Murdock Campground

Signs and Info

Campsites

Name: Murdock Campground

Murdock Campground is on flat land where Murdock Creek empties into the North Fork of the Big Wood River. The Boulder Mountains are to the north. This is a part of the Sawtooth National Recreation Area. The mountains are heavily forested up to the timberline where rugged peaks frame the skyline. The river bottoms have meadows scattered through the forest. Murdock Campground is in a patch of forest with meadow mixed in, providing a variety of sunny and shaded sites.

Campsites: There are 11 tent / RV camping sites, each having the standard picnic table and fire ring with attached grill. The road and driveways are dirt / gravel.

Host on Site: Yes.

Water: Murdock Campground has a pressurized water system with great pressure and good water.

Garbage Services: There is garbage service available here. Please use it to avoid a possible night visit by the nieghborhood black bear.

Electricity Available: No.

Restroom: There is a vault style outhouse which was clean and well stocked.

Handicap Accessible: The outhouses are handicap accessible.

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

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

Picnic Area: There is no picnic area at Murdock Campground.

Recreation: Camping, fishing, photography, sightseeing and hunting are but a few recreational activities available to the outdoors man at or near Murdock Campground. The surrounding mountain trails lead to high lakes and majestic vistas and offer access for the hikers, backpackers and mountain bikers as well as for those folks with horses.

Fishing: Murdock Campground is near the junction of the North Fork of the Big Wood River and Murdock Creek where you will find rainbow and brook trout fishing. Check the regulations.

Boating: No.

Swimming: I personally wouldn't swim in the river but am sure others would. There is a pool at Easley Hot Springs which also has hot tubs and hot showers.

Wildlife: This is wild country so one could see most any big game animal near Murdock Campground. Deer, squirrels, many bird species would be common, while fox, coyote, wolves, elk and black bear live here but are harder to find.

Additional Camping Opportunities: We have reviews available for these nearby campgrounds; Caribou Campground, North Fork Campground and Wood River Campground. There are free primitive camping sites scattered along the secondary roads throughout this area. We drove upstream beyond Caribou Campground where there was a site with a vault style outhouse and some primitive sites. This may have been a campground in the past but is free and well back into the mountains.

Phone service: There is cell reception in Ketchum and it extends north, but I am not sure if there is service at Murdock Campground. I believe there is reception near the RV dumping station north of the Sawtooth NRA Visitors Center. There is a pay phone at the Sawtooth NRA Visitors Center.

Nearby Services: Ketchum, Idaho, is your nearest source for camping supplies such as gas, pop, food, fishing tackle and ice.

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

Location/Driving instructions: Murdock Campground is located on North Fork Canyon Road 9.3 miles north of Ketchum, Idaho. From Ketchum, take Hwy 75 north toward Stanley, Idaho. Drive about 8.0 miles on Hwy 75 from downtown Ketchum to North Fork Canyon Rd and turn right. The campground is 1.3 miles north on North Fork Canyon Rd to Murdock Campground which will be on your right.

Coordinates: 43.805025,-114.420092

Elevation: 6403 Feet

Reviewed Date: July 2010

Fees And Reservations: Murdock Campground is not listed through recreation.gov nor is there any indication that the sites are reservable. The fees for 2010 were $24.00 for a double site and $12.00 for a single. Your extra vehicle is another $5.00 per day.

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