South Fork Campground
San Bernardino National Forest

Barton Flats, San Bernardino National Forest, CA
Barton Flats, San Bernardino National Forest, CA

South Fork Campground
San Bernardino National Forest


South Fork Campground

South Fork Campground is in the San Bernardino National Forest, 39 miles northeast of the city of San Bernardino. The campground is located off Highway 38, the Rim of the World Scenic Byway. Campers who pull into South Fork Campground are close to several good hiking trails, including the Santa Ana River Trail. Pretty little Jenks Lake is only a short drive away, offering non-motorized boating and fishing. Popular Big Bear Lake is about a half-hour drive farther up Highway 38. There, visitors enjoy boating, waterskiing, fishing, and hiking.

At the Grayback Amphitheater, 2-miles west on Highway 38, the San Gorgonio Wilderness Association provides evening educational programs on most Saturdays and Sundays throughout the summer months.

South Fork Campground is a first-come, first-served camping area; no reservations are available. The campground has 24 campsites for RVs, trailers, and tents. Unlike most other campgrounds in the area, South Fork has vault toilets and no showers. Nevertheless, South Fork Campground offers attractive, mostly level sites with pretty settings among mature pines. The campground is beside the Santa Ana River near its convergence with the South Fork River.

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South Fork Campground Basics
South Fork Campground Location: 32 miles northeast of Redlands on Highway 38
Elevation: 6,300 feet
Mileage/Driving Time: Redlands - 32 miles; 43 minutes
Big Bear Lake - 22 miles; 32 minutes
Number of Campsites: 24
Campground Open: Mid-May - late September
Max. People per Site: 8 (including children)
Vehicles per Site: 2 vehicles, 2nd vehicle $7 per night
Double sites 2nd vehicle free
Pets: On leash, always attended
Big Bear Discovery Center: (909) 382-2790

Reservations
Reservations: No reservations are available; all campsites are first-come, first-served
Maximum RV/Trailer Length: 30 feet
Accessible Sites: None designated
Fees: $29 per night for single sites ($2 more on holiday weekends)
Check-in, check-out: 2:00 PM, Noon

South Fork Campground Amenities
Campsites: Picnic table, fire ring with grill, no hook-ups
Campground: Restrooms with vault toilets, tap water
Showers: No
Dump station: No, but available at neighboring Barton Flats Campground for $10
Attractions near South Fork Campground:
  • Stroll over to the Santa Ana River to fish or hike along the Santa Ana River Trail.
  • Take the Lost Creek Trail from the campground over Grinnell Ridge to South Fork Meadow.
  • Hike the 2½-mile Rio Monte Trail from the campground up to Rio Monte Panorama, overlooking the deep gorge of the Santa Ana River Valley.
  • Hike the Jenks Lake Trail.
  • Enjoy non-motorized boating at Jenks Lake.
  • Fish at Jenks Lake for bass, bluegill, sunfish, and catfish.




South Fork Campground, San Bernardino National Forest, CA

South Fork Campground


General Camping Information

Not all campsites can accommodate trailers or RVs of all lengths. Check carefully on the reservation site when you make your reservation to be sure your vehicle will fit your campsite.

Accessible Sites

Designated Accessible sites are usually reserved for people with disabilities who have a vehicle displaying an accessible parking placard or license plate.




South Fork Campground, San Bernardino National Forest, CA

South Fork Campground

San Bernardino National Forest
Attractions and Activities

Campers staying at South Fork Campground are close to many fine attractions, including the Santa Ana River and Jenks Lake.

  • Head over to Jenks Lake for fishing for bass, catfish, bluegill, and rainbow trout.
  • Enjoy the Jenks Lake Day Use Area with restrooms, picnic sites, shore and dock fishing, and hiking.
  • Stop by the Barton Flats Visitor Center and participate in nature walks, interpretive programs, and an astronomy program. Attend the annual Forest Festival held in mid-August.
  • Pick fresh apples in the fall at nearby Stenson Creek Ranch.
  • Drive to Big Bear Lake and take advantage of boat rentals and get out on the lake for fishing, wakeboarding, and waterskiing.
  • Explore the lake's shoreline by paddleboard, canoe, or kayak.
  • Find out about everything around the Big Bear Lake area at the Big Bear Discovery Center
  • Find excellent mountain biking and road cycling opportunities in the area.
  • In the summer Snow Summit has scenic Sky Chairlift rides, sight-seeing, hiking, mountain biking, and golf.
  • Have fun at Alpine Slide. They have an alpine slide, a water slide, go-karts, and miniature golf.
  • Trail rides at Baldwin Lake Stables
  • Tour the interesting Big Bear Historical Museum.
  • Play a set or two of tennis or a round of golf.
  • For even more excitement, head out to Action Zipline Tours.


Key South Fork Campground Regulations

  1. Campfires are only permitted in provided fire rings.
  2. Quiet Hours run from 10:00 PM to 6:00 AM.
  3. Dogs are required to be on leash and always attended.
  4. Avoid problems with bears by securing food in bear-proof containers or your trunk or RV. Use bear boxes if available.
  5. Prevent the spread of invasive insects by obtaining firewood locally.

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