Closed

Closed for the season. The campground operates June through September, closing around September 21. Opening and closing dates are weather-dependent. Group site reservations available via Recreation.gov; individual sites are first-come, first-served when the group site is unreserved.

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

Chemeketan Campground offers a peaceful, primitive camping experience in the Sawtooth National Recreation Area. Nestled among lodgepole pines that provide partial shade, the campground sits near the headwaters of the Salmon River with the rugged peaks of the Sawtooth Range as a backdrop. The location provides excellent fishing opportunities for rainbow trout, westslope cutthroat trout, bull trout, and occasional steelhead. Access to Chemeketan requires traveling approximately 3 miles on Forest Road 215 from Highway 75 and fording a stream. Higher clearance vehicles are recommended. The campground functions primarily as a group site accommodating up to 150 people and 75 vehicles, though individual sites become available on a first-come, first-served basis when the group site is unreserved. The Idaho Centennial Trail is accessible nearby, and the area offers proximity to Alturas, Perkins, Pettit, and Yellowbelly Lakes for additional fishing, canoeing, and hiking. Summer temperatures are cool, averaging highs of 78°F and lows of 40°F.

Directions

From Stanley, travel south 23 miles on Highway 75. Turn south on Forest Road 215 and continue approximately 3 miles to the campground. Access requires fording a stream; trucks, RVs, and vehicles with higher clearance are recommended.

Amenities

Water No
Fires Allowed
Toilets Yes
Dump Station No
Wifi
Pets Allowed Yes
Showers No
Electric Hookups
Water Hookups
Sewer Hookups
Camp Store
Price $16 - $200

Vehicle

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

Contact

Phone +1 (877) 444-6777

Cell Service

AT&T None
Verizon None
T-Mobile None

Availability

Photos

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