Near Hailey, Idaho, dispersed camping options and Forest Service campgrounds provide alternatives to established RV parks. Located in the Wood River Valley at approximately 5,300 feet elevation, the area experiences warm summer days and cool nights with occasional thunderstorms. Many campgrounds remain open from Memorial Day through Labor Day, with seasonal access determined by snowmelt conditions in this mountainous region.
What to do
Hiking from camp: North Fork Campground serves as an excellent basecamp for trail access. "The Harriman trail provides access up and down the valley for runners, bikers, and hikers. Sites are spacious, bathrooms, although pit toilets, are clean and potable water is readily available," notes reviewer Todd.
Fishing opportunities: Silver Creek Public Access provides prime fishing spots within steps of camping areas. "I lucked into stumbling upon this single site campsite along silver creek. I'm not a fisherwoman, but apparently there is some good fishing in the creek," writes Annie C. The slow-moving water creates ideal conditions for anglers.
Mountain biking: Boundary Campground provides direct trail connections. "Beautiful trail with nice day use next to the sites and hiking trails off the creek," mentions Catherine B. The campground's location offers quick access to mountain bike routes through the Sawtooth National Recreation Area.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Many campers appreciate the site spacing at Wood River Campground. "There is a good amount of shade here and mostly flat parking at the sites. Each site had a picnic table and fire pit," notes Laura M., who also mentioned the paved roads help reduce dust compared to other campgrounds in the area.
Budget-friendly options: Stanton Crossing offers free camping with basic amenities. "This was a great free spot. Even had a great camp host. She came over to see if we needed help when we pulled in. We found an open spot for our solar but there were also shady spots," reports Debbie J.
Wildlife viewing: Camping near Hailey provides opportunities to spot local fauna. "We saw two moose on the way in and had coyotes serenade us at night," shared Robin O. about their experience at Picabo Angler Silver Creek RV Park. At North Fork Campground, a camper mentioned "resident moose was sited one morning, and we saw bear claw markings on a tree behind a camp site."
What you should know
Cell service variability: Connectivity varies significantly by location. At Silver Creek Public Access, "I had the whole place to myself in April and good cell service as well," notes Evan. However, at North Fork Campground, one reviewer warned of "zero cell reception."
Road noise considerations: Some campgrounds experience traffic noise due to proximity to highways. "There is road noise as it sits fairly close to the highway," Laura M. noted about Stanton Crossing. Similarly, at North Fork Campground, a reviewer mentioned "slight road noise but it is probably not an issue for most sites."
Fire restrictions: Fire regulations vary by campground and season. At Meadows RV Park, fires are not permitted at any time. One camper at Lava Flow Campground noted, "No fires allowed," while most other campgrounds permit fires in designated rings when seasonal restrictions aren't in place.
Tips for camping with families
Easy river access: Wagon Wheel Motel & RV Park offers family-friendly amenities. "Nice & clean. Accommodating hosts. Nice & level pull thru and back in sites. Restrooms are key coded thus nice and clean," notes John H. The nearby reservoir provides water activities for children.
Educational opportunities: Lava Flow Campground offers unique geological exploration. "I highly suggest going down in the caves where you can crawl in the lava tubes," recommends Hannah C. The visitor center within walking distance provides educational exhibits about the volcanic landscape.
Site selection for shade: During summer months, temperatures can rise significantly. At Stanton Crossing, "there were a lot of level spots to chose from and the trees were a welcomed sight in the 90 degree heat," according to Jessy M., highlighting the importance of securing a shaded site when camping with children.
Tips from RVers
Hookup availability: Meadows RV Park offers year-round access with full hookups. "The location can't be beat, right off the river and biking trails. The mountains are absolutely gorgeous from your campsite," writes Steve H., though noting "spaces are very packed in and they alternate every other site from nose to tail so you share grass on your camp side with your neighbor."
Dump station access: When planning RV camping near Hailey, Idaho, consider dump station locations. At Picabo Angler RV Park, "there is a dump station but was awkward getting into it," reports Trish. Some Forest Service campgrounds lack dump facilities entirely, requiring advance planning.
Level sites: For RVers concerned about stabilization, Riverside RV Campground provides suitable terrain. "Situated just south of Hailey and Ketchum. FHU sites. Good place to park," notes Patricia H., though she cautions it's "not for sitting outside RV and enjoying campground."
