South Fork Campground
01 reviewSouth Fork Campground
$15.00 - $15.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$15.00
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 overnight fee for a single site is $15 per night. Interagency Senior/Access Recreation Passes provide a 50% discount on single campsites occupied by the pass holder. Payment is accepted via cash or check, and a self-service fee station is available.
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About this campground
Discover your perfect mountain escape at South Fork Campground, where crystal-clear waters of the South Fork Burnt River dance through towering pines and firs in the heart of Wallowa-Whitman National Forest. This beautifully reconstructed haven, refreshed in 2008, welcomes adventurers with 12 versatile tent/trailer sites and 2 secluded tent-only spots, all thoughtfully designed with convenient pull-through parking. Whether you're casting a line into pristine waters, exploring scenic hiking trails, pursuing game in season, or revving up for thrilling rides on the renowned Blue Mountain OHV Trails, this mountain sanctuary serves as your ideal basecamp for Eastern Oregon adventures.
South Fork Campground accommodates tent and trailer campers, with specific sites designated for tents only.
Weather and SeasonsExperience the crisp, dry mountain air that defines this high-country paradise, where summer days warm to a pleasant 88°F under azure skies, perfect for outdoor adventures. As seasons shift, the campground transforms into a wonderland dusted with snow, offering a dramatic change of scenery for those who venture here in the colder months. The low humidity and clear skies create ideal conditions for stargazing and comfortable camping throughout most of the year.
ElevationPerched at a refreshing 4,400 feet above sea level, South Fork Campground offers a natural air-conditioning system courtesy of Mother Nature. This elevated paradise provides welcome relief from summer heat, where cool mountain breezes whisper through ancient conifers and temperatures drop delightfully as evening approaches, creating perfect conditions for campfire gatherings and restful nights under star-studded skies.
Natural Features and SceneryStep into a living postcard where majestic Ponderosa pines and stately Douglas firs create a natural cathedral overhead, their branches filtering sunlight into dancing patterns on the forest floor. The South Fork Burnt River weaves through this verdant tapestry, its melodic waters providing both a stunning backdrop and nature's own soundtrack. Alder trees line the waterway while vibrant wildflower displays of delicate wild roses and striking columbine paint splashes of color throughout the understory. Select campsites offer coveted creekside locations where you can fall asleep to the gentle lullaby of flowing water and wake to the sight of morning mist rising from the stream.
Geological RegionImmerse yourself in the diverse ecosystem of the Wallowa-Whitman National Forest, where South Fork Campground showcases the region's remarkable riparian habitat. This ecological treasure trove thrives where water meets forest, creating a lush corridor along the South Fork Burnt River. Here, towering Ponderosa pines and Douglas firs dominate the canopy while moisture-loving alders cluster near the water's edge. The understory bursts with life, from dense shrub thickets to delicate wildflower meadows featuring native wild roses and elegant columbine, all contributing to this vibrant mountain ecosystem that supports an abundance of wildlife and endless photographic opportunities.
Campsite details
AccessibilityThe vault toilets are wheelchair accessible, but additional accessibility details are not provided.
Sites SizeStandard-sized parking aprons consisting of grass, dirt, and gravel.
Sites PrivacyMost campsites have fair privacy with some sites adjacent to the creek, although a thick understory can make pitching tents challenging.
Total Campsites13 campsites
Recommended CampsitesSites adjacent to the creek offer both a scenic view and the sound of running water but may have challenges due to thick understory.
Reserving a campsite
Stay Limit
Maximum stay of 14 days.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutThe campground stretches along the South Fork Burnt River with 12 tent/trailer sites and 2 tent-only sites. Pull-through trailer parking is available.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen seasonally from May 15 to October 15.
Reservation PlatformsReservations are not supported; sites are available on a first-come-first-served basis.
Walk-in AvailabilityAll sites are first-come, first-served. Visitors should arrive early during peak season to secure a spot.
Amenities available
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
South Fork Campground provides opportunities for a range of outdoor activities. Campers can enjoy hiking, fishing for rainbow trout in the South Fork Burnt River, hunting, and OHV trail riding, particularly on the nearby Blue Mountain OHV Trails.
Fishing
Fishing is a popular activity here, with rainbow trout available in the South Fork Burnt River.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- No specific fire policies are mentioned, but general rules apply.
- Quiet hours are 10:00 PM to 6:00 AM.
Hazards
General hazardsSome campsites have thick understory that may pose challenges. Road access transitions to gravel, which may require vehicles with better traction.
Weather forecast
71
°F
Aug 26
Tuesday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
Humidity: 51%
Moderately humid conditions
Wind: 2.7 mph
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
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
Unity, OR is the nearest population center for basic emergency services.
Good to know
Peak season datesThe campground is most popular between May and September.
Trash and recyclingThe campground operates on a 'pack it in, pack it out' principle. No dedicated trash or recycling facilities are available.
Proximity to water featuresThe South Fork Burnt River flows adjacent to the campground, enhancing the camping experience.
Common complaintsPrivacy is only described as 'fair' in most campsites due to limited natural barriers.
Campground Map
Driving directionsFrom Unity, Oregon travel west in town on Highway 26 to South Fork Burnt River Road (County Road 600); Turn left on the South Fork Burnt River Road and go about 7 miles to the Forest Boundary; The road becomes Forest Road 6005 at the Forest Boundary; Continue on Forest Road 6005 for about 0.5 miles to campground; Entrance is on left side of the road.
The road becomes gravel after 4.1 miles, which may present challenges for some vehicles. The road changes to Forest Road 6005 at the Forest Boundary.Nearby places
Unity, OR (7 miles, approximately 15 minutes drive).
Nearby supplies
Groceries, fuel, and basic camping supplies can be accessed in Unity, OR, approximately 7 miles away.
Camper Reviews
0.0
1 reviews
South Fork Campground has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
Reviews for South Fork Campground highlight its serene location and suitability for a quiet getaway. However, there is limited feedback provided in the available user reviews.
Review Summaries
Based on 1 reviews
What Campers Love
Campers appreciate the peaceful environment and the ability to engage in activities such as fishing and hiking. The pull-through trailer parking and proximity to OHV trails are also viewed positively.
Based on 1 reviewsCommon Concerns
A commonly mentioned drawback is the lack of potable water and other amenities such as showers and flush toilets.
Based on 1 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Campers recommend bringing sufficient water and being prepared for the 'pack it in, pack it out' policy.
Based on 1 reviewsSeasonal Insights
The campground is most frequently used from late spring to early fall, aligning with the operational season. Seasonal weather conditions are generally favorable for camping, with mild temperatures...
Based on 1 reviewsShow more
Camper Quotes
"My favorite spot to camp and get away." - Devin Smith
Based on 1 reviewsSite-Specific Reviews
No specific site-related reviews are provided.
Based on 1 reviewsAccessibility Features
There are no reviews specifically addressing the accessibility features of the campground.
Based on 1 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
No details are included about experiences with pets at the campground.
Based on 1 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025