Open
The campground is open year-round with no reservations required. Typical road access begins around July 1 due to snow and road conditions. High-clearance vehicles are recommended for Forest Road 007.
About
Tin Cup Campground is a primitive, no-fee campground located on Loon Creek at the border of the Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness in the Salmon-Challis National Forest. The campground offers 13 first-come, first-served sites, each equipped with a picnic table and fire ring. A vault toilet serves the campground, but there is no potable water, so campers must bring their own supply.
The campground serves as an excellent base for exploring the surrounding wilderness. Trails from the campground lead directly into the Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness, with additional trailheads at Indian Springs, Rat Creek, China Creek, Mayfield Creek, and Monte Cristo. Loop hikes to Indian Springs and Rat Creek are popular options. Activities include hiking, horseback riding, picnicking, and wildlife watching.
Stock loading facilities are available for equestrians outside the campground, though horses are not permitted within the campground itself. Access to Tin Cup Campground requires navigating remote forest roads, with high-clearance vehicles recommended for Forest Road 007. The 14-day stay limit applies, and the campground does not receive regular maintenance.
Directions
From Stanley, ID head east on Highway 75 for 13 miles. Turn left onto Yankee Fork Road and go about 8.6 miles. Turn left onto FS Road 40172/Loon Creek Road for about 24 miles. Campground will be on the right. Alternatively, from Sunbeam head north 31 miles on Forest Road 112 and FR 007. High clearance vehicles recommended for FR 007.