Wood River Campground

Signs and Info

Campsites

Facilities

Recreation

Name: Wood River Campground

Wood River Campground is set in the heavily forested Big Wood River valley about 10 miles north of Ketchum / Sun Valley, Idaho. The Big Wood River flows along the campground creating a picturesque setting. Douglas fir, ponderosa pine, lodgepole pines and aspens provide plenty of shade as the summer days get very warm even though the elevation is 6400 feet.

Campsites: There are 30 tent / RV camping sites in Wood River Campground. The campground is mostly forested with underbrush. The sites offer a fair amount of privacy. Each campsite has a picnic table and a fire pit with attached grill. The roads and driveways are paved while the camp sites are dirt/gravel. There is extra parking near the picnic area. Sites 1, 2 and 3 are closest to the river.

Host on Site: Yes, the host is situated near the entrance.

Water: Potable water is available on a pressurized system and seemed to be a bit better than other campground water.

Garbage Services: Garbage service is available throughout the campground, I recommend using it to avoid a night time visit by a bear.

Electricity Available: No.

Restroom: There are both flushing toilets and vault style outhouses available. At the time of this review, the water was out so the flushing toilet was out of order.

Handicap Accessible: Wood River Campground offers more opportunity for the handicap camper than any other campground in this area. The toilets are handicap accessible, the roads and paths are paved, there is an "adventure path" which is paved. There are educational speakers which offer a chance to hear from highly qualified experts on various outdoor topics.

Firewood: Firewood can be purchased from the camp host for $6.00 per bundle.

Pets: Pets are allowed but are required to be on a leash.

Picnic Area: There is a nice picnic area (check out the picture) which can be reserved for your party.

Recreation: The Big Wood River is near the campground if you enjoy fishing. The surrounding mountains offer trails for backpacking, hiking, mountain biking and beautiful scenery to enjoy, paint or photograph. You might like to check out the ski resorts for the opportunities they offer. Easley Hot Springs is only about 4 miles north with a swimming pool, hot tubs, showers and a store.

Fishing: The Big Wood River and several small streams offer fishing, but check the regulations. Fly fishing for rainbow, brook and brown trout is popular.

Boating: No, unless you count float tubing the Big Wood River while you fish.

Swimming: There is no swimming at Wood River Campground.

Wildlife: You are likely to see deer in the campground, and there is an "adventure trail" which wanders by a beaver pond.

Additional Camping Opportunities: We have reviews for these nearby campgrounds; North Fork Campground,

Phone service: There is cell phone reception at Ketchum, but I lost it shortly before the campground. There is phone service at the Sawtooth NRA Visitors Center.

Nearby Services: For any camping supplies like gas, food, ice and pop, Ketchum is only 10 miles away. If you want to shop, Sun Valley and Ketchum, offer shopping suited for anyone's taste.

RV Dumping Site: There is an RV dumping station .7 miles north of the Sawtooth NRA Visitors Center. The Sawtooth NRA Visitors Center is 2 miles south on Hwy 75 from Wood River Campground.

Location/Driving instructions: From downtown Ketchum, Idaho, Wood River Campground is only 10.0 miles north on Hwy 75. Watch for the sign on your left.

Coordinates: 43.793620,-114.457677

Elevation: 6369 Feet

Reviewed Date: July 2010

Fees And Reservations: The tent / RV camping sites operate on a first come first served basis. However, you can reserve the picnic area at recreation.gov. The daily fees are $24.00 for a double site and $12.00 for a single RV site. Your extra vehicle will cost you another $5.00 per day. According to recreation .gov, the picnic area is reservable with no site fee. However, they do mention a $9.00 non-refundable reservation fee.

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