Trap Creek Campground

Star4.05
18 reviews
SAWTOOTH, STANLEY, ID, USA, 83278

Quick Facts

6,670 ft

Price

$100/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

3 campsites

Season

Opening season start...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

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
Trap Creek Campground
$100.00 - $100.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Group Standard Nonelectric site costs $100 per night during both peak and first-come/first-served seasons. Additional fees for reservation...
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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$100.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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

4.05

Satisfactory

Based on 18 reviews

7 Google reviews

Most mentioned

viewsclean

Some mention

noiseroad noise

"Trap Creek Campground generally receives positive reviews for its natural setting, wildlife, and stargazing opportunities. However, proximity to the highway and the impact of past forest fires are noted drawbacks."

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Campground Map

SAWTOOTH, STANLEY, ID, USA, 83278

Trap Creek Campground

SAWTOOTH, STANLEY, ID, USA, 83278

Driving directionsFrom Stanley, Idaho, take State Highway 21 west for 12 miles. Then turn onto Forest Road 540 to reach Trap Creek Campground, located adjacent to State Highway 21.
The road to the site and the parking spur within are paved, providing easy access. However, due to seasonal weather, the opening and closing dates are weather-dependent.
Nearby places
Stanley (approximately 12 miles away, 15-20 minutes drive)
Nearby supplies
Closest supplies are likely in Stanley, 12 miles away, though exact availability is not provided.

Best Time to Camp at Trap Creek Campground

Summer at Trap Creek brings crisp mountain mornings with temperatures dipping to a refreshing 40°F, perfect for sleeping under the stars. Days warm to a comfortable 78°F, ideal for hiking and exploring without the sweltering heat of lower elevations. Spring visitors should come prepared for nature's awakening, as snowmelt transforms the landscape into a lush, albeit sometimes muddy, mountain paradise.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Peak season May 23–Sept 17; warm days, cool nights and strong summer reviews.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
3.5 / 5

Open into mid-September; crisp fall conditions likely but season is short.

Spring(Mar-May)
2.5 / 5

Late-spring can be wet due to snowmelt; site opens late May so spring access limited.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Campground closed in winter; season runs May–Sept so winter camping not supported.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: May 23 - September 17. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Opening season starts May 23 and closes September 17 in most years, dependent on weather.

About Trap Creek Campground

Tucked away at 6,670 feet in the heart of Idaho's wilderness, Trap Creek Campground offers a peaceful escape from the crowds. This intimate mountain retreat features a unique group site that can transform into three cozy individual camping spots, making it perfect for both large gatherings and smaller parties seeking solitude. With its paved access road, convenient parking spurs, and well-maintained vault toilets, Trap Creek combines backcountry serenity with essential amenities.
Trap Creek Campground primarily offers group camping with three smaller sites included in the group site. Individual sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis if the group site is not reserved.
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Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit
Maximum Consecutive Stay: 10 nights during a visit.

Amenities available

Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Group Sites

Activities you can enjoy

Trap Creek Campground provides opportunities for hiking, biking, wildlife viewing, bird watching, and fishing. Its proximity to scenic locations like Elk Meadow and the Idaho Centennial Trail enhances its recreational offerings.
HikingThere are extensive hiking opportunities with 750 miles of trails in the surrounding Sawtooth National Recreation Area, including the Idaho Centennial Trail that passes through the site.
FishingNearby lakes and streams provide excellent fishing opportunities, including for rainbow and native Westslope cutthroat trout. The Salmon River is also accessible.
BikingThe campground and its surrounding areas offer excellent biking opportunities. Trails vary in difficulty and showcase the scenic landscape of the Sawtooth National Recreation Area.
BoatingStanley and Redfish Lakes near the campground offer options for boating, kayaking, canoeing, and water skiing.
Wildlife viewingThe nearby Elk Meadow and other surrounding areas offer abundant wildlife viewing opportunities. User reviews frequently praise the wildlife and nighttime experiences, such as stargazing and observing nocturnal animals.
Winter Activities
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsMosquito presence is noted due to swampy conditions. The area experienced a forest fire, leaving standing dead trees in surrounding woods.
No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.

Weather at Trap Creek Campground

Reviews

4.1
18 reviews
Satisfactory
Satisfactory
Trap Creek Campground is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
Trap Creek Campground generally receives positive reviews for its natural setting, wildlife, and stargazing opportunities. However, proximity to the highway and the impact of past forest fires are noted drawbacks.
Review Summaries
Based on 18 reviews

What Campers Love

Users praise the natural beauty, wildlife viewing, and opportunities for stargazing. For example, several reviews highlight the Milky Way as a unique experience. The cleanliness of facilities, such...
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Based on 18 reviews

Common Concerns

The most frequent complaints relate to the proximity of the campground to the highway, leading to traffic noise, and the lingering impact of a past forest fire, which has left some areas with dead...
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Based on 18 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

It is recommended to carefully choose sites within the group site based on camping needs; for instance, site #1 may not be ideal for tents. Visitors should also be prepared for potential mosquito...
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Based on 18 reviews

Seasonal Insights

The campground is most positively reviewed during summer months when the weather is warm but cool at night. However, snowmelt during late spring can make the grounds wet, as noted by a user in June...
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Based on 18 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'What a beautiful quiet campground. Even the pit toilet was clean, which is hard to say almost anywhere else.' (Daniel Machado) 2. 'The highlight truly was the Milky Way.' (Chris Bohannan) 3....
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Based on 18 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site #1 is noted as unsuitable for tents, while sites #2 and #3 are described as excellent. Some users find the group site setup spacious and well-equipped but mention that privacy may be limited.
Based on 18 reviews

Accessibility Features

No specific accessibility reviews were provided.
Based on 18 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed, but no specific user reviews address pet-related experiences.
Based on 18 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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