Is Upper O'Brien Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Upper O'Brien 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 Upper O'Brien Campground?

Upper O'Brien Campground does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

Are dogs allowed at Upper O'Brien Campground?

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

What amenities are available at Upper O'Brien Campground?

Upper O'Brien Campground offers: Restrooms, Potable Water. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

Upper O'Brien Campground

3.85

13 reviews

Real-Time Availability

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Quick Facts

5,860 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Reservable

Sites

Varies

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Book on N/A Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

5,860 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Reservable

Sites

Varies

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Book on N/A Official Website

Get Directions

Upper O'Brien Campground

No fees available

Campsite Fees

No paid fee categories listed.

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Campground Map

Upper O'Brien Campground

44.2585, -114.6975

Nearby places

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Weather at Upper O'Brien Campground

Best Time to Camp at Upper O'Brien Campground

Best season: summer. Summer offers the most reliable conditions for riverside camping and the best trout fishing on the Salmon River — expect warm, mostly dry days (typically 65–85°F) and cool nights (40s–50s) at this 5,860 ft elevation. River access, hammock-worthy shade, swimming or wading, and long daylight hours make it ideal for relaxing and fishing; insect activity can peak at dusk so bring repellent. Weekdays and early/late summer weekends remain relatively quiet because the campground is first-come, first‑se Peak months: July, August, September, June Avoid: December, January, February

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Summers 65–85°F with dry weather and good fishing; described as most reliable season.

Planning Tips

About Upper O'Brien Campground

Upper O'Brien Campground sits along the Salmon River in Sawtooth National Forest at 5,860 feet elevation. This mid-elevation forest campground offers shaded tent and RV sites with direct river access for fishing, swimming, and wading. Vault toilets and potable water serve a quiet, tree-covered setting that rarely fills to capacity.

The Upper O'Brien Campground caters to traditional campers with basic facilities and a rustic environment.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: summer. Summer offers the most reliable conditions for riverside camping and the best trout fishing on the Salmon River — expect warm, mostly dry days (typically 65–85°F) and cool nights (40s–50s) at this 5,860 ft elevation. River access, hammock-worthy shade, swimming or wading, and long daylight hours make it ideal for relaxing and fishing; insect activity can peak at dusk so bring repellent. Weekdays and early/late summer weekends remain relatively quiet because the campground is first-come, first‑se Peak months: July, August, September, June Avoid: December, January, February

Elevation5860 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryDense tree cover shades most sites, with enough branches for hammocks. The Salmon River runs right next to camp, close enough for quick fishing access or wading. Sites sit fairly level among mature trees. The spacing between sites and the typically low occupancy provide a sense of privacy. The surrounding forest is thick enough to block road noise but open enough near the riverbank to move around easily.

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Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsRecreation.gov mobile app

Site SizeSites are fairly level and appear to be spacious enough for standard camping setups.

PrivacyThe campground is described as quiet and rarely full, which may allow for a greater sense of solitude and privacy.

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Amenities available

Upper O'Brien Campground provides essential amenities with a mix of conveniences and rustic features. Visitors have noted the presence of fire rings and picnic tables at campsites, which are fairly level and suitable for setting up camp. A hand pump for cool drinking water is available on-site, providing potable water, although the quality of the infrastructure varies. "There is only one pit toilet which looks to be original to the campground... the floors are crumbling, holes in the walls and in general poor repair," according to a review by Flying Dutchman.

Potable water

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

RV details

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Policies & Safety

No Flush ToiletsNo flush toilets are available. A single pit toilet is available, but its condition has been described as poor by visitors, with concerns about structural integrity and cleanliness.

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Reviews

From Booking Sources

3.9

13 reviews

Mixed Reviews

Upper O'Brien Campground has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews

Overall, visitors to Upper O'Brien Campground appreciate its tranquil setting next to the Salmon River and the sense of solitude. The campground's basic amenities and remote location make it suitable for those seeking a more rustic camping experience.

Review Summaries

Based on 13 reviews

What Campers Love

Visitors frequently mention the campground's serene and quiet environment, its proximity to the Salmon River, and well-shaded sites with many trees. Ernest Kyed highlights, "Very pleasant, right next...

Based on 13 reviews

Common Concerns

The primary complaint is the poor condition of the single pit toilet, described as having crumbling floors and holes in the walls. The lack of a camp host and the general need for maintenance were...

Based on 13 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Visitors recommend being prepared with all necessary supplies due to the remote location and absence of an on-site camp store or host. Ernest Kyed advises caution for RV users, stating, "The entrance...

Based on 13 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Reviews do not provide detailed seasonal insights, but the campground's remote nature and its location next to a river suggest that spring and summer might be the most pleasant times to visit.

Based on 13 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. "Very pleasant, right next to the Salmon River... rarely full." - Ernest Kyed 2. "There is only one pit toilet which looks to be original to the campground... the floors are crumbling, holes in...

Based on 13 reviews

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