Tin Cup Campground

Star3.67
9 reviews

Quick Facts

5,800 ft

Price

Free

Booking

First-Come

Sites

13 campsites

Season

Open July 1 through ...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Opens Salmon-Challis National Forest site

Official Website
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Tin Cup Campground
$0.00 - $0.00 / night
Campsite Fees
The campground does not charge fees for camping.
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

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What Campers Say

3.67

Mixed Reviews

Based on 9 reviews

4 Google reviews

Most mentioned

spacioushikingsites

"Reviews emphasize the campground's remote location and proximity to the Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness. Campers appreciate the privacy, natural surroundings, and access to outdoor activities."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

Tin Cup Campground

44.5975, -114.8137

Driving directionsFrom Clayton, ID, take State Rt. 75 west 20.4 miles to Sunbeam sign (Forest Rt. 013). Turn right at sign onto Rt. 013 and go 5.6 miles to pavement's end. Continue straight onto gravel and dirt road for another 3 miles to River of No Return Wilderness sign and an intersection just past the Yankee Fork Gold Dredge (Forest Rt. 172). Turn left onto Rt. 172 (dirt) and go 4.4 miles to another intersection. Continue straight, staying on Rt. 172, for 16.6 miles to a 'Y' intersection (Forest Rt. 007). Bear right onto Rt. 007 and go 2.6 miles to a 'T' intersection. Turn right and go 1.2 miles to the campground.
The last 24.8 miles are single-lane (with turnouts), rough and rocky in places. Numerous switchbacks and vertical drops give this route a 'white knuckle' classification. High-clearance vehicles are recommended.
Nearby places
Clayton (approximately 20 miles, 40-minute drive)
Sunbeam (31 miles, travel time unspecified).
Nearby supplies
Null

Best Time to Camp at Tin Cup Campground

Despite its summer and fall operating season from July through October, Tin Cup Campground maintains a refreshingly crisp mountain climate that defies typical seasonal expectations. Daytime temperatures hover between a bracing 32°F and 45°F, creating perfect conditions for invigorating hikes and cozy campfire evenings. The region boasts remarkably clear skies and dry weather patterns, with occasional snow flurries adding a touch of alpine magic to the camping experience. Pack your warm layers and embrace the mountain's natural air conditioning as you explore this high-elevation paradise.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Open in summer (July–Oct); summer offers the best conditions and access.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
3.5 / 5

Open into October with crisp fall weather, but season is shorter and accessibility can change.

Spring(Mar-May)
Not recommended

Campground not open in spring; season begins July 1.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Campground closed outside July 1–Oct 1; winter stays not supported.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: July 1 through October 1.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open July 1 through October 1.
  • Current Alerts: Null

About Tin Cup Campground

Perched on a scenic bluff overlooking the rushing waters of Loon Creek, Tin Cup Campground beckons adventurers seeking an authentic wilderness experience at the edge of the legendary Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness. This intimate campground features thirteen thoughtfully dispersed sites, each tucked beneath a canopy of towering Douglas firs and furnished with sturdy picnic tables and fire rings for evening gatherings under starlit skies. While embracing a back-to-basics camping philosophy with vault toilets and no running water, Tin Cup rewards visitors with unparalleled tranquility and direct access to one of America's last great wild places.
Tin Cup Campground is a primitive camping site ideal for tent campers who enjoy a secluded and rustic outdoor experience.
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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
Open 24 hours/day.
Check-out
Null
Stay Limit
Maximum stay of 16 nights.

Amenities available

Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

The area surrounding Tin Cup Campground offers a range of activities, including hiking, horse riding, picnicking, and wildlife viewing. The campground serves as a gateway to the Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness, providing access to a 22-mile hiking trail along Loon Creek.
HikingHiking opportunities include the 22-mile Loon Creek Trail, which accommodates both foot and horse travel. Additional trailheads at Indian Springs, Rat Creek, China Creek, Mayfield Creek, and Monte Cristo allow for varied hiking experiences, including loop hikes to Indian Springs and Rat Creek.
FishingFishing in the area includes opportunities to catch cutthroat and rainbow trout in Loon Creek.
Wildlife viewingCampers can enjoy wildlife viewing in the area, which is part of the Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness.
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsRoads leading to the campground are rough, rocky, and feature significant switchbacks and vertical drops. Wildlife presence is likely in such a remote wilderness setting.
Active AlertsNull
No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

Weather at Tin Cup Campground

Reviews

3.7
9 reviews
Mixed Reviews
Mixed Reviews
Tin Cup Campground has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews
Reviews emphasize the campground's remote location and proximity to the Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness. Campers appreciate the privacy, natural surroundings, and access to outdoor activities.
Review Summaries
Based on 9 reviews

What Campers Love

The campground's spacious sites, serene environment, and access to extensive hiking trails are widely praised. The presence of equestrian facilities nearby is an added bonus for those with horses.
Based on 9 reviews

Common Concerns

The lack of potable water and long, rough access road are common complaints. The road is described as 'single-lane, rough and rocky,' with 'numerous switchbacks and vertical drops' that some refer to...
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Based on 9 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

'Bring plenty of water' is a frequent recommendation due to the lack of potable water on-site. Campers also recommend high-clearance vehicles for navigating the rough access road.
Based on 9 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Weather conditions may influence accessibility and camping comfort, as the campground is open only from July 1 to October 1. Summer typically offers the best conditions for camping, while early or...
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Based on 9 reviews

Camper Quotes

'Ultra remote and the best place to camp before and after a long haul into the Frank,' says one reviewer. Another mentions, 'It's a long drive to this campground, but well worth it.'
Based on 9 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Campers suggest selecting sites visible from the equestrian facilities if using horses. No specific site numbers are mentioned.
Based on 9 reviews

Accessibility Features

No reviews specifically address accessibility features.
Based on 9 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

No reviews specifically address pet policies or pet-friendly features.
Based on 9 reviews

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Last updated January 5, 2026
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