Park Creek Campground

4.31

18 reviews

Park Creek Campground, Salmon-Challis National Forest, Idaho

Peace & Quiet

Quick Facts

7,800 ft

Price

$10/night

Booking

First-Come

Sites

12 campsites

Season

Open seasonally from...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Opens Salmon-Challis National Forest site

Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

7,800 ft

Price

$10/night

Booking

First-Come

Sites

12 campsites

Season

Open seasonally from...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Opens Salmon-Challis National Forest site

Official Website

Get Directions

Park Creek Campground

$10.00 - $10.00 / night

Campsite Fees

$10 per night for overnight use of single sites. Interagency Senior and Access Recreation Pass holders receive a 50% discount on single campsites...

Standard Site Fee$10.00

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

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What Campers Say

4.31

Recommended

Based on 18 reviews

15 Google reviews

Most mentioned

quietpeacefulshadelocation

Some mention

mosquitoes

"Users generally find Park Creek Campground to be a peaceful and well-maintained location with good spacing between sites. Several reviewers mention the scenic surroundings, privacy, and affordability at $10 per night. However, the rough access road and lack of amenities like a camp host, running water into winter, or flush toilets are noted as minor drawbacks."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

Park Creek Campground, Salmon-Challis National Forest, Idaho

Park Creek Campground

Park Creek Campground, Salmon-Challis National Forest, Idaho

Driving directionsFrom Mackay: Take US Highway 93 approximately 16 miles north of Mackay to the Trail Creek Road. Turn left on the Trail Creek Road (#208). Follow this road 26 miles, campground will be on the right. From Sun Valley/Ketchum: Take Highway 75 (Main Street) to Sun Valley Road. Turn northeast onto Sun Valley Road. This road turns into the Trail Creek Road (#208). Follow this road 26 miles, the campground will be on the left.

Trail Creek Road becomes dirt, rocky, rough, and steep in certain sections. The road ascends dramatically for 2.8 miles to Trail Creek Summit. While the road is mostly two-lane up to the summit, it is not RV-friendly. User reviews highlight that two-wheel drive cars can access the campground but should proceed cautiously due to ruts.

Nearby places

Mackay: 16 miles north

Sun Valley/Ketchum: 26 miles northeast

Nearby supplies

Closest supplies, including groceries, camping essentials, and fuel, are available in Ketchum, Idaho, approximately 26 miles away.

Best Time to Camp at Park Creek Campground

At nearly 8,000 feet, Park Creek Campground experiences the full drama of mountain weather. Summer emerges as the crown jewel of camping seasons here, with warm days perfect for exploration and cool nights ideal for campfire gatherings—though be prepared to share the evening air with mosquitoes eager to join your outdoor adventures. Spring and fall bring crisp, invigorating temperatures that can dip below freezing after sunset, while winter transforms the landscape into a frozen wonderland best admired from afar. The elevation creates its own microclimate, so experienced campers know to pack layers and expect the unexpected when Mother Nature decides to showcase her repertoire.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.5 / 5

Top 23% in ID

Summer described as the crown jewel; campground open June 1–Sept 30, peak season summer.

Fall(Sep-Nov)

3.0 / 5

Open through Sept 30; cooler weather likely but season ends early fall.

Spring(Mar-May)

Not recommended

Seasonal opening June 1 means spring season not available for camping.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

Not recommended

Closed in winter; seasonal operation Jun 1–Sept 30.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: June 1 to September 30.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open seasonally from June 1 to September 30, weather-dependent.

About Park Creek Campground

Tucked away in the pristine wilderness of the Salmon-Challis National Forest, Park Creek Campground offers an intimate escape at 7,800 feet elevation. This secluded gem features just 12 thoughtfully spaced campsites arranged in a single loop, each one nestled beneath a canopy of towering Lodgepole pines and majestic spruce trees. The gentle murmur of Summit Creek provides a natural soundtrack to your mountain retreat, while the surrounding forest creates natural privacy screens between sites, making this small campground feel like your own personal slice of wilderness paradise.

Park Creek Campground is a small, rustic site designed primarily for tent camping, though RVs are also allowed. It operates on a first-come, first-served basis and offers no group-specific or luxury camping options.

Weather and SeasonsAt nearly 8,000 feet, Park Creek Campground experiences the full drama of mountain weather. Summer emerges as the crown jewel of camping seasons here, with warm days perfect for exploration and cool nights ideal for campfire gatherings—though be prepared to share the evening air with mosquitoes eager to join your outdoor adventures. Spring and fall bring crisp, invigorating temperatures that can dip below freezing after sunset, while winter transforms the landscape into a frozen wonderland best admired from afar. The elevation creates its own microclimate, so experienced campers know to pack layers and expect the unexpected when Mother Nature decides to showcase her repertoire.

ElevationPerched at 7,800 feet above sea level, Park Creek Campground places you firmly in the thin-air territory of the high country. This lofty elevation brings both rewards and responsibilities—spectacular views come paired with weather that can shift from sunshine to storm in minutes. The altitude affects everything from cooking times to physical exertion, so visitors should pace themselves as they acclimate to this mountain environment. The payoff? Crystal-clear night skies unmarred by light pollution and morning air so pure it feels like nature's own energy drink.

Natural Features and SceneryPark Creek Campground showcases nature's artistry at every turn. Summit Creek winds gracefully past the campsites, its clear mountain waters creating peaceful pools and gentle riffles that invite quiet contemplation. Adjacent willow marshes burst with life, offering glimpses of wildlife and wildflowers throughout the season. The surrounding forest of Lodgepole pines and spruce creates a living cathedral, their evergreen spires reaching skyward while filtering sunlight into dancing patterns on the forest floor. Beyond the trees, mountain vistas unfold like painted backdrops, offering campers front-row seats to some of Idaho's most stunning high-country scenery. As one visitor noted, these views make it the perfect refuge from summer's heat, where cool mountain breezes replace the valley's swelter.

Geological RegionSet within the vast expanse of the Salmon-Challis National Forest, Park Creek Campground occupies a special niche in Idaho's rugged geological tapestry. This mountain ecosystem represents millions of years of natural forces at work—ancient seas gave way to towering peaks, glaciers carved valleys, and forests took root in the fertile soil left behind. The campground's location showcases this geological heritage beautifully, with Summit Creek cutting through terrain shaped by volcanic activity and glacial movements. The surrounding Lodgepole pine and spruce forest tells its own story of adaptation and resilience, thriving in the challenging conditions of high elevation. The nearby willow marshes serve as natural water filters and wildlife corridors, while the encompassing mountains stand as silent sentinels, their exposed faces revealing layers of geological time to those who know how to read the rocks.

Best Campsites

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Reserving a campsite

Check-in

Open 24/7.

Check-out

Open 24/7.

Stay Limit

Maximum stay limit is 16 consecutive nights.

Guests Allowed Per Site

No specific details provided.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Site layout12 campsites arranged in a single loop within a wooded area.

Reservation PlatformsReservations are not available; all sites are first-come, first-served.

Walk-in AvailabilityAll 12 campsites are first-come, first-served. No reservations are available.

Cancellation PolicyCancellation policies are not provided.

AccessibilityWheelchair accessibility is not confirmed, and no features specifically for accessibility were mentioned.

Site SizeThe sites are described as well-spaced with plenty of flat ground for tents.

PrivacyAccording to the general comments, "well-spaced camp sites provide good privacy.

Total Campsites12 campsites

Recommended SitesSites are well-spaced, offering privacy. User reviews recommend bringing bug spray due to mosquitoes.

Amenities available

Potable water

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Recreation opportunities near Park Creek Campground include picnicking, scenic drives, and fishing in nearby streams that are home to rainbow and brook trout. The area offers a quiet wooded setting with access to Summit Creek Trail and other local points of interest. Activities like OHV road riding and general wildlife or scenery viewing are additional highlights.

FishingFishing opportunities include nearby streams with rainbow and brook trout.

Wildlife viewingThe campground is adjacent to a willow-covered marsh area, which may offer opportunities for wildlife viewing.

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsMosquitoes are abundant during summer months. This is bear country; food storage precautions are required. Roads leading to the campground are steep and rocky, posing challenges for RVs.

Fire PolicyCampfires are permitted within designated fire rings at each site.

Emergency ServicesNearest emergency services are located in Ketchum, Idaho, approximately 26 miles away. Emergency facilities include local hospitals, police stations, and ranger services.

Trash & RecyclingPack-in, pack-out principles apply. No specific trash or recycling facilities are mentioned.

Water FeaturesAdjacent to Summit Creek and a willow-covered marsh area.

Camp HostNo camp host is available at this site.

Weather at Park Creek Campground

Reviews

4.3

18 reviews

Recommended

Park Creek Campground is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews

Users generally find Park Creek Campground to be a peaceful and well-maintained location with good spacing between sites. Several reviewers mention the scenic surroundings, privacy, and affordability at $10 per night. However, the rough access road and lack of amenities like a camp host, running water into winter, or flush toilets are noted as minor drawbacks.

Review Summaries

Based on 18 reviews

What Campers Love

Most reviewers appreciate the shaded, well-spaced campsites and the quiet atmosphere. Quotes include: "Nice, treed campsites suitable for tent or RV" and "Shady, well-maintained, peaceful location."...

Based on 18 reviews

Common Concerns

The road leading to the campground from Ketchum is described as bumpy and steep. Other issues include the proximity of the campground to the road, causing some noise disturbances, and abundant...

Based on 18 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Travelers recommend driving slowly on the access road. A 2-wheel-drive vehicle can reach the site, but caution is advised. Campers should prepare for the absence of a camp host and bring sufficient...

Based on 18 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer months are highlighted as the best time to visit, with the campground being open between June 1 and September 30. Mosquito activity is noted to peak in warmer months due to the nearby marsh.

Based on 18 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. "The campground is very nice. Not very big but spaced out well." 2. "Nice, treed campsites suitable for tent or RV." 3. "The road... is rutted but a 2-wheel-drive car can do it easily. Just have...

Based on 18 reviews