Thatcher Campground

4 reviews

Quick Facts

6,604 ft

Price

$5 - $10/night

Booking

First-Come

Sites

5 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

No Service

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Opens Managed by the Salmon-Challis National Forest site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Quick Facts

6,604 ft

Price

$5 - $10/night

Booking

First-Come

Sites

5 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

No Service

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Opens Managed by the Salmon-Challis National Forest site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Thatcher Campground

$5.00 - $10.00 / night

Campsite Fees

The camping fee is $10, with a $5 discount for senior citizens. There are no reservation fees as the campground operates on a first-come,...

Standard Site Fee$10.00

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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What Campers Say

N/A

Limited Reviews

Based on 4 reviews

4 Google reviews

Some mention

smallsignal

"User reviews highlight the small and basic nature of the campground, with 5 sites, vault toilets, and no host. The lack of dumpsters and cell service are drawbacks noted by visitors. The overall sentiment for this campground is mixed, with a general rating of 3.0 and a campgrounds-specific rating of 1.0."

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Campground Map

Thatcher Campground

44.3682, -115.1454

Driving directionsFrom Stanley: 15 miles NW of Stanley on Highway 21, on the west side of Highway. From Boise: Approximately 117 miles NE on Highway 21 towards Stanley. Campground is on the right.

The campground is directly accessible from Highway 21 and is 15 miles northwest of Stanley, Idaho. It is located on the west side of the highway, which provides ease of access. No information on seasonal closures or navigation challenges is provided.

Nearby places

Stanley, ID: 15 miles (approximately 20 minutes by car)

Boise, ID: 117 miles (approximately 2.5 hours by car)

Nearby supplies

Closest supplies: Stanley, ID, has basic facilities for groceries, fuel, and other supplies. Specific establishments are not mentioned.

Best Time to Camp at Thatcher Campground

Experience the dramatic beauty of Idaho's changing seasons at Thatcher Campground, where each time of year paints the landscape in different hues. Summer brings warm days perfect for hiking and wildlife watching, while autumn transforms the surrounding forest into a tapestry of gold and crimson. Spring arrives with wildflower blooms across Capehorn meadows and the return of migrating birds to the wetlands. Winter blankets the area in pristine snow, creating a wonderland for the adventurous, though access may be limited during heavy snowfall. The gentle mountain breezes and typically calm conditions make late spring through early fall the prime time to pitch your tent or park your RV in this peaceful retreat.

Summer(Jun-Aug)

3.5 / 5

Summer offers warm days, hiking and wildflowers; primary camping season implied though few reviews.

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

3.5 / 5

Changing seasons and meadow/forest setting likely render attractive fall colors and wildlife activity.

Spring(Mar-May)

3.0 / 5

Wetland and migratory birds suggest spring interest, but no seasonal reviews confirm conditions.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

2.0 / 5

Elevation suggests snow; no winter services or activities described, so winter camping is limited.

Planning Tips

About Thatcher Campground

Escape to the serene wilderness at Thatcher Campground, where five intimate campsites await beneath the towering pines of the Salmon-Challis National Forest. This hidden gem along Highway 21 offers the perfect blend of accessibility and rustic charm, accommodating RVs and trailers up to 32 feet while maintaining its authentic backcountry character. Each site comes thoughtfully equipped with sturdy picnic tables and fire rings complete with cooking grills, inviting you to gather around crackling campfires under star-filled Idaho skies. Wake to panoramic views of the sprawling Capehorn meadows, and keep your camera ready for the parade of wildlife that frequents the nearby wetlands. While modern amenities like cell service and hookups are left behind, clean vault toilets and reliable hand-pump water stations ensure comfort during your stay.

Thatcher Campground is a small, rustic site with only 5 campsites that cater to tent camping and RVs up to 32 feet. There are no reservations, and it is likely a first-come, first-served facility.

Weather and SeasonsExperience the dramatic beauty of Idaho's changing seasons at Thatcher Campground, where each time of year paints the landscape in different hues. Summer brings warm days perfect for hiking and wildlife watching, while autumn transforms the surrounding forest into a tapestry of gold and crimson. Spring arrives with wildflower blooms across Capehorn meadows and the return of migrating birds to the wetlands. Winter blankets the area in pristine snow, creating a wonderland for the adventurous, though access may be limited during heavy snowfall. The gentle mountain breezes and typically calm conditions make late spring through early fall the prime time to pitch your tent or park your RV in this peaceful retreat.

ElevationPerched high in the heart of central Idaho's rugged mountain country, Thatcher Campground offers that crisp, clean mountain air that only comes with altitude. Here in the elevated reaches of the Salmon-Challis National Forest, you'll find yourself breathing deeper and sleeping sounder, surrounded by the ancient peaks that define this spectacular region.

Natural Features and SceneryNature puts on a spectacular show at Thatcher Campground, where dense forest canopy frames sweeping vistas of the Capehorn meadows below. This stunning natural amphitheater serves as your personal viewing gallery for Idaho's wild inhabitants. Just across Highway 21, a pristine marshy wetland creates a wildlife oasis that draws majestic moose browsing through the shallows, graceful elk moving in small herds, and countless species of birds that fill the air with their songs. Morning mist often rises from the wetlands, creating ethereal scenes as sunlight filters through the trees, while evening brings the haunting calls of wildlife echoing across the meadows.

Geological RegionThatcher Campground sits within the magnificent Salmon-Challis National Forest, a vast wilderness encompassing some of central Idaho's most dramatic mountain terrain. This geological wonderland showcases millions of years of natural sculpting, where ancient forces carved deep valleys and thrust mighty peaks skyward. The campground's unique position overlooking Capehorn meadows offers a front-row seat to this grand landscape, while the contrasting marshy wetlands across the road demonstrate nature's diverse handiwork. Here, where forest meets meadow and mountain meets marsh, you'll discover an ecosystem rich with life, from the smallest wildflowers to the mighty moose that call this region home.

Best Campsites

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Reserving a campsite

Groups

No group-specific campsites are described.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Site layoutThe campground consists of 5 individual sites, each equipped with picnic tables and fire rings with cooking grills. No further layout details are provided.

Walk-in AvailabilityAll sites are first-come, first-served, with no reservation option available. There are only 5 sites, so availability may be limited during peak periods.

Cancellation PolicyThe campground does not accept reservations. All sites are first-come, first-served, and no cancellation policy applies.

AccessibilityNo specific accessibility features are noted in the provided information.

Site SizeSites accommodate trailers and motorhomes up to 32 feet.

PrivacyNo specific mention of privacy levels at individual sites is provided.

Total Campsites5 campsites

Amenities available

Potable water

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Thatcher Campground provides opportunities for nature viewing, including spotting moose, elk, and various birds in nearby wetlands. No other specific activities are mentioned.

Wildlife viewingCampers can enjoy wildlife viewing, including moose, elk, and various bird species in nearby Capehorn meadows and wetlands.

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPotential hazards include wildlife encounters, such as with moose and elk. Campers should exercise caution around these animals.

No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.

Emergency ServicesClosest emergency services: Stanley, ID (15 miles away) likely provides the nearest police and fire services, though explicit details of availability are not provided.

Trash & RecyclingNo dumpster facilities are available.

Water FeaturesThe campground is near a wetland across the highway, which provides ecological interest and the opportunity for wildlife observation.

Camp Host"No host" is available at this campground, as noted in user review.

Weather at Thatcher Campground

Reviews

0.0

4 reviews

Limited Reviews

Thatcher Campground has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews highlight the small and basic nature of the campground, with 5 sites, vault toilets, and no host. The lack of dumpsters and cell service are drawbacks noted by visitors. The overall sentiment for this campground is mixed, with a general rating of 3.0 and a campgrounds-specific rating of 1.0.

Review Summaries

Based on 4 reviews

What Campers Love

Users appreciate the natural setting and wildlife viewing opportunities such as moose, elk, and birds in the wetlands. "Walk across the street to overlook a marshy wetland, a hangout for breakfasting...

Based on 4 reviews

Common Concerns

"No cell signal T-Mobile," and the absence of dumpsters were criticisms. Additionally, there are no reservations or full hookups available.

Based on 4 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Arrive early as there are only 5 sites; bring your own garbage disposal solutions as no dumpsters are provided; and be prepared for no cell reception.

Based on 4 reviews

Seasonal Insights

No user reviews specifically address seasonal variations in camping experience.

Based on 4 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Only 5 sites, managed by the Challis NF, no host. $10/$5 senior. Small vault toilet, hand water pump, but no dumpster. No cell signal T-Mobile," - Greg D. Lind.

Based on 4 reviews