Hikers accessing the Third Fork Trailhead can set up camp directly at the trailhead in this US Forest Service campground located within Sawtooth National Forest. The campground provides multiple designated sites positioned along a creek, each equipped with a fire ring and picnic table. Most sites offer shaded areas suitable for tent camping, though the large dirt parking area east of the creek lacks shade trees and becomes hot in morning hours.
A single vault toilet serves the entire campground, and the facility operates under a no-pets policy year-round. Weekend visitors should arrive early due to limited site availability, while weekday camping tends to be quieter. The rough access road requires careful navigation, but campers gain immediate walking access to hiking trails. For additional camping options in the region, explore places to camp around Sawtooth National Forest.
Description
Third Fork Trailhead Picnic and Campground area is composed of 5 individual units and an accessible vault toilet. This area is suitable for motor homes and trailers and best suited for day use. Barrier free stock loading is available. Amenities include toilets and an accessible transfer station. Third Fork Trail (#004) is an easy multi-use trail that accesses an extensive trail system including Wahlstrom Hollow (#38) and Rim View Trails (#235), the latter a hiking/horse trail over moderate terrain. Rim View Trail is 9.5 miles long and runs from Buckskin Ridge to the confluence of Third and Fourth Forks of Rock Creek; it is open to foot and horse travel only. There is an approximate gain of 1900 ft. from the third Fork Trailhead end of the trail on Buckskin Ridge as it generally follows a gentle moderate grade of 8%. The trail crosses several live streams and for the most part goes through areas covered with sub-alpine fir and aspen trees. Excellent views of Rock Creek abound as the trail traverses the canyon rim along the west side of Rock Creek. During the winter, there is great skiing on the Rock Creek Trail, just south of this campground. Opening off the head of Rock Creek are 4 cross-country ski trails ranging in length from 1.2 to 8.1 miles; three of the trails are groomed and signed.
RV Road Trip Guides
Location
Public CampgroundThird Fork Campground is located in Idaho
Directions
From I-84 take Kimberly/Twin Falls exit @182, from Hansen, and go south on Rock Creek Road.
Coordinates
42.25364814 N
114.249169 W
Connectivity
T-MobileNo Coverage- VerizonNo Coverage
- AT&TNo Coverage
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo Coverage
- VerizonNo Coverage
- AT&TNo Coverage
Access
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- Dispersed
Features
Drive Time
- 58 min from Twin Falls, ID
- 2 hrs 12 min from Pocatello, ID
- 2 hrs 31 min from Boise, ID
- 3 hrs 4 min from Logan, UT
