About South Fork Group Site - Arapaho NF (CO)
Overview South Fork Group Campground is located in north central Colorado in the Williams Fork Valley next to South Fork Creek. Many mountain streams and creeks nearby offer good fishing opportunities. South Fork is the only facility in the area designated for horse camping.Recreation The South Fork Trail begins at the campground and is one of the most popular trails in the valley. The 26-mile loop trail is open to hiking and horseback riding, and provides access to other trails in the area, including Ptarmigan Pass, Ute Peak and Jones Pass Trails. Mountain biking opportunities also exist in the valley. The Byers Peak Wilderness can be accessed nearby. Anglers enjoy trout fishing on the South Fork Creek and numerous additional streams and creeks in the surrounding area. Wildlife viewing opportunities abound.Facilities The campground offers one reservable, accessible group site that can accommodate up to 25 people. Individual sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Picnic tables, campfire rings and tents pads are provided, as are flush and pit toilets and drinking water. A small corral, for one or two horses, is located in the campground.Natural Features The campground is located in the Williams Fork Valley next to South Fork Creek at an elevation of 8,962 feet. A cool mountain climate with frequent afternoon thunderstorms should be expected. Due to the pine beetle infestation and hazardous tree removal, shade has been reduced throughout the campground. The Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests and Pawnee National Grassland sit on the foothills and peaks of the Rocky Mountains in Colorado. The forests and grassland cover 1.5 million acres and extend north to the Wyoming border, south to Mount Evans and west across the Continental Divide.Charges & Cancellations Modifications for this campground must be made through Recreation.gov or by calling the call center at 1-877-444-6777 PRIOR to your reservation start date. Customers and contact center agents
How to Get There
From Granby, Colorado, take State Highway 40 west toward Parshall, Colorado. Two miles before Parshall, turn left on County Road 3. Go approximately 18 miles on County Road 3. Turn south onto County Road 30 and travel 12 miles. Drive through a large culvert. Continue south for a half-mile and turn right into the campground.
Driving directions (Google Maps) →What to Pack for Your Stay
Tuned to the live forecast for this park.
👔 What to Wear
- 👕
Long-sleeve shirt
Synthetic or merino, sun-protective.
- 🧥
Light shell or windbreaker
Even on warm days, wind can chill (avg wind 0 mph).
- 👖
Hiking pants or convertible
Layer for variable conditions.
- 🥾
Trail runners or low boots
Comfortable, broken in.
🎒 What to Pack
- 💧
Water
Bring at least 1L of water; more in heat.
- 🍫
High-energy snacks
A snack for the trail.
- 🧴
Sun protection
Sunscreen, sunglasses, brimmed hat.
- 🩹
First-aid kit
Blister patches, ibuprofen, tape, antiseptic wipes.
- 🗺
Offline map
Download your route in advance via Gaia, Caltopo, or OSM-based apps.
Recommendations adapt to the current forecast + trail stats. Use them as a starting point — local conditions, your experience, and the time of day you start all matter.
Plan Your Visit to South Fork Group Site - Arapaho NF (CO)
Heading to South Fork Group Site - Arapaho NF (CO)? A few things to know before you go:
- Reservations: popular sites fill up fast — check Recreation.gov 6 months in advance
- Fees: day-use and camping fees vary; check current rates on the official park page
- Trash & pack-out: follow Leave No Trace principles
- Wildlife: store food in bear boxes where provided; never feed wildlife
- Weather: the 5-day forecast above is updated every 6 hours; verify just before you go
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a reservation for South Fork Group Site - Arapaho NF (CO)?
No central reservation system listed for South Fork Group Site - Arapaho NF (CO). Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/234211) for the latest entry policy and availability.
How do I get to South Fork Group Site - Arapaho NF (CO)?
From Granby, Colorado, take State Highway 40 west toward Parshall, Colorado. Two miles before Parshall, turn left on County Road 3. Go approximately 18 miles on County Road 3. Turn south onto County Road 30 and travel 12 miles. Drive through a large culvert. Continue south for a half-mile and turn right into the campground.
References & Official Resources