Is Phi Kappa Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Phi Kappa Campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis. Arrive early, especially on weekends and holidays, to secure a spot.

Can I see photos of campsites at Phi Kappa Campground before I book?

Yes! Phi Kappa Campground has 13 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit Phi Kappa Campground?

Phi Kappa Campground is open Seasons of Use 05/31 - 09/30. 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 Phi Kappa Campground?

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

How many campsites does Phi Kappa Campground have?

Phi Kappa Campground has 21 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Arrive early for the best site selection.

Are dogs allowed at Phi Kappa Campground?

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

What amenities are available at Phi Kappa Campground?

Phi Kappa Campground offers: Restrooms, Potable Water. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

Phi Kappa Campground

3.28

9 reviews

Featured in:Family-Friendly Campgrounds Idaho

Quick Facts

7,470 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

21 campsites

Season

Seasons of Use 05/31...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Check Policy

Book on null."Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

7,470 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

21 campsites

Season

Seasons of Use 05/31...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Check Policy

Book on null."Official Website

Get Directions

Phi Kappa Campground

No fees available

Campsite Fees

No campsite fee categories listed.

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Campground Map

Phi Kappa Campground

Nearby places

Challis ~ 21-23 miles away.

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) and follow this road 23 miles to the campground. From Challis: Take US Highway 93 south of Challis to the Trail Creek Road. Turn right on the Trail Creek Road. Follow this road 23 miles to the campground. 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. Follow this road 23 miles to the campground.

Weather at Phi Kappa Campground

Best Time to Camp at Phi Kappa Campground

Best season: summer. Summer offers the most reliable warm weather and full access to lakeside activities — expect daytime highs generally in the mid-70s to mid-80s°F and cool nights in the 45–60°F range. Water recreation (swimming, paddling, fishing) is at its peak, trails are dry, and campsites are fully usable without spring mud or heavy snow concerns. Weekdays are generally quiet while weekends see moderate local crowds, so plan midweek stays for greater solitude. Peak months: July, August, September, June Avoid: January, February

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Site open May 31–Sep 30; summer noted as best season with warm days and lake access.

Planning Tips

Operating Season: Seasons of Use 05/31 - 09/30

About Phi Kappa Campground

Phi Kappa Campground sits in the high-elevation alpine terrain of Salmon-Challis National Forest near Mackay, Idaho. This small campground offers tent sites with vault toilets and mountain views in a serene setting. Visitors come for the quiet atmosphere and access to surrounding trails and alpine scenery.

Phi Kappa Campground accommodates tent camping and does not support reservations. The campground's first-come, first-served availability makes it ideal for spontaneous campers.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: summer. Summer offers the most reliable warm weather and full access to lakeside activities — expect daytime highs generally in the mid-70s to mid-80s°F and cool nights in the 45–60°F range. Water recreation (swimming, paddling, fishing) is at its peak, trails are dry, and campsites are fully usable without spring mud or heavy snow concerns. Weekdays are generally quiet while weekends see moderate local crowds, so plan midweek stays for greater solitude. Peak months: July, August, September, June Avoid: January, February

Elevation7470 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryMountains surround the campground on all sides, creating views that reviewers consistently call beautiful. The wooded setting provides shade and some site separation. At this elevation in central Idaho's high country, the landscape leans toward mixed conifers rather than dense forest. The natural water here has a rusty tint, a mineral characteristic of the local geology.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

Null.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Null.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Reservation Platformsnull.

Site SizeStandard campsite dimensions.

PrivacySites are situated in a wooded area, which likely provides some privacy, although specific details are not provided.

Total Campsites21 campsites

Recommended Sitesnull.

Amenities available

Potable water is not available at this site.

Potable water

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

Not sure what to pack?Our complete camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.

No Flush ToiletsFlush toilets are not available at this campground. Expect vault or pit toilets only.

No Electric HookupsElectric hookups are not available at this campground. RV campers should arrive with a full battery and plan for off-grid power (generator hours/quiet rules permitting).

No Water HookupsSite-level water hookups are not available. RV campers should fill freshwater tanks before arrival; check the No Potable Water note above if applicable for drinking water.

No Dump StationThere is no dump station at this campground. Plan to use a dump station along your route or at a nearby facility before or after your stay.

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 Phi Kappa Campground

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From Booking Sources

3.3

9 reviews

Mixed Reviews

Phi Kappa Campground has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews

Overall, Phi Kappa Campground is highly rated for its natural beauty and cleanliness. It is less visited, offering a quieter camping experience.

Review Summaries

Based on 9 reviews

What Campers Love

Positive comments emphasize the 'clean bathrooms,' 'beautiful mountains all around,' and the affordable price of $10 per night. Reviewers also appreciated the serene environment and scenic views.

Based on 9 reviews

Common Concerns

No complaints were noted in the provided user reviews.

Based on 9 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers should be aware that the potable water has a natural rusty color and that there is no cell service at the campground.

Based on 9 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Seasonal trends were not explicitly discussed, but the availability of potable water is restricted to the summer months.

Based on 9 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'Another gem. 10 dollars a night or 5 dollars with interagency pass. Very clean vault toilets. Beautiful mountains all around. No cell service.' - T. Lee & Destiny (2020-07-24). 2. 'Beautiful site...

Based on 9 reviews

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Phi Kappa Campground

No fees available

Campsite Fees

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

Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

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Go if

You want affordable high-elevation camping in a quiet mountain setting with scenic views.

Skip if

You need RV hookups, running water, or campgrounds that stay open beyond summer season.

Nearby Campgrounds

Phi Kappa Campground

Quick Facts

Quick Facts

Get Notified When Available

Ask Camp Sage about Phi Kappa Campground

Campground Map

Weather at Phi Kappa Campground

Best Time to Camp at Phi Kappa Campground

Planning Tips

About Phi Kappa Campground

Best Campsites

Reserving a campsite

Amenities available

Policies & Safety

Trip Planning Tools

Reviews

What Campers Love

Common Concerns

Get Notified When Available

Go if

Skip if

Explore related camping guides

Ask Camp Sage about Phi Kappa Campground

Best Time to Camp at Phi Kappa Campground

Planning Tips

Best Campsites

Reserving a campsite

Amenities available

Policies & Safety

Trip Planning Tools

Reviews

What Campers Love

Common Concerns