Independence Lakes Campground
Closed — Closed for winter. Typically opens in July and remains accessible through October depending on snow conditions. No reservations or fees required.
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
Independence Lakes Campground is a small, rustic campground located in the Minidoka Ranger District of Sawtooth National Forest in southern Idaho. This non-fee facility offers 5 single campsites on a first-come, first-served basis with no reservations required. Each site includes a picnic table and grill, and vault toilets are available. The campground is accessible by passenger car and features ADA-accessible sites. The campground serves as a gateway to the Independence Lakes Trail (NFS Trail 7035), a 3.1-mile non-motorized trail that climbs to an alpine cirque basin containing four lakes. The first mile is rocky, but the remainder features a reasonable grade with switchbacks. The lakes offer excellent trout fishing opportunities for wade, shore, non-motorized boat, and float tube fishing. Independence Lake is notable as the only alpine lake accessible by vehicle in southern Idaho. This is a pack-in, pack-out facility with no drinking water or trash service. Livestock facilities are available, though horses are not permitted within the campground itself. Campers are limited to 14 consecutive days and must move off National Forest lands for 14 days after camping for 14 days within a 28-day period. Two vehicles maximum are allowed per site.
Directions
From Oakley, Idaho, take Basin Road east into the mountains for approximately one hour. A high-clearance vehicle is recommended due to rough road conditions. The campground is located near the trailhead for Independence Lakes Trail #35.
Nearby Campgrounds
Location
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) 678-0430 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | Yes |
| Verizon | Yes |
| T-Mobile | None |
Useful Links
| Independence Lakes Campground | |
| View on Recreation.gov |
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