik.
Host: null
Campground Map
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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.
Camper Reviews
4.3
7 reviews
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 7 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...
Based on 7 reviewsShow more
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...
Based on 7 reviewsShow more
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...
Based on 7 reviewsShow more
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...
Based on 7 reviewsShow more
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....
Based on 7 reviewsShow more
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 7 reviewsAccessibility 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 7 reviewsPet-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 7 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025