Casino Creek Campground sits at approximately 6,500 feet elevation in the Sawtooth National Recreation Area, positioned across the Salmon River from Highway 75. The campground offers access to multiple trail systems within the Sawtooth wilderness, with terrain varying from riverside flats to alpine meadows. Summer temperatures typically range from 40°F at night to 80°F during the day, with frequent afternoon thunderstorms in July and August.
What to do
Trail access: Multiple trailheads start directly from Casino Creek Campground, making it ideal for hikers, bikers, and horse riders. "There is access to the Salmon River at the end of the campground road for bank/fly fishing; caught a nice rainbow trout," notes Fred S., who also mentions "the trails leading out of the campground are really good."
Fishing opportunities: The Salmon River provides excellent fishing just steps from campsites. At Mormon Bend Campground, you can fish directly from your site. Kimberly Y. shares, "You can fish from your camp site. No hookups but water is available. Plenty of space between sites."
Hot springs access: Several natural hot springs are located near Stanley. Aleisha R. from Casino Creek Campground recommends the location because "It was right up the road from the hot springs and away from the main tourist area."
What campers like
River proximity: Campsites along the Salmon River offer convenient water access. Laura M. describes Casino Creek Campground: "Most of the campsites sit above the Salmon River and just across the river is the highway so you will get some road noise. Toward the end of the loop is a horse camping area and staging area for ATVs."
Equestrian facilities: Dedicated horse camping areas accommodate riders with stock. Annie C. notes, "There are a couple of trailheads right in camp which is cool, and there are dedicated spaces for equestrian camping."
Dark skies: The Glacier View Campground (formerly Redfish Lake Outlet) offers exceptional stargazing. Jeremy A. explains, "Redfish lake is within the 1416 square mile Central Idaho Dark Sky Reserve, the first Gold Tier site in the United States. The result is world class spectacular night sky astronomy unimpeded by light pollution."
What you should know
First-come basis: Most equestrian sites operate on a first-come, first-served system. For Pettit Lake Campground, Lisa H. notes, "The sites all had fire rings and picnic tables. The sites were spacious."
Weather preparation: Mountain weather changes rapidly year-round. Miles G. from Mount Heyburn Campground advises, "Come prepared for cold nights even in the summer. Water will be just as cold unless its August."
Limited connectivity: Cell reception is virtually nonexistent throughout the area. Laura M. reports about Casino Creek Campground, "Zero cell reception ATT, Verizon, or TMobile."
Seasonal water availability: Some campgrounds shut off water in fall. Laura M. mentions about East Fork, "It's $10/night, $5/night when the water gets shut off generally around October."
Traveler
