Sawmill Campground
04 reviewsSawmill 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
Non-fee campground.
About this campground
Nestled in a grove of whispering aspens, Sawmill Campground offers an intimate escape with just three cozy campsites that feel like nature's own secret hideaways. Each site comes thoughtfully equipped with a fire ring for evening storytelling and a picnic table for alfresco dining under the canopy. The babbling creek nearby provides a natural soundtrack to your camping experience, while the tight-knit layout creates a sense of seclusion perfect for those seeking solitude. Due to the campground's intimate design and narrow access roads, this gem is best suited for tent campers and small vehicles rather than large RVs or trailers.
Sawmill Campground caters primarily to tent camping and dispersed camping, with no amenities for RV camping or glamping.
Historical SignificanceStep back in time as you explore the shadows of Idaho's mining heritage. Just a stone's throw from the historic ghost town of Triumph, Sawmill Campground serves as your basecamp for discovering the remnants of the Old West's silver boom days. The surrounding hills still whisper tales of prospectors, fortune seekers, and the communities that once thrived in these rugged mountains.
Weather and SeasonsExperience the dramatic seasonal transformations of Idaho's high country at Sawmill. Winter blankets the area in deep snow and crystalline beauty, with temperatures that demand serious cold-weather gear. As spring melts into summer, the campground awakens to become a temperate paradise, offering those coveted weeks of perfect camping weather with warm days, cool nights, and minimal rainfall. Summer visitors are rewarded with the most comfortable conditions for outdoor adventures.
ElevationHigh mountain camping experience with crisp air and cooler temperatures typical of Idaho's elevated terrain.
Natural Features and SceneryWake up to a living cathedral of quaking aspens that dance in the mountain breeze, their leaves creating a shimmering canopy overhead. The East Fork of the Big Wood River flows nearby, its clear waters reflecting the sky and providing a refreshing presence throughout your stay. This natural amphitheater of white-barked trees transforms with the seasons – from spring's tender green leaves to autumn's golden spectacle – creating an ever-changing backdrop for your outdoor adventures.
Geological RegionSituated in the heart of Idaho's aspen belt along the East Fork of the Big Wood River, this campground showcases the region's signature forest ecosystem. The dense stands of quaking aspen create a unique microclimate, their white trunks standing like sentinels while their interconnected root systems tell the story of ancient forest regeneration. This riparian corridor represents one of the state's most photogenic and ecologically important landscapes.
Campsite details
AccessibilityA vault toilet is ADA-accessible; however, individual campsites are not ADA-accessible.
Sites SizeThe campsites are described as small and tight, with limited space to pitch tents due to surrounding aspen trees.
Sites PrivacyThe campsites are shaded by aspen trees, which may provide a moderate degree of privacy.
Total Campsites3 campsites
Recommended CampsitesNull
Best CampsitesNull
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Null
Check-out
Null
Stay Limit
Camping limit: 16 days.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Null
Groups
Group camping is not explicitly mentioned and therefore presumed unavailable.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutSmall and tight sites surrounded by aspen trees; limited parking.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen season starts May 1 annually, weather and road conditions permitting.
Reservation PlatformsNull
Walk-in AvailabilityReservations not accepted; walk-up only.
Cancellation PolicyNull
Amenities available
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Sawmill Campground offers opportunities for fishing, picnicking, and winter sports such as snowmobiling. The campground is situated near a creek, making it a suitable location for relaxing or engaging in recreational activities.
Fishing
Fishing is supported at the nearby creek. No details are provided about types of fish or fishing conditions.Winter Activities
Winter sports such as snowmobiling are listed as recreational options.Water Sports
No non-motorized water sports such as kayaking or paddleboarding are mentioned.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Null
- Quiet hours are Null
Hazards
General hazardsPotential navigation challenges due to unpaved roads and GPS inaccuracies. Reviews mention bugs as a nuisance.
Active alertsNull
Weather forecast
64
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 53%
Moderately humid conditions
Wind: 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
Emergency Services
Ketchum Ranger District (contact phone: 208-622-5371)—specific distance not provided.
Good to know
Peak season datesNull
Trash and recyclingNo information is available on trash and recycling facilities at the campground.
Proximity to water featuresLocated near East Fork Big Wood River; creekside camping available.
Common complaintsUser reviews mention bugs and unreliable GPS navigation. Limited accessibility for larger vehicles like RVs and trailers.
HostNull
Campground Map
Driving directionsFrom Ketchum, go south on ID 75 approximately 6 miles to the East Fork Big Wood River/Greenhorn Gulch traffic light, then go east (left) on Forest Road #118 approximately 11 miles, through the old mining town of Triumph, along the East Fork of the Wood River, to reach Sawmill Campground.
Limited accessibility due to tight parking and unpaved roads. Large RVs and trailers are not recommended.Nearby places
Ketchum (6 miles, travel time not provided)
Nearby supplies
Null
Camper Reviews
0.0
4 reviews
Sawmill Campground has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews for Sawmill Campground highlight its scenic beauty and quiet atmosphere but point out challenges such as bugs and difficulties locating the campground. The campground is appreciated for its proximity to a creek and for offering a secluded camping experience.
Review Summaries
Based on 4 reviews
What Campers Love
Users appreciated the campground's serene atmosphere, beautiful views, and proximity to the creek. One review states, "This place is a great to camp, love the view." Another mentions Sawmill...
Based on 4 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Common complaints include the prevalence of bugs and difficulties in navigating to the campground. One user expressed frustration: "GPS lied, took me to someone's field full of cows and big bumps and...
Based on 4 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Campers should be prepared for bugs and ensure they have directions prior to arrival as GPS may be unreliable. Having bug repellent and alternative navigation tools could enhance the experience.
Based on 4 reviewsSeasonal Insights
User experiences seem to be consistent across seasons, with no significant seasonal variation noted in reviews.
Based on 4 reviewsCamper Quotes
1. "This place is great to camp, love the view." - Becki Garcia Perez
2. "We are always looking for places to camp near some streams. This fit the bill; the only problem is there's a lot of bugs." -...
Based on 4 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Site-specific feedback is not available for individual campsites.
Based on 4 reviewsAccessibility Features
The ADA-accessible vault toilet is noted; however, individual campsites are not ADA-accessible.
Based on 4 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
No information is available about pet policies or related experiences.
Based on 4 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025