Tin Cup Campground
01 reviewTin Cup Campground
$0.00 - $0.00 / 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
The campground does not charge fees for camping.
About this campground
Perched on a scenic bluff overlooking the rushing waters of Loon Creek, Tin Cup Campground beckons adventurers seeking an authentic wilderness experience at the edge of the legendary Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness. This intimate campground features thirteen thoughtfully dispersed sites, each tucked beneath a canopy of towering Douglas firs and furnished with sturdy picnic tables and fire rings for evening gatherings under starlit skies. While embracing a back-to-basics camping philosophy with vault toilets and no running water, Tin Cup rewards visitors with unparalleled tranquility and direct access to one of America's last great wild places.
Tin Cup Campground is a primitive camping site ideal for tent campers who enjoy a secluded and rustic outdoor experience.
Historical SignificanceTin Cup Campground sits at the crossroads of American wilderness heritage and mining history, serving as a gateway to the iconic Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness—one of the nation's most pristine protected landscapes. Just a short journey away, the historic Yankee Fork Gold Dredge stands as a monument to Idaho's gold rush era, offering visitors a fascinating glimpse into the region's transformation from boomtown dreams to wilderness preservation. This unique location allows modern explorers to walk in the footsteps of prospectors, pioneers, and conservationists who shaped the American West.
Weather and SeasonsDespite its summer and fall operating season from July through October, Tin Cup Campground maintains a refreshingly crisp mountain climate that defies typical seasonal expectations. Daytime temperatures hover between a bracing 32°F and 45°F, creating perfect conditions for invigorating hikes and cozy campfire evenings. The region boasts remarkably clear skies and dry weather patterns, with occasional snow flurries adding a touch of alpine magic to the camping experience. Pack your warm layers and embrace the mountain's natural air conditioning as you explore this high-elevation paradise.
ElevationAt an exhilarating 5,800 feet above sea level, Tin Cup Campground offers a true high-country camping experience where the air is crisp, the stars shine brilliantly, and every breath connects you to the raw beauty of Idaho's mountain wilderness.
Natural Features and SceneryImmerse yourself in the serene beauty of an old-growth Douglas fir forest, where massive evergreens create a natural cathedral above your campsite. Below the bluff, Loon Creek winds its way through the valley, its melodic waters providing a constant soundtrack to your wilderness retreat. The forest floor, carpeted in native grasses that sway gently in mountain breezes, creates an open, park-like atmosphere that invites exploration and quiet contemplation. This pristine ecosystem offers glimpses of wildlife and endless opportunities for nature photography.
Geological RegionDramatically positioned atop a commanding bluff carved by centuries of geological forces, Tin Cup Campground occupies a unique vantage point where dense Douglas fir forests meet the wild waters of Loon Creek. This natural terrace marks the very boundary of the Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness, placing campers at the threshold of 2.3 million acres of untamed landscape—a geological wonderland of deep canyons, rugged peaks, and pristine river corridors that remain virtually unchanged since the dawn of time.
Campsite details
AccessibilityThe campground is not wheelchair accessible, as the vault toilets and terrain lack accessible features.
Sites SizeSites are described as widely spaced, providing ample room for individual camping needs.
Sites PrivacyCampers have noted good privacy due to the wide spacing of campsites and the Douglas fir setting, although the understory primarily consists of grass.
Total Campsites13 campsites
Recommended CampsitesWidely spaced campsites offer privacy; sites overlooking Loon Creek are particularly recommended.
Best CampsitesNull
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Open 24 hours/day.
Check-out
Null
Stay Limit
Maximum stay of 16 nights.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Null
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutThirteen dispersed campsites spaced out for privacy; equestrian hitching rails and stalls are located across the road.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen July 1 through October 1.
Reservation PlatformsReservations are not available; first-come, first-served.
Walk-in AvailabilityFirst-come, first-served. Likely high demand due to limited number of sites (13 total).
Cancellation PolicyNull
Amenities available
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
The area surrounding Tin Cup Campground offers a range of activities, including hiking, horse riding, picnicking, and wildlife viewing. The campground serves as a gateway to the Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness, providing access to a 22-mile hiking trail along Loon Creek.
Hiking
Hiking opportunities include the 22-mile Loon Creek Trail, which accommodates both foot and horse travel. Additional trailheads at Indian Springs, Rat Creek, China Creek, Mayfield Creek, and Monte Cristo allow for varied hiking experiences, including loop hikes to Indian Springs and Rat Creek.Fishing
Fishing in the area includes opportunities to catch cutthroat and rainbow trout in Loon Creek.Wildlife viewing
Campers can enjoy wildlife viewing in the area, which is part of the Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Campfires are permitted within designated fire rings.
- Quiet hours are Null
Hazards
General hazardsRoads leading to the campground are rough, rocky, and feature significant switchbacks and vertical drops. Wildlife presence is likely in such a remote wilderness setting.
Active alertsNull
Weather forecast
78
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
Humidity: 25%
Very dry conditions, stay hydrated
Wind: 2.7 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 datesJuly 1 through October 1.
Trash and recyclingThe campground operates on a 'pack it in, pack it out' basis, so there are no trash or recycling facilities.
Proximity to water featuresThe campground overlooks Loon Creek but lacks direct water access for activities like swimming or boating.
Common complaintsChallenging accessibility due to rough, single-lane roads.
HostNull
Campground Map
Driving directionsFrom Clayton, ID, take State Rt. 75 west 20.4 miles to Sunbeam sign (Forest Rt. 013). Turn right at sign onto Rt. 013 and go 5.6 miles to pavement's end. Continue straight onto gravel and dirt road for another 3 miles to River of No Return Wilderness sign and an intersection just past the Yankee Fork Gold Dredge (Forest Rt. 172). Turn left onto Rt. 172 (dirt) and go 4.4 miles to another intersection. Continue straight, staying on Rt. 172, for 16.6 miles to a 'Y' intersection (Forest Rt. 007). Bear right onto Rt. 007 and go 2.6 miles to a 'T' intersection. Turn right and go 1.2 miles to the campground.
The last 24.8 miles are single-lane (with turnouts), rough and rocky in places. Numerous switchbacks and vertical drops give this route a 'white knuckle' classification. High-clearance vehicles are recommended.Nearby places
Clayton (approximately 20 miles, 40-minute drive)
Sunbeam (31 miles, travel time unspecified).
Nearby supplies
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Camper Reviews
0.0
1 reviews
Tin Cup Campground has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
Reviews emphasize the campground's remote location and proximity to the Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness. Campers appreciate the privacy, natural surroundings, and access to outdoor activities.
Review Summaries
Based on 1 reviews
What Campers Love
The campground's spacious sites, serene environment, and access to extensive hiking trails are widely praised. The presence of equestrian facilities nearby is an added bonus for those with horses.
Based on 1 reviewsCommon Concerns
The lack of potable water and long, rough access road are common complaints. The road is described as 'single-lane, rough and rocky,' with 'numerous switchbacks and vertical drops' that some refer to...
Based on 1 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
'Bring plenty of water' is a frequent recommendation due to the lack of potable water on-site. Campers also recommend high-clearance vehicles for navigating the rough access road.
Based on 1 reviewsSeasonal Insights
Weather conditions may influence accessibility and camping comfort, as the campground is open only from July 1 to October 1. Summer typically offers the best conditions for camping, while early or...
Based on 1 reviewsShow more
Camper Quotes
'Ultra remote and the best place to camp before and after a long haul into the Frank,' says one reviewer. Another mentions, 'It's a long drive to this campground, but well worth it.'
Based on 1 reviewsSite-Specific Reviews
Campers suggest selecting sites visible from the equestrian facilities if using horses. No specific site numbers are mentioned.
Based on 1 reviewsAccessibility Features
No reviews specifically address accessibility features.
Based on 1 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
No reviews specifically address pet policies or pet-friendly features.
Based on 1 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025