Easley Campground

Star3.74
8 reviews
SAWTOOTH NRA, STANLEY, ID 83340, USA
Easley Campground
$20.00 - $40.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Recreation Use Fee for standard nonelectric sites ranges between $20.00 and $40.00 depending on the site and season. Additional fees may apply for...
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Standard Site Fee$20.00
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
Total Campsite Fees$20.00

Share this campground
Recreation Dot Gov
Provider
928-537-8888camping@rrmofa.com

About this campground

Nestled along the pristine waters of Big Wood River at 6,800 feet, Easley Campground beckons outdoor enthusiasts to experience the raw beauty of Idaho's Sawtooth National Recreation Area. Here, where crystal-clear waters dance over smooth river stones, anglers cast their lines for native trout while hikers set off on the nearby Harriman Trail. After a day of adventure, weary travelers can soak their muscles in the nearby Easley Hot Springs, where natural thermal waters have provided respite for generations of visitors seeking solace in this mountain paradise.
Easley Campground primarily caters to standard family camping, with sites designed for tent and RV camping. There are no electricity hookups or advanced accommodations, but the natural setting and proximity to recreational activities make it appealing.
Historical SignificanceEasley Campground stands as a gateway to the magnificent Sawtooth National Recreation Area, a testament to America's commitment to preserving wild spaces for future generations. This protected landscape represents decades of conservation efforts, creating a sanctuary where wilderness and recreation harmoniously coexist. The area has long served as a meeting ground between civilization and untamed nature, offering visitors a chance to disconnect from modern life and reconnect with the timeless rhythms of the natural world.
Weather and SeasonsSummer transforms this high-altitude haven into a perfect camping destination, with warm days reaching a comfortable 78°F that invite exploration and cool nights dipping to 40°F that guarantee restful sleep under star-studded skies. As autumn approaches, the aspens burst into golden flames against the evergreen backdrop. Winter brings a dramatic transformation, blanketing the landscape in deep snow and plunging temperatures that make this a true wilderness experience for only the heartiest souls. Mid-summer emerges as the sweet spot for camping, when wildflowers carpet the meadows and the river runs full with snowmelt.
ElevationPerched at 6,800 feet above sea level, Easley Campground offers a true mountain experience where the air feels crisp and clean in your lungs. This elevated position creates a unique microclimate that provides blessed relief from summer's heat in the valleys below, while the thin mountain air reminds visitors they've entered a different realm entirely. The altitude shapes everything here, from the types of trees that thrive to the brilliant intensity of the stars that emerge each night in the unpolluted sky.
Natural Features and SceneryA living tapestry of Douglas fir, ponderosa pine, and lodgepole pine creates a verdant canopy overhead, while groves of quaking aspen add their distinctive shimmer to the forest symphony. Come summer, the understory explodes with wildflowers - Indian paintbrush, lupine, and mountain bluebells paint the landscape in vibrant hues. Along the riverbanks, graceful willows dip their branches into the rushing waters of Big Wood River. Above it all, the Boulder Mountains rise like ancient sentinels, their rocky faces catching the golden light of sunrise and sunset, creating a photographer's paradise and a constant reminder of nature's grand architecture.
Geological RegionEasley Campground occupies a spectacular position where the rushing waters of Big Wood River have carved their path through the heart of the Sawtooth National Recreation Area. The imposing Boulder Mountains frame this natural amphitheater, their ancient peaks telling a geological story millions of years in the making. This diverse ecosystem showcases nature's artistry through its varied forest composition - from the vanilla-scented bark of ponderosa pines to the straight spires of lodgepole pines, the sturdy presence of Douglas firs to the dancing leaves of aspens. Together, these elements create a geological and botanical wonderland that captures the essence of Idaho's wild heart.
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Campsite details

AccessibilityNo specific accessibility features are mentioned for Easley Campground.
Sites SizeSites are standard-sized, accommodating one camping unit per site. Double sites may have additional capacity.
Sites PrivacySites offer privacy to an extent but run parallel to a road, meaning some noise from traffic is noticeable. The campground is shaded by a mix of Douglas fir, ponderosa pine, lodgepole pine, and aspen.
Total Campsites10 campsites
Recommended CampsitesSites closest to the river offer better views and quieter surroundings away from road noise.

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit
Maximum stay limit is 10 nights.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Standard sites allow one camping unit only.
Groups
No specific details about group sites are provided.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed

Site layoutCampground parallels the road, with individual fire pits and picnic tables at each site. Sites are gravel-based with no electricity.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen June 30, 2025 - September 30, 2025. Weather permitting.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made through Recreation.gov.
Walk-in AvailabilityFirst-come, first-served sites must be booked in-person; availability cannot be confirmed by phone.
Cancellation PolicyCancellations made before the scheduled arrival date incur a $10 fee, with additional late cancellation penalties (first night's fee forfeiture). Changes to reservation dates entirely outside original dates incur a $10 change fee.

Amenities available

Showers
Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Dump station
Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Easley Campground offers a variety of recreational activities, making it an excellent destination for outdoor enthusiasts. Visitors can enjoy hiking, biking, fishing, float tubing, swimming, wildlife viewing, and more. The nearby Harriman Trail is a highlight, providing a 20-mile path that passes directly through the campground and connects to numerous other scenic trails.
Hiking
The Harriman Trail, a 20-mile-long path, runs through the campground, offering excellent hiking opportunities. Numerous spur trails lead to deep canyons, sparkling lakes, and high-country fishing spots. Visitors also enjoy the scenic beauty and accessibility of these well-maintained trails.
Fishing
Fishing is a popular activity at Easley Campground, especially along the Big Wood River. Anglers can catch rainbow, brown, and brook trout. Fly-fishing is particularly favored in this area.
Swimming
Swimming is available in the Big Wood River and at Easley Hot Springs, which features a pool. The hot springs are located less than a quarter-mile from the campground.
Biking
The Harriman Trail provides excellent biking opportunities with its gravel paths. The trail is suitable for off-road bicycles and offers connections to other trails for extended rides.
Wildlife viewing
Wildlife viewing is an enjoyable activity here, with the surrounding forest providing habitat for diverse species. The area’s natural beauty and tranquil environment enhance the experience.
Winter Activities
No winter activities are noted, as the campground operates seasonally from late June to the end of September.
Water Sports
Non-motorized water recreation such as float tubing is common on the Big Wood River.
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Campground rules

  • Pets are not allowed
  • Campfires allowed in designated fire pits. Must source firewood locally.

Hazards

General hazardsBugs reported to be problematic in July. Noise from nearby road traffic may be noticeable at night.

Weather forecast

26
°F
Nov 25
Tuesday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%

Moderate wind, may affect light items

Humidity: 69%

Moderately humid conditions

Wind: 5.4 mph

Moderate wind, may affect light items

Clear sky

7 day forecast

Weather History
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo

Emergency Services

Sawtooth National Recreation Area Visitor Center, located 6.5 miles away, offers drinking water and a dump station. Closest full-service emergency services are likely in Ketchum.

Good to know

Peak season datesJune 30, 2025 - September 30, 2025.
Trash and recyclingNo specific mention of trash or recycling facilities at Easley Campground, though general practices in National Forest campgrounds encourage campers to pack out their waste.
Proximity to water featuresLocated along Big Wood River, excellent for fly-fishing and tubing. Nearby Easley Hot Springs offers swimming pool, hot tubs, and showers.
Common complaints"Not enough shade" and "bugs were really bad in July" noted by reviewers. Proximity to road results in occasional traffic noise.

Campground Map

SAWTOOTH NRA, STANLEY, ID 83340, USA
Driving directionsFrom Ketchum, take Highway 75 north for 14.1 miles. Turn onto Forest Road 160 at the sign for Easley Campground.
Roads and parking spurs are gravel. Opening and closing dates for access may vary based on weather; contact 928-537-8888 for details.
Nearby places
Ketchum (14 miles, approximately 20 minutes), Stanley (approximately 1 hour away), Sun Valley Resort (11 miles, approximately 15 minutes).
Nearby supplies
Easley Hot Springs on-site offers a small store. Additional supplies available in Ketchum, approximately 14 miles away.

Camper Reviews

3.7
8 reviews
Mixed Reviews
Mixed Reviews
Easley Campground has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews highlight Easley Campground’s natural beauty, proximity to attractions like Easley Hot Springs, and diverse recreational opportunities. Common themes include the well-maintained vault toilets, the scenic views, and the Harriman Trail’s convenience. However, some reviewers noted nuisances such as bugs and traffic noise.
Review Summaries
Based on 8 reviews

What Campers Love

Positive mentions include the beautiful scenery, proximity to the Harriman Trail and hot springs, clean vault toilets, and the campground's location within the Dark Sky Preserve, making it ideal for...
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Based on 8 reviews

Common Concerns

Common issues mentioned by users include the prevalence of bugs during the summer, noise from the road due to the campground’s layout, and limited shade at certain campsites.
Based on 8 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers recommend arriving early to secure a spot as the campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis. They also suggest exploring the Harriman Trail, visiting the hot springs during...
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Based on 8 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Reviews suggest that summer months are the most popular due to the open season and favorable weather, although bugs can be more prevalent during this time. The cooler temperatures at night are often...
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Based on 8 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Nice campground for camping beginners. Bugs were really bad in July with slower-moving water closest to the campsites." - Chelse Thatsme (2024) "Beautiful mountains, river, campground, and hot...
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Based on 8 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Reviewers have noted that sites run parallel to the road, causing some traffic noise. Additionally, individual fire pits and picnic tables are available at each site, enhancing convenience.
Based on 8 reviews

Accessibility Features

No specific reviews addressing accessibility features.
Based on 8 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

No specific reviews addressing pet policies or experiences.
Based on 8 reviews

Last updated November 24, 2025
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