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

Hawley Creek Upper Campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis. All sites are first-come, first-served.

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

Hawley Creek Upper Campground is open Open from 5/15 to the end of the season.. 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 Upper Campground?

Hawley Creek Upper 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 Upper Campground?

Fire policies at Hawley Creek Upper Campground: Campfires are allowed within designated fire rings provided at each campsite.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

How many campsites does Hawley Creek Upper Campground have?

Hawley Creek Upper Campground has 6 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Arrive early for the best site selection.

Are dogs allowed at Hawley Creek Upper Campground?

Pets are not allowed at Hawley Creek Upper 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 Upper Campground?

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

What activities can I do at Hawley Creek Upper Campground?

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

Hawley Creek Upper Campground

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Featured in:Fishing Idaho#1

Quick Facts

6,768 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

First-Come

Sites

6 campsites

Season

Open from 5/15 to th...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Check Availability Official Website

Get Directions

Elevation by Open-Meteo.com, licensed under CC BY 4.0, processed by Outdoorithm.

Quick Facts

6,768 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

First-Come

Sites

6 campsites

Season

Open from 5/15 to th...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Check Availability Official Website

Get Directions

Elevation by Open-Meteo.com, licensed under CC BY 4.0, processed by Outdoorithm.

Hawley Creek Upper Campground

No fees available

Campsite Fees

No fees are charged for camping at Hawley Creek Upper Campground.

No campsite fee categories listed.

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Campground Map

Hawley Creek Upper Campground

44.6720, -113.1807

Nearby places

Leadore: 8 miles southeast

Driving directionsThe Hawley Creek Campground is 8 miles southeast of Leadore. Follow Highway 29 east of Leadore, 1 and 1/4 mile, turn right on the county dirt road and go 6 miles to the junction, Forest Service Road #275. Follow road 4 and 1/2 miles east up Hawley Creek to Hawley Creek Upper Campground on the right.

The campground is accessed via a county dirt road and requires traveling 4.5 miles on Forest Service Road #275. The road and terrain may be challenging for standard vehicles.

Weather at Hawley Creek Upper Campground

Best Time to Camp at Hawley Creek Upper Campground

Summer brings daytime highs around 65–80°F and nights dropping into the mid-30s to 50°F at this elevation. Long daylight hours and minimal rain make it the most reliable season for hiking and fishing, though afternoon thunderstorms can roll through. Expect fire restrictions during dry spells. Winter temperatures can drop to 4°F, transforming the area into snow-covered terrain suitable for winter activities if you can access the site.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Summer days 65–80°F, minimal rain, long daylight: best season for hiking and fishing.

Planning Tips

Operating Season: Open from 5/15 to the end of the season.

Weather data by Open-Meteo.com, licensed under CC BY 4.0, processed by Outdoorithm.

About Hawley Creek Upper Campground

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.

Hawley Creek Upper Campground is a dispersed camping site with 6 campsites, suitable for tent camping and picnicking.

Weather and SeasonsSummer brings daytime highs around 65–80°F and nights dropping into the mid-30s to 50°F at this elevation. Long daylight hours and minimal rain make it the most reliable season for hiking and fishing, though afternoon thunderstorms can roll through. Expect fire restrictions during dry spells. Winter temperatures can drop to 4°F, transforming the area into snow-covered terrain suitable for winter activities if you can access the site.

ElevationAdventure seekers will find their hearts racing along with the terrain at Hawley Creek, where dramatic elevation changes create both challenge and reward. The crown jewel is the Hawley Creek Trail, an exhilarating ascent that climbs 1,000 vertical feet in just 2 miles - a true test of determination that delivers increasingly spectacular views with every switchback. This significant elevation gain transforms a simple hike into an unforgettable journey through changing ecosystems and perspectives.

Weather data by Open-Meteo.com, licensed under CC BY 4.0, processed by Outdoorithm.

Natural Features and SceneryThe campground sits where grasslands meet dense forest in the Salmon-Challis backcountry. Open meadows transition into shaded groves, creating habitat diversity and shifting views throughout the day. Hawley Creek runs through the area, feeding into a reservoir downstream. The elevation keeps temperatures cooler and supports a mix of high-desert and mountain vegetation.

Geological RegionSalmon-Challis National Forest

Scenic ViewsVisitors can enjoy views of grasslands and scenic vistas along the Hawley Creek Trail, especially near the top of the trail.

Lodging & AccommodationsThere is no indication of hotel-style lodging or cabin accommodations available at the campground.

Programs & ActivitiesThere is no mention of cultural or educational programs at the campground.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in

Open 24 hours/day

Check-out

Open 24 hours/day

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Site layoutSix dispersed sites, each with a picnic table and fire ring. Vault toilets serve the campground.

Reservation PlatformsReservations cannot be made as this campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis.

Walk-in AvailabilityAll sites are first-come, first-served.

AccessibilityNo accessibility features are mentioned in the source materials.

Site SizeThe campground consists of 6 campsites, though specific sizes of these sites are not mentioned.

PrivacyPrivacy levels of campsites are not described in the provided information.

Total Campsites6 campsites

Amenities available

The Hawley Creek Upper Campground offers a rustic camping experience with basic amenities. According to authoritative sources, the campground has 6 campsites equipped with picnic tables and fire rings. Vault toilets are available on-site, but potable water is not provided. Visitors are reminded to pack out their trash as there are no trash and recycling facilities described for this campground.

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

Things to do at Hawley Creek Upper Campground

The campground offers recreational opportunities including picnicking and fishing. The nearby Hawley Creek and reservoir provide fishing options, and there is a challenging hiking trail for enthusiasts.

Hiking3.5/5

Hawley Creek Trail ~2 miles but climbs ~1,000 ft; described as difficult with scenic vistas.

Fishing3.0/5

Hawley Creek runs through area; creek and downstream reservoir provide fishing opportunities.

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Signature experiences

Stargazing4.0/5Remote Salmon–Challis backcountry at 6,768 ft suggests low light pollution and good night skies.

Photography3.5/5Meadows, forest edges, creek and trail vistas provide varied photo opportunities, esp. from trail highpoints.

Not sure what to pack?Our complete camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsRapid elevation gain on the trail can be challenging. Lack of potable water requires campers to bring their own.

No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

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.

Good to know

Short heads-ups about the road in, gear quirks, and timing, compiled by Outdoorithm from public reviews and operator information.

Reviews

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From Booking Sources

0.0

0 reviews

Limited Reviews

Hawley Creek Upper Campground has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews

No user reviews are included in the provided materials.

Review Summaries

What Campers Love

Positive aspects mentioned in the authoritative sources include fishing opportunities, challenging hiking trails, and the presence of picnic tables and fire rings.

Common Concerns

Potential downsides based on authoritative content include the lack of potable water and trash facilities.

Site-Specific Reviews

No site-specific reviews or evaluations are provided in the materials.

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers should bring their own potable water and ensure they pack out their trash. The hiking trail is challenging, so appropriate gear and preparation are recommended.

Seasonal Insights

No seasonal reviews are provided in the source materials.

Camper Quotes

No direct quotes from user reviews are included.

Accessibility Features

No reviews specifically addressing accessibility features are available.

Pet-Friendly Features

No reviews or details regarding pet policies or experiences are included.

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Hawley Creek Upper Campground

No fees available

Campsite Fees

No fees are charged for camping at Hawley Creek Upper Campground.

No campsite 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

263,000+ sites monitored · Email alerts to start; SMS and in-app with an account

Learn more about alerts →

Share this campground

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Provider

Go if

Fly fishers and hikers who want solitude at elevation without paying for it. The Hawley Creek Trail gains 1,000 feet fast and spurs off toward the Continental Divide, which rewards anyone who came for a real climb, not a stroll.

Skip if

No potable water on-site means hauling in everything you'll drink and cook with. First-come-first-served across only six sites is also a real gamble if you're driving the 8 miles from Leadore on a Friday night.

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