Hawley Creek Lower Campground
01 reviewnull
Quick Facts
Price
Free
Booking
First-Come
Sites
4 campsites
Season
Open season starts M...
Cell
Unknown
Pets
Not Allowed
Quick Facts
Price
Free
Booking
First-Come
Sites
4 campsites
Season
Open season starts M...
Cell
Unknown
Pets
Not Allowed
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.
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$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Total Campsite Fees$0.00
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What Campers Say
N/A
Limited Reviews
Based on 1 reviews
5 Google reviews
Most mentioned
location
"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.'"
Fees & Passes at Hawley Creek Lower Campground
Free
Campsite fees
Standard Site
Basic tent/RV spot
Stay Limit: null
Cancellation: null
Prices verified August 10, 2025
Prices may vary by season and site type. Always confirm current rates on the official Salmon-Challis National Forest website.
Best Time to Camp at Hawley Creek Lower Campground
Winter transforms this mountain retreat into a crystalline wonderland, where snow blankets the landscape and temperatures plunge into truly frigid territory. As late spring emerges, the campground undergoes a dramatic metamorphosis—comfortable temperatures replace the chill, and dry, crisp air creates perfect conditions for outdoor adventures. Summer visitors can expect gloriously rain-free days under azure skies, making it an ideal season for extended camping trips and trail exploration.
Spring (Mar-May)
Wildflowers bloom, mild temperatures, fewer crowds. Great for hiking and photography.
Best
Summer (Jun-Aug)
Peak season with warm days. Most facilities open. Reserve ahead.
Fall (Sep-Nov)
Beautiful fall colors, cooler temps, quieter campgrounds. Ideal for peaceful trips.
Winter (Dec-Feb)
Off-season, limited services. Check for closures before visiting.
Planning Tips
- Peak Season: null. Book 2-3 months ahead.
- Operating Season: Open season starts May 15.
- Current Alerts: null
About Hawley Creek Lower Campground
Tucked away in the rugged wilderness, Hawley Creek Lower Campground offers an authentic backcountry experience with four secluded camping sites perfect for those seeking solitude. While you'll need to bring your own water, modern restrooms provide a touch of comfort in this remote setting. Cast your line into the pristine waters of Hawley Creek or the nearby reservoir, where trout dance beneath the surface. Adventure seekers will discover a hidden spur trail that connects to the legendary Continental Divide National Scenic Trail, opening up endless exploration possibilities. The designated trails welcome ATV and motorcycle enthusiasts, adding an extra dimension of excitement to your wilderness escape.
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.
Historical SignificanceAs seasoned camper Richard Morrisseau discovered during his memorable visit, this area serves as a living classroom of Idaho's rich heritage. Between casting lines and setting up camp, visitors find themselves immersed in stories of the past—from early settlers who traversed these rugged lands to the indigenous peoples who first called this region home. Every trail and stream whispers tales of Idaho's fascinating history, turning a simple camping trip into an educational journey through time.
Weather and SeasonsWinter transforms this mountain retreat into a crystalline wonderland, where snow blankets the landscape and temperatures plunge into truly frigid territory. As late spring emerges, the campground undergoes a dramatic metamorphosis—comfortable temperatures replace the chill, and dry, crisp air creates perfect conditions for outdoor adventures. Summer visitors can expect gloriously rain-free days under azure skies, making it an ideal season for extended camping trips and trail exploration.
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 rests in a transitional landscape where mountain forests give way to sweeping grasslands, creating a diverse ecosystem teeming with life. Hawley Creek meanders through the terrain, its crystal-clear waters providing both scenic beauty and excellent fishing opportunities. As trails climb toward the sky, hikers emerge from shaded paths into expansive meadows where wildflowers paint the hillsides in seasonal colors. The nearby reservoirs mirror the big sky above, while the dramatic elevation changes reveal panoramic vistas that stretch to the horizon.
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.
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Campsite details
Sites SizeSites are not described in terms of size.
Sites PrivacyPrivacy levels for the campsites are not described.
Total Campsites4 campsites
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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 are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutDispersed camping with 4 sites.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen season starts May 15.
Reservation Platformsnull
Walk-in AvailabilityThe campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis.
Cancellation Policynull
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
The Hawley Creek Trail is less than 2 miles long but is described as difficult due to a steep elevation gain of over 1,000 feet. The trail opens into grasslands at the top and features a spur to the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail.Fishing
Fishing opportunities are available in Hawley Creek and a reservoir. This activity is highlighted as a major draw by users, with one review describing it as 'the greatest place in Idaho to fish.'Advertisement
Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- null
- Quiet hours are null
Hazards
General hazardsElevation gain on trails and lack of potable water may pose challenges. Users should plan for frigid conditions during the winter.
Active alertsnull
Weather at Hawley Creek Lower Campground
35
°F
Dec 7
Sunday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 52%
Moderately humid conditions
Wind: 6.2 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Overcast
Weather History
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Emergency Services
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Good to know
Peak season datesnull
Proximity to water featuresFishing available in Hawley Creek and nearby reservoir.
Common complaintsnull
Hostnull
Campground Map
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Driving directionsFollow Highway 29 east of Leadore, 1 1/4 mile, turn right on the county dirt road and go 6 miles to the junction, Forest Service Road #275. Follow road 4 miles east up Hawley Creek.
"The campground is accessible via a county dirt road and Forest Service Road #275. Users should be prepared for unpaved roads, and seasonal accessibility may be impacted by weather."Nearby places
Leadore, 8 miles southeast
Nearby supplies
null
Reviews from booking and map sources
0.0
1 reviews
Hawley Creek Lower Campground has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % 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 1 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 1 reviewsCommon Concerns
No common complaints were explicitly stated in the provided user reviews.
Based on 1 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
No specific tips or recommendations were provided by users.
Based on 1 reviewsSeasonal Insights
No specific seasonal trends were noted in user reviews.
Based on 1 reviewsCamper Quotes
1. 'To me it is the greatest place in Idaho to fish and camp.'
Based on 1 reviewsSite-Specific Reviews
There are no site-specific reviews detailing individual campsite experiences.
Based on 1 reviewsCamper Reviews by Outdoorithm campers
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0 review
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Last updated August 10, 2025
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