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Recreation Region: Wild Rivers Ranger District

Sam Brown Campground

Sam Brown Campground is centered around a large meadow that has a colorful history of the earlier miner and homesteader to the area. Trails are located throughout the area, as well, with options for hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, and motorcylces, including Elkhorn Mine Jeep Road.

Nearby trail opportunities include:

  • Briggs Creek Trail #1132 (the trailhead located in campground)
  • Taylor Creek Trail #1142
  • Onion Way Trail #1157
  • Secret Way Trail #1282
  • Dutchy Creek Trail #1154

The size of this campground, and nature of the landscape, lends itself to large group camping, with 2 picnic shelters, and amphitheater. The meadow is great for group activities and is also a great place to wildlife watch: deer, elk, and a plethora of bird species frequent the area. Briggs Creek flows through the area before passing on to the Illinois River.

Campsites are suitable for tents, small trailers, or campers. This campground is close to Sam Brown Horse Camp.

Facilities

  • 19 campsites with picnic tables, and fire pits
  • No water available.  Please bring your own water.
  • 3 vault toilets

Please pack out what you pack in, as this site does not have trash removal service.

General Information

Check in: 2:00 p.m.; Check-out: 12:00 p.m.; Quiet hours are 10:00 p.m. until 6:00 a.m.

  • Quiet hours between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m.
  • Campfires in developed fire pits only
  • Fireworks are prohibited
  • Dogs must be on leash
  • OHV/ATV use prohibited in the campground
  • Maximum length of stay: 14 days

Overnight Use:
Single Site: $10 per night
Additional Vehicle Fee: $5 per vehicle per night

  • $10 for campsite
  • $5 for extra vehicle

Getting There

Latitude / Longitude

Latitude: 42.44201

Longitude: -123.68601

Directions

From Interstate 5, take the Merlin Exit to Merlin / Galice Road approximately 12 miles to the Briggs Valley Road (Forest Road 2500). Follow Forest Road 2500 approximately 15 miles to Forest Road 2512, turn right and the campground will be on your left about 0.5 mile up the road.

Access to the area restricts vehicle size, due to the narrow winding steep road to the Briggs Valley area.

Facility and Amenity Information

Restrooms

Restrooms are available at this site.

Water

Potable water is not available at this site.

Recreation Opportunities

Last updated April 24th, 2025