Trap Creek Campground
4.058 reviewsSAWTOOTH, STANLEY, ID, USA, 83278
Trap Creek Campground
$100.00 - $100.00 / 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$100.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Group Standard Nonelectric site costs $100 per night during both peak and first-come/first-served seasons. Additional fees for reservation cancellations apply, including $10 for changes and forfeiting the first night’s fee for late cancellations.
About this campground
Tucked away at 6,670 feet in the heart of Idaho's wilderness, Trap Creek Campground offers a peaceful escape from the crowds. This intimate mountain retreat features a unique group site that can transform into three cozy individual camping spots, making it perfect for both large gatherings and smaller parties seeking solitude. With its paved access road, convenient parking spurs, and well-maintained vault toilets, Trap Creek combines backcountry serenity with essential amenities.
Trap Creek Campground primarily offers group camping with three smaller sites included in the group site. Individual sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis if the group site is not reserved.
Historical SignificanceThe surrounding Sawtooth National Recreation Area pulses with cultural vitality throughout the summer and fall. July brings artisans from across the region to the beloved Arts and Crafts Fair, while September explodes with frontier spirit during Wagon Days. The month continues with celebrations of local heritage through the Salmon Festival, showcases of traditional craftsmanship at the Quilt Fair, and community camaraderie at the annual Fireman's Ball.
Weather and SeasonsSummer at Trap Creek brings crisp mountain mornings with temperatures dipping to a refreshing 40°F, perfect for sleeping under the stars. Days warm to a comfortable 78°F, ideal for hiking and exploring without the sweltering heat of lower elevations. Spring visitors should come prepared for nature's awakening, as snowmelt transforms the landscape into a lush, albeit sometimes muddy, mountain paradise.
ElevationPerched at 6,670 feet above sea level, Trap Creek Campground inhabits that sweet spot where mountain air stays refreshingly cool and wildlife thrives. This elevation creates an alpine microclimate where deer browse in the early morning mist, birds fill the air with mountain melodies, and the night sky reveals a brilliant tapestry of stars undimmed by city lights.
Natural Features and SceneryA cathedral of mixed pines creates a natural canopy over Trap Creek Campground, filtering sunlight into gentle, dappled patterns across the forest floor. The melodious babble of Trap Creek provides a constant natural soundtrack, while summer transforms the understory into a painter's palette of wildflowers. Just beyond camp, the expansive Elk Meadow stretches like a natural amphitheater, offering front-row seats to nature's daily performances of grazing wildlife and soaring birds.
Geological RegionNestled in a serene valley at the base of the legendary Sawtooth Mountain Range, Trap Creek Campground occupies one of Idaho's most dramatic landscapes. The jagged peaks of the Sawtooths rise like ancient sentinels above the mixed pine forests, while Trap Creek carves its timeless path through the valley floor. The nearby Elk Meadow spreads across the valley like a vast green carpet, creating a stunning contrast to the rocky peaks above and offering some of the finest wildlife viewing in the Sawtooth National Recreation Area.
Campsite details
AccessibilityTrap Creek Campground has paved roads and parking spurs, which may facilitate some accessibility, but no specific ADA-compliant features are detailed in the materials.
Sites SizeThe group site comprises three smaller sites. Users have noted that some sites are not optimal for tents; for instance, one user mentioned that 'site #1 did not work for tents, but site #2 and #3 were great.'
Sites PrivacyThe sites are relatively open, with partial shade provided by mature trees. However, privacy might be limited due to the grouping of sites and proximity to the highway.
Total Campsites3 campsites
Recommended CampsitesFor privacy and functionality, choose sites #2 and #3, as site #1 may have uneven ground. Consider proximity to the road for potential noise.
Best CampsitesSites #2 and #3 are described as great by reviewers. Site #1 may not be suitable for tents due to uneven ground.
Reserving a campsite
Stay Limit
Maximum Consecutive Stay: 10 nights during a visit.
Groups
The group site consists of three smaller sites. User feedback indicates that these sites vary in their suitability for specific types of camping, such as tent camping.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutThe campground is designed as one group site that can be divided into three smaller individual sites, available on a first-come, first-served basis if not reserved.
Open and Closed SeasonOpening season starts May 23 and closes September 17 in most years, dependent on weather.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made through Recreation.gov and other affiliated websites.
Walk-in AvailabilityIndividual sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis if the group site is not reserved.
Cancellation PolicyCancellations are allowed before scheduled arrival, with a $10 fee. Late cancellations (less than 14 days for group sites) incur an additional penalty, including forfeiting the first night’s fee.
Accomodation available
GroupGroup campsites are offered for larger parties such as families, schools, or organizations. These sites provide space and facilities to accommodate multiple people camping together.
Amenities available
Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Trap Creek Campground provides opportunities for hiking, biking, wildlife viewing, bird watching, and fishing. Its proximity to scenic locations like Elk Meadow and the Idaho Centennial Trail enhances its recreational offerings.
Hiking
There are extensive hiking opportunities with 750 miles of trails in the surrounding Sawtooth National Recreation Area, including the Idaho Centennial Trail that passes through the site.Fishing
Nearby lakes and streams provide excellent fishing opportunities, including for rainbow and native Westslope cutthroat trout. The Salmon River is also accessible.Biking
The campground and its surrounding areas offer excellent biking opportunities. Trails vary in difficulty and showcase the scenic landscape of the Sawtooth National Recreation Area.Boating
Stanley and Redfish Lakes near the campground offer options for boating, kayaking, canoeing, and water skiing.Wildlife viewing
The nearby Elk Meadow and other surrounding areas offer abundant wildlife viewing opportunities. User reviews frequently praise the wildlife and nighttime experiences, such as stargazing and observing nocturnal animals.Winter Activities
No winter activities are explicitly mentioned. The seasonality of the campground limits its use during winter months.Water Sports
Nearby Stanley and Redfish Lakes offer water sports such as kayaking, canoeing, and water skiing.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Campers are advised to obtain firewood locally and burn it on-site to avoid the spread of pests.
Hazards
General hazardsMosquito presence is noted due to swampy conditions. The area experienced a forest fire, leaving standing dead trees in surrounding woods.
Weather forecast
71
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 41%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 4.9 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
Nearest emergency services are likely in Stanley, 12 miles away, but exact details are not listed.
Good to know
Peak season datesMay 23 - September 17
Trash and recyclingTrash facilities, including a dumpster, are available on-site. One user review highlighted that 'people accessing the trail sometimes block the dumpster,' which may indicate its location near key access points.
Proximity to water featuresTrap Creek flows nearby, and the campground is close to sparkling lakes, streams, and the Salmon River.
Common complaintsRoad noise, wet grounds due to snow melt, and limited privacy are common complaints.
Campground Map
SAWTOOTH, STANLEY, ID, USA, 83278
Driving directionsFrom Stanley, Idaho, take State Highway 21 west for 12 miles. Then turn onto Forest Road 540 to reach Trap Creek Campground, located adjacent to State Highway 21.
The road to the site and the parking spur within are paved, providing easy access. However, due to seasonal weather, the opening and closing dates are weather-dependent.Nearby places
Stanley (approximately 12 miles away, 15-20 minutes drive)
Nearby supplies
Closest supplies are likely in Stanley, 12 miles away, though exact availability is not provided.
Camper Reviews
4.1
8 reviews
Trap Creek Campground is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
Trap Creek Campground generally receives positive reviews for its natural setting, wildlife, and stargazing opportunities. However, proximity to the highway and the impact of past forest fires are noted drawbacks.
Review Summaries
Based on 8 reviews
What Campers Love
Users praise the natural beauty, wildlife viewing, and opportunities for stargazing. For example, several reviews highlight the Milky Way as a unique experience. The cleanliness of facilities, such...
Based on 8 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
The most frequent complaints relate to the proximity of the campground to the highway, leading to traffic noise, and the lingering impact of a past forest fire, which has left some areas with dead...
Based on 8 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
It is recommended to carefully choose sites within the group site based on camping needs; for instance, site #1 may not be ideal for tents. Visitors should also be prepared for potential mosquito...
Based on 8 reviewsShow more
Seasonal Insights
The campground is most positively reviewed during summer months when the weather is warm but cool at night. However, snowmelt during late spring can make the grounds wet, as noted by a user in June...
Based on 8 reviewsShow more
Camper Quotes
1. 'What a beautiful quiet campground. Even the pit toilet was clean, which is hard to say almost anywhere else.' (Daniel Machado) 2. 'The highlight truly was the Milky Way.' (Chris Bohannan) 3....
Based on 8 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Site #1 is noted as unsuitable for tents, while sites #2 and #3 are described as excellent. Some users find the group site setup spacious and well-equipped but mention that privacy may be limited.
Based on 8 reviewsAccessibility Features
No specific accessibility reviews were provided.
Based on 8 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pets are allowed, but no specific user reviews address pet-related experiences.
Based on 8 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025