How much does camping cost at Tin Cup Campground?

Camping fees at Tin Cup Campground range from Free. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Fees are typically paid at the campground entrance.

Is Tin Cup Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Tin Cup Campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis. First-come, first-served. Likely high demand due to limited number of sites (13 total).

What is the best time to visit Tin Cup Campground?

Tin Cup Campground is open July 1 through October 1.. 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 Tin Cup Campground?

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

Can I have a campfire at Tin Cup Campground?

Fire policies at Tin Cup Campground: Campfires are permitted within designated fire rings.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

How many campsites does Tin Cup Campground have?

Tin Cup Campground has 13 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Arrive early for the best site selection.

Are dogs allowed at Tin Cup Campground?

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

What amenities are available at Tin Cup Campground?

Tin Cup Campground offers: Restrooms. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Tin Cup Campground?

Popular activities at Tin Cup Campground include Hiking, Fishing, Wildlife Viewing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Tin Cup Campground

3.00

9 reviews

Tent Camping

Featured in:Family-Friendly Campgrounds Idaho

Quick Facts

5,800 ft

Price

Free

Booking

First-Come

Sites

13 campsites

Season

Open July 1 through ...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Check Availability Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

5,800 ft

Price

Free

Booking

First-Come

Sites

13 campsites

Season

Open July 1 through ...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Check Availability Official Website

Get Directions

Tin Cup Campground

$0.00 - $0.00 / night

Campsite Fees

The campground does not charge fees for camping.

No paid fee categories listed.

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I manage this campground

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Campground Map

Tin Cup Campground

44.5975, -114.8137

Nearby places

Clayton (approximately 20 miles, 40-minute drive)

Sunbeam (31 miles, travel time unspecified).

Nearby supplies

Null

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.

Weather at Tin Cup Campground

Best Time to Camp at Tin Cup Campground

Summer through early September is the only reliable access window. Daytime highs range from about 32°F to 45°F, with nights often near or below freezing even in July and August. The short season means long daylight hours for hiking and fishing without heat. Skies tend to be clear and dry. Pack serious warm layers. This isn't a warm-weather campground despite the summer dates.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Summer (open July 1) is the best window for access and activities, though days are cool and nights cold.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: July 1 through October 1.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open July 1 through October 1.

About Tin Cup Campground

Tin Cup Campground sits on a bluff above Loon Creek at the boundary of the Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness in Salmon-Challis National Forest. The campground has 13 primitive sites under Douglas fir, each with a picnic table and fire ring. Vault toilets available, but no potable water. Access requires a rough, single-lane road that reviewers recommend tackling with a high-clearance vehicle.

Tin Cup Campground is a primitive camping site ideal for tent campers who enjoy a secluded and rustic outdoor experience.

Weather and SeasonsSummer through early September is the only reliable access window. Daytime highs range from about 32°F to 45°F, with nights often near or below freezing even in July and August. The short season means long daylight hours for hiking and fishing without heat. Skies tend to be clear and dry. Pack serious warm layers. This isn't a warm-weather campground despite the summer dates.

ElevationAt an exhilarating 5,800 feet above sea level, Tin Cup Campground offers a true high-country camping experience where the air is crisp, the stars shine brilliantly, and every breath connects you to the raw beauty of Idaho's mountain wilderness.

Natural Features and SceneryThe campground occupies a natural terrace at 5,800 feet, where dense Douglas fir forest meets Loon Creek below. The understory is mostly grass, creating an open feel beneath the conifers. From the bluff, you're looking at the edge of 2.3 million acres of the Frank Church Wilderness: deep canyons, rugged peaks, and pristine river corridors. Loon Creek runs through the valley, accessible for bank and stream fishing. Elk, deer, black bear, and varied birdlife move through the area, especially in summer.

Geological RegionDramatically positioned atop a commanding bluff carved by centuries of geological forces, Tin Cup Campground occupies a unique vantage point where dense Douglas fir forests meet the wild waters of Loon Creek. This natural terrace marks the very boundary of the Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness, placing campers at the threshold of 2.3 million acres of untamed landscape—a geological wonderland of deep canyons, rugged peaks, and pristine river corridors that remain virtually unchanged since the dawn of time.

Scenic ViewsScenic views of Loon Creek from the bluff are a highlight. Surrounding wilderness trails add to the visual appeal.

Lodging & AccommodationsThe campground does not offer hotel-style lodges or similar accommodations.

Programs & ActivitiesNo cultural or educational programs are offered.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in

Open 24 hours/day.

Check-out

Null

Stay Limit

Maximum stay of 16 nights.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Null

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Site layoutThirteen sites spread widely across the bluff with good spacing between them. The Douglas fir canopy provides some shade, though the grassy understory keeps sightlines fairly open. Equestrian hitching rails and stalls sit across the road for campers bringing horses.

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

Walk-in AvailabilityFirst-come, first-served. Likely high demand due to limited number of sites (13 total).

Cancellation PolicyNull

AccessibilityThe campground is not wheelchair accessible, as the vault toilets and terrain lack accessible features.

Site SizeSites are described as widely spaced, providing ample room for individual camping needs.

PrivacyCampers have noted good privacy due to the wide spacing of campsites and the Douglas fir setting, although the understory primarily consists of grass.

Total Campsites13 campsites

Recommended SitesWidely spaced campsites offer privacy; sites overlooking Loon Creek are particularly recommended.

Amenities available

Tin Cup Campground offers 13 campsites on Loon Creek, each equipped with a picnic table and fire ring. The campground also features a vault toilet. Potable water is not available on-site, and drinking water must be carried in. Horses are not allowed in the campground itself, but hitching rails, small pole stalls, and feed troughs for equestrian needs are provided just across the road. The campground's remote location requires campers to 'pack it in, pack it out,' and it is noted for its privacy due to widely spaced campsites amidst a stand of Douglas fir trees.

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

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.

Hiking

Fishing

Wildlife viewing

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

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.

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

No Flush ToiletsNo flush toilets are available; only vault toilets are present.

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.

Trip Planning Tools

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Tips from campers

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Reviews

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From Booking Sources

3.0

9 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...

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

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...

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

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

Outdoorithm Community

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Go if

Backcountry-minded tent campers with a high-clearance rig who want solitude, no fee, and a trailhead to the 22-mile Loon Creek Trail. Equestrians get hitching rails and stalls just across the road. Pack all your water in.

Skip if

The access road is single-lane, rocky, and lined with switchbacks and vertical drops. Low-clearance vehicles won't make it comfortably, and anyone expecting potable water, showers, or cell service will find none of those here.

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