Glamping in Hailey, Idaho offers various accommodation options in the Sawtooth Mountain region, where elevations range from 5,300 to over 9,000 feet in nearby camping areas. The area experiences warm summer days with temperatures in the 70s-80s°F and cool nights often dropping into the 40s°F, even in July. Winter visitors can access heated accommodations when snowfall blankets the region.
What to do
Mountain biking on multi-use trails: The area around Stanton Crossing Access provides access to numerous mountain biking trails. "We found an open spot for our solar but there were also shady spots," notes one visitor, highlighting the options for setting up base camp before hitting the trails.
Fishing in the Big Wood River: Access points near highway crossings offer good fishing spots. "River runs close and plenty of shade!" mentions a camper at Stanton Crossing, where the Big Wood River provides trout fishing opportunities just steps from camping areas.
Winter recreation from heated structures: During winter months, many visitors use the Pioneer Yurt - Sun Valley Trekking as a starting point for backcountry skiing and snowshoeing. The heated yurts serve as comfortable basecamps in an otherwise challenging winter environment.
What campers like
Privacy and spacing between sites: Campers frequently mention site spacing as a positive feature. At Alturas Inlet Campground, a visitor noted, "Most sites seemed to have a good distance between each other and enough privacy courtesy of trees and various plant life."
Clean facilities: Many campgrounds maintain well-kept facilities despite their remote locations. One camper at Murdock Creek Dispersed mentioned, "There are two pit toilets and drinking water that is ice cold coming out of the tap. The camp hosts have been absolutely wonderful."
Wildlife viewing opportunities: The natural setting provides good wildlife viewing. "We're able to maneuver it very well. The campground road is gravelly and circles most of the small campground so you can look for a good spot," commented a visitor at Stanton Crossing, where the positioning offers good vantage points for wildlife spotting.
What you should know
Seasonal weather variations: The temperature swings can be significant. A camper at Alturas Inlet Campground advised, "Bring layers - it can be cool in the evenings and at night (40s F) even in July but warm in the day, especially if you are out by the lake."
Limited connectivity: Cell service is spotty throughout the region. "Weak Verizon, good ATT and no TMobile cell reception," reports a camper at Stanton Crossing Access, providing specific carrier information.
Fire restrictions: Fire regulations change seasonally and vary by location. "There are pit toilets and a few of the 'sites' have stone pits but fire restrictions are in effect so no fires at this time," noted a Stanton Crossing visitor, highlighting the importance of checking current restrictions.
Tips for camping with families
Choose campgrounds with river access: Kids enjoy playing in the water during hot summer days. At East Fork Baker Creek Campground, "We arrived on a Friday morning and had no problem finding a shaded, private site. There seemed to be a ton of options as you drive down Baker Creek (dirt road)."
Look for shaded sites: Summer temperatures can reach the high 80s, making shade important. "This is a smaller campground tucked back against the mountains. Good shade trees. Close to hiking, fishing and mountain biking," notes a Murdock Creek camper.
Pack for cool nights: Even in summer, nights can get cold. "The night was cool," mentioned a Murdock Creek visitor, emphasizing the need for warm sleeping bags even during summer camping trips.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling challenges: Many RV sites in the area require some work to level. At Smiley Creek Lodge, a camper mentioned, "RV spots were reasonable level," while noting the variable nature of other spots.
Limited hookup availability: Full hookups are rare in the area. "We paid $100 a night which is a premium but given the location it felt worth it," notes a Smiley Creek Lodge visitor about the cost of sites with hookups.
Size restrictions on forest roads: Larger rigs should stay on main roads. "We have a 36ft travel Trailer and we're able to maneuver it very well," shared a camper at Stanton Crossing, indicating this area can accommodate larger rigs while many others cannot.
