Canyon Campground
Closed — Closed for the season. Reopens mid-May 2026. Fees are charged mid-May through October 31st.
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
Canyon Campground is a non-reservation transfer camp located on Big Smoky Creek in the Sawtooth National Forest, offering 7 single units and 3 group sites. The campground provides essential amenities including picnic tables, fire rings, vault toilets, drinking water via hand pump, horse corrals with feeders, stock water, and a handicap-accessible stock loading ramp. The campground serves as the trailhead for Big Smoky Trail #072, which begins at the north end of the campground and leads to Skillern Hot Springs. This trail is open to non-motorized travel and motorcycles. Numerous side trails split off from the main Big Smoky Trail, with some restricted to non-motorized use only. Visitors should consult a Motor Vehicle Use Map from the local Ranger Station to understand trail designations. The campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis from mid-May through October 31st. Horses must be kept in the provided corral facilities northwest of the campground and are not allowed in campsites. Pets must be leashed, and fires are permitted only in provided fire rings and must be attended at all times.
Directions
From Fairfield, go north 18 miles on Forest Road #094, turn left onto Forest Road #227 for 5.5 miles and then turn north onto Forest Road #085 for 2 miles.
Nearby Campgrounds
Amenities
| Water | Yes |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | Yes |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $6 - $12 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | — |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (208) 764-3202 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
Useful Links
| Canyon Transfer Camp | |
| View on Recreation.gov |
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