Chemeketan Campground

Closed — Closed for the season. Typically opens around Memorial Day and closes September 21. Group sites are reservable via Recreation.gov; individual sites are first-come, first-served when group sites are not reserved.

Weed Free Hay Order 04-2021-03

Prohibited by this order: Possessing, storing, or transporting non-pelletized hay, straw, or mulch in the Intermountain Region, unless it is certified as weed free by the state where the product originated.

Explosives and Exploding Target Order 04-2021-02

This order prohibits the use of explosives and exploding targets on National Forest System lands within the Intermountain Region.

Over-Snow Vehicle and Bicycle Prohibitions

This order covers over-snow vehicle and bicycle use on the Fairfield and Ketchum Ranger Districts and the Sawtooth National Recreation Area.

Sawtooth Wilderness Area Occupancy and Use

This order covers occupancy and use requirements for the Sawtooth Wilderness area on the Sawtooth National Recreation Area.

Hemingway-Boulders and Cecil D. Andrus-White Clouds Wilderness Areas - Occupancy and Use

This over covers occupancy and use requirements of the Hemingway-Boulders and Cecil D. Andrus-White Clouds Wilderness Areas on the Sawtooth National Recreation Area.

Forestwide Occupancy and Use

This order covers occupancy and use prohibitions on all National Forest System lands and roads within the Sawtooth National Forest.

Occupancy and Use - Food Storage

This order covers requirements for possessing and storing food while visiting the Sawtooth National Recreation Area.

Sawtooth National Recreation Area - Occupancy and Use

This covers occupancy and use requirements, including stay limits, for the Sawtooth National Recreation Area.

About

Chemeketan Campground sits in a peaceful lodgepole pine setting at the headwaters of the Salmon River, surrounded by the rugged peaks of the Sawtooth Mountain Range. This group campground is designed for large gatherings, accommodating up to 150 people and 75 vehicles, making it ideal for organized groups, reunions, and events. The campground provides partial shade from mature lodgepole pines, with the Salmon River flowing at its edge. Access to Chemeketan requires commitment: visitors must travel approximately 3 miles on Forest Road 215, a dirt road, and ford a stream before reaching the campground. High-clearance vehicles are recommended. The remote location rewards visitors with solitude and stunning mountain scenery. The Salmon River provides excellent fishing opportunities for rainbow trout, westslope cutthroat trout, occasional hybrid cutbow, and bull trout. The Idaho Centennial Trail is easily accessed nearby, and several alpine lakes including Alturas, Perkins, Pettit, and Yellowbelly Lakes offer additional fishing, canoeing, and hiking opportunities. Summer temperatures average highs of 78°F and lows of 40°F. The campground operates seasonally, typically from late May through September 21.

Directions

From Stanley, Idaho, travel south on Highway 75 for approximately 23 miles. Between mile markers 162 and 163, turn southwest onto Forest Road 215. Continue approximately 3 miles on the dirt road to the campground. Fording a stream is necessary to access the campground; high-clearance vehicles recommended.

Nearby Campgrounds

Amenities

Water No
Fires Allowed Yes
Toilets Yes
Dump Station No
Wifi No
Pets Allowed Yes
Showers No
Electric Hookups No
Water Hookups No
Sewer Hookups No
Camp Store No
Price $75

Vehicle

Max RV Length 30ft
Max Trailer Length 30ft
Big Rig Friendly No
Pull Through Sites No

Contact

Email camping@rrmofa.com
Phone +1 (928) 537-8888

Cell Service

AT&T None
Verizon None
T-Mobile None

Availability

Photos

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