Park Creek Campground
04 reviewsPark Creek Campground, Salmon-Challis National Forest, Idaho
Park Creek Campground
$10.00 - $10.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$10.00
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
$10 per night for overnight use of single sites. Interagency Senior and Access Recreation Pass holders receive a 50% discount on single campsites only. Discounts apply exclusively to the pass holder's site and not to additional sites occupied by others in the party. Payment must be made via cash or check.
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About this campground
Tucked away in the pristine wilderness of the Salmon-Challis National Forest, Park Creek Campground offers an intimate escape at 7,800 feet elevation. This secluded gem features just 12 thoughtfully spaced campsites arranged in a single loop, each one nestled beneath a canopy of towering Lodgepole pines and majestic spruce trees. The gentle murmur of Summit Creek provides a natural soundtrack to your mountain retreat, while the surrounding forest creates natural privacy screens between sites, making this small campground feel like your own personal slice of wilderness paradise.
Park Creek Campground is a small, rustic site designed primarily for tent camping, though RVs are also allowed. It operates on a first-come, first-served basis and offers no group-specific or luxury camping options.
Weather and SeasonsAt nearly 8,000 feet, Park Creek Campground experiences the full drama of mountain weather. Summer emerges as the crown jewel of camping seasons here, with warm days perfect for exploration and cool nights ideal for campfire gatherings—though be prepared to share the evening air with mosquitoes eager to join your outdoor adventures. Spring and fall bring crisp, invigorating temperatures that can dip below freezing after sunset, while winter transforms the landscape into a frozen wonderland best admired from afar. The elevation creates its own microclimate, so experienced campers know to pack layers and expect the unexpected when Mother Nature decides to showcase her repertoire.
ElevationPerched at 7,800 feet above sea level, Park Creek Campground places you firmly in the thin-air territory of the high country. This lofty elevation brings both rewards and responsibilities—spectacular views come paired with weather that can shift from sunshine to storm in minutes. The altitude affects everything from cooking times to physical exertion, so visitors should pace themselves as they acclimate to this mountain environment. The payoff? Crystal-clear night skies unmarred by light pollution and morning air so pure it feels like nature's own energy drink.
Natural Features and SceneryPark Creek Campground showcases nature's artistry at every turn. Summit Creek winds gracefully past the campsites, its clear mountain waters creating peaceful pools and gentle riffles that invite quiet contemplation. Adjacent willow marshes burst with life, offering glimpses of wildlife and wildflowers throughout the season. The surrounding forest of Lodgepole pines and spruce creates a living cathedral, their evergreen spires reaching skyward while filtering sunlight into dancing patterns on the forest floor. Beyond the trees, mountain vistas unfold like painted backdrops, offering campers front-row seats to some of Idaho's most stunning high-country scenery. As one visitor noted, these views make it the perfect refuge from summer's heat, where cool mountain breezes replace the valley's swelter.
Geological RegionSet within the vast expanse of the Salmon-Challis National Forest, Park Creek Campground occupies a special niche in Idaho's rugged geological tapestry. This mountain ecosystem represents millions of years of natural forces at work—ancient seas gave way to towering peaks, glaciers carved valleys, and forests took root in the fertile soil left behind. The campground's location showcases this geological heritage beautifully, with Summit Creek cutting through terrain shaped by volcanic activity and glacial movements. The surrounding Lodgepole pine and spruce forest tells its own story of adaptation and resilience, thriving in the challenging conditions of high elevation. The nearby willow marshes serve as natural water filters and wildlife corridors, while the encompassing mountains stand as silent sentinels, their exposed faces revealing layers of geological time to those who know how to read the rocks.
Campsite details
AccessibilityWheelchair accessibility is not confirmed, and no features specifically for accessibility were mentioned.
Sites SizeThe sites are described as well-spaced with plenty of flat ground for tents.
Sites PrivacyAccording to the general comments, "well-spaced camp sites provide good privacy."
Total Campsites12 campsites
Recommended CampsitesSites are well-spaced, offering privacy. User reviews recommend bringing bug spray due to mosquitoes.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Open 24/7.
Check-out
Open 24/7.
Stay Limit
Maximum stay limit is 16 consecutive nights.
Guests Allowed Per Site
No specific details provided.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layout12 campsites arranged in a single loop within a wooded area.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen seasonally from June 1 to September 30, weather-dependent.
Reservation PlatformsReservations are not available; all sites are first-come, first-served.
Walk-in AvailabilityAll 12 campsites are first-come, first-served. No reservations are available.
Cancellation PolicyCancellation policies are not provided.
Amenities available
Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Recreation opportunities near Park Creek Campground include picnicking, scenic drives, and fishing in nearby streams that are home to rainbow and brook trout. The area offers a quiet wooded setting with access to Summit Creek Trail and other local points of interest. Activities like OHV road riding and general wildlife or scenery viewing are additional highlights.
Fishing
Fishing opportunities include nearby streams with rainbow and brook trout.Wildlife viewing
The campground is adjacent to a willow-covered marsh area, which may offer opportunities for wildlife viewing.Winter Activities
The campground is open seasonally and does not support winter recreation.Water Sports
There are no facilities or opportunities for water sports at this campground.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Campfires are permitted within designated fire rings at each site.
Hazards
General hazardsMosquitoes are abundant during summer months. This is bear country; food storage precautions are required. Roads leading to the campground are steep and rocky, posing challenges for RVs.
Weather forecast
66
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
Humidity: 38%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 2.2 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
Nearest emergency services are located in Ketchum, Idaho, approximately 26 miles away. Emergency facilities include local hospitals, police stations, and ranger services.
Good to know
Peak season datesJune 1 to September 30.
Trash and recyclingPack-in, pack-out principles apply. No specific trash or recycling facilities are mentioned.
Proximity to water featuresAdjacent to Summit Creek and a willow-covered marsh area.
Common complaintsUser reviews highlight mosquitoes as a recurring concern during the summer. Accessibility issues due to steep roads are also noted.
HostNo camp host is available at this site.
Campground Map
Park Creek Campground, Salmon-Challis National Forest, Idaho
Driving directionsFrom Mackay: Take US Highway 93 approximately 16 miles north of Mackay to the Trail Creek Road. Turn left on the Trail Creek Road (#208). Follow this road 26 miles, campground will be on the right. From Sun Valley/Ketchum: Take Highway 75 (Main Street) to Sun Valley Road. Turn northeast onto Sun Valley Road. This road turns into the Trail Creek Road (#208). Follow this road 26 miles, the campground will be on the left.
Trail Creek Road becomes dirt, rocky, rough, and steep in certain sections. The road ascends dramatically for 2.8 miles to Trail Creek Summit. While the road is mostly two-lane up to the summit, it is not RV-friendly. User reviews highlight that two-wheel drive cars can access the campground but should proceed cautiously due to ruts.Nearby places
Mackay: 16 miles north
Sun Valley/Ketchum: 26 miles northeast
Nearby supplies
Closest supplies, including groceries, camping essentials, and fuel, are available in Ketchum, Idaho, approximately 26 miles away.
Camper Reviews
0.0
4 reviews
Park Creek Campground has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
Users generally find Park Creek Campground to be a peaceful and well-maintained location with good spacing between sites. Several reviewers mention the scenic surroundings, privacy, and affordability at $10 per night. However, the rough access road and lack of amenities like a camp host, running water into winter, or flush toilets are noted as minor drawbacks.
Review Summaries
Based on 4 reviews
What Campers Love
Most reviewers appreciate the shaded, well-spaced campsites and the quiet atmosphere. Quotes include: "Nice, treed campsites suitable for tent or RV" and "Shady, well-maintained, peaceful location."...
Based on 4 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
The road leading to the campground from Ketchum is described as bumpy and steep. Other issues include the proximity of the campground to the road, causing some noise disturbances, and abundant...
Based on 4 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Travelers recommend driving slowly on the access road. A 2-wheel-drive vehicle can reach the site, but caution is advised. Campers should prepare for the absence of a camp host and bring sufficient...
Based on 4 reviewsShow more
Seasonal Insights
Summer months are highlighted as the best time to visit, with the campground being open between June 1 and September 30. Mosquito activity is noted to peak in warmer months due to the nearby marsh.
Based on 4 reviewsCamper Quotes
1. "The campground is very nice. Not very big but spaced out well." 2. "Nice, treed campsites suitable for tent or RV." 3. "The road... is rutted but a 2-wheel-drive car can do it easily. Just have...
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Site-Specific Reviews
No specific site numbers are mentioned in user reviews.
Based on 4 reviewsAccessibility Features
No reviews discussing accessibility features were found.
Based on 4 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
No specific reviews regarding pets or pet-friendliness were found.
Based on 4 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025