Tin Cup Campground

Closed — Closed for winter due to snow on access roads. Opens seasonally around July 1. Access requires high-clearance vehicle on remote dirt roads.

About

Tin Cup Campground is a remote backcountry 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 features 13 campsites, each equipped with a picnic table and fire ring. A vault toilet serves the camping area. The campground is positioned as a gateway to wilderness exploration, with the Knapp-Loon Creek Trail heading directly into the Frank Church Wilderness from the campground. Equestrians will find stock loading facilities available outside the campground, though horses are not permitted within the camping area itself. Additional trailheads in the vicinity include Indian Springs, Rat Creek, China Creek, Mayfield Creek, and Monte Cristo, offering opportunities for loop hikes and extended backcountry trips. The area provides excellent opportunities for hiking, horseback riding, picnicking, and wildlife watching. Access to Tin Cup Campground requires travel on remote single-track dirt roads including Forest Road 112 and FR 007. High-clearance vehicles are recommended, and the access roads cross high-elevation passes that become impassable during winter due to snow. A backcountry dirt airstrip (Upper Loon) is located near the end of Loon Creek Road. No potable water or services are available at the campground, and there is no fee for camping.

Directions

From Sunbeam, head north 31 miles on Forest Road 112 and FR 007. High-clearance vehicles recommended. Alternatively, from Stanley take Highway 75 east 13 miles, turn left on Yankee Fork Road for 8.6 miles, then left on FS Road 40172/Loon Creek Road for 24 miles.

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