Thatcher Campground
01 reviewQuick Facts
Price
$5 - $10/night
Booking
First-Come
Sites
5 campsites
Season
Year-round
Cell
No Service
Pets
Not Allowed
RV Friendly
Get DirectionsQuick Facts
Price
$5 - $10/night
Booking
First-Come
Sites
5 campsites
Season
Year-round
Cell
No Service
Pets
Not Allowed
RV Friendly
Get DirectionsThatcher 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,...
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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
Total Campsite Fees$10.00
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Limited Reviews
Based on 1 reviews
4 Google reviews
Some mention
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"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."
Fees & Passes at Thatcher Campground
$5 - $10/night
Campsite fees
Standard Site
Basic tent/RV spot
Cancellation: The campground does not accept reservations. All sites are first-come, first-served, and no cancella...
Prices verified November 27, 2025
Prices may vary by season and site type. Always confirm current rates on the official Managed by the Salmon-Challis National Forest website.
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.
Spring (Mar-May)
Wildflowers bloom, mild temperatures, fewer crowds. Great for hiking and photography.
Best
Summer (Jun-Aug)
Peak season with warm days. Most facilities open. Reserve ahead.
Fall (Sep-Nov)
Beautiful fall colors, cooler temps, quieter campgrounds. Ideal for peaceful trips.
Winter (Dec-Feb)
Snow activities available. Some facilities may close. Check conditions.
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.
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Campsite details
AccessibilityNo specific accessibility features are noted in the provided information.
Sites SizeSites accommodate trailers and motorhomes up to 32 feet.
Sites PrivacyNo specific mention of privacy levels at individual sites is provided.
Total Campsites5 campsites
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Groups
No group-specific campsites are described.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are 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.
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 viewing
Campers can enjoy wildlife viewing, including moose, elk, and various bird species in nearby Capehorn meadows and wetlands.Winter Activities
No winter activities are specified.Water Sports
No non-motorized water sports are detailed.Advertisement
Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
Hazards
General hazardsPotential hazards include wildlife encounters, such as with moose and elk. Campers should exercise caution around these animals.
Weather at Thatcher Campground
18
°F
Dec 7
Sunday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
Humidity: 76%
High humidity, may feel muggy
Wind: 3.8 mph
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
Overcast
Weather History
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Emergency Services
Closest emergency services: Stanley, ID (15 miles away) likely provides the nearest police and fire services, though explicit details of availability are not provided.
Good to know
Trash and recyclingNo dumpster facilities are available.
Proximity to water featuresThe campground is near a wetland across the highway, which provides ecological interest and the opportunity for wildlife observation.
Common complaints"No host," "small vault toilet," and "no dumpster" were mentioned as criticisms in a user review. Cellular signal is also absent.
Host"No host" is available at this campground, as noted in user review.
Campground Map
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.
Reviews from booking and map sources
0.0
1 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 1 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 1 reviewsShow more
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 1 reviewsPro 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 1 reviewsSeasonal Insights
No user reviews specifically address seasonal variations in camping experience.
Based on 1 reviewsCamper 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 1 reviewsSite-Specific Reviews
The campground has 5 sites, but no specific reviews or preferences for individual site numbers are mentioned.
Based on 1 reviewsAccessibility Features
No specific reviews addressing accessibility are provided.
Based on 1 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
No user reviews specifically mention pet policies or experiences.
Based on 1 reviewsCamper Reviews by Outdoorithm campers
0
0 review
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Last updated November 27, 2025
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