Whether you're a tent camper, an RVer, or just passing through, Sawtooth National Forest, ID has a lot to offer. Camping, hiking, biking: however you want to spend your days near Sawtooth National Forest, you'll find great campgrounds with The Dyrt. Find the best campgrounds near Sawtooth National Forest, ID. Read helpful reviews and tips to find the perfect camping option for you and your crew.
"Situated next to Pettit Lake this campground served as a base camp while we explored the nearby hikes (Alice & Farley). Helpful host. Clean pit toilet."
"It's a great place to set up camp if you're doing the hike to Alice lake (one of the best hikes).The campground is conveniently located right next to the trailhead."
"This is a smaller campground tucked back against the mountains. Good shade trees. Close to hiking, fishing and mountain biking. Campsites have a picnic table, fire ring with grill."
"The only downside is that the air quality is pretty bad due to fires in the surrounding areas."
"This forest service land is a quick drive down Lake Creek Rd from Hwy 75 just past the town of Ketchum in the Sawtooth National Forest."
"The sites further up are away from the others and run along a stream. Still further in, you’ll hit a Y in the road."
"Got here on a Friday (8/26) around 7:30 pm. There were already some folks out here, but there were still some spaces. Although, they were a bit close to each other in the main area where you pull in."
"There was road noise from the nearby highway but otherwise it was quiet. I saw people fishing so I assume it's good for that. The river is great for rinsing off as well."
$26 - $52 / night
"We had very low expectations staying at a campground that is almost always booked solid (we figured it would be crowded and loud) and is in one of the most popular parts of Idaho."
"A trip into the Sawtooth mountains and a visit to Redfish Lake has been de rigeur for any visit to Grandma’s for as far back as I remember... beginning with a trip in ‘84 when my younger brother heeded"
"We easily found a great site that gave a view of Redfish Lake and the long stretch of lodgepoles behind us. Sockeye Campground was below us on the lake but you won’t even know from our site."
"We went to investigate in order to report with first hand knowledge
On one of the most beloved and popular lakes in the Sawtooth. Redfish Lake. Gorgeous views. Any kind of water sports you crave."
$18 - $36 / night
"Cross the bridge off of Hwy 75 and keep driving down a dusty dirt road to the campground. There is also private property near here so stay to the main road. "
"There are a couple of trailheads right in camp which is cool, and there are dedicated spaces for equestrian camping."
" Another campground close to Hwy 75. This campground has paved drive throughout the campground with paved parking pads at the sites."
"At first we were worried since it was right off the busy highway but it was an awesome place to stay for a few days. "
$15 - $75 / night
"We were originally booking in an equestrian site but we don't own horses the camp host left us a little sticky note (there is not cell service) on the fence when we arrived to let us know that our campsite"
"However, it was within walking distance of the water for swimming and fishing.
Also VERY clean toilets!
Other than it was hot mid-day, it was beautiful, plus an amazing hiking trail is close too."
$5 - $10 / night
" This is a very well manicured campground that sits directly off of highway 75. It is very small and mostly sunny."
LegendAnother campground close to Hwy 75. This campground has paved drive throughout the campground with paved parking pads at the sites. There is also a groomed area at each site for tents, which were nice and flat and clean. There is a host on site at this campground.
Hand pump water, toilets, and dumpsters for trash though no recycling. The host had firewood for sale ($10) but fire restrictions are in effect so no fires at this time. Sites were level and some with shade but over all lots of sun. This place had a very open layout.
Quite a few campers were there compared to the others we’ve stopped at along highway 75 through Sawtooth National Forest along the Salmon River. Each site had the standard picnic table, and fire pit but as mentioned above there also had tent pads. Area was clean and appeared well maintained. This campground is nice and spread out but being right on the highway with minimal trees to block some noise the road noise was constant, at least during midday/midweek.
$18/night
Zero cell reception ATT, Verizon or TMobile
LegendThis forest service land is a quick drive down Lake Creek Rd from Hwy 75 just past the town of Ketchum in the Sawtooth National Forest. You'll drive through a residential area so mind your speed as there are kids around and lots of cars parked that were crowding into the road a bit as there were construction workers building one of the massive houses along this road.
The paved road comes to an end with a large parking or turn around area then turns to a very washboarded dirt/gravel road that runs behind people’s houses so maybe drive a bit slower to keep the dust down until you pass that point.
There are multiple areas that are large and mostly flat that pull off the side of this main dirt road. The views are amazing and it seemed quiet. We did not stay here as it was too hot at the time, but we would have because you have nice hiking or biking opportunities here. The pullout spaces are large enough for a good sized rig, we had plenty of space for our 26’ class C. A couple of the sites had stone fire pits but fire restrictions are in effect so no fires at this time. There are plenty of sites here and they were almost all free when we visited in September.
There are no amenities here. No garbage or water. You are fully in the sun with no shade.
The camping limit is 3 days only. There is one garbage can at near the large turn around/parking area before the road turns to dirt but it was small so just take your trash with you.
Good ATT and Verizon cell reception.
TravelerQuiet with restroom and clean water. Lots of firewood laying around. No cell service, except Mores Peak and Idaho City... No service in Lowman (only 1 mercantile with 2 pumps), but an absolutely gorgeous drive! Only downside is the flies late morning to evening. But overall an awesome 2 days of peace and quiet and no cell. Didn't hike, but plenty of trails due to horses and heard running water in the distance.
TravelerThis campsite was a little slice of heaven, I honestly contemplated reviewing it because it want to keep this gem hidden. We were originally booking in an equestrian site but we don't own horses the camp host left us a little sticky note (there is not cell service) on the fence when we arrived to let us know that our campsite had been moved. We drove down the dirt road a little more and went to our new site, as well pulled up we were greated with the best lake view and a massive campsite. There isn't that many amenities at this campsite, it's a pack in pack our but there is a dumpster and vault toilets one for every I'd say 8 or 9 sites. The views were the best part, the camp hosts were kind and frequently driving through to make sure we are ok. They do sell wood bundles for $5 which was great because we ran out of wood multiple time and driving to Stanley they wanted $13 a bundle. This is now our favorite campsite and we will for sure be back!
RangerSituated next to Pettit Lake this campground served as a base camp while we explored the nearby hikes (Alice & Farley). Helpful host. Clean pit toilet. Water accessible in an adjacent trailhead (Tin Cup) parking lot. Campsites are well spaced. All sites are FF. $18/night. No cell coverage.
Only concern we had was that our site #13 was buggy given its proximity to the lake. Next time we will pick a site farther from the lake.
TravelerThis site was right along a river that was very beautiful but the campground was on higher ground so most people walked down to the entrance where you could get to the river or some people stood on the bridge to fish. Not all spots have trees, so be careful if you have pets. They did have three campsites for people with horses to camp. Not our cup of tea but if you are low maintenance or bring it all with you then this may be your pace. No other amenities. Right up the road from Stanley.
ScoutWhat a nice campground! We had very low expectations staying at a campground that is almost always booked solid (we figured it would be crowded and loud) and is in one of the most popular parts of Idaho. However, the camping spots are large and are nicely spaced. Even though almost every spot was taken, the campground was quiet and peaceful. We prefer dry camping, so liked the spots not having hook-ups and drains. Paved roads made for fun riding of bikes, the flushing toilets in the clean bathrooms were a plus, the fresh drinking water was clean and tasted great, there were trash bins close by and our host "Wally" was so kind. With a short walk, you are on the North shore or Dog Beach and a little further is Redfish Lodge, beach and restaurants. The food was so good and priced well, next time I will likely take less camping food and just eat at the lodge! (Easy!) The water in the lake is the cleanest you'll ever see....LET'S KEEP IT THAT WAY PEOPLE! Unfortunately, this campground is booked out almost the entire summer, so while we want to go back - it may have to wait until next year.
LegendAnother nice first come first serve campground along the Salmon River. Cross the bridge off of Hwy 75 and keep driving down a dusty dirt road to the campground. There is also private property near here so stay to the main road.
Most of the campsites sit above the Salmon River and just across the river is the highway so you will get some road noise.
There were a couple of hike-to sites as well (#18 + 19), where you park your car in the designated area then take your stuff up from there. Toward the end of the loop is a horse camping area and staging area for ATVs. There are plenty of trails for various activities for this place: Hiking, Biking, Horseback riding, ATV use, and Fishing.
There are pit toilets, picnic tables, fire pits, dumpster but no recycling, and hand pump water. Some sites are small but there is plenty of room near the end for bigger rigs. Parking at each site varies by levelness or size.
There was only one other camper there. Shade/sun mix for all sites.
Store food appropriately as there are no bear boxes and bears do come to this area.
Zero cell reception ATT, Verizon, or TMobile.
LegendThis campground is not run by the forest service but by a concessionaire, and you will use the iron ranger as there wasn’t a host when I was there. Super clean, all sites along the river side of the lollipop loop are identical with the exception of a couple double sites. There is a fence between you and the river, but not something you couldn’t just hop over to get to the water. Sites on the no river side were less desirable as they didn’t seem to be as large or have good spots for tents. There are a couple of trailheads right in camp which is cool, and there are dedicated spaces for equestrian camping. There didn’t seem to be many campers here, maybe because you have to know to cross the river on the bridge to get back in here. The campground looks fairly new, with very new looking picnic tables and a fairly new looking vault toilet.
Horse camping near Sawtooth National Forest in Idaho offers a unique opportunity to explore the stunning landscapes while enjoying the company of your equine friends. With a variety of campgrounds catering to horse enthusiasts, you can find the perfect spot to set up camp and hit the trails.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Sawtooth National Forest?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Sawtooth National Forest is Pettit Lake Campground with a 4.7-star rating from 7 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Sawtooth National Forest?
TheDyrt.com has all 15 equestrian camping locations near Sawtooth National Forest, with real photos and reviews from campers.
Keep Exploring
