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Established Camping

Chemeketan Campground

Chemeketan Campground, near Stanley, Idaho, is a fantastic place for those looking to immerse themselves in nature without the distractions of modern life. Tucked away in the Sawtooth National Forest, this campground offers a peaceful escape with stunning mountain views and a serene atmosphere.

The campground features designated sites with picnic tables and fire pits, perfect for cozy evenings under the stars. Visitors have noted the beauty of the area, with one camper calling it "absolutely beautiful" and expressing excitement to return. While there are no showers or water hookups, the drinking water is available, so be sure to pack accordingly.

For outdoor enthusiasts, Chemeketan Campground is a gateway to adventure. There’s a trailhead nearby that connects to the Idaho Centennial Trail, offering opportunities for hiking and exploring the breathtaking landscape. Wildlife sightings, including mule deer and pronghorn, add to the charm, providing entertainment as you unwind after a day of activities.

With its secluded feel and proximity to the headwaters of the Salmon River, this campground is ideal for those seeking tranquility and natural beauty. Whether you're pitching a tent or parking your RV, Chemeketan Campground is a great choice for a memorable outdoor experience.

Description

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.

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.

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Location

Chemeketan Campground is located in Idaho

Detail location of campground

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

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Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site

Stay Connected

  • WiFi
    Available
  • Verizon
    Unknown
  • AT&T
    Unknown
  • T-Mobile
    Available

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • RV Sites
  • Standard (Tent/RV)
  • Group

Features

For Campers

  • Trash
  • Picnic Table
  • Reservable
  • Drinking Water
  • Toilets
  • Alcohol
  • Fires

Reviews

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5 Reviews

Reviewed May. 10, 2024

Didn’t make it all the way- excited to come back

We were very excited to check out this campground. Located 4 miles off Hwy 75, we only made it 1.5 up the road before snow prevented us from going further. We can’t wait to come back when it’s warmer and leave a full review.

Month of VisitMay
Reviewed Jul. 4, 2021

Wonderful

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.

Month of VisitJuly
Reviewed May. 8, 2021

Hidden gem

Absolutely beautiful. Definitely coming back

Month of VisitJuly
  • Review photo of Chemeketan Campground by Alex S., May 8, 2021
  • Review photo of Chemeketan Campground by Alex S., May 8, 2021
  • Review photo of Chemeketan Campground by Alex S., May 8, 2021
  • (5) View All
Reviewed Jul. 26, 2019

Source 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).

Site8
Month of VisitJune
  • Review photo of Chemeketan Campground by Annie C., July 26, 2019
  • Review photo of Chemeketan Campground by Annie C., July 26, 2019
  • Review photo of Chemeketan Campground by Annie C., July 26, 2019
  • (12) View All

Frequently Asked Questions

  • How much does it cost to camp at Chemeketan Campground?

    Camping at Chemeketan Campground can cost between $100.00 and $200.00 depending on the site.

  • What is the max vehicle length at Chemeketan Campground?

    Chemeketan Campground allows vehicles up to 30 feet.

  • Are fires allowed at Chemeketan Campground?

    Yes, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, fires are allowed at Chemeketan Campground, although make sure to check current fire restrictions in the area.

  • Is there cell phone reception at Chemeketan Campground?

    According to campers on TheDyrt.com, Verizon signal is unknown, AT&T is unknown, and T-Mobile is available.

  • How hard is it to get a campsite at Chemeketan Campground?

    Some campers book as far as 6 months in advance, so on high-demand weekends it can be very difficult to get a campsite at Chemeketan Campground. If you want to get a last-minute campsite at Chemeketan Campground, try setting up a text message Alert atTheDyrt.com/alerts

  • Why is it so hard to get a campsite at Chemeketan Campground?

    There are 1 campsites at Chemeketan Campground and over 80 million Americans who camp! Try snagging a cancellation by setting up a text message Alert atTheDyrt.com/alerts