Tent camping near Hailey, Idaho presents opportunities for campers to explore the southwestern edge of the Sawtooth National Forest. The area sits at elevations ranging from 5,300 to 8,000 feet, creating distinct camping seasons with snow lingering at higher elevations into June. Summer temperatures typically range from 45-85°F with significant cooling at night, even during peak season when daytime temperatures can reach the 90s.
What to do
Fishing access points: Little Wood River Campground offers convenient fishing opportunities directly from camp. Ryan V. notes it has "easy fishing access and remote camping," while another camper mentions the "private dock" available for day use.
Mountain biking trails: Uncle Johns Gulch provides direct trail access from campsites. Daniel B. reported having a "great spot with hiking right by camp site," making it convenient for morning rides without driving to trailheads.
Summit hiking: Hyndman Campground serves as a basecamp for alpine adventures. Mary D. shared her experience: "Met several wonderful people along the trail, at the site, and during the summit. Great place all around. If going in fall, prepare for some ice in the evening and light fog."
What campers like
Creek proximity: Many tent campers at Uncle Johns Gulch appreciate the stream access for cooling off. The campground offers "large campsites next to stream nestled in a beautiful valley" with "hiking/mtb trail next to campsites," according to one reviewer.
Privacy between sites: Little Wood River Campground earns praise for its site spacing. Sam C. notes, "camp spots are spaced out nicely so that people are not stacked right on top of each other," creating a more secluded experience even in an established campground.
Quiet surroundings: Carrie Creek Campground provides a peaceful alternative to busier areas. Steve S. described it as "superbly quiet" with a "nice creek nearby," though he warned roads "may be tight in bad weather."
What you should know
Water availability concerns: Established campgrounds with water sources may have quality issues. A camper at Little Wood River noted the "portable water on site has a yellow tint to it even after letting it run for a min or so," recommending visitors bring their own water supply.
Primitive facilities: Most camping options feature minimal amenities. Ryan V. described Little Wood River as having "not much for man made improvements, the camping is very primitive."
Wildlife encounters: Cattle grazing occurs in several camping areas. At Carrie Creek, campers should be prepared as "may be some cattle at times" according to visitor reports, requiring food storage precautions and awareness when setting up camp.
Tips for camping with families
Green spaces for play: Little Wood River offers grassy areas ideal for family activities. Charli H. noted the campground has "green grass for day use and tent camping," providing comfortable spaces for children to play.
Weather preparedness: Temperatures drop significantly at night, especially at higher elevations. One camper at Hyndman recommended to "prepare for some ice in the evening and light fog" even during summer months, so families should pack extra layers for children.
Cell service limitations: Communication may be impossible in some areas. Sam C. mentioned Little Wood River "doesn't have cell service," so families should establish emergency plans and meeting points when camping with older children who might explore independently.
Tips from RVers
Road condition awareness: Access to many campgrounds requires navigating unpaved roads. At Carrie Creek, Steve S. warned that "roads may be tight in bad weather," suggesting RVers check recent conditions and potentially scout routes before attempting access with larger vehicles.
Limited hookups and facilities: RV campers should prepare for self-contained camping. Most sites near Hailey lack electrical hookups, dump stations, or RV-specific amenities, requiring careful planning for water usage and waste management during extended stays.
