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Sawtooth/Smokey Bear
Overview
Located in the heart of the Sawtooth National Recreation Area, Sawtooth/Smokey Bear offers a classic mountain camping experience. This US Forest Service site provides a peaceful retreat north of Ketchum, Idaho. Surrounded by lodgepole pines and sagebrush, the park serves as a gateway to the rugged beauty of Central Idaho. It is designed specifically for those who appreciate a traditional dry-camping environment over the crowded amenities of a modern resort. This location is perfect for those seeking to escape the heat of the valleys below during the peak summer months.
Location & Surroundings
The campground is situated along State Highway 75, making it easily accessible while still feeling immersed in the wild. It sits at an elevation of approximately 7,000 feet, offering cool summer temperatures and stunning views of the surrounding peaks. The landscape transitions from lush riparian zones to rocky mountain slopes in every direction. The Big Wood River flows nearby, providing a soothing natural soundtrack and easy access to the water for those staying in the various campground loops.
Amenities & Park Features
As a primitive Forest Service site, amenities here focus on the essentials for self-contained RVers. Visitors will find the following features on-site:
- Vault toilets maintained regularly for cleanliness
- Potable water available via seasonal hand pumps
- Individual sites equipped with a picnic table and fire ring
- Paved or gravel spurs for smaller to mid-sized RVs
There are no electrical, water, or sewer hookups available, so visitors should arrive with full tanks and charged batteries. The sites are spaced well enough to provide a sense of privacy under the forest canopy.
Nearby Attractions & Things to Do
The location is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. Anglers often frequent the Big Wood River for fly fishing, while hikers can find numerous trailheads just a short drive away. The world-famous resort community of Sun Valley and Ketchum is located about 20 miles south, offering upscale dining, shopping, and art galleries. For those looking for more water activities, the stunning Alturas and Redfish Lakes are within a reasonable driving distance further north into the Sawtooth Mountains.
Who This Park Is Best For
This destination is ideal for self-sufficient RV travelers who prioritize natural beauty and tranquility over luxury facilities. It is a perfect fit for nature photographers, mountain bikers, and those looking to disconnect from the digital world for a few days. If you enjoy boondocking-style camping with the security of a designated Forest Service site, Sawtooth/Smokey Bear provides an authentic Idaho wilderness experience that is hard to beat.
Amenities
- Recreational Facilities
- Policies
- Other Amenities & Services
- Recreation Nearby (within 10 miles)
- Facility
- On-Site Rentals
- Sites
User Reviews
Hubert Schwarthoff
Great choice for some sawtooth lunch or dinner. When you're camping at Redfish lake, grab your bike and cycle over for one of the best views in America. Then get a burger or vegan curry at Luce's, chat with the kind server, and enjoy a good beer from the tap. The curry was surprisingly good!
Alex Theis
We ate here before and after our backpacking trip. Service is awesome. Both visits our servers were simply fantastic. Draft beer list is small but epic. Seriously. That amber? Someone knows their beer. I had the same burger both times. If it ain't broke, don't fix it. One of the best burgers of my life. I'll be back for sure, even though I live 1,500 miles away.
Lydia Lee
As someone who’s a nyc foodie, this place blew me away! I wasn’t expecting anything but the curry, black bean burger, and Idaho Kobe burger was so good. The sleeper hit was the curry, we were worried it about the taste but it was so good! I wish I could come here again.
Stacy WB
Came here for lunch. Our server seemed aloof, inattentive and somewhat curt. We ordered the chicken strips and the Kobe burger. When the food came out he only had the chicken strips dinner, and kind of looked and said to my husband “now what did you order?” We reminded him (hire did he not know?) and he went to check. The order had been forgotten or mixed up. It took another 15-20 minutes to get his dinner. The server was apologetic and removed the cost of the sodas, but on top of his prior behavior, it made for a poor experience. Food was good, but tainted by the service.
Vanessa Jimenez
Cute place to come to if you're in the area! After eating camp food for two days, the burgers we ordered was just what we needed to fill us up and satisfy our cravings. As with anywhere you go in Stanley, the view is so beautiful from here!
Laura Cifelli
Great little spot and a perfect way to fill the hunger after a rough hike. Despite being busy, the staff was friendly and quick, and I think their black bean burger was the best I've ever had (clearly made in-house)
Lisa Kelly
Such a wonderful place, with next level wait staff and servers and AMAZING views from the outdoor space. Chicken sandwich was one of the best I’ve ever had. Good prices, good beer selection, hands down, best spot for dinner in town.
Boricua
Great place, great people, awesome food. I had the Baked Goat Cheese appetizer, it was awesome. I also had 1/4 lb burger, it was very nice & juicy; the fries were great, I didn't even used salt or ketchup. Remember when you go visit small town restaurants like this one. 1- give a big tip 2- respect their hometown 3- slow down while driving.
Corey Batiuk
Nice spot with a camp host. The lake is cold, but nice.
joyce marino
Beautiful lake and great camping, host Tami is a jewel!