Clark Fork Campgrounds

Stanislaus National Forest

Stanislaus National Forest, California
Stanislaus National Forest, California

Clark Fork Campgrounds
Stanislaus National Forest


Clark Fork Campgrounds

Projected Opening Date for 2024 Season: May 17, weather permitting

Clark Fork Campground and the Clark Fork Horse Camp are neighboring camping areas along the Clark Fork of the Stanislaus River, about 25 miles east of Pinecrest. The Clark Fork is popular with anglers who find miles of great fishing all the way up to Iceberg Meadow and beyond. Hiking trails lead out into the Carson-Iceberg Wilderness.

RV Camping and Tent Camping at Clark Fork Campground

The Clark Fork Campground is divided into two loops. Both loops have paved parking pads. The A Loop has 28 sites for RV camping and tent camping with vault toilets. The B Loop has 60 campsites for RV camping and tent camping with flush toilets. Double sites are available on both loops. Three sites near the first restroom in the B Loop are accessible. All the campsites at the main campground have drinking water readily available. There is no fee for parking extra cars in the campground.

The Clark Fork Horse Camp is separate from the standard campground. TheHorse Camp has 13 campsites, a few of them with tables. There is also a group site. The campground has vault toilets, but no potable water. Visitors will find a watering trough for horses.

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Clark Fork Campground Basics
Clark Fork Campground Location: Off Clark Fork Road, 5 miles from Highway 108 and 25 miles east of Pinecrest
Elevation: 6,130 feet
Miles/Driving time: Sonora - 50 miles, 1:10
Camping Season: Open May through October, weather permitting
Number of Sites: Clark Fork Campground - 88 sites
Clark Fork Horse Campground - 13 sites
Max. People per Site: 6 (including children)
Vehicles per Site: 2 ($5 per night fee for un-towed 2nd vehicle)
Maximum Length of Stay: 14 days
Pets: On leash, always attended
Operated by Clark Fork Campground is operated by Dodge Ridge Corporation for the Stanislaus National Forest.
Clark Fork Horse Camp is operated by Stanislaus National Forest in partnership with Backcountry Horsemen of California - Mid Valley Unit
Summit Ranger Station: (209) 965-3434

Reservations
No Reservations: All campsites at Clark Fork Campground are first-come, first-served.
Maximum Vehicle Length: 40 feet (horse camp 22 feet)
Accessible Sites: 3 sites in B Loop
Fees: $26 per night for single site, $52 for double
Horse Camp $20 - $66
Cash only in A-Loop
Check-in, check-out: 2:00 PM, 11:00 AM

Clark Fork Campground Amenities
Campsites: Picnic table, fire ring; no hook-ups
Campground: Vault toilets, tap water
no potable water at horse camp
Showers: No
Dump Station: Yes ($6 fee)
Attractions near Clark Fork Campground: Visit Iceberg Meadow for fishing and hiking. The Carson-Iceberg Wilderness has hiking and equestrian trails. Fishing is great along the Clark Fork. Visit nearby Dardanelle Resort, Kennedy Meadows, and the Emigrant Wilderness.




Clark Fork Campground, Stanislaus National Forest, CA

Clark Fork Campground






Clark Fork Horse Campground, Stanislaus National Forest, CA

Clark Fork Horse Campground

Stanislaus National Forest Attractions

Travelers in the Stanislaus National Forest in Tuolumne County find a nice variety of activities and attractions. Those who settle in the Clark Fork Campground have excellent fishing and hiking nearby.

  • Find excellent fishing in the Clark Fork, Stanislaus River, Pinecrest Lake, Lyons Reservoir, and Beardsley Reservoir.
  • Take popular hiking trails into the Emigrant Wilderness and Carson-Iceberg Wilderness.
  • It's hard to beat Pinecrest Lake for boating and fishing.
  • Saddle up for a trail ride at Kennedy Meadows or Aspen Meadows.
  • Explore the OHV routes at Niagara Creek and other locations.
  • Take off mountain biking along the network of logging roads.
  • Find a number of dedicated Horse Camps in the area.
  • Visit nearby geologic wonders such as Columns of the Giants and Trail of the Gargoyles.
  • Stop at scenic overlooks at Donnell Vista and farther up Sonora Pass.
  • At Twain Harte enjoy weekly, outdoor summer concerts along with good restaurants and shops.
  • The Clark Fork has good camping, fishing, and hiking.
  • Kennedy Meadows offers lodging, a pack station, and a restaurant.
  • Drive up scenic Sonora Pass and over to Leavitt Meadow.

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Key Clark Fork Campground Regulations

  1. There is a limit of 3 tents or 1 RV or trailer per site.
  2. A maximum of 2 licensed vehicles (includes trailers of all kinds) may be parked at campsite. Overflow parking is available.
  3. Quiet Hours are from 10:00 PM to 6:00 AM.
  4. Generator use is limited to 3 hours per day and only between the hours of 8:00 AM and 8:00 PM.

    Check Stanislaus National Forest - Clark Fork Campground for any campground updates.
    Check Stanislaus National Forest - Clark Fork Horse Camp for any campground updates.


General Camping Information

Opening and closing dates of campgrounds are only estimates, usually dependent on weather conditions. Not all campsites can accommodate trailers or RVs of all lengths. If using a reservation website, check to be sure your vehicles will fit in the parking space for your campsite.

In order to prevent the spread of invasive insects, obtain firewood locally.

Accessible Sites

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