Caribou Campground
Currently closed for the season. The campground typically operates from May through September 30. All sites are first-come-first-served with no advance reservations. Payment may be available via Recreation.gov mobile app QR code scanning.
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.
Fireworks and Spark Arrestor Order 04-2021-01
Prohibited by this order: Possessing, discharging, or using any kind of firework or other pyrotechnic device. 36 CFR §261.52(t)Operating or using any internal or external combustion engine without a spark arresting device properly installed, maintained and in effective working order as described…
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.
Fox Creek Temporary Trail & Trailhead Closures
Implementation of the Fox Creek Bridge Replacement Project will require intermittent, temporary trail and trailhead closures. Unscheduled closures may be necessary, but here are some target dates for visitors to keep in mind when planning activities in the area:May 11-14, 2026: Trailhead will be…
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 order covers occupancy and use requirements for 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.
About
Caribou Campground occupies a scenic pine-covered setting near the confluence of the North Fork and Big Wood River, just a short distance from the Sawtooth National Recreation Area Visitor Center. The campground's 7 first-come-first-served sites each feature a picnic table and fire ring with attached grill, with vault toilets available on-site. Potable water is not available at this location but can be obtained at the nearby North Fork dump station. The campground serves as a basecamp for exploring the trails of North Fork Canyon, which lead to Murdock Creek, Amber Lakes, Window Lake, and the Hemingway-Boulder Wilderness Area. The surrounding Boulder Mountains offer views of Ryan Peak, Kent Peak, Glassford Peak, and Silver Peak, all exceeding 11,000 feet in elevation. Fishing opportunities abound in the Big Wood River and Murdock Creek, and wildlife viewing is excellent throughout the area. Due to the campground's layout, RVs and trailers are not recommended as there is no ability to turn around once you enter. The occupancy limit is 10 days within a 30-day period for sites within a 30-mile radius. Pets are allowed but must be kept on a leash.
Directions
From Ketchum, go north 8 miles on ID 75, then turn off highway at the Sawtooth NRA Headquarters and go northeast about 2 miles on Forest Road 146, turning left at the sign for the campground.
Location
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $20 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | Yes |
| T-Mobile | None |
Availability
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