Sawtooth National Forest camping sites range from 5,500 to over 10,000 feet in elevation, creating diverse camping conditions throughout the region. Summer temperatures can fluctuate dramatically, with daytime highs reaching 85°F and nighttime lows dipping into the 40s even in July and August. Many campgrounds maintain varying seasons, with higher elevation sites typically open from late May through early October, depending on snow conditions.
What to do
Biking access: North Fork Campground provides direct access to the Harriman Trail for mountain biking and hiking. "It's literally integrated with the 'Harriman trail' which provides access up and down the valley for runners, bikers, and hikers," notes a reviewer at North Fork Campground.
Wildlife viewing: Prairie Creek Camping offers opportunities to spot mountain goats on nearby ridges. "If you have binoculars or a telescope, you can oftentimes see the Mountain goats on the higher ridges," says one camper about this free dispersed camping area near Sun Valley.
Hot springs exploration: Elk Mountain RV Resort serves as a convenient base camp for visiting natural hot springs. According to one visitor, it's a "Great base camp for family week of hiking, rafting, and visiting the Sunbeam hot springs."
What campers like
Creek-side camping: Prairie Creek offers several sites directly alongside flowing water. A camper reports, "The sites 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)."
Clean facilities: Despite being rustic, Wood River Campground maintains well-kept amenities. "The campsites and vaults were very clean and well maintained. The camp hostess during our visit was Peggy. She did a great job checking us in and making us feel welcome," explains one reviewer.
Convenient locations: Several campgrounds provide strategic access to popular destinations. "We used it as a base camp to mountain bike, play in the river, and check out the Ketchum area," mentions a Wood River Campground visitor about the location's advantages.
What you should know
Cell service limitations: Most remote campgrounds have minimal connectivity. At Trinity View Resort, a reviewer notes: "Cell service is good here. We have Verizon hot spot that worked perfectly and AT&T cell phones have good signal as well," which contrasts with most forest locations.
Reservation requirements: Many campgrounds fill quickly during summer months. A visitor to Picabo Angler Silver Creek RV Park shares: "Small campground right next to the road but it wasn't super busy. Most sites are back in and are huge."
Dust considerations: Prepare for fine dust at many sites, especially during dry periods. A Prairie Creek camper advises: "The sites also all have very fine dust so embrace the dirty camping spirit!"
Road noise: Proximity to highways affects some campgrounds. "Wood River did not disappoint... Despite being near Highway 75 the road noise in the evenings was not a distraction," reports a camper, noting traffic diminishes substantially at night.
Tips for camping with families
Swimming options: Look for campgrounds with water features for children. At Prairie Creek Camping, "Be warned, the water is freezing!" but still provides enjoyable wading opportunities.
Amenity planning: Some family-friendly campgrounds offer unexpected conveniences. "The heated pool is a hit!!!" shares a visitor to Trinity View Resort, providing a welcome activity option for children.
Supply runs: Stock up before arrival as local options are limited. An Elk Mountain RV Resort camper recommends: "I would recommend getting groceries before you arrive bc local store is pitiful."
Tips from RVers
Site spacing considerations: Different RV parks offer varying degrees of privacy. At Stanley rv + camp, a visitor notes: "Clean facilities and super friendly staff... Amazing views from our spot."
Big rig accessibility: Many forest roads have limitations for larger vehicles. "The campground consists of a couple of connected loops with large shaded campsites... The roads and sites are well suited to smaller rigs. Big rigs might have a difficult time negotiating the loop road and finding sites deep enough to accommodate them," explains a Wood River camper.
Off-season opportunities: Some RV parks offer year-round access with reduced rates. At Riverside RV Campground, a winter camper explains, "My partner and I were in a bind this winter and stayed a couple of nights here... $30 bucks a night, I think usually it's $35 but the very helpful manager (Dotty) informed me that there wasn't potable water available, hence the discount."
