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Sawtooth/Mormon Bend
Overview
Mormon Bend Campground offers a quintessential Idaho camping experience within the Sawtooth National Recreation Area. Situated along the banks of the Upper Salmon River, this site provides a serene escape for RVers who prioritize natural beauty and direct water access over modern resort luxuries. It serves as a peaceful, primitive basecamp for exploring one of the most rugged and picturesque mountain ranges in the United States while offering a true sense of seclusion.
Location & Surroundings
Located just a few miles east of the charming town of Stanley, Idaho, the park is surrounded by towering lodgepole pines and provides glimpses of the jagged Sawtooth Mountains. The high-elevation setting ensures cool summer temperatures and incredibly clear night skies for stargazing. Its position right on the river makes it a prime spot for listening to the flowing water and watching for local wildlife, including elk and various migratory birds.
Amenities & Park Features
As a traditional forest service site, Mormon Bend focuses on a rustic, back-to-nature experience. The park features paved parking spurs suitable for many RV sizes, though travelers should note there are no hookups or dump stations on-site. Visitors have access to vault toilets and potable water provided by seasonal hand pumps. Each individual site is equipped with a heavy-duty picnic table and a fire ring, encouraging an authentic outdoor lifestyle under the dense forest canopy.
Nearby Attractions & Things to Do
The campground is a short drive from the iconic Redfish Lake, where visitors can enjoy motorized boating, paddleboarding, and sandy beaches. Anglers will appreciate the immediate access to the Salmon River for world-class trout fishing and seasonal salmon runs. For hikers and backpackers, the nearby trailheads lead into the heart of the Sawtooth Wilderness, offering challenging paths to pristine alpine lakes and granite peaks that are world-renowned for their beauty.
Who This Park Is Best For
This destination is ideal for dry campers and boondockers who are self-sufficient and looking to disconnect from the digital world. It is perfect for travelers who prefer the rustling of pine needles and the sound of the river to the hum of a crowded RV resort. If you are a photography enthusiast or an outdoor adventurer seeking a primitive mountain experience in a world-class landscape, Mormon Bend is a perfect fit for your Idaho travels.
Amenities
- Recreational Facilities
- Policies
- Other Amenities & Services
- Recreation Nearby (within 10 miles)
- Facility
- On-Site Rentals
- Sites
User Reviews
Teresa L. Black
Beautiful River Side spot, next to road but quiets down through the night.
Renee Galligher
Beautiful river front campground with numerous sites that larger RVs can fit in. Quiet in spite of being by the highway.
Michael Keene
I have been camping at Mormon Bend since 1966. My family first brought me there when I was 14, and recently I spent the time, now at the age of 72, with my Sons there. The topography has changed a lot over the years of course, but it is still a wonderful place for families to spend time together outdoors, where all can fish with easy access to the river and if you need a taste of civilization, not far to Stanley. Near the road, but nights are quiet. Still have the picture of my first big rainbow caught there to cement a lot of memories. No camp hosts in the 60's, but a welcome addition now for any questions or assistance you might need.
Russ Imler
Really great place to visit with view of mountains and the river. At the time Red and Judy were camp hosts: outstanding couple.
Brenda Ward
Who doesn't love the serenity of the peaceful river
Jokay Miller
Stopped in here on our bikes and ate lunch at this sweet spot. The river was beautiful. Clean bathrooms
David Mason
Nice paved camp ground, next to river and road probably a little loud for a tent
bob LAWLER
Some Nice river sites, water access nice place in general.
Curtis Johnson
Nice campground along the river. The campground is nothing fancy and slightly more exposed than I generally prefer, but it is a beautiful setting and it's nice to fall asleep listening to the river rushing by.
Robert
Very nice Campground on the river I looked at the other campgrounds along HWY 75 and Mormon Bend was the nicest. The campground is completely paved, has two clean vault toilets, a boat launch and several camp sites right on the low bank river. I had site 7 and it was great - long parking pad, a nice tent spot and a nice little beach. The road noise is mostly muted by the rush of the river. I will return to this campground.