Map showing campground location near Stanley, Idaho

Camper submitted image from Lower O'Brien Campground

Lower O'Brien Campground

SUMMARY PRESENTED BY

Accessible via a narrow road that demands careful driving, Lower O'Brien Campground sits along a river corridor in Challis National Forest, open from June through Labor Day. The loop layout gives campers a choice between riverside sites with direct beach access and interior positions. Rafters pass at eye level and anglers work the banks regularly, so expect steady foot traffic along the water. Drinking water and toilets are provided. No pets are allowed. Campers planning a broader trip can browse campgrounds near Stanley or check nearby options like Upper O'Brien Campground just up the road. Arrive with a vehicle suited to single-lane mountain roads.

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Map & DirectionsLower O'Brien Campground is located in Idaho near Stanley

Public Campground

Coordinates

44.2565 N
114.6933 W

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Access

Drive-In
Park next to your site

Site Types

Tent Sites
RV Sites

Features

For Campers

Drinking Water
Toilets

Contact

General Info

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Drive Time

2 hrs 52 min from Idaho Falls, ID
3 hrs 7 min from Pocatello, ID
3 hrs 18 min from Boise, ID
3 hrs 44 min from Twin Falls, ID

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Reviews2 Camper Reviews - Lower O'Brien Campground

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5 Stars

4 Stars

3 Stars

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1 Star

5.0

out of 5

2 Reviews

Gia H.

Guide

Reviewed Jul. 19, 2026

Great spot along the Salmon River

Lower O’Brien campground is easy to get to. Would not recommend for RV’s. Off-road trailers can do it; however, no turn around spots unless you drive through the campsite. Vault toilets are clean and water is available. No trash service and no cell service. Spots are first come first served. Bring your cash - it’s easiest. Single spots are $22/night, $11/night with senior pass and access pass. Some road noise from hwy 75 during the day. Otherwise, quiet - birds and the river only.

Site1

Month of VisitJuly

Art S.

Legend

Reviewed Jul. 16, 2018

Shh... the riverside sites are perfect settings to jump in!

Keep going on the road past Lower O’Brien Campground and you see a sign warning of no turn arounds for rv’s. Don’t worry, the campground is in a loop. The road is very narrow. I don’t know what I would do if another camper met me going around that stretch.

The gurgling of the rapids occupy your attention so the vehicles are not really heard. Rafters pass by at eye level giving an opportunity to spread joy and wave. Choose a site that has a riverside beach or one on the interior of the loop. Our site had multiple levels which allowed us to move around as the shade traveled. With July temperatures, the rocks piled into a circle in the river gave us a perfect spot to take a dip. The sun dried us off quickly and we are now a bit cleaner. Warning: fisher people walk up and down the river as well as rafting folk so pick an appropriate time for bathing. Even my dog came right in.

This river is popular for fishing and rafting. We didn’t find many hiking opportunities but that’s ok with us. A day relaxing in this beautiful setting is worth our time.

Site7

Month of VisitJuly