Upper O'Brien Campground

Signs and Info

Campsites

Recreation

Name: Upper O'Brien Campground

Upper O'Brien Campground is located on the south side of the Salmon River between the mountains and the river. If you are interested in a hike, there is a trailhead on the same side of the river about a mile downstream. About half of the sites in Upper O'Brien Campground have river frontage. Just to the south, the White Cloud Mountains are waiting for you to visit. There is a beach on the east end of the campground with some calm water, but beware, the river can be dangerous in areas.

Campsites: There are 9 tent / RV camping sites, each equipped with a picnic table and a fire ring with an attached grill. The road and driveways are gravel. The forest is mature with some underbrush.

Host on Site: No, the host at Mormon Bend Campground services this campground as well.

Water: Potable water is available from a hand pump equipped well.

Garbage Services: There is garbage service available in a bear resistant dumpster.

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 for purchase from the Host at Mormon Bend Campground. It would be just as easy to provide your own.

Pets: Pets are allowed but need to be kept leashed.

Picnic Area: There is no picnic area at either Upper or Lower O'Brien campground. There is a picnic area at Cove Hot Spring west of Sunbeam.

Recreation: Rafting and kayaking the Salmon River is very popular along this stretch of the river as there are up to class IV rapids here. Fishing, camping, hiking, backpacking, biking both on the highway and on the mountain trails, and horseback riding are popular activities here. If you would enjoy sight seeing, check out the ghost towns on the Yankee Fork.

Fishing: Fishing in Idaho is now a year around activity if you are a catch and release fisherman. For the specific regulations, check them through a link on our Idaho Fishing Review.

Boating: There are no boating facilities here. Look at the map on our Mormon Bend Campground page for river info.

Swimming: There are many pools in the river, some with beaches. Use caution as there is no lifeguard and currents can be dangerous.

Wildlife: Deer, elk, and bear are common here. Use caution when disposing of your garbage and storing your food at night to avoid bear problems. Other wildlife include wolves, fox, and many birds. Mountain goats and mountain lions can be found in the higher country.

Additional Camping Opportunities: Lower O'Brien Campground, Blind Creek Campground, Mormon Bend Campground, Riverside Campground and Whiskey Flats Campground are nearby campgrounds which we have reviewed. There are a few primitive free sites along the Salmon River, and we did find some up the Yankee Fork.

Phone service: Phone service of both a pay phone and cell phone reception is available at Stanley and Challis. Cell reception is available but very spotty along Hwy 75 to the east.

Nearby Services: Supplies such as gas, food, ice, propane and pop are available in Stanley, or to the east there is a convenience store on Hwy 75.

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 and the campground is on the left.

Coordinates: 44.259300,-114.698877

Elevation: 5876 Feet

Reviewed Date: July 2010

Fees And Reservations: No, this is a first come, first served facility. Double sites are $26.00, singles are $13.00 and there is a $5.00 per day fee for your extra vehicle.

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