South Fork Group
Closed — Closed for the season. The campground typically operates from late spring through early fall, with closures dependent on snow conditions at 5,200 feet elevation.
Winter Storm Warning issued April 10 at 10:34AM PDT until April 12 at 11:00PM PDT by NWS Sacramento CA
* WHAT...Heavy snow expected. Total snow accumulations 1 to 2 feet above 4500 feet, with up to 3 to 4 feet at the highest peaks. Minor snowfall accumulations of 2 to 4 inches down to 4000 feet. Wind gusts as high as 50 mph. * WHERE...West Slope Northern Sierra Nevada and Western Plumas County/Lassen Park Counties. * WHEN...From 5 PM this afternoon to 11 PM PDT Sunday. * IMPACTS...Travel could be very difficult to impossible. The hazardous conditions could impact the this evenings commute and weekend mountain travel. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Snow levels generally remain above pass levels through this afternoon, dropping to around 6000-7000 ft tonight-Saturday, then lowering to around 4000-5000 ft Sunday. Heavy snowfall rates of 1-2 inch per hour, with the heaviest snowfall Saturday afternoon through Sunday.
About
South Fork Group Campground is the largest group camping facility in the Crystal Basin Recreation Area, nestled within the vast Eldorado National Forest at 5,200 feet elevation. Positioned between Union Valley Reservoir and Loon Lake, this remote campground offers visitors a true backcountry camping experience with excellent access to water-based recreation. The campground can be reserved as a single large group site accommodating up to 125 people or divided into multiple single-family sites. A group cooking area with food preparation tables and double grills is provided, along with individual campfire rings with grills at each site. The South Fork of the Rubicon River is within walking distance, providing excellent fishing, swimming, and other water sports. Nearby Gerle Creek Reservoir, located 5 miles north, offers a peaceful mountain lake setting where motorized boating is prohibited. This is a primitive campground with vault toilets but no drinking water available on-site. Visitors must bring their own water or treat water from streams and nearby boat ramps. Bears are active in the area, and all food must be stored in appropriate containers. The campground is accessed via a gated road, with the combination provided after reservation. The remote location and seasonal operation make this an ideal destination for groups seeking an authentic forest camping experience.
Directions
Travel 21 miles east from Placerville on Highway 50 and turn left on Ice House Road. Go 25 miles north and turn left on South Fork Road. The campground is a mile from the turn-off, on the right side of the road.
Nearby Campgrounds
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | No |
| Water Hookups | No |
| Sewer Hookups | No |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $100 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | 50ft |
| Max Trailer Length | 50ft |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (530) 644-2324 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | Yes |
| Verizon | Yes |
| T-Mobile | Yes |
Availability
Photos
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