USDA Forest Service · California

South Fork Campground - Mendocino National Forest

USDA Forest Service · California, United States

Open on the map Drive there Reserve Directions
Sites
4
Hookups
1 no hookups
Season
Year-round
Drinking water
Yes
Restrooms
Yes
Elevation
1,594 ft
Dark sky
Bortle class 1
Cell coverage
T-Mobile none · AT&T none · Verizon none (carriers' 4G LTE filings to the FCC, 2025-12; not measured here)
Access road
SOUTH FORK C.G. (NFSR 17N64) · bituminous surface treatment · suitable for passenger cars
Lake
Mendocino National Forest
Nearest town
Stonyford
Address
5171 Stonyford/Elk Creek Road, Stonyford, CA, 95979
Phone
N/A
Activities
Camping, Fishing, Off Highway Vehicle Trails

1 numbered sites are mapped one by one - open the site map to pick yours.

About

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.

Once on-site, you are able to pay for your campsite(s) by scanning a QR code using the Recreation.gov mobile app, and the Scan and Pay feature.

In order to utilize Scan & Pay on site, you will need to first download the free Recreation.gov mobile app https://www.recreation.gov/mobile-app prior to your arrival as some remote areas have limited or no cellular service.

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

Two large camping areas with 10 tables and fire rings.

Accomodates up to 30 foot trailers.

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.

Weather, month by month

MonthTypical highTypical lowColdest nightHottest dayYears with a night below 32°F
January57°43°25°77°2 of 11
February58°42°24°77°2 of 11
March62°43°32°87°1 of 11
April67°48°34°82°0 of 11
May80°56°42°92°0 of 11
June90°63°48°106°0 of 11
July100°72°56°110°0 of 11
August99°72°60°110°0 of 11
September90°66°54°100°0 of 11
October80°58°45°96°0 of 10
November63°48°35°84°0 of 10
December56°43°25°74°1 of 10

Mid-month figures from 2016–2026 of daily weather at this spot (ERA5 reanalysis via Open-Meteo, CC BY 4.0), in °F. Typical is the median; coldest and hottest are the extremes seen.

Nearby campgrounds

All public campgrounds in California · Every state and province · Facts read from the operator 2026-03-11. Confirm fees, rules and current status with the operator before you go.