Three Rivers Visitors: Sequoia’s South Fork Road Has Reopened, but the Campground Remains Closed

THREE RIVERS / SEQUOIA NATIONAL PARK — October 27, 2026. Visitors entering foothill areas near Three Rivers may see a confusing combination of good and bad access news: the South Fork Road within Sequoia National Park is listed as open after flood and landslide repairs, but South Fork Campground remains closed, and drivers cannot reach the former trailhead parking area shown on some older maps.

What the National Park Service reports

The park’s road-condition guidance says the section of South Fork Road under NPS jurisdiction is open to public access following construction to address previous storm damage. It cautions that the route is unpaved in places and recommends a high-clearance vehicle.

That reopening does not restore every former destination. The NPS says the road does not allow driving to the old trailhead parking area at its end. Some trails in the South Fork drainage are also not currently passable for stock travel. Hikers should confirm individual trail conditions before setting out.

Camping is a different question

South Fork Campground is closed in 2026 due to past flood and landslide damage, according to the park’s current conditions page. A map showing a campground name does not mean reservations or overnight stays are available. The same NPS page separately identifies other open campgrounds, some of which require reservations.

Plan for foothill hazards

Visitors should be prepared for rocky, rough surfaces, variable weather and swift river conditions. The NPS emphasizes that cold and fast-moving rivers, slippery rocks and unstable banks can be dangerous even during mild weather. Repaired access roads are not necessarily suitable for low-clearance vehicles.

Primary sources: National Park Service — road status, South Fork access and former trailhead limitations; NPS current visitor conditions and South Fork Campground closure.

See Three Rivers News and the separate Mineral King Road seasonal closure guide.

Editor’s note: Road access, campground availability and trail conditions are distinct. This article reports NPS information available October 27, 2026, not on-site inspection by California58.

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