South Fork Campground
The Quick Take
South Fork is the campground that Sequoia forgot — and that's exactly why a certain type of camper loves it. Tucked along the South Fork of the Kaweah River in the low-elevation foothills, this tiny primitive camp sits at the end of a rough dirt road, a solid twelve miles off the highway and completely disconnected from the giant sequoia crowds. With just ten sites, no running water, and a six-dollar nightly fee, it's about as bare-bones as national park camping gets. The trade-off is real solitude in a riparian canyon most visitors never see, plus direct access to the Ladybug Trail and its old-growth sequoia grove. IMPORTANT CAVEAT: The campground is currently closed due to severe flood and landslide damage — check NPS status before making any plans. When it reopens, this is the spot for self-sufficient backpacker types who want Sequoia without the Sequoia crowds.
Booking
Reserve Your Campsite
All 10 sites are reservable.
What You Get
Sites & Setup
RV Information
RVs allowed. No electrical hookups.
Accessibility
Uneven, unpaved terrain in this campground. Unpaved Roads - All vehicles OK in good weather
Rules to Know
- Fires:Buy firewood at local markets, do not cut standing or living trees.
- Bear Safety:Black bears are active in this area.
Pro Tips
The dirt access road is notoriously rough on low-clearance vehicles. If you're driving a sedan, park where the pavement ends and walk the final stretch to the sites — it's short enough to haul gear with a wagon or pack, and you'll save yourself an oil pan headache.
Ladybug Trailhead sits right at the end of the road past camp, giving you walk-in access to a relatively uncrowded sequoia grove. The hike to Ladybug Camp is under four miles round trip and drops you into old growth without the parking lot circus of the Giant Forest area.
There is zero potable water here — none, not even a hand pump. Pack in every drop you'll need, and bring a reliable filter if you plan to treat river water. Also stock up on firewood in Three Rivers before you turn off the highway; there's nowhere to buy it once you're on South Fork Road.
Photos
NPS Photo
NPS Photo
NPS / Erika WilliamsGetting There
Directions
Take Highway 198 to the town of Three Rivers. Five miles before the main Sequoia park entrance, turn onto South Fork Road and travel east for 12.3 miles. The paved road ends a short distance before you reach South Fork Campground, and a dirt road continues to the campsites, ending at the Ladybug Trailhead. The dirt portion of the road is rough, and cars with low clearance are not recommended.
Get directions
