RV campsites near Ketchum, Idaho typically sit at elevations between 5,800 and 8,000 feet, with most facilities concentrated along Highway 75 and the Big Wood River corridor. Summer temperatures range from 40°F at night to 80°F during daytime hours, cooling significantly in September when many campgrounds begin closing. The terrain transitions from sagebrush plateaus at lower elevations to dense pine and aspen forests in the higher Sawtooth range.
What to do
Biking on dedicated paths: Near Stanley rv + camp, visitors access the Harriman trail system which provides valley-wide connections. "Great base camp for family week of hiking, rafting, and visiting the Sunbeam hot springs. We had a beautiful view of the Sawtooth Mountain range from our campsite," notes Jeannie P.
Fly fishing at Silver Creek: The Picabo Angler Silver Creek RV Park specializes in access to world-class fishing. One camper reports, "Perfect for the flyfisherman. We lucked into this spot at Silver Creek while doing some great fishing right down the road. All the amenities and clean and safe."
Hiking near Prairie Creek: Multiple trailheads accessible from the campground provide entry points to surrounding mountains. "There is a trail head sort of at the middle point of the road, and it has a pit bathroom. There are another two trailheads at the end of the road with some parking," explains Dyani S. who frequents the area.
What campers like
Creek-side camping: At Prairie Creek Camping, sites are positioned along a small stream. "A small creek runs along this campground and the views are incredible. Nice shade cover and trees," says Laura M., who appreciated the natural setting despite being near Highway 75.
Clean facilities: Boundary Campground maintains well-kept amenities despite its rustic nature. "Great campground with water and very clean bathrooms. Right in very sweet creek," notes Kim R., who found the $10 site fee reasonable.
Wildlife sightings: Campers regularly spot local fauna. "We saw two moose on the way in and had coyotes serenade us at night," Robin O. reported at Picabo Angler, while visitors at North Fork Campground mentioned, "Resident moose was sited one morning, and we saw bear claw markings on a tree behind a camp site."
What you should know
Dust conditions: Most unpaved campsites in the region experience significant dust issues. "The area is fine dirt and so-so in terms of flat spots," Laura M. notes about Prairie Creek. However, Wood River Campground offers "paved road throughout the campground and paved sites which helps to cut down on the dust as many of these campgrounds along Hwy 75 are dusty."
Cell service limitations: Connectivity disappears quickly outside town limits. "Zero cell service" is repeatedly mentioned in reviews for North Fork, Prairie Creek, and other outlying areas, though "Verizon cell is weak but usable" at some locations closer to the highway.
Seasonal accessibility: Most forest service campgrounds operate between Memorial Day and Labor Day only. "We stayed here last night. I know we're at the end of the season, so the water was already turned off," Kort L. mentioned about late September conditions at Boundary Campground.
Tips for camping with families
Proximity to recreation: North Fork Campground - Sawtooth National Forest offers immediate access to multiple activities. "We used it as a base camp to mountain bike, play in the river, and check out the Ketchum area," writes todd, who found the location ideal for family outings.
Water play options: Shallow creek areas provide safe exploration zones for children. "The spots here are really fun because they are right on the creek! My family loves walking through them and exploring them (most of the creek is shin deep, sometimes there are little swimming holes that could come up to your waist)," notes Dyani S.
Fire restrictions: Check current fire conditions before planning campfires. "Each site has a fire pit (no fires allowed at this time!)" Laura M. reported during a summer visit, indicating seasonal restrictions apply throughout the region regardless of campground facilities.
Tips from RVers
Site spacing considerations: Many RV sites near Ketchum have limited privacy between units. At Riverside RV Campground, Patricia H. advises, "Lot of permanents. Good place to park. Not for sitting outside RV and enjoying campground."
Utility locations: RV hookup positioning varies by campground. "The utilities for each spot are just next to each other. Yours will have your spot number on it," explains a camper at Meadows RV Park.
Leveling requirements: Site terrain can present challenges. "This area is fine dirt and so-so in terms of flat spots," notes Laura M. about Prairie Creek, while another camper at Smiley Creek Lodge advised, "Avoid spot number #17 if possible. The sewer hookup was loose and shared with a long term resident on the other side, also the water spigot was broken."
