Is Smokey Bear Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Smokey Bear Campground accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

Are there showers at Smokey Bear Campground?

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

Are dogs allowed at Smokey Bear Campground?

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

Smokey Bear Campground

4.37

19 reviews

Top 22%Summer

Scenic ViewsSummer Destination

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Quick Facts

7,037 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Reservable

Sites

Varies

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

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RV Friendly

Book Online Official Website

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Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

7,037 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Reservable

Sites

Varies

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Book Online Official Website

Get Directions

Smokey Bear Campground

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Smokey Bear Campground

43.9202, -114.8611

Weather at Smokey Bear Campground

Best Time to Camp at Smokey Bear Campground

Best season: summer. Summer offers the most reliable access and the warmest, most comfortable weather at this 7,000+ ft campground — expect daytime highs around 60–80°F and cool nights in the 30s–50s°F. Wildlife viewing is at its peak in early mornings and evenings, and trails/roads are most likely to be clear; however be prepared for afternoon thunderstorms and possible fire restrictions. Because the campground is first-come, first-served, summer brings the busiest conditions so arrive early in the day to secure a, Peak months: July, August, June, September Avoid: December, January, February

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.5 / 5

Top 22% in US

Summer noted as most enjoyable: lake use, wildlife, comfortable highs 60–80°F.

Planning Tips

About Smokey Bear Campground

Smokey Bear Campground sits at over 7,000 feet in Idaho's Sawtooth National Forest, offering high-elevation alpine camping for tents and RVs. Reviewers praise the scenic beauty, crystal-clear lake access, and helpful campground host. Summer brings the most reliable access and comfortable weather, with cool nights and warm days ideal for wildlife viewing in early mornings and evenings.

Smokey Bear Campground caters to campers using both tent and RV setups. It operates exclusively on a first-come, first-served basis, which requires visitors to physically claim a site.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: summer. Summer offers the most reliable access and the warmest, most comfortable weather at this 7,000+ ft campground — expect daytime highs around 60–80°F and cool nights in the 30s–50s°F. Wildlife viewing is at its peak in early mornings and evenings, and trails/roads are most likely to be clear; however be prepared for afternoon thunderstorms and possible fire restrictions. Because the campground is first-come, first-served, summer brings the busiest conditions so arrive early in the day to secure a, Peak months: July, August, June, September Avoid: December, January, February

Elevation7037 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryThe campground overlooks a crystal-clear lake surrounded by thin tree coverage. Wildlife is common, particularly during early mornings and evenings in summer. The 7,000-foot elevation brings open views but limited shade and privacy between sites. Reviewers note the scenic beauty of the lake and surrounding forest, though the sparse tree coverage means campers can easily see neighboring sites.

Lodging & AccommodationsNo information about lodging or accommodations is available.

Programs & ActivitiesNo information about cultural or educational programs is provided.

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Groups

No information about group sites is available.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

AccessibilityNo accessibility-specific information is provided.

Site SizeUser reviews suggest that the campsites are larger compared to other nearby campgrounds. "We loved it. The campgrounds were larger than other locations that we saw," noted one reviewer.

PrivacyThe privacy level is described as low due to thin trees. "Trees were thin, so not much privacy anywhere," stated one reviewer.

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Amenities available

The Smokey Bear Campground offers a basic set of amenities that cater to visitors seeking a moderately equipped camping experience. It is noted for its first-come, first-served system, which means campers must physically arrive to secure a site. Payment can be made via the Recreation.gov mobile app using its Scan and Pay feature; visitors need to download the app beforehand as cellular service may be limited.

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Reviews

From Booking Sources

4.4

19 reviews

Recommended

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

User reviews paint the Smokey Bear Campground as a picturesque and tranquil location with large campsites and lake views. However, some concerns include low privacy levels due to thin tree coverage.

Review Summaries

Based on 19 reviews

What Campers Love

Positive feedback highlights the campground's scenic beauty, wildlife, and the accommodating campground host, Tammy. "Absolutely beautiful!" remarked one reviewer, while another said, "The lake is...

Based on 19 reviews

Common Concerns

The main complaints revolve around the lack of privacy due to sparse tree cover. One user commented, "Trees were thin, so not much privacy anywhere."

Based on 19 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

The campsites are described as larger than other nearby campgrounds, offering a more spacious camping experience. "We loved it. The campgrounds were larger than other locations that we saw," stated...

Based on 19 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Future visitors are advised to prepare for limited cell service and thin tree cover, which may affect privacy. Using the Recreation.gov app for payment should be planned in advance.

Based on 19 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Reviews suggest the campground may be most enjoyable during warmer months, given the mentions of the lake's sandy shores and swimming potential. "Lake was crystal clear, and if it would’ve been hot...

Based on 19 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Absolutely beautiful! The campground host Tammy was amazing!" - Eric Cole. "The lake is crystal clear, and if it would’ve been hot out, easy sandy shores would be great for swimming." - 82kellyjo....

Based on 19 reviews

Accessibility Features

There is no specific information about accessibility features in user reviews.

Based on 19 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

No user reviews discuss experiences with pets or pet-related features.

Based on 19 reviews

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Go if

You want high-elevation scenery, wildlife encounters, and a welcoming campground atmosphere in the Sawtooth backcountry.

Skip if

You need warmer nights or can't handle afternoon thunderstorms and potential fire restrictions.

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Campgrounds

Smokey Bear Campground

From the U.S. Forest Service

Reference information about Smokey Bear Campground sourced from official USFS records and forestcamping.com. View official recreation.gov page →

Overview

<p>Smokey Bear Campground is composed of 8 single-sites and 3 double-sites on beautiful Alturas Lake situated in a mixed conifer setting. All sites are first-come, first-serve. A group picnic area is located on the east side of the campground. Trails at the end of Forest Road #205 lead to Alturas Lake Creek, Eureka Gulch and to Alpine Creek to the north in the beautiful Sawtooth Wilderness. At this campground there is a boat ramp and boat trailer parking area. This is a superb place to spend sunny summer days fishing for trout, sailing, motorized boating, swimming, and picnicking by the lake.</p><p>.</p>

About the campground

The elevation is 7,034 ft. This campground, located on the west shore of Alturas Lake, is one of 37 in the Sawtooth National Recreation Area (SNRA). It is split into two sections on both the right and left side of the campground's entrance. The section to the left has only a few camp sites but does contain the boat ramp. The camp sites on the right are not as close to the lake but are still within easy walking distance. These camp sites do have a view of the lake and mountains. Lodgepole pines provide shade but no privacy between camp sites. Gas and limited groceries are available at the nearby Smiley Creek Lodge. This is bear country; practice safe food storage techniques.

Seasons & access

Services provided from June 1 through September 20

Facilities

Alturas Lake is 835 acres. A swimming beach is available at Inlet campground south of Smokey Bear. Over 1,000 lakes are in the SNRA, a few of which are large enough to accommodate most

Water activities

Alturas Lake is 835 acres. A swimming beach is available at Inlet campground south of Smokey Bear. Over 1,000 lakes are in the SNRA, a few of which are large enough to accommodate most water sports. Contact the SNRA - Stanley Ranger Station for information.

RV information

The parking aprons are dirt. Three RV waste stations with potable water are available for a fee. One is at the SNRA - Stanley Ranger Station. Another is at Smiley Creek Restaurant/Gas Station on Hwy 75. The third is 6.1 miles north of Ketchum, ID off Rt. 75 at the SNRA Visitors Center.

Directions

In Stanley, ID, at the intersection of State Rts. 21 and 75, take Rt. 75 south 21 miles to Alturas Lake sign (Forest Rt. 205). Turn right at sign onto Rt. 205 and go 3.4 miles to campground sign. Turn left into campground.

National Forest: Sawtooth National Forest
Ranger District: Sawtooth National Recreation Area - Stanley Ranger Station
Elevation: 7034
Rate: $16 per day - single $32 per day - double
Maximum Stay: 10
Open Season: June – September