Custer #1 Campground
01 reviewCuster #1 Campground
$3.00 - $8.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$0.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Recreation Use fees vary by location and/or activity, and payment methods include $8 online/app, $9 through contact center, and $3 in-person. A $10 cancellation fee applies for advanced reservations.
About this campground
Nestled along the historic Custer Motorway, this intimate six-site campground offers a perfect blend of outdoor adventure and Old West history. Each site comes equipped with a picnic table, fire ring with cooking grill, and access to vault toilet facilities. The thoughtfully designed spaces welcome RVs and trailers up to 32 feet, making it an ideal basecamp for exploring the remnants of Custer's gold rush glory days while enjoying the pristine wilderness of the Salmon-Challis National Forest.
Custer #1 Campground is a dry camping facility that offers six basic sites suitable for trailers, motorhomes, and tent campers looking for a rustic experience near a historic townsite.
Historical SignificanceStep back in time to the roaring 1880s when Custer was a thriving gold rush boomtown that attracted fortune seekers from across the nation. Today, this remarkably preserved ghost town offers visitors a genuine glimpse into Idaho's mining heritage. The on-site museum, welcoming guests from Memorial Day through Labor Day, houses fascinating artifacts and stories from the town's heyday, when saloons, general stores, and mining operations bustled with activity along these now-quiet mountain roads.
Weather and SeasonsWinter transforms this mountain retreat into a serene wonderland, with temperatures typically ranging from crisp morning lows around 14°F to comfortable afternoon highs near 31°F. The area receives modest snowfall—averaging just over 3 inches during peak winter weeks—creating picturesque scenery without overwhelming access. Moderate mountain breezes keep the air fresh and invigorating, making it an excellent destination for those seeking a true four-season camping experience.
ElevationPerched in the mountainous terrain of central Idaho, the campground's position above the historic Custer townsite provides campers with refreshing mountain air and stunning vistas of the surrounding peaks and valleys that once echoed with the sounds of prospectors' pickaxes.
Natural Features and ScenerySurrounded by the majestic peaks and pristine wilderness of the Salmon-Challis National Forest, this campground serves as your gateway to both natural splendor and historical discovery. The landscape tells two stories: one of ancient geological forces that carved these dramatic mountains and valleys, and another of human ambition that transformed this remote wilderness into a bustling mining district. Today, visitors can enjoy the best of both worlds—unspoiled forest beauty and fascinating glimpses of the Old West frozen in time.
Geological RegionSet within the rugged terrain of the Salmon-Challis National Forest, the campground occupies a unique position where natural history meets human heritage. The surrounding mountains, shaped by millions of years of geological activity, provided the rich mineral deposits that drew miners to establish Custer in the 1800s. This dramatic landscape of steep canyon walls, exposed rock formations, and mineral-rich soils continues to tell the story of both the Earth's ancient past and Idaho's colorful mining era.
Campsite details
Sites SizeSites are designed to accommodate trailers and motorhomes up to 32 feet long. A user review mentioned bringing a 35-foot bumper pull trailer, although it was noted that maneuvering it presented some challenges.
Total Campsites6 campsites
Recommended Campsitesnull
Best Campsitesnull
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
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Check-out
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Stay Limit
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Guests Allowed Per Site
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Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layout6 campsites clustered near historical Custer townsite.
Open and Closed Seasonnull
Reservation PlatformsReservations are not available
Walk-in AvailabilitySites are first-come, first-served as reservations are not accepted.
Cancellation PolicyA $10 cancellation fee applies for advanced reservations. Late cancellations incur a $10 fee and forfeiture of the first night's fees.
Amenities available
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Custer #1 Campground offers a rustic and historical setting for outdoor enthusiasts. Visitors can explore the nearby historic townsite of Custer, particularly the museum that operates from 9 AM to 5 PM during the summer (Memorial Day through Labor Day).
Cultural and Educational Programs
Guests can visit the nearby museum at the historic townsite of Custer. The museum is open from 9 AM to 5 PM during the summer season, providing an educational experience about the area's gold rush history.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Fire rings with cooking grills are available at campsites.
- Quiet hours are null
Hazards
General hazardsPotential snow moderate during colder months. Wildlife and forest hazards are implied but not specifically listed.
Active alertsnull
Weather forecast
66
°F
Aug 26
Tuesday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
Humidity: 40%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 1.4 mph
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
Overcast
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
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Good to know
Peak season datesnull
Trash and recyclingNo specific information is available regarding trash and recycling facilities at this campground.
Proximity to water featuresnull
Common complaintsnull
Hostnull
Campground Map
Driving directionsFrom Stanley: Drive 11 miles east on Highway 75 to the Sunbeam Dam overlook. Turn left onto forest road #013 for about 11 miles. Campground is on the left. From Challis: Drive 42 miles west on Highway 75 to the Sunbeam Dam overlook. Turn right onto forest road #013 for about 11 miles. Campground is on the left.
Accessible via forest road #013, which is not explicitly described as paved or unpaved in the source materials.Nearby places
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Nearby supplies
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Camper Reviews
0.0
1 reviews
Custer #1 Campground has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
User feedback highlights the campground's appeal as a quiet and off-the-beaten-path destination suitable for dry camping. The nearby historic townsite of Custer adds a unique cultural and historical dimension to the camping experience.
Review Summaries
Based on 1 reviews
What Campers Love
One user described the location as 'a GREAT dry camping site,' appreciating its quiet and less crowded nature. The ability to bring a larger trailer (35 feet) was also noted as a positive aspect,...
Based on 1 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
No specific complaints were noted in the available user review.
Based on 1 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Users recommend this spot for those wishing to 'get mostly away from people.' Bringing a trailer larger than 32 feet might be possible, but visitors should be prepared for narrow roads and tight...
Based on 1 reviewsShow more
Seasonal Insights
The museum at the historic townsite is a significant draw, but it is only open during the summer season (Memorial Day through Labor Day). This makes summer the optimal season for visitors interested...
Based on 1 reviewsShow more
Camper Quotes
1. 'This is a GREAT dry camping site.' 2. 'I definitely recommend this location to anyone wishing to get mostly away from people.'
Based on 1 reviewsSite-Specific Reviews
User comments suggest that most sites are easy to access with standard-size trailers and motorhomes. A 35-foot trailer was successfully accommodated but with some difficulty.
Based on 1 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025