Ten miles north of Ketchum along Highway 75, Wood River Campground occupies a forested setting within Sawtooth National Forest where paved roads and sites help minimize the dust common to other area campgrounds. The Forest Service facility operates seasonally from Memorial Day through Labor Day, accommodating tents and smaller RVs on sites that range from riverside spots along the Big Wood River to quieter locations set back from the highway.
The campground's two connected loops feature large, shaded sites under mature conifers, though trees are trimmed high enough that privacy between sites remains limited. Paved roads make navigation easier for most rigs, but the layout works best for smaller units. Steve W. notes that "big rigs might have a difficult time negotiating the loop road and finding sites deep enough to accommodate them." Sites include picnic tables and fire rings, with pit toilets and water spigots distributed throughout the campground.
Highway noise affects sites closest to the road during daytime hours but typically diminishes after dark, when the sound of the nearby river becomes more prominent. The location provides convenient access to Ketchum for supplies and dining, while also serving as a base for fishing the Big Wood River. A camp host maintains the facility during operating season, and firewood sales begin at 8 AM from the liaison office.
Campers seeking different accommodations can explore campgrounds around Ketchum for additional options in the Wood River Valley.
Description
Overview
Wood River Group Overnight Area is located inside the Wood River Campground, which has 30 single campsites for RV's and tent camping, which are available for use on a first-come first-served basis. This campground is located on the banks of the beautiful Big Wood River at an elevation of 6400 feet. Ketchum, Idaho is conveniently close, only 10 miles south. Visitors enjoy fishing, tubing and exploring local trails.
Recreation
This site is part of the Sawtooth National Recreation Area, where outdoor activities abound. Fly-fishing for rainbow, brown and brook trout is popular on the Big Wood River, as is float tubing. A self-guided nature trail begins near the amphitheater, leading to a small cave and a beaver pond.
Facilities
Wood River offers one reservable group site that can be used as a day-use picnic area for up to 150 people, or as an overnight tent camping site for up to 40 people. Also Wood River Campground has 30 single campsites for RV's and tenting which are available for use on a first-come first served basis. Flush toilets and drinking water are provided. An amphitheater with electricity and wooden benches is just a short walk from the site. Roads and parking spurs are paved, but the site surface is dirt.
Natural Features
A forest of Douglas fir, Ponderosa pine, Lodgepole pine and aspens offers plentiful shade within the facility. Colorful summer wildflowers are abundant and willows dot the banks of the river. Temperatures are cool with an average summer high of 78 degrees and a low of 40 degrees.
Nearby Attractions
The 20-mile Harriman Trail passes nearby, offering excellent hiking and biking. Numerous additional trails spur off the Harriman Trail leading to deep canyons, sparkling lakes, swimming holes and more great high country fishing. The Sawtooth National Recreation Area Visitor Center is 2.5 miles from the campground, with a small museum, bookstore and area information. An RV dump station and drinking water are located here as well. Easley Hot Springs is 4 miles north, offering a swimming pool, hot tubs, showers and a small store. Sun Valley Resort is 7 miles south, with hiking, biking, guided horseback riding and beautiful mountain scenery. Popular area events include Wagon Days in Ketchum in September. In Stanley an hour away, an Arts & Crafts Fair is held in July and a Salmon Festival, Quilt Fair and Fireman's Ball in September.
Reservation Info
You can reserve the group overnight area by clicking on the following link www.recreation.gov/camping/wood-river-group-overnight-area-tent-only/r/campgroundDetails.do?contractCode=NRSO&parkId=70358 or by calling (877)444-6777. All other campground sites and picnic areas are first-come, first-serve.
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsWood River Campground is located in Idaho near Ketchum
Directions
From Ketchum, take Highway 75 north for 10 miles. Turn at the Wood River Campground sign. Stay on the main campground road for a short distance until you reach the group area parking lot on the right side of the road.
Address
SAWTOOTH, KETCHUM
ID
Coordinates
43.7930556 N
114.4588889 W
Connectivity
T-MobileNo CoverageVerified by 1 userLast on 6/10/26- VerizonNo Coverage
AT&TLTESome Coverage
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo CoverageVerified by 1 userLast on 6/10/26
- VerizonNo Coverage
- AT&TLTESome Coverage
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Group
Features
For Campers
- Trash
- Reservable
- Drinking Water
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Fires
Contact
General Info
Reservations
Drive Time
- 1 hr 41 min from Twin Falls, ID
- 2 hrs 34 min from Boise, ID
- 2 hrs 40 min from Idaho Falls, ID
- 2 hrs 55 min from Pocatello, ID
