Federal Gulch Campground
Generally accessible May through October. No reservations required; all sites are first-come, first-served. Maximum stay is 16 days.
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
Federal Gulch Campground is a small, no-fee primitive campground located along the East Fork of the Wood River in the Sawtooth National Forest. With just 3 campsites, it offers a quiet, uncrowded experience for campers seeking solitude. Each site is equipped with a fire ring and picnic table, and a vault toilet serves the campground. Campers must bring their own drinking water as none is available on site. The campground doubles as a trailhead for Federal Gulch Trail No. 169, providing access to the seldom-visited Little Wood River backcountry. This makes it an ideal basecamp for hikers and backpackers exploring the area. Stock animals are permitted in designated areas, with hitching rails provided for equestrians. The campground is reached by traveling south from Ketchum on Highway 75 for about 6 miles to the East Fork Big Wood River/Greenhorn Gulch traffic light, then heading east on Forest Road 118 for approximately 12 miles through the historic mining town of Triumph.
Directions
From Ketchum, travel south on ID 75 approximately 6 miles to the East Fork Big Wood River/Greenhorn Gulch traffic light, then go east on Forest Road #118 approximately 12 miles through the historic mining town of Triumph to reach Federal Gulch Campground.
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | — |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $0 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | — |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (208) 622-0090 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
Useful Links
| USFS Federal Gulch Campground | |
| Sawtooth NF Alerts |
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