Chemeketan Campground

Star4.68
16 reviews
Sawtooth NRA, Stanley, ID, USA
Peace & QuietStargazing

Quick Facts

7,657 ft

Price

$100 - $200/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

1 campsites

Season

Peak season: June 6 ...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Opens Recreation Resource Management of America site

Official Website
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Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026
Chemeketan Campground
$100.00 - $200.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Group site fees range depending on size: $100 for 1-50 people, $150 for 51-100 people, and $200 for 101-150 people. Fees are seasonal and apply...
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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$200.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Provider
928-537-8888camping@rrmofa.com
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What Campers Say

4.68

Top-Rated

Based on 16 reviews

8 Google reviews

Most mentioned

cleanhiking

Some mention

reservation

"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."

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Campground Map

Sawtooth NRA, Stanley, ID, USA

Chemeketan Campground

Sawtooth NRA, Stanley, ID, USA

Driving directionsFrom Stanley, Idaho, take Highway 75 south. Turn southwest off highway onto a dirt road located between mile markers 163 and 162. The campground is located 4 miles beyond the turnoff. Fording a stream is necessary to access the campground.
The campground is accessed via a dirt road and requires fording a stream. Trucks, RVs, and cars with higher clearance are recommended. User review confirms: 'Would not recommend a low clearance car.' Another user review notes a culvert was installed in 2020, eliminating the need to ford the creek.
Nearby places
Stanley: ~10 miles, 15-20 minutes drive.
Nearby supplies
Supplies, including groceries and fuel, can be obtained in Stanley, located about 10 miles away.

Best Time to Camp at Chemeketan Campground

Experience the dramatic contrasts of mountain weather at Chemeketan, where summer days warm to a comfortable 78°F, perfect for hiking and exploration, while crisp 40°F nights demand cozy sleeping bags and campfire stories. As autumn fades, winter transforms this alpine retreat into a snow-dusted wonderland, with an average of nearly 5 inches of snowfall blanketing the landscape in pristine white. Each season paints the campground in new colors, from wildflower-dotted summers to the golden aspens of fall.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.5 / 5
Top 23% in ID

Peak season June–Sept with pleasant temps (~78°F); summer is most popular for camping.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
3.5 / 5

Shoulder/early-fall access exists; quieter and scenic but shorter season window.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.0 / 5

Early-season windows (first-come May/June) but spring access limited by snow.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Site less accessible in winter and listed as out of season; winter camping limited.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: June 6 - September 11.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Peak season: June 6 - September 10. First-come, first-served season: May 22 - June 4 and September 12 - September 21. Out of season: September 21 - May 22.
  • Current Alerts: No current alerts or advisories provided.

About Chemeketan Campground

Nestled in the pristine headwaters of the Salmon River, Chemeketan Campground offers an intimate escape into the wild heart of the Sawtooth Mountain Range. This hidden gem provides groups with an authentic backcountry experience, where towering peaks meet whispering pines and the only sounds are nature's own symphony. While amenities remain refreshingly simple—vault toilets, sturdy tables, and grills for evening cookouts—the real luxury here is the profound sense of solitude and connection with Idaho's untamed wilderness.
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.
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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
2PM.
Check-out
12 PM.
Stay Limit
You may stay up to 10 nights during a visit at this campground.

Amenities available

Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Group Sites

Activities you can enjoy

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.
HikingThe campground offers direct access to hiking trails, including the Idaho Centennial Trail. The Sawtooth National Recreation Area features over 750 miles of trails, providing ample opportunities for hikers of all levels.
FishingFishing in the Salmon River is highly regarded, with species such as rainbow trout, westslope cutthroat trout, hybrid cutbows, and bull trout being commonly caught.
BikingBiking opportunities abound in the Sawtooth National Recreation Area, with an extensive network of trails available.
Winter Activities
Water Sports
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsStream crossing may be hazardous for low-clearance vehicles. Wildlife presence requires caution.
Active AlertsNo current alerts or advisories provided.
No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

Weather at Chemeketan Campground

Reviews

4.7
16 reviews
Top-Rated
Top-Rated
Chemeketan Campground is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% 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...
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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

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...
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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

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

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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