Independence Lakes Campground
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.
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
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.
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 | — |
| Pull Through Sites | — |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (208) 678-0430 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | Yes |
| Verizon | Yes |
| T-Mobile | None |
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