North Fork Campground

Signs and Info

Campsites

Name: North Fork Campground

North Fork Campground is situated along the Big Wood River north of Sun Valley, Idaho. The Boulder Mountains are to the north, the Smoky Mountains to the south and west and the Pioneer Mountains are to the east. There are peaks all round which rise to heights greater than 10,000 feet. In those peaks, mountain lakes hide with their treasure of rainbow and brook trout. The hiking and backpacking opportunities abound on the trails into those mountains and lakes. I love the private sites which are hidden in the thick stands of aspens.

Campsites: There are 28 tent / RV camping sites, each having a picnic table and a fire ring with an attached grill. The campground is covered with aspen trees with a pine tree thrown in here and there. The sites range from well shaded to sunny, and from very private to fairly open. The campground is very pretty and the area around it is beautiful as well.

Host on Site: Tom Bartlett was the camp host for 2010. He has been in the area for a long time. We enjoyed hearing about his past skiing adventures.

Water: Potable water is available from a pressurized water system.

Garbage Services: Yes, there is garbage service available. Please use it to avoid a night time visit from a local bear.

Electricity Available: No.

Restroom: North Fork Campground has a vault style outhouse.

Handicap Accessible: The outhouses are handicap accessible.

Firewood: Firewood is available from the host for $6.00 per bundle.

Pets: Pets are allowed but must be on a leash.

Picnic Area: There is no picnic area in North Fork Campground.

Recreation: Recreation opportunities abound near North Fork Campground. The Big Wood River offers fishing, while the nearby Sawtooth, Boulder and Smoky Mountains afford many hiking trails for the backpacker and mountain biker. The scenic vistas are among the most photographed views in the state. Check out the ski resorts as their lifts offer fantastic views and a quick way to the top of the mountain for a fast mountain bike ride back down.

Fishing: World class rainbow, brown and brook trout fishing is available in the Big Wood River for fly fishing, float tubing, or for bank fishing. Check out the regulations here.

Boating: No.

Swimming: One could swim in the Big Wood River, or swim in the pool at Easley Hot Springs which is only a short drive north on Hwy 75. Easley Hot Springs also offers hot tubs and showers.

Wildlife: North Fork Campground could easily have deer wandering through it, especially in the morning or evening. Squirrels and birds abound here. A moose sighting would be possible and elk, fox, rabbits and several other animals could be seen nearby.

Additional Camping Opportunities: We have reviewed these nearby campgrounds; Wood River Campground, Murdock Campground and Caribou Campground. There are many free primitive camping sites on the secondary roads north of Ketchum. We drove past several up the road beyond Caribou Campground.

Phone service: Cell phone service is available at Ketchum. I didn't notice if it was still available at the campground. There would also be a pay phone in Ketchum.

Nearby Services: Ketchum, Idaho, is only 8.2 miles south on Hwy 75. It will have any camping supplies you may run low on such as gas, propane, ice, marshmallows, Coke or Pepsi, and food.

RV Dumping Site: There is an RV dumping station just north of the Sawtooth NRA Visitors Center.

Location/Driving instructions: North Fork Campground is 10 miles north of Ketchum, Idaho, on Hwy 75.

Coordinates: 43.7947610,-114.4211550

Elevation: 6329 Feet

Reviewed Date: July 2010

Fees And Reservations: You may reserve your site at recreation.gov. The fees for 2010 were $24.00 for a double site, $12.00 for a single site, and $5.00 for your extra vehicle.

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