Smokey Bear Campground
Closed for the season. Opens in June and operates through September 21. All sites are first-come, first-served with on-site payment via the Recreation.gov mobile app Scan and Pay feature.
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
Smokey Bear Campground occupies a scenic location on Alturas Lake, the southernmost of the major lakes in the Sawtooth National Recreation Area. The campground features 8 single sites and 3 double sites spread through a mixed conifer forest, with a group picnic area on the east side. All sites operate on a first-come, first-served basis with no advance reservations available. The campground serves as an excellent base for both water and land-based recreation. A boat ramp and trailer parking area provide access to Alturas Lake for fishing, sailing, swimming, and motorized boating (personal watercraft prohibited). Trails at the end of Forest Road 205 connect to the Sawtooth Wilderness, including routes to Alturas Lake Creek, Eureka Gulch, and Alpine Creek. Facilities are basic with vault toilets but no potable water. Campers must bring all drinking water. Sites cannot be left unattended for more than 24 hours and must be occupied the first night. The maximum stay is 10 days within any 30-day period for sites within a 30-mile radius.
Directions
From Stanley, go south 21 miles on ID 75, then west about 2.5 miles on Forest Road 205.
Location
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | — |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | — |
| Wifi | — |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | — |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | — |
| Price | $22 - $44 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | — |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (208) 423-7500 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
Availability
Community Posts
No posts yet. Be the first to share your experience!