Independence Lakes Campground

Closed

Closed for the season. The campground typically opens in July and operates through October, depending on snow conditions. Access roads and trails in the area may retain snow at higher elevations through early summer.

Flood Watch issued October 10 at 12:53AM MDT until October 12 at 6:00PM MDT by NWS Pocatello ID

12:53 AM — 3:00 PM

* WHAT...Flooding caused by excessive rainfall is possible. Storm total rainfall amounts of 1-2 inches are possible across the area with localized amounts closer to 3 inches possible in spots. * WHERE...Portions of central, eastern, south central, and southeast Idaho, including the following areas, in central Idaho, Sun Valley Region and Wood River Foothills. In eastern Idaho, Beaverhead - Lemhi Highlands, Big Hole Mountains, Centennial Mountains - Island Park and Teton Valley. In south central Idaho, Eastern Magic Valley and Shoshone/Lava Beds. In southeast Idaho, Arco/Mud Lake Desert, Bear Lake Valley, Bear River Range, Blackfoot Mountains, Caribou Range, Franklin/Eastern Oneida Region, Lower Snake River Plain, Marsh and Arbon Highlands, Raft River Region, Southern Hills/Albion Mountains and Upper Snake River Plain. * WHEN...From noon MDT today through Monday afternoon. * IMPACTS...Excessive runoff may result in flooding of rivers, creeks, streams, and other low-lying and flood-prone locations. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS... - A prolonged period of rainfall is expected across eastern Idaho throughout the weekend which could lead to some flooding across parts of the advised area. An upper low moving into the Pacific Northwest will combine with tropical moisture from Tropical Cyclone Rachel to usher in a cooler, wetter weather pattern across eastern Idaho. - http://www.weather.gov/safety/flood

Sawtooth National Forest

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.

Sawtooth National Forest

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…

About

Independence Lakes Campground is a rustic, no-fee campground located in the Minidoka Ranger District of the Sawtooth National Forest in southern Idaho. The campground provides access to Independence Lakes Trail, which climbs 3.1 miles through varied terrain to reach the first of four lakes nestled in an alpine cirque basin. The first mile of trail is rocky, but the remainder features a reasonable grade with switchbacks. Only non-motorized travel is permitted on the trail. The campground offers five single campsites with picnic tables and grills, plus vault toilets. There is no potable water, so campers must bring their own supply. Trash service is not provided, so pack out what you pack in. Sites are ADA accessible. Livestock facilities are available for those arriving with pack animals, though horses are prohibited within the campground area itself. Fishing opportunities include trout in the alpine lakes, accessible by wade, shore, float tube, or non-motorized boat. The area supports fly, spin, and bait fishing. Camping is limited to 14 consecutive days within any 28-day period, with a maximum of 2 vehicles 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.

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 —
Pull Through Sites —

Contact

Phone +1 (208) 678-0430

Cell Service

AT&T Yes
Verizon Yes
T-Mobile None

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