The best camping near Sawtooth National Forest
Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Sawtooth National Forest adventure.
95% (76 reviews)
95% (76 reviews)
Find four-season outdoor fun in this mountainous landscape.
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Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.
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Stay at a public campground in Sawtooth National Forest
Top-rated campgrounds near Sawtooth National Forest
95%
(51)
Cactus River Ranch RV
5 sites · RVs, Tents8 acres · Salmon, ID
Currently, the property has 3 full RV hook-up with water, 30-50 amp power and septic (Site #1 - 30 amp, Site #2 - 50 & 30 amp, Site #3 - 50 & 30 amp). There is also 1 campsite for either a vehicle or tent, with access to complete bathhouse and shower facilities. Cactus River Ranch is located 12 minutes outside of Salmon, Idaho along the Salmon River. The sites have river front views with your own private river access. Hiking and mountain biking options are available right out the back door up Henry's Creek trail. Amazing fly fishing or bird watching location! Williams Lake is located 6 miles up the road and offers a variety of recreation activities including fishing, swimming, paddle-boarding, canoeing, or sight seeing.
If you are looking for an area that is out of town, THIS IS IT!!
We also have overnight stalls available for horses.
Please make sure RV tanks are empty in order to hook up to septic. No RV dump station on site.
With the river location, we get very windy conditions along the river corridor. Awnings can easily become damaged during these conditions. Please take notice and consider putting awnings away so that they don't get damaged. Along the same lines, please don't have campfires if the winds are high.
Make sure your dogs are on a leash. We have mules on the property that DO NOT like dogs. This is for the safety of your dog.
No fireworks on the premises.
NO campfires at this time, the Salmon-Challis National Forest is currently in High Fire Danger.
We do have a couple small trash cans that get dumped on Thursdays...that being said....we are NOT a dump. If trash cans are full or you have large items, please haul your trash to Lemhi County Landfill. They are open Monday-Friday: 7am-5:15pm and have dumpsters open on the weekend.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from
$45
/ night
99%
(68)
Idaho's Best Kept Secret!
3 sites · RVs2 acres · Mackay, ID
One of Idaho's most iconic peaks, often compared to the Matterhorn, will transfix you in a picture-perfect view from this campsite. On a clear night, its rosy glow is the only thing you will see just before darkness. As the night darkens further you'll be dazzled by the brightest stars against the darkest of dark skies you will ever experience. Then you'll fall asleep to the peaceful sounds of the Lost River gliding by.
In the early morning be on the lookout for the resident moose and her calf (Watch, but don't approach!!) or any of the many deer that ramble by. Then drop a fishing line into the river, just a few steps away, and catch yourself a trout or two for your breakfast.
After breakfast, get out your binoculars, cameras, and maps (you did bring them, didn't you?) and choose your day's adventure, whether it be a challenging hike up a mountain trail, a leisurely stroll to a delightful waterfall, a 20-mile trip to world-famous Sun Valley via the stunning Trail Creek Summit, or exploring the largest designated wilderness in the lower 48 states. which is, literally, just on the other side of the fence!
The road you enter the property from will also get you 20 miles deep into that wilderness along a broad river valley where you may see elk, moose, wolves, coyotes, foxes, beavers, deer, antelope, mountain goats, big horn sheep, black bears, and much more all thriving in natural abundance. Mountain lions are absent in this area, fortunately, but can be found in narrow, steep-sided canyons in other drainages nearby, if you dare.
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from
$100
/ night
100%
(8)
Salmon, Id. Remain Calm Area
1 site · RV1 acres · Salmon, ID
Learn more about this land:Mountain scenery, access to Salmon River close by, gold bug hot springs, Dusty Mule Bar and grill , Williams Lake, Hiking and biking close by. Lewis and Clark next door to Grey House B & B
Pets
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$15.40
/ night
89%
(14)
Camp Badger
1 site · RV1 acre · Leadore, ID
Gilmore Idaho is a old silver mining town that was active between the 1880's and abandon in the 1930's after the power plant caught on fire. Gilmore is a legitimate ghost town that contains old buildings, mines, cemetery, etc. Gilmore, Idaho still has numerous old buildings and mines, there is so much to explore!Learn more about this land:Gilmore Idaho is a old silver mining town that was created in the 1880's and abandon in the 1930's after the power plant caught on fire. Gilmore is a legitimate ghost town that contains old buildings, mines, cemetery, etc. Gilmore, Idaho still has numerous old buildings, mines, and mining equipment. There is so much to explore in Gilmore! BUT you must not enter any of the old buildings, or any private property.The campsite is primitive and contains a small dirt pad, fire pit, and a tent pad.Gilmore Idaho is roughly 130 mins away from Idaho Falls. The Birch Creek Charcoal Kilns are roughly 20 mins away, and Meadow Lake and Meadow Lake Campground are roughly 5 miles away on a dirt road (on top of the mountain). The Meadow Lake Campground is only open for 2 months out of the year due to the snowfall (its on top of a mountain), so this campsite (Camp Badger) is a great place to camp if you can not find a spot at the campground.Camp Badger is the only campsite available within the Gilmore town site.
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$5
/ night
100%
(5)
Taste of Romerica
2 sites · RVs, Tents3 acres · Salmon, ID
Located 3 miles south of Salmon, Idaho. Nestled in the valley of the Beaverhead Mountains, we are minutes away from amazing fishing, hunting and floating the beautiful Salmon River in the summer months. Town offers several restaurants, bars, a bakery and shopping.
Our property is in a quiet neighborhood easily accessible off the main highway into town. Outside firepit for marshmallow roasting or just to enjoy a fire.
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from
$30
/ night
100%
(2)
Lemhi River Natural Area Camping
1 site · RV, Tent5 acres · Salmon, ID
Welcome to our serene retreat along the picturesque Lemhi River. Situated on five acres downstream from a magnificent river restoration project, our property offers a haven for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers alike.
Cast your line into the pristine waters of the Lemhi River and enjoy the thrill of fishing in one of nature's finest playgrounds. As night falls, marvel at the brilliance of the star-studded sky and listen to the soothing sounds of the surrounding wilderness.
With direct access to BLM land, adventure awaits just beyond our doorstep. Lace-up your hiking boots or hop on your mountain bike to explore the scenic trails that wind through the rugged terrain. For a relaxing escape, take a short drive to Sharkey Hot Springs and immerse yourself in the rejuvenating waters.
Whether you're seeking solitude in nature or seeking adventure in the great outdoors, our unique property along the Lemhi River offers the perfect retreat for your next getaway.
Pets
Potable water
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from
$35
/ night
The best camping near Sawtooth National Forest guide
Overview
About
Named for central Idaho’s wild and jagged Sawtooth Range, the Sawtooth National Forest is a massive landscape filled with mountain lakes, towering peaks, and scenic rivers. The Sawtooth Scenic Byway travels from Shoshone to Stanley and passes by some of the most spectacular scenery in the forest. Hiking, mountain biking, rock climbing, and paddle sports are all popular ways to enjoy the Sawtooths in summer, while winter brings a playground for snow sports. Camping opportunities are plentiful, from designated campgrounds on alpine lakes to dispersed camping areas set off of remote dirt roads.
Notable campgrounds
- Best for families: Glacier View Campground
- Best for water sports: Stanley Lake Campground
- Best for hikers: Twin Lakes Campground
Tips for snagging a campsite
- Reservations are strongly recommended for popular areas including Redfish Lake, Stanley Lake, and sites along the Salmon River. Reservations are available six months in advance online and fill quickly for summer weekends and holidays.
- Some camping areas in the Sawtooths are incredibly popular. Arrive mid-week for the best chance at finding a first-come, first-served site through the weekend.
- Cabins are also available at Redfish Lake and can be reserved up to six months in advance online.
When to go
Summer is the best and busiest time for hiking, camping, and sightseeing in the Sawtooth National Forest, so visit mid-week to avoid the crowds at the lakes. Early fall can be a nice time to camp and hike as long as you bring along extra layers. Evenings can get quite chilly in the Sawtooths, even in summer. Spring brings rain, even when higher elevation trails are still covered with snow. Backcountry skiing is often best January through April.
Know before you go
- Sawtooth National Forest campgrounds often include picnic tables, fire rings, and either flush or vault toilets. RV hookups and showers are rarely available.
- Gas, groceries, and all other camping necessities are available in the Sawtooth gateway towns of Ketchum and Stanley. A general store can be found at Redfish Lake.
- Boats, kayaks, and standup paddleboards are available for rent at the Redfish Lake Marina.
- Black bears are a common sight in the Sawtooth National Forest, so follow all bear safety campground rules. Never leave food, garbage, or other scented items unattended.
- Dogs are allowed in most areas in the forest. Dogs are not allowed on beaches and in some areas in spring where their presence may threaten endangered animals.
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