Chemeketan Campground
4.756 reviewsSawtooth NRA, Stanley, ID, USA
Chemeketan Campground
$100.00 - $200.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$0.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$200.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Group site fees range depending on size: $100 for 1-50 people, $150 for 51-100 people, and $200 for 101-150 people. Fees are seasonal and apply during peak and first-come, first-served seasons.
About this campground
Nestled in the pristine headwaters of the Salmon River, Chemeketan Campground offers an intimate escape into the wild heart of the Sawtooth Mountain Range. This hidden gem provides groups with an authentic backcountry experience, where towering peaks meet whispering pines and the only sounds are nature's own symphony. While amenities remain refreshingly simple—vault toilets, sturdy tables, and grills for evening cookouts—the real luxury here is the profound sense of solitude and connection with Idaho's untamed wilderness.
Chemeketan Campground is primarily a group camping site that can also serve individual campers on a first-come, first-served basis when not reserved as a group site.
Historical SignificanceChemeketan sits within the celebrated Sawtooth National Recreation Area, a landscape that has captivated adventurers and artists for generations. The surrounding communities keep mountain traditions alive with vibrant seasonal celebrations—from July's Arts and Crafts Fair showcasing local artisans to September's exciting lineup featuring Wagon Days, the beloved Salmon Festival, the colorful Quilt Fair, and the rollicking Fireman's Ball. These events weave together the area's pioneering heritage with contemporary mountain culture.
Weather and SeasonsExperience the dramatic contrasts of mountain weather at Chemeketan, where summer days warm to a comfortable 78°F, perfect for hiking and exploration, while crisp 40°F nights demand cozy sleeping bags and campfire stories. As autumn fades, winter transforms this alpine retreat into a snow-dusted wonderland, with an average of nearly 5 inches of snowfall blanketing the landscape in pristine white. Each season paints the campground in new colors, from wildflower-dotted summers to the golden aspens of fall.
ElevationPerched high in Idaho's mountainous terrain, Chemeketan Campground offers the refreshing atmosphere and cooler temperatures characteristic of alpine camping, where every breath of crisp mountain air invigorates the soul.
Natural Features and SceneryWake to sunlight filtering through a canopy of stately lodgepole pines, their straight trunks framing views of the jagged Sawtooth peaks that pierce the sky like ancient sentinels. The infant Salmon River whispers its first songs here at its headwaters, beginning its epic journey through Idaho's wilderness. Cool mountain air, sweetened by pine resin and wildflowers, creates the perfect climate for outdoor adventures, with those refreshing 78°F summer days giving way to star-filled 40°F nights that showcase some of the darkest, clearest skies in the American West.
Geological RegionChemeketan Campground occupies a spectacular position at the very birthplace of the legendary Salmon River, cradled by the dramatic geological formations of the Sawtooth Mountain Range. These ancient peaks, carved by millennia of glacial activity, create a rugged amphitheater of stone and sky. A protective grove of lodgepole pines provides dappled shade throughout the camp, their presence a testament to the resilient life that thrives in this high mountain ecosystem where water, rock, and forest converge in perfect harmony.
Campsite details
AccessibilityNo specific accessibility features are mentioned.
Sites SizeOne large group site that accommodates up to 150 people is available. Individual sites can also be used when the group site is not reserved.
Sites PrivacyThe campground is secluded and surrounded by natural features, offering significant privacy.
Total Campsites1 campsites
Recommended CampsitesUsers recommend avoiding low-clearance vehicles for access.
Best CampsitesNo specific campsite rankings available.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
2PM.
Check-out
12 PM.
Stay Limit
You may stay up to 10 nights during a visit at this campground.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Group site allows up to 150 people.
Groups
The group site accommodates up to 150 people, with pricing based on the group size: $100 for groups of 1-50 people, $150 for groups of 51-100 people, and $200 for groups of 101-150 people.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutRustic layout with one group site accommodating up to 150 people, available for individual sites when not reserved.
Open and Closed SeasonPeak season: June 6 - September 10. First-come, first-served season: May 22 - June 4 and September 12 - September 21. Out of season: September 21 - May 22.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made on Recreation.gov.
Walk-in AvailabilityAvailable during first-come, first-served season: May 22 - June 4 and September 12 - September 21. Limited sites available outside group reservation.
Cancellation PolicyIndividual campsites incur a $10 cancellation fee and forfeit first night's recreation use fee for late cancellations. Group facilities have similar rules, with cancellations less than 14 days before arrival incurring full charge for the first night's fee.
Accomodation available
GroupGroup campsites are offered for larger parties such as families, schools, or organizations. These sites provide space and facilities to accommodate multiple people camping together.
Amenities available
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
The Chemeketan Campground is ideal for outdoor enthusiasts, with activities such as fishing in the Salmon River, hiking on nearby trails, and biking in the extensive trail networks of the Sawtooth National Recreation Area. Nearby lakes also provide opportunities for fishing, canoeing, and hiking.
Hiking
The campground offers direct access to hiking trails, including the Idaho Centennial Trail. The Sawtooth National Recreation Area features over 750 miles of trails, providing ample opportunities for hikers of all levels.Fishing
Fishing in the Salmon River is highly regarded, with species such as rainbow trout, westslope cutthroat trout, hybrid cutbows, and bull trout being commonly caught.Biking
Biking opportunities abound in the Sawtooth National Recreation Area, with an extensive network of trails available.Winter Activities
Winter recreation details are not provided.Water Sports
Non-motorized water sports such as canoeing may be available at nearby lakes, but not specifically at the campground.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Campfires are allowed in designated fire pits provided at the sites.
- Quiet hours not explicitly mentioned.
Hazards
General hazardsStream crossing may be hazardous for low-clearance vehicles. Wildlife presence requires caution.
Active alertsNo current alerts or advisories provided.
Weather forecast
55
°F
Aug 26
Tuesday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
Humidity: 60%
Moderately humid conditions
Wind: 2.2 mph
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
Overcast
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
Emergency services are likely available at Stanley, approximately 10 miles away.
Good to know
Peak season datesJune 6 - September 11.
Trash and recyclingCampers are required to pack out all trash as the campground is a 'pack it in, pack it out' facility.
Proximity to water featuresAdjacent to the Salmon River.
Common complaintsUser reviews note occasional issues with prior guests not leaving on time and people entering the campground despite reservations.
HostInformation about campground hosts not provided.
Campground Map
Sawtooth NRA, Stanley, ID, USA
Driving directionsFrom Stanley, Idaho, take Highway 75 south. Turn southwest off highway onto a dirt road located between mile markers 163 and 162. The campground is located 4 miles beyond the turnoff. Fording a stream is necessary to access the campground.
The campground is accessed via a dirt road and requires fording a stream. Trucks, RVs, and cars with higher clearance are recommended. User review confirms: 'Would not recommend a low clearance car.' Another user review notes a culvert was installed in 2020, eliminating the need to ford the creek.Nearby places
Stanley: ~10 miles, 15-20 minutes drive.
Nearby supplies
Supplies, including groceries and fuel, can be obtained in Stanley, located about 10 miles away.
Camper Reviews
4.8
6 reviews
Chemeketan Campground is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
Users consistently praise the Chemeketan Campground for its seclusion, natural beauty, and clean facilities. Positive sentiments highlight the surrounding trails, the Salmon River, and the peaceful environment, making it an excellent choice for groups and outdoor enthusiasts.
Review Summaries
Based on 6 reviews
What Campers Love
Positive aspects include the clean vault toilets, secluded setting, and proximity to hiking trails and the Salmon River. The presence of fire rings and picnic tables at individual spots is also...
Based on 6 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Some reviewers noted issues with other campers occupying reserved spots, lack of enforcement for group reservations, and the condition of sites not being cleaned after previous campers left.
Based on 6 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Campers recommend bringing high-clearance vehicles for access, packing in water as none is available on-site, and preparing for cool night temperatures as the area gets quite cold.
Based on 6 reviewsSeasonal Insights
Summer is the most popular season for camping due to pleasant weather with highs around 78°F. The site is less accessible in winter due to snow and colder conditions.
Based on 6 reviewsCamper Quotes
- "Such an amazing camp ground. Nice clean facilities, plenty of parking and camping spots for a large group. Hiking trails right from the camp ground." - Jennifer Davis
- "Stunningly beautiful and...
Based on 6 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Some users reported issues with campsite-specific management, such as previous users not cleaning up and unauthorized campers occupying reserved group sites.
Based on 6 reviewsAccessibility Features
No reviews specifically addressing accessibility features were found.
Based on 6 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
No reviews specifically addressing pet policies or experiences were found.
Based on 6 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025