Upper O'brien Campground
Currently closed for the season. Typically opens in late May and closes August 15 for streambank revegetation. All sites are first-come-first-served with no advance reservations. Payment via Recreation.gov Scan and Pay app.
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
Upper O'Brien Campground is a small riverside campground nestled under lodgepole pines along the Salmon River, approximately 14 miles northeast of Stanley in Idaho's Sawtooth National Recreation Area. The campground offers 9 sites including one double site, all available first-come-first-served with no advance reservations. The location provides excellent access to Sunbeam Hot Springs, where geothermal water at 169°F mixes with the river to create natural soaking pools. Anglers can fish for steelhead and trout directly from the campground area. A boat ramp at nearby Yankee Fork provides access to 14 miles of Class III-IV rapids on the Salmon River. History buffs can explore the Land of the Yankee Fork mining district and the remnants of Sunbeam Dam, the only dam ever built on the Salmon River. The dam was dynamited in 1934 after the mining operation it powered was sold at auction. The campground closes in mid-August annually to allow streambank revegetation.
Directions
From Stanley, travel northeast 14 miles on ID-75. Follow Forest Road 454 south into the campground.
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 | $22 - $44 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | — |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
Availability
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