Thatcher Campground
Opens May 25 for the 2026 season, operating through September. First-come, first-served only; no advance reservations accepted.
Red Flag Warning issued August 10 at 2:02AM MDT until August 10 at 9:00PM MDT by NWS Pocatello ID
* AFFECTED AREA...Fire Weather Zone 475 East Salmon River Mountains/Salmon NF and Fire Weather Zone 476 Lemhi and Lost River Range/Challis NF. * WIND...West 10 to 20 mph with gusts up to 30 mph. * HUMIDITY...As low as 10 percent. * IMPACTS...Wind reaching these speeds and humidity drier than 15 percent can result in rapid fire spread and extreme wildfire intensity.
Air Quality Alert issued August 7 at 1:13PM MDT by NWS Pocatello ID
AQAPIH * WHAT...Air Quality Advisory because of degraded air quality. Air Quality Index is forecast to degrade from Moderate to Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups. * WHERE...Custer County. * WHEN...Through 3 PM Monday, August 10th. * IMPACTS...Members of sensitive groups may experience health effects. The general public is less likely to be affected.
About
Thatcher Campground is a small, quiet forest service campground nestled in the trees of the Salmon-Challis National Forest, overlooking the scenic Capehorn meadows. Located 15 miles northwest of Stanley on Highway 21, it provides easy access for travelers between Boise and the Sawtooth Valley. The campground features 5 sites, each equipped with a picnic table and fire ring with cooking grill. Vault toilets are provided, though potable water is not currently available so campers should bring their own supply. The sites can accommodate trailers and motorhomes up to 32 feet in length, but there are no hookups. Across the highway lies a marshy wetland that serves as prime habitat for moose, elk, and a variety of birds. Early morning wildlife viewing is a highlight of staying here. The area offers opportunities for picnicking, scenery viewing, and exploring the surrounding national forest lands.
Directions
From Stanley, Idaho: 15 miles northwest on Highway 21, campground is on the left/west side of the highway. From Boise: Approximately 117 miles northeast on Highway 21 towards Stanley, campground is on the right.
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 | $10 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | 32ft |
| Max Trailer Length | 32ft |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | — |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (208) 756-5100 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
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