Federal Gulch Campground And Trailhead

Star5.00
8 reviews
Federal Gulch Campground, East Fork of the Wood River, Sawtooth National Forest

Quick Facts

6,844 ft

Price

Free

Booking

First-Come

Sites

3 campsites

Season

Open seasonally from...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Opens Ketchum Ranger District site

Official Website
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Federal Gulch Campground And Trailhead
$0.00 - $0.00 / night
Campsite Fees
No fees are required for camping at Federal Gulch Campground, as it is a non-fee campground.
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$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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USFS
Provider
208-622-5371
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What Campers Say

5.00

Top-Rated

Based on 8 reviews

6 Google reviews

Most mentioned

location

"Federal Gulch Campground is described as a "great little campground" that is "off the beaten path.""

Read all reviews

Campground Map

Federal Gulch Campground, East Fork of the Wood River, Sawtooth National Forest

Federal Gulch Campground And Trailhead

Federal Gulch Campground, East Fork of the Wood River, Sawtooth National Forest

Driving directionsFrom Ketchum, go south on ID 75 approximately 6 miles to the East Fork Big Wood River/Greenhorn Gulch traffic light, then go east (left) on Forest Road #118 approximately 12 miles, through the old mining town of Triumph, along the East Fork of the Wood River, to reach Federal Gulch Campground.
Access roads are paved up to Forest Road #118, which is a gravel road. Roads are generally accessible from May to October. Seasonal closures due to snow are possible outside this period.
Nearby places
Ketchum (12 miles / approximately 25 minutes)
Nearby supplies
Groceries, fuel, and camping supplies can be found in Ketchum, approximately 12 miles away.

Best Time to Camp at Federal Gulch Campground And Trailhead

Plan your visit between May and October when mountain snows recede and wildflowers begin their colorful display. The campground officially operates from June through September, offering visitors the best of Idaho's mountain summer. Days can be delightfully crisp, with temperatures climbing from cool 25°F mornings to comfortable 79°F afternoons. The relatively dry climate means more blue-sky days for your outdoor adventures, though wise campers always pack layers for those characteristic mountain temperature swings.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Best visited May–October; summer access and wildflowers make it ideal for visits.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
3.5 / 5

Seasonal access includes fall months; mountain fall colors likely but not explicitly detailed.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.0 / 5

Accessible as snows recede in May; spring conditions can be variable early in season.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Campground operates seasonally May–October; official winter camping not indicated despite snowmobiling mention.

Planning Tips
  • Operating Season: Open seasonally from May through October. Operational hours are June to September.

About Federal Gulch Campground And Trailhead

Tucked away in the pristine wilderness of the East Fork Wood River valley, Federal Gulch Campground offers adventurers a true escape from the crowds. This hidden gem operates on a first-come, first-served basis with no fees, making it perfect for spontaneous getaways. The campground serves as your gateway to the Federal Gulch Trail No. 169, which winds its way into the secluded Little Wood River country. As one satisfied camper noted, this is a "great little campground off the beaten path" where tranquility reigns supreme.
Federal Gulch Campground provides primitive camping options with three campsites. It is non-reservation and non-fee.
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Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit
Camping limit of 16 days.

Amenities available

Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Camping at Federal Gulch offers opportunities for hiking, day hikes, backpacking, horseback riding, fishing, picnicking, and winter sports such as snowmobiling.
HikingHiking is a key activity, with access to Federal Gulch Trail No. 169, which connects to the remote and less-traveled Little Wood River country.
FishingFishing in the river or stream is an activity available to campers. Specific fish types and fishing conditions are not described.
Winter Activities
Water Sports
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsSeasonal weather changes, such as snow outside of peak months, may impact accessibility. No potable water is provided, so preparation is essential.
No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

Weather at Federal Gulch Campground And Trailhead

Reviews

5.0
8 reviews
Top-Rated
Top-Rated
Federal Gulch Campground And Trailhead is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
Federal Gulch Campground is described as a "great little campground" that is "off the beaten path."
Review Summaries
Based on 8 reviews

What Campers Love

The campground's remote location and minimalistic amenities were appreciated, with users enjoying its seclusion.
Based on 8 reviews

Common Concerns

No complaints were noted in the user reviews.
Based on 8 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers should bring their own water as potable water is unavailable.
Based on 8 reviews

Seasonal Insights

The campground is generally accessible from May through October, with operational hours specified as June to September. Snowmobiling indicates winter use as well.
Based on 8 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Great little campground ⛺ off the beaten path 🏕," as per a user review by David Wieand.
Based on 8 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

No specific feedback about individual campsites is available.
Based on 8 reviews

Accessibility Features

No reviews specifically address accessibility experiences.
Based on 8 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

No reviews or policies related to pets are mentioned.
Based on 8 reviews

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Last updated January 5, 2026
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