Lower O'Brien Campground

Signs and Info

Campsites

Name: Lower O'Brien Campground

Lower O'Brien Campground is located right on the edge of the Salmon River. The Salmon River Valley is narrow here with very steep mountains on both the north and south sides of the river. We camped here and gave fishing with spinners a try. W had 3 strikes but didn't land anything. We hiked down Robinson Bar Rd for about a mile where it appears to end at a small ranch. There is a trailhead just before the ranch. This trail leads south toward the White Cloud Mountains.

Campsites: There are 10 camping sites with about half of them along the river. The road and driveways are all dirt/gravel. Each site has a picnic table and fire ring with an attached grill. We camped in the site closest to Upper O'Brien Campground and found it to offer a little more privacy.

Host on Site: No.

Water: There was a new well in the campground but it was not yet operational. Potable water is available at Upper O'Brien Campground.

Garbage Services: There is garbage service available in a dumpster near where Robinson Bar Rd takes off from Hwy 75.

Electricity Available: No.

Restroom: There is a vault style outhouse here which is clean and well kept.

Handicap Accessible: The outhouse is handicap accessible but the campground is pretty rough.

Firewood: Your will need to provide your own firewood.

Pets: Pets are allowed but must be leashed.

Picnic Area: Neither Upper or Lower O'Brien Campground has a picnic area.

Recreation: Recreation in this area includes rafting, kayaking, fishing, camping, hiking, backpacking and photography.

Fishing: Fishing is available in the Salmon River, check the regulations here.

Boating: There are no boating facilities here but there is upstream at Sunbeam for rafters. There were many rafters camping at the campground during our visit.

Swimming: Swimming is limited as the river can be dangerous. However, there is a "beach" of sorts on the east end of Upper O'Brien Campground.

Wildlife: There are deer, elk, bear, and wolves in this area. In the White Cloud Mountains to the south, there are mountain lions and mountain goats but you will have to work to see them.

Additional Camping Opportunities: We have reviews for these nearby campgrounds; Upper O'Brien Campground, Blind Creek Campground, Mormon Bend Campground, Holman Creek Campground and Whiskey Flats Campground. I know of no free primitive sites in this area.

Phone service: Stanley has both a pay phone and cell phone reception. Clayton has cell reception for ATT and the Sawmill Station on Hwy 75 to the east has a pay phone.

Nearby Services: Supplies, such as pop, gas, food, propane and ice can be found at either Stanley or Sawmill Station. Stanley is 15 miles to the west while the Sawmill Station is to the east on Hwy 75 for 14.2 miles.

RV Dumping Site: There is a RV dumping station just south of Stanley, Idaho.

Location/Driving instructions: From Stanley, Idaho, take Hwy 75 east for 15.0 miles to Robinson Bar Rd. Turn right and cross the bridge, Upper O'Brien campground is on the left. To get to Lower O'Brien Campground, drive through Upper O'Brien. The road into Lower O'Brien is narrow and large RVs are requested to avoid it. They have at least one RV each year that gets stuck and has to be towed out.

Coordinates: 44.257008, -114.694500

Elevation: 5891 Feet

Reviewed Date: July 2010

Fees And Reservations: This is a first come first serve campground. The fee for a double site is $26.00 while a single site is $13.00 and it is $5.00 per day for your extra vehicle.

This information is accurate as of the date of the review.