How much does camping cost at Hawley Creek Lower Campground?

Camping fees at Hawley Creek Lower Campground range from Free. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Fees are typically paid at the campground entrance.

Is Hawley Creek Lower Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Hawley Creek Lower Campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis. The campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis.

What is the best time to visit Hawley Creek Lower Campground?

Hawley Creek Lower Campground is open null. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Hawley Creek Lower Campground?

Hawley Creek Lower Campground does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

Can I have a campfire at Hawley Creek Lower Campground?

Fire policies at Hawley Creek Lower Campground: null. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

How many campsites does Hawley Creek Lower Campground have?

Hawley Creek Lower Campground has 4 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Arrive early for the best site selection.

Are dogs allowed at Hawley Creek Lower Campground?

Pets are not allowed at Hawley Creek Lower Campground. This policy helps protect local wildlife and other campers. Consider nearby pet-friendly campgrounds if traveling with animals.

What amenities are available at Hawley Creek Lower Campground?

Hawley Creek Lower Campground offers: Restrooms. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Hawley Creek Lower Campground?

Popular activities at Hawley Creek Lower Campground include Hiking, Fishing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Hawley Creek Lower Campground

3.57

7 reviews

null

Featured in:Fall Camping Idaho Fishing Idaho Hiking Camping Idaho +6 more

Quick Facts

6,732 ft

Price

Free

Booking

First-Come

Sites

4 campsites

Season

Open season starts M...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Check Availability Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

6,732 ft

Price

Free

Booking

First-Come

Sites

4 campsites

Season

Open season starts M...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Check Availability Official Website

Get Directions

Hawley Creek Lower Campground

$0.00 - $0.00 / night

Campsite Fees

The campground has no fees associated with its use, making it a cost-free option for visitors.

No paid fee categories listed.

Get Notified When Available

We'll monitor this campground and alert you the moment sites become available.

Free to start · paid plans add 2-min scans

256,000+ sites monitored · Email alerts to start; SMS and in-app with an account

Learn more about alerts →

Share this campground

USFS

Provider

nullnull

I manage this campground

Plan a trip to Hawley Creek Lower Campground

Compare with similar sites, watch availability, and build a packing list — Camp Sage handles all of it.

Campground Map

null

Hawley Creek Lower Campground

null

Nearby places

Leadore, 8 miles southeast

Nearby supplies

null

Weather at Hawley Creek Lower Campground

Best Time to Camp at Hawley Creek Lower Campground

Summer brings the most reliable access and pleasant conditions at this elevation. Daytime highs typically reach the mid-60s to mid-70s, while nights drop into the 30s and 40s. Afternoon thunderstorms are common. Late spring sees comfortable temperatures and dry air, though snow lingers into May some years. Winter is harsh, with deep snow and frigid temperatures making the campground inaccessible.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Summer provides most reliable access and pleasant highs in mid-60s to mid-70s; open after May 15.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: null. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open season starts May 15.

About Hawley Creek Lower Campground

Hawley Creek Lower Campground sits at 6,732 feet in the Salmon-Challis National Forest near Leadore, offering four primitive sites for campers seeking quiet and good fishing. The campground provides access to Hawley Creek and a nearby reservoir, plus a spur trail that connects to the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail. No amenities, no fees, no crowds.

The campground primarily supports dispersed camping with 4 sites available for use. No details are provided about other accommodations such as RV or group camping.

Weather and SeasonsSummer brings the most reliable access and pleasant conditions at this elevation. Daytime highs typically reach the mid-60s to mid-70s, while nights drop into the 30s and 40s. Afternoon thunderstorms are common. Late spring sees comfortable temperatures and dry air, though snow lingers into May some years. Winter is harsh, with deep snow and frigid temperatures making the campground inaccessible.

ElevationPrepare for a heart-pumping adventure on the Hawley Creek Trail, where ambitious hikers conquer more than 1,000 feet of elevation gain in under two miles. This steep ascent challenges even seasoned outdoor enthusiasts, rewarding their efforts with increasingly spectacular views as they climb higher into the mountain landscape. Each switchback brings a new perspective, making the demanding trek an unforgettable test of endurance and determination.

Natural Features and SceneryThe campground occupies a transitional zone where rolling grasslands meet mountain terrain. Hawley Creek runs through the area, and a reservoir sits nearby. Elevation changes reveal open meadows at higher points, with streams carving ribbons of riparian habitat through the landscape. The forest's varied topography includes gentle meadows and steeper mountain slopes, with the dramatic geology of central Idaho visible in the ridges and valleys.

Geological RegionNestled within the vast expanse of the Salmon-Challis National Forest, this campground showcases the remarkable geological diversity of central Idaho. The landscape tells a story millions of years in the making, where ancient forces carved valleys and lifted peaks to create today's dramatic terrain. Rolling grasslands carpet the higher elevations, while life-giving streams have etched their paths through the terrain, creating ribbons of riparian habitat. The forest's varied topography includes everything from gentle meadows to challenging mountain slopes, with hidden reservoirs tucked into natural basins throughout the region.

Scenic ViewsGrassland vistas are available along the trails. "The campground offers views toward the top of surrounding grasslands."

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in

Open 24 hours/day.

Check-out

Null

Stay Limit

Null

Guests Allowed Per Site

Null

Tents

Tents are not allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Site layoutFour primitive sites, dispersed layout. No description of spacing or terrain between sites.

Reservation Platformsnull

Walk-in AvailabilityThe campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis.

Cancellation Policynull

Site SizeSites are not described in terms of size.

PrivacyPrivacy levels for the campsites are not described.

Total Campsites4 campsites

Recommended Sitesnull

Amenities available

Potable water is not available at this site.

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

Activities you can enjoy

The campground offers fishing in Hawley Creek and the nearby reservoir, with hunting and picnicking available. The Hawley Creek Trail, less than 2 miles long, is a challenging hike with an elevation gain of over 1,000 feet and connects to the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail. Motorized vehicles are allowed on the trail but not off-trail. Reviews emphasize the area's rich history and the quality of fishing.

Hiking

Fishing

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsElevation gain on trails and lack of potable water may pose challenges. Users should plan for frigid conditions during the winter.

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Questions & answers

Researching this campground? Ask anything — other campers and our team will weigh in. No visit required.

Tips from campers

Short heads-ups about the road in, gear quirks, timing, and more. You don't have to have been here to share what you know.

Reviews

Rate Hawley Creek Lower Campground

Been here? Tap a star to start. Takes about a minute.

Sign-in required only if you want your name on it.

From Booking Sources

3.6

7 reviews

Mixed Reviews

Hawley Creek Lower Campground has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews

Users generally praised the campground for its fishing opportunities and quiet environment, with one user calling it 'the greatest place in Idaho to fish and camp.'

Review Summaries

Based on 7 reviews

What Campers Love

Positive feedback predominantly mentions excellent fishing opportunities and the natural beauty of the location. The site's connection to local history is also appreciated.

Based on 7 reviews

Common Concerns

No common complaints were explicitly stated in the provided user reviews.

Based on 7 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

There are no site-specific reviews detailing individual campsite experiences.

Based on 7 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

Be the first to review this campground

Every adventure creates another. Share what you learned so the next camper feels a little more prepared heading out.

Go if

Anglers and solo hikers who pack all their own water. Reviews call the creek and reservoir fishing the best in Idaho, and the steep 2-mile Hawley Creek Trail connects to the CDNST at the top of open grasslands.

Skip if

No potable water on-site and only four first-come sites with no reservations means driving 8 miles from Leadore on a gamble. Nights drop into the 30s even in summer, and afternoon thunderstorms are routine at this elevation.

Nearby Campgrounds

Less Visited

3.6

(7)

Reservoir Creek Campground

Salmon-Challis National Forest

Reservoir Creek Campground sits at 6,886 feet in the Salmon-Challis National Forest with just two primitive sites. Each site has a picnic table, fire ring, and access to a vault toilet. There's no water, no trash service, and fees are unknown. Reviews average 5.0 stars from seven campers.

$0.00 - $0.00 / night

Less Visited

4.3

(91)

Meadow Lake Campground

PO Box 180 Ranger Street, Leadore, ID 83464, USA

Meadow Lake Campground sits at 9,160 feet in Salmon-Challis National Forest, a high-elevation alpine site near Leadore with lake access for fishing and boating. Operated by the Forest Service, this small campground offers tent and RV sites plus group options, with vault toilets, potable water, and fire rings. Visitors come for the alpine scenery and trailhead access, though the lack of a camp host means maintenance and noise enforcement can be inconsistent.

$15.00 - $30.00 / night

Less Visited

2.1

(20)

Big Eightmile Campground/Trailhead

Big Eightmile Creek, 14 miles west of Leadore, Idaho

Big Eightmile Campground sits at 7,546 feet along Big Eightmile Creek in the Salmon-Challis National Forest, offering 10 sites with picnic tables, fire rings, and vault toilets. The campground provides access to hiking and biking trails through creek canyons and forested terrain. Fair warning: multiple reviewers report the access road is rough enough to damage vehicles and trailers, so scout it first without your rig or plan to creep in at 5 mph.

$0.00 - $0.00 / night

3.4

(22)

Mcfarland Campground

1206 S Challis St, Salmon, ID 83467

McFarland Campground sits along the Salmon River in mid-elevation forest managed by the BLM's Salmon Field Office. This small riverside campground offers shaded sites suitable for tents and RVs, with vault toilets, potable water, fire rings, and picnic tables. Visitors fish for trout, launch boats, and watch for elk and other wildlife along the river corridor.

$2.00 - $30.00 / night

3.4

(22)

Mcfarland Campground

McFarland Campground sits along the Lemhi River near Leadore in east-central Idaho, managed by the Bureau of Land Management. This small, mid-elevation forest site offers flat pull-through spots arranged in a circle, with vault toilets and seasonal potable water. Anglers come for the river's summer hatches and dry-fly fishing, while the cottonwood and willow shade makes it a quiet base for wildlife viewing.

Timber Creek Campground

Salmon-Challis National Forest

Timber Creek Campground sits at 8,000 feet in the Salmon-Challis National Forest near Mackay, where two creeks converge in a mixed conifer forest. The campground has 12 sites with vault toilets and potable water, charging $5 per night (cash or check only). Access requires navigating a long gravel road with potholes, so bring a spare tire.

$5.00 - $5.00 / night

Less Visited

3.6

(8)

Mill Creek Trailhead & Campground

Mill Creek Trailhead & Campground sits at 7,231 feet in the Salmon-Challis National Forest near Mackay, offering six primitive sites for $5 per night. The campground hugs Mill Creek in a quiet forest setting with vault toilets, a hitching rail, and unloading ramp. No potable water. Visitors consistently praise its cleanliness and lack of crowds.

$5.00 - $5.00 / night

Campgrounds you may also like

Less Visited

0.0

(0)

Hawley Creek Upper Campground

Salmon-Challis National Forest

Hawley Creek Upper Campground sits at 6,768 feet in the Salmon-Challis National Forest near Leadore, offering six primitive sites with picnic tables, fire rings, and vault toilets. There's no potable water, so bring your own. The campground provides access to Hawley Creek fishing and a 2-mile trail that climbs 1,000 feet through challenging terrain.

$0.00 - $0.00 / night

4.1

(29)

Casino Creek

Sawtooth National Forest

Casino Creek sits in Sawtooth National Forest near Stanley, Idaho, operated by the Forest Service at mid-elevation. This small campground offers tent and RV sites with vault toilets and potable water, plus direct access to trails and scenic river views. Reviewers praise the quiet setting, spacious sites, and a sandy beach area along the creek.

Lake Creek Trailhead & Campground

Salmon-Challis National Forest

Lake Creek Trailhead & Campground sits at 8,015 feet in the Salmon-Challis National Forest near Mackay. The campground has four sites spread across open sagebrush terrain, charging $5 per night. It's a jumping-off point for the Lake Creek ATV trails, the Green Lake Trail, and Muldoon Canyon's rock formations.

$5.00 - $5.00 / night

Less Visited

3.7

(22)

Spring Creek Campground

Custer Gallatin National Forest

Spring Creek Campground sits in Custer Gallatin National Forest at 6,552 feet, minutes from Hebgen Lake's shoreline. The 15 first-come, first-served sites range from heavily shaded to open and sunny, with fees running $16-$23 per night. Driveway lengths vary from 40 feet to over 100 feet, accommodating tents, RVs, and primitive setups.

$16.00 - $23.00 / night

Campgrounds

Salmon-Challis National Forest

Hawley Creek Lower Campground

From the U.S. Forest Service

Reference information about Hawley Creek Lower Campground sourced from official USFS records and forestcamping.com. View official recreation.gov page →

Overview

<p>The lower campground has 4 sites and also has potable water. Fishing in Hawley Creek, and in the reservoir. The Hawley Creek Trail is less than 2 miles long, but is rather difficult, gaining over 1000 feet in elevation over the distance. Motorized vehicles (ATVs, motorcycles), are allowed on the trail, but not off trail. There is a spur trail to the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail. The trail opens up into grasslands toward the top.</p>

Open Season: 5/15