Camping & Cabins

Camping is available on all districts and areas of the Sawtooth National Forest. Developed campgrounds are listed below.

Reservations, if available for a site, are available at Recreation.gov. Sites open for reservations six months in advance for single and double sites and one year in advance for group sites. Some of our campgrounds have sites that are only available on a first-come, first-served basis. Fees charged at these campsites must be paid for by cash or check. 

The Sawtooth National Forest offers something for all types of campers:

• Developed campgrounds are those where visitors will find facilities and amenities, usually for a fee. Availability of amenities vary by location. Many of these campgrounds can be reserved through Recreation.gov. Some of these campgrounds are run by concessionaires who are contracted to manage the sites. Others may have campground hosts to assist visitors as necessary during their stays.
• Dispersed camping, also called dry camping or boondocking, is setting up camp free of charge in undeveloped portions of the Forest. A few areas on the  Elsewhere on the forest, dispersed camping with motorized vehicles is allowed within 300’ of most forest roads and within 100’ of most motorized trails. Stay limits do apply. Check out our Alerts page and Motor Vehicle Use Maps for more details.
• Designated dispersed camping, where dispersed camping is only allowed in designated sites, is also offered in some locations on the Sawtooth National Forest. These sites, designated by a site post with a camp symbol on it, may also have developed features, like fire rings and tables, to protect natural resources.
• Backcountry camping is also available for those who like to explore more primitive areas, such as the three wilderness areas on the Sawtooth National Forest. 

Camping rules and regulations apply to make your experience safe and to keep the natural resources scenic and unspoiled for other users. It is your responsibility to know these before you camp. 

1. Use existing campsites - Try to find a place someone else has already camped and where there's an existing fire ring.
2. Pack it in, pack it out - That includes trash and pet waste.
3. Plan ahead and prepare - Bring things that make it easier to live at camp and allow you to take care of the campsite.
4. Got to go? - Burry all poop in a hole 6- to 8-inches deep and pack out your toilet paper or use a portable/disposable toilet.
5. Pay attention to, and follow fire restrictions.