Lower O'brien Campground
Closed for the season. The campground typically operates from June through September. In 2025, Lower O'Brien closed early on August 15 due to Salmon River closures for salmon spawning protection.
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
Lower O'Brien Campground sits along the Salmon River in a scenic lodgepole pine forest within the Sawtooth National Recreation Area. The campground features 10 sites, including one double site, all available on a first-come, first-served basis. Amenities include vault toilets, potable water, and picnic tables at each site. Pets are welcome on leash, and horse/pack animals are permitted. The area offers excellent recreation opportunities. Sunbeam Hot Springs, just upstream, maintains a natural temperature of 169°F with adjustable rock formations to control river water flow. The Warm Springs Creek Trail provides hiking access, while the Salmon River offers steelhead and trout fishing. A boat ramp at Yankee Fork serves as a launch point for floating 14 miles of Class III and IV rapids. History buffs can explore the Land of the Yankee Fork mining district north of Sunbeam Dam. The dam was the only one ever built on the Salmon River, one of the last free-flowing rivers in the western United States. Originally constructed to power mining operations on the Yankee Fork, part of the dam was destroyed with dynamite in 1934 after the mine property was sold at a sheriff's auction in 1911.
Directions
From Stanley, go northeast 14 miles on ID 75, then turn south on Forest Road #454. Proceed past Upper O'Brien Campground to Lower O'Brien.
Amenities
| Water | Yes |
| Fires Allowed | — |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $13 - $26 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | — |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| sm.fs.sawtoothinfo@usda.gov |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
Useful Links
| View on Recreation.gov | |
| USFS Lower O'Brien Campground |
Availability
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