Is Chemeketan Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Chemeketan 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.

Can I see photos of campsites at Chemeketan Campground before I book?

Yes! Chemeketan Campground has 6 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 Chemeketan Campground?

Chemeketan Campground is open June 05 to September 20. 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 Chemeketan Campground?

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

Can I have a campfire at Chemeketan Campground?

Fire policies at Chemeketan Campground: Don't Move Firewood: Help prevent the spread of tree-killing pests in our national forests by obtaining firewood near your destination and burning it on-site. For more information visit dontmovefirewood.org.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

How many campsites does Chemeketan Campground have?

Chemeketan Campground has 1 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Chemeketan Campground?

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

What amenities are available at Chemeketan Campground?

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

What activities can I do at Chemeketan Campground?

Popular activities at Chemeketan Campground include Hiking, Fishing, Biking. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Chemeketan Campground

4.06

16 reviews

Sawtooth NRA, Stanley, ID, USA

Top 19% in IDSummer

Featured in:Group Camping Idaho

Quick Facts

7,657 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Reservable

Sites

1 campsites

Season

Opening and closing ...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Book on Recreation Resource Management of America Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

7,657 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Reservable

Sites

1 campsites

Season

Opening and closing ...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Book on Recreation Resource Management of America Official Website

Get Directions

Chemeketan Campground

No fees available

Campsite Fees

Group Site Fee$200.00

Get Notified When Available

We'll monitor this campground and alert you the moment sites become available.

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

928-537-8888camping@rrmofa.com

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Campground Map

Sawtooth NRA, Stanley, ID, USA

Chemeketan Campground

Sawtooth NRA, Stanley, ID, USA

Nearby places

Stanley: ~10 miles, 15-20 minutes drive.

Weather at Chemeketan Campground

Current alerts(4)

Idaho Off-road Vehicle Safety Message
No water source available at the site; visitors must bring water.
Opening and closing dates are weather permitting, please call 928-537-8888 for more information.
This is a 'pack it in, pack it out' campground; bring garbage bags and remove all trash upon departure.

Best Time to Camp at Chemeketan Campground

Best season: summer. Summer offers the most reliable access and the warmest, most comfortable conditions—daytime highs around 70–80°F and cool nights near 35–45°F—making it ideal for hiking, high-elevation biking, and fishing the Salmon River headwaters. Trails and access roads are fully open (peak season June 6–Sept 10), wildflower displays and long daylight hours maximize exploration, and wildlife viewing is excellent in the mornings and evenings. Expect moderate crowds during July–early August but far less busier Peak months: July, August, June, September Avoid: October, November, December, January

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.5 / 5

Top 19% in ID

Best season: summer; peak season June–Sept with warm days (~70–80°F) and reliable access.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: June 05 to September 20. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Opening and closing dates are weather permitting, please call 928-537-8888 for more information.

About Chemeketan Campground

Chemeketan Campground sits high in the Sawtooth National Forest near Stanley, offering primitive alpine camping along the Salmon River headwaters. Operated by Recreation Resource Management of America, this very small campground provides vault toilets, fire rings, and picnic tables in a secluded setting. Visitors hike nearby trails, fish the river, and bike high-elevation routes during the summer season.

Chemeketan Campground is primarily a group camping site that can also serve individual campers on a first-come, first-served basis when not reserved as a group site.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: summer. Summer offers the most reliable access and the warmest, most comfortable conditions—daytime highs around 70–80°F and cool nights near 35–45°F—making it ideal for hiking, high-elevation biking, and fishing the Salmon River headwaters. Trails and access roads are fully open (peak season June 6–Sept 10), wildflower displays and long daylight hours maximize exploration, and wildlife viewing is excellent in the mornings and evenings. Expect moderate crowds during July–early August but far less busier Peak months: July, August, June, September Avoid: October, November, December, January

Elevation7657 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryThe campground occupies the spot where the Salmon River begins, surrounded by the jagged granite peaks of the Sawtooth Range. Lodgepole pines filter afternoon light across the site, and the infant river runs clear and cold through the drainage. At this elevation, the air is thin and wildflower meadows spread across the high basins in July. Views stretch across glacially carved bowls and ridgelines. Mornings and evenings bring wildlife down to the water.

Lodging & AccommodationsNo hotel-style lodging is available; accommodations are limited to camping.

Programs & ActivitiesNo cultural or educational programs are mentioned.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

You may stay up to 10 nights during a visit at this campground.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Group site allows up to 150 people.

Groups

The group site accommodates up to 150 people, with pricing based on the group size: $100 for groups of 1-50 people, $150 for groups of 51-100 people, and $200 for groups of 101-150 people.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made on Recreation.gov.

Site SizeOne large group site that accommodates up to 150 people is available. Individual sites can also be used when the group site is not reserved.

PrivacyThe campground is secluded and surrounded by natural features, offering significant privacy.

Total Campsites1 campsites

Recommended SitesUsers recommend avoiding low-clearance vehicles for access.

Need help booking Chemeketan Campground?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

Find your booking window

Cancellation Alerts

Free alerts for this campground

Amenities available

No water source available at the site; visitors must bring water.

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

Group Sites

I manage this campground

Things to do at Chemeketan Campground

The Chemeketan Campground is ideal for outdoor enthusiasts, with activities such as fishing in the Salmon River, hiking on nearby trails, and biking in the extensive trail networks of the Sawtooth National Recreation Area. Nearby lakes also provide opportunities for fishing, canoeing, and hiking.

Hiking4.0/5

Direct access to trails including the Idaho Centennial Trail; Sawtooth NRA trail network nearby.

Fishing4.0/5

Biking3.5/5

Winter Activities2.0/5

Less accessible in winter due to snow; opening/closing are weather permitting.

Water Sports2.0/5

Kayaking only implied via nearby lakes; no onsite kayak access on the Salmon headwaters.

Signature experiences

Stargazing4.0/5High elevation, secluded site and limited light pollution make it good for stargazing.

Photography4.0/5Jagged granite peaks, clear infant river and wildflower meadows provide strong photo ops.

Not sure what to pack?Our complete camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

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

No Flush ToiletsFlush toilets are not available. Vault toilets are provided and noted for being clean as per user reviews.

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 Chemeketan Campground

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From Booking Sources

4.1

16 reviews

Satisfactory

Chemeketan Campground is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews

Users consistently praise the Chemeketan Campground for its seclusion, natural beauty, and clean facilities. Positive sentiments highlight the surrounding trails, the Salmon River, and the peaceful environment, making it an excellent choice for groups and outdoor enthusiasts.

Review Summaries

Based on 16 reviews

What Campers Love

Positive aspects include the clean vault toilets, secluded setting, and proximity to hiking trails and the Salmon River. The presence of fire rings and picnic tables at individual spots is also...

Based on 16 reviews

Common Concerns

Some reviewers noted issues with other campers occupying reserved spots, lack of enforcement for group reservations, and the condition of sites not being cleaned after previous campers left.

Based on 16 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Some users reported issues with campsite-specific management, such as previous users not cleaning up and unauthorized campers occupying reserved group sites.

Based on 16 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers recommend bringing high-clearance vehicles for access, packing in water as none is available on-site, and preparing for cool night temperatures as the area gets quite cold.

Based on 16 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer is the most popular season for camping due to pleasant weather with highs around 78°F. The site is less accessible in winter due to snow and colder conditions.

Based on 16 reviews

Camper Quotes

- "Such an amazing camp ground. Nice clean facilities, plenty of parking and camping spots for a large group. Hiking trails right from the camp ground." - Jennifer Davis - "Stunningly beautiful and...

Based on 16 reviews

Accessibility Features

No reviews specifically addressing accessibility features were found.

Based on 16 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

No reviews specifically addressing pet policies or experiences were found.

Based on 16 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

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Chemeketan Campground

No fees available

Campsite Fees

Group Site Fee$200.00

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

928-537-8888camping@rrmofa.com

Go if

You want a quiet, primitive high-elevation base camp for hiking and fishing in the Sawtooths.

Skip if

You need electric hookups, showers, or guaranteed late-checkout enforcement.

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Smokey Bear Campground

Sawtooth National Forest

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.

Chemeketan Campground

Quick Facts

Quick Facts

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Weather at Chemeketan Campground

Current alerts(4)

Best Time to Camp at Chemeketan Campground

Planning Tips

About Chemeketan Campground

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Reserving a campsite

Need help booking Chemeketan Campground?

Amenities available

Things to do at Chemeketan Campground

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What Campers Love

Common Concerns

Site-Specific Reviews

Get Notified When Available

Go if

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Overview

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Ask Camp Sage about Chemeketan Campground

Current alerts(4)

Best Time to Camp at Chemeketan Campground

Planning Tips

Best Campsites

Reserving a campsite

Need help booking Chemeketan Campground?

Amenities available

Things to do at Chemeketan Campground

Policies & Safety

Trip Planning Tools

Reviews

What Campers Love

Common Concerns

Site-Specific Reviews