Established Camping
Chemeketan Campground
About
National Forest
Sawtooth National Forest
Overview
Chemeketan Campground sits near the headwaters of the Salmon River, at the foot of the Sawtooth Mountain Range.
Recreation
This site is part of the Sawtooth National Recreation Area, where outdoor activities abound. The Salmon River offers excellent fishing for rainbow trout, westslope cutthroat trout and occasional hybrid cutbows and bull trout. The Idaho Centennial Trail can be easily accessed nearby. Alturas, Perkins, Pettit and Yellowbelly Lakes are nearby, with fishing, canoeing and hiking.
Facilities
This campground is reached via dirt road, however visitors must ford a stream before reaching the site. Trucks, RVs and cars with higher clearance should have no trouble crossing the stream. The campground offers one group site than can accommodate up to 150 people. If it is not reserved, it is available as a group site or individual sites on a first come, first served basis. Vault toilets, tables and grills are provided.
Natural Features
Chemeketan is a secluded, peaceful campground situated among lodgepole pines, which provide partial shade. Rugged peaks of the Sawtooth Range surround the area and the Salmon River flows at the campground's edge. Temperatures are cool, with an average summer high of 78 degrees and a low of 40 degrees.
Nearby Attractions
The Sawtooth National Recreation Area offers a myriad of excellent hiking and biking opportunities, and an estimated 750 miles of trails crisscross the valley and surrounding mountains. Popular area events include an Arts and Crafts Fair in July, and Wagon Days, Salmon Festival, Quilt Fair and Fireman's Ball in September.
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
Stay Connected
- WiFiUnknown
- VerizonUnknown
- AT&TUnknown
- T-MobileUnknown
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Group
Features
For Campers
- Trash
- Picnic Table
- Drinking Water
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Fires
ScoutWonderful
It has been a long time since I have been there. Not a lot of amminites then. Best scenery and lots of tent sites away from crowds. Will go back again.
GuideHidden gem
Absolutely beautiful. Definitely coming back
- (5) View All
LegendSource of the River of No Return
I was surprised to have the entire campground to myself. While this is primarily a group campground, single sites are plenty here as well. I am assuming you can reserve campsites, but the iron ranger was accommodating for me. Sites are either open in the meadow or with nice trees for a hammock(I went with trees for shade), and all sites have the standard picnic tables and firepits. What I like about the firepits is the built in grill. There is no water available in the campground, so pack in(I am not sure about filtering from the river, it’s kind of marshy to get there). The campground was down a very dusty road, but it was near the headwaters of the Salmon River, AKA the RIver of No Return. There is a trailhead a short walk from the campground that puts you on the Idaho Centennial Trail, and I think there is a trail that takes you to the actual headwaters of the river. I didn’t hike much of it as I was alone and without bear spray. In the evening the mule deer and pronghorn come down to the meadow to graze and the river to drink, so there is great entertainment as the sun sets. Not bad for$10 a night(for a single site).
- (12) View All
Location
Chemeketan Campground is located in Idaho
Directions
From Stanley, Idaho, take Highway 75 south. Turn southwest off highway onto a dirt road located between mile markers 163 and 162. The campground is located 4 miles beyond the turnoff. Fording a stream is necessary to access the campground.
Address
SAWTOOTH NRA
Stanley, ID
Coordinates
43.8475 N
114.7566667 W