California · Hiking · Near Bear Valley

Clark Fork Campground

1.1 mi
round trip
33 ft
climb
6,229 ft
high point
Out and back
route
May–Sep
best months

Is Clark Fork Campground open right now?

Closure in the area

There's a closure order in Stanislaus National Forest. It doesn't name Clark Fork Campground, so check the source for the area it covers (2 listed).

As of · Source: USFS · Stanislaus National Forest. Agencies don't list every closure — check before you go.

Clark Fork Campground is a short, easy outing in the Summit Ranger District of Stanislaus National Forest in California, about a mile from the Forest Service's Clark Fork Campground. The route is an out-and-back of about a mile, with a low point of 6,187 feet and a high of 6,229 feet, so the climb is gentle, with only about 33 feet of elevation gain one way. The trail is natural-surface and open to both horses and bikes, which makes it a flexible choice for riders and pack animals. It is a year-round route, and the Forest Service manages the land. For comfortable weather, late spring and early fall are the sweet spots. Typical averages from the nearby Bridgeport weather station show May highs around 67°F and September highs around 78°F, while winter brings highs in the low 40s and a few snowy days each month from December through February. Sand Flat campground sits just 0.3 miles away, and the Arnot Creek hike is under a mile off. Paddlers can reach the Clark Fork about 1.6 miles away, and the Columns of the Giants climbing area is roughly 4.5 miles away.

Around this trail

Add any of these when you start a trip
  • Sleep close

    Sand Flat

    Campground

    Campground · 0.3 mi from the trail
  • Eat after

    Lake Alpine Resort

    Restaurant

    On your way back · 13 mi

Places © OpenStreetMap contributors

More in Bear Valley
  • Best time to go · May–Sep

    Best time to visit Clark Fork Campground

    Best months: May–September. Best months have typical highs of 55–85 °F, lows of 30 °F or warmer (32 °F where the station doesn't record snow), at most one snowy day and no more than 12 wet days.

    1. Jan

      43° / 10°

      5 wet · 4 snow

    2. Feb

      45° / 13°

      5 wet · 3 snow

    3. Mar

      52° / 20°

      4 wet · 3 snow

    4. Apr

      59° / 25°

      3 wet · 1 snow

    5. May

      67° / 32°

      3 wet · 1 snow

    6. Jun

      77° / 39°

      2 wet

    7. Jul

      85° / 43°

      3 wet

    8. Aug

      84° / 41°

      2 wet

    9. Sep

      78° / 34°

      2 wet

    10. Oct

      66° / 24°

      2 wet

    11. Nov

      55° / 17°

      3 wet · 1 snow

    12. Dec

      45° / 12°

      5 wet · 3 snow

    Typical high / low (°F) and days with rain or snow, 1991–2020. Measured at Bridgeport, CA, 31.8 mi away at 6,470 ft. Source: NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020.

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