South Fork Campground - Mendocino National Forest campground
Stonyford, California

South Fork Campground - Mendocino National Forest

Mostly first-come
4 campsites
Open in maps

4

Total Campsites

Campground

Reservable Sites

Mostly first-come

Accessible

ADA-compliant sites

Organization

Managing agency

Overview

About South Fork Campground - Mendocino National Forest

Overview This location is available on a first-come, first-served basis only. Visitors are required to physically arrive at the campground to purchase and claim a site. Scan & Pay option coming Spring 2025! Recreation River and stream fishing is popular in the winter and early spring when the stream is in full flow. The Forest Service in cooperation with the State of California Off-Highway Vehicle Fund, (Green Sticker), has developed roads, trails, and facilities for further enjoyment of the OHV user. Remember, these are your facilities and OHV funds are being used to develop and maintain them. Forest Service roads open to Off-Highway Vehicles are considered public roads. All motorcycle riders on public lands in the State of California must wear a safety helmet meeting the standards adopted by the US Department of Transportation. State law requires all vehicles, including motorcycles to be registered. You must have a current Green or Red Sticker, or Highway License. Highway licensed vehicles must meet all standards for operating on a public highway and be operated in accordance with California state law. Your vehicle must be equipped with a properly installed Forest Service approved spark arrester in good working condition. For your safety and the safety of others, Off-Highway Vehicles must never be operated in a manner likely to endanger any person or property. Driving at excessive speeds, careless and reckless driving, racing and "wheelies" are not only prohibited, but also dangerous on forest roads and camping areas. State and Federal law prohibit operating any vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. This applies equally to the operation on Off-Highway vehicles, including those statutes prohibiting drinking while driving (CVC 23220), and drinking in a motor vehicle (CVC 23221). Motorcycles and ATVs must meet state sound requirement of 96 dba or lower. Unlicensed juveniles operating motorcycles and ATVs must be under the supervision of a licensed adult. The Stonyford Work Center (530) 963-3128 is available to provide Trail Conditions and closure information for the Grindstone District area. Stonyford Area Motor Vehicle Opportunity Guide Facilities River and stream fishing is popular in the winter and early spring when the stream is in full flow. The Forest Service in cooperation with the State of California Off-Highway Vehicle Fund, (Green Sticker), has developed roads, trails, and facilities for further enjoyment of the OHV user. Remember, these are your facilities and OHV funds are being used to develop and maintain them. Forest Service roads open to Off-Highway Vehicles are considered public roads. All motorcycle riders on public lands in the State of California must wear a safety helmet meeting the standards adopted by the US Department of Transportation. State law requires all vehicles, including motorcycles to be registered. You must have a current Green or Red Sticker, or Highway License. Highway licensed vehicles must meet all standards for operating on a public highway and be operated in accordance with California state law. Your vehicle must be equipped with a properly installed Forest Service approved spark arrester in good working condition. For your safety and the safety of others, Off-Highway Vehicles must never be operated in a manner likely to endanger any person or property. Driving at excessive speeds, careless and reckless driving, racing and "wheelies" are not only prohibited, but also dangerous on forest roads and camping areas. State and Federal law prohibit operating any vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. This applies equally to the operation on Off-Highway vehicles, including those statutes prohibiting drinking while driving (CVC 23220), and drinking in a motor vehicle (CVC 23221). Motorcycles and ATVs must meet state sound requirement of 96 dba or lower. Unlicensed juveniles operating motorcycles and ATVs must be under the supervision of a licensed adult. The Stonyford Work Center (530) 963-3128 is available to provide Trail Conditions and closure information for the Grindstone District area. Stonyford Area Motor Vehicle Opportunity Guide Natural Features Vegetation in the area is an open grove of oak trees adjacent to a year long stream. contact_info For facility specific information, please call (530) 963-3128. Nearby Attractions Davis Flat and Fouts Campgrounds are nearby, including various OHV trails. Bathhouse Trailhead is also nearby.

  • 4 total campsites listed.
  • Primarily first-come camping based on current listing data.
  • Most common site type: management (3).
  • Map coordinates are available for trip planning.
South Fork Campground - Mendocino National Forest photo 2
South Fork Campground - Mendocino National Forest photo 3

Our Take

What makes South Fork Campground - Mendocino National Forest special

South Fork Campground is the kind of place you discover by word of mouth and quietly hope stays under the radar. Nestled along the South Fork of Stony Creek in the Mendocino National Forest, this tiny four-site campground in the Northern California Coast Range offers a pared-down camping experience surrounded by oak woodlands, mixed conifers, and the soothing sound of running water. The Mendocino National Forest is the only national forest in California without a paved road running through it, and South Fork embodies that wild, untouched character. The surrounding landscape is a mosaic of grassy meadows, steep ravines, and forested ridges that support black bears, mountain lions, bald eagles, and a rich variety of wildflowers in spring. Stony Creek provides a refreshing spot to wade and cool off during the warm summer months. The campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis with a convenient Scan and Pay system — no advance reservations needed or accepted. Facilities are basic: expect a vault toilet, fire rings, and picnic tables, but no water or hookups. Pack in everything you need. The best time to visit is late spring through early fall, with May and June offering the greenest scenery and comfortable temperatures. Located near Stonyford, South Fork Campground is a genuine hidden gem for those who prefer their camping quiet, simple, and far from the crowds.

Campsite Inventory

4 sites to choose from

MANAGEMENT

3total sites

0

Reservable

0

Accessible

STANDARD NONELECTRIC

1total sites

0

Reservable

0

Accessible

Amenities & Details

Everything you need to know

Check-in time

2:00 PM

Check-out time

11:00 AM

Reservations & Contact

Plan your stay

Mostly first-come

Phone

N/A

Email

N/A

Getting There

Located 9.5 miles west of Stonyford on Road 18N03.

FAQ

Common questions

Everything you need to know before your trip to South Fork Campground - Mendocino National Forest.

How do reservations work for South Fork Campground - Mendocino National Forest?

Reservation availability for South Fork Campground - Mendocino National Forest can vary by season and campsite type. Check the contact and access section before booking.

What campsite types are available at South Fork Campground - Mendocino National Forest?

South Fork Campground - Mendocino National Forest currently lists MANAGEMENT (3), STANDARD NONELECTRIC (1).

Where is South Fork Campground - Mendocino National Forest located?

South Fork Campground - Mendocino National Forest is in California near Stonyford. Coordinates: 39.3615, -122.6526.

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