Star Hope Campground
02 reviewsStar Hope 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 a single site. Interagency Senior/Access Recreation Passes provide a 50% discount to Single Campsites. Payment should be made via cash or check onsite.
Share this campground
USFSProvider
About this campground
Tucked away in a tranquil woodland sanctuary, Starhope Campground offers 21 pristine campsites where the gentle murmur of Starhope Creek provides nature's perfect soundtrack. This hidden gem features essential amenities including two hand-pump water stations (operational during summer months), three well-maintained vault toilets, and convenient hitching rails positioned just outside the campground boundaries for equestrian adventurers. While horses must remain outside the camping area, the surrounding landscape beckons with three spectacular destinations: the dramatic expanse of Broad Canyon, the intimate beauty of Starhope Canyon, and the adventure-filled Bear Creek Trail.
The campground caters to traditional campers with a mix of tent and RV accommodations. While there is no mention of group or luxury camping, the emphasis is on a simple outdoor experience.
Weather and SeasonsFrom Memorial Day weekend through the end of September, Starhope Campground welcomes visitors to experience the best of Idaho's mountain summer. Operating from May 30 to September 30, the campground basks in warm, sunny days perfect for creek-side relaxation and cool, star-filled nights ideal for campfire gatherings. While mountain weather can always surprise, summer visitors typically enjoy comfortable conditions for hiking, fishing, and exploring the surrounding wilderness.
Natural Features and SceneryImagine waking to dappled sunlight filtering through a canopy of mature trees, with the soothing sounds of Starhope Creek creating a natural meditation. This enchanting campground showcases the best of Idaho's riparian ecosystems, where lush vegetation thrives along the creek banks and wildlife frequently visits for morning drinks. The surrounding landscape presents a stunning tapestry of deep canyons, winding trails, and diverse habitats that change with every turn, offering photographers and nature enthusiasts endless opportunities to capture the raw beauty of the American West.
Geological RegionNestled within the vast expanse of the Salmon-Challis National Forest, Starhope Campground sits at the heart of one of Idaho's most geologically fascinating regions. The life-giving waters of Starhope Creek have carved their way through ancient rock formations, creating a lush riparian corridor that supports diverse plant and animal communities. Adventure seekers will discover a landscape shaped by millennia of natural forces, from the sweeping vistas of Broad Canyon to the intimate rock formations of Starhope Canyon, while the Bear Creek Trail winds through terrain that tells the story of the region's dynamic geological past.
Campsite details
Sites SizeThe campground contains 21 units.
Total Campsites21 campsites
Reserving a campsite
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Open and Closed SeasonCampground open from May 30 to September 30.
Reservation PlatformsReservation platform details not provided.
Amenities available
Potable water
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Starhope Campground provides an array of outdoor activities, from hiking on nearby trails to fishing in the Starhope Creek. Visitors can also enjoy wildlife viewing, scenic drives, and OHV road riding. The surrounding areas, such as Broad Canyon and Starhope Canyon, enhance the outdoor experience with additional trails and natural beauty.
Hiking
The campground is close to Broad Canyon, Starhope Canyon, and Bear Creek Trail, offering opportunities for day hikes and backpacking. These locations are noted for their scenic beauty.Fishing
Fishing is permitted in Starhope Creek, adding to the outdoor recreational experience.Wildlife viewing
The natural setting of the campground supports wildlife viewing opportunities. Specific species are not detailed.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
Hazards
Weather forecast
65
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 32%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 7.4 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
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
Good to know
Trash and recyclingNo details provided on trash or recycling facilities.
Proximity to water featuresStarhope Creek flows through the campground.
Common complaintsUser reviews note that there may be free camping options farther past the creek but paying is required onsite.
Campground Map
Driving directionsFrom Mackay: Take US Highway 93 approximately 16 miles north of Mackay to the Trail Creek Road. Turn left on Trail Creek Road (#208). Follow this road 18 miles and turn left on the Copper Basin Road (#135). Follow this road 13 miles, and turn right on the Copper Basin Loop Road (#138). Follow this road 9 miles to the Starhope Campground. 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 (closed in winter). Follow this road to the Copper Basin Road. Turn right onto the Copper Basin Road. Follow this road 13 miles to the Copper Basin Loop Road. Turn right on the Copper Basin Loop Road. Follow this road 9 miles to the Starhope Campground.
The access roads to the campground include Trail Creek Road, Copper Basin Road, and Copper Basin Loop Road. Trail Creek Road is closed in winter, indicating potential seasonal challenges to access. The quality of the roads is not explicitly detailed.Nearby places
Mackay (16 miles, travel time not provided)
Sun Valley/Ketchum (travel time not provided)
Camper Reviews
0.0
2 reviews
Star Hope Campground has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews for Starhope Campground are generally positive, with visitors appreciating the natural setting, clean facilities, and availability of potable water. Some users noted that they enjoyed the option to camp for free in areas beyond the creek.
Review Summaries
Based on 2 reviews
What Campers Love
Users highlighted the 'fresh water available' and 'very clean restrooms.' The natural setting with Starhope Creek flowing through was another key positive feature.
Based on 2 reviewsCommon Concerns
No specific complaints were noted in the user reviews.
Based on 2 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
One user suggested that there are free camping options available farther past the creek, which could be an alternative for budget campers.
Based on 2 reviewsSeasonal Insights
Seasonal trends were not discussed, but the campground is open from May 30th to September 30th, indicating a focus on summer use.
Based on 2 reviewsCamper Quotes
- 'Great Campground. Fresh water available. Very clean restrooms.' (Bryan Berg, 2016)
- 'Is a great camping area. You do have to pay at the campground itself but there are places farther past the...
Based on 2 reviewsShow more
Last updated August 10, 2025