Casino Creek Campground

Howdy, fellow Idahoans! If your idea of a perfect escape involves the majestic Salmon River, towering mountains, and direct access to some of Idaho's most iconic wilderness, then Casino Creek Campground near Stanley is a destination you absolutely need to explore. This U.S. Forest Service campground offers a rustic yet incredibly rewarding experience, positioning you perfectly for adventure in the heart of the Sawtooth National Recreation Area. It’s a place where the sounds of the river can help quiet the distant hum of the highway, providing that genuine Idaho backcountry feel.

Casino Creek Campground is not just a place to park your rig; it's a launchpad for unparalleled fishing, breathtaking hikes, and tranquil moments amidst nature. In this article, we'll delve into what makes this campground a cherished spot for locals, covering its advantageous location, the essential services it provides, its unique features and highlights, and crucial contact information. Drawing from real camper experiences, you'll get an honest look at what awaits you, from well-maintained access roads to direct trails leading into the White Cloud Mountains. Get ready to discover your next favorite spot for a true Idaho wilderness adventure!

Casino Creek Campground is located near Stanley, ID 83278, USA, specifically along the south bank of the Salmon River, northeast of Stanley. This prime location places it within the stunning Sawtooth National Forest and offers convenient proximity to both the charming town of Stanley and the iconic Redfish Lake, making it a highly desirable basecamp for exploring the region.

The campground is situated across the river from Highway 75, which helps "quiet the road noise" and provides a more serene setting. Access to Casino Creek Campground is generally good; as one reviewer noted, "The road in was well maintained and easy to navigate with nice turn around at the end." This suggests that the approach, usually from Highway 75 onto Little Casino Creek Road, is suitable for various vehicle types, including RVs and travel trailers up to 35 feet in length. From Stanley, take Highway 75 northeast toward Challis for about 5.4 miles to Little Casino Creek Road on your right. You'll cross the river and go approximately 0.2 miles to reach the campground. This ease of access, combined with its strategic location near major attractions, makes Casino Creek Campground a very convenient choice for locals looking to dive into the Sawtooths.

Casino Creek Campground, managed by the U.S. Forest Service, provides a classic rustic camping experience with essential amenities. It caters to those who appreciate simplicity and self-sufficiency in a beautiful natural setting.

• Campsites: The campground features 19 sites, including 2 double-sites, situated along the Salmon River. Each site comes with a picnic table and a fire ring with a grill. Sites 18 and 19 are tent-only (requiring a walk-in from parking), while sites 12, 13, and 14 are specifically "for tent camping only" and accommodate "livestock tethered to hitching rails," catering to equestrian campers. RV sites accommodate vehicles up to 35 feet in length.
• Potable Water: There is a "great water pump and the water was tasty" according to one reviewer, indicating readily available potable water from a hand-crank equipped well. Always verify current water availability.
• Vault Toilets: "Toilets" (vault style outhouses) are available and are noted as being "clean and well stocked" and "handicap accessible."
• First-Come, First-Serve: All sites at Casino Creek Campground are "first-come, first-serve," meaning no reservations are taken. This requires early arrival, especially during peak season, to secure a spot.
• No Hookups: The campground does not offer electrical, water, or sewer hookups at individual campsites. Campers should be prepared for dry camping.
• Fees: Daily fees for single sites are around $20.00, and double sites may be around $40.00 (as of February 2025, but always check current rates). Additional vehicle fees may apply.
• Garbage Services: "Garbage service is available" at the campground, with dumpsters provided for waste disposal.
• No On-Site Host: According to some information, the host from Mormon Bend Campground serves this campground as well, meaning there might not be a dedicated host physically present at Casino Creek at all times.
• Pets Allowed: Pets are welcome but must be kept on a leash.
• Stay Limits: Occupancy is limited to 10 days in a 30-day period within a 30-mile radius for the entire Sawtooth National Recreation Area. Campers must occupy their site the first night and cannot leave it unattended for more than 24 hours.

Casino Creek Campground's location offers a wealth of recreational opportunities and stunning natural beauty that define the Idaho wilderness experience.

• Salmon River Frontage: Situated "across the river from the road," the campground offers a more peaceful setting. While river access at the immediate campground may be limited due to steep, brushy banks, a "nice little sandy beach area by the trailhead on the river" provides a safe place to "swim safely." The Salmon River is a popular spot for fishing, particularly fly-fishing for rainbow, cutthroat, brook, and steelhead trout, as well as whitefish. Rafting and kayaking are also popular activities on the river.
• Trailhead Access: The "Casino Creek trailhead is located within the campground," leading to trails along Big Casino Creek and Little Casino Creek. These trails offer access to the Casino Lakes in the White Cloud Mountains to the east and the Sawtooth Mountains to the west, making it an ideal base for hikers and backpackers.
• Equestrian Facilities: With specific sites accommodating "livestock tethered to hitching rails" and a stock loading ramp, the campground is well-suited for horsemen.
• Proximity to Stanley and Redfish Lake: Being "near Redfish Lake and Stanley," campers have easy access to popular attractions, stores for supplies (like propane, ice, and food), restaurants (e.g., Stanley Bakery), and an RV dumping station just south of Stanley. Redfish Lake offers kayaking, paddle boat rentals, and guided boat tours.
• Wildlife Viewing: The area is rich in wildlife, with opportunities to spot "deer, elk, bear and wolves."
• Scenic Views: The campground offers "scenic views along the Salmon River" and of the surrounding mountain ranges, including the Sawtooths and White Clouds. The "river side sites are open sky, good for solar recharging and Starlink."
• Quiet Atmosphere: Despite being in a busy river corridor, its location across the river helps to "quiet the road noise," creating a more peaceful environment.
• OHV and ATV Access: While ATV use is prohibited within the campground itself, an ATV trailhead is within 0.25 miles, indicating access to trails in the surrounding area for motorized recreation.

For the most accurate and up-to-date information on Casino Creek Campground, including current conditions, water availability, and fire restrictions, it is best to contact the U.S. Forest Service office responsible for the Sawtooth National Recreation Area.

Casino Creek Campground

Address: Stanley, ID 83278, USA (Specific address: Little Casino Creek Rd, Stanley, ID, 83278)

Sawtooth National Recreation Area Ranger District (Headquarters)

Phone: (208) 774-3000

Mobile Phone: +1 208-774-3000

For additional information or to check for alerts, you can also visit the official Sawtooth National Forest website.

For Idahoans, Casino Creek Campground embodies the rugged charm and boundless outdoor opportunities that make our state a true paradise. Its location near the iconic towns of Stanley and Redfish Lake, yet peacefully situated across the Salmon River, offers that perfect balance of accessibility and tranquil wilderness. Locals will particularly appreciate its role as a prime fishing destination, with the Salmon River right at its doorstep, promising excellent catches for anglers.

The campground serves as an invaluable trailhead, providing direct access to the stunning Casino Creek trails that lead into both the Sawtooth and White Cloud Mountains. This makes it an ideal basecamp for avid hikers, backpackers, and even equestrian enthusiasts. While the "first-come, first-serve" system means you might need to plan your arrival strategically, it also ensures a more authentic, less commercialized camping experience that many Idahoans cherish. The "well maintained" access road and basic but clean amenities like vault toilets and potable water provide comfort without detracting from the natural immersion.

Despite being in a busy river corridor, the design helps mitigate road noise, allowing you to enjoy the sounds of nature. The unique blend of river access, mountain trails, and proximity to local amenities makes Casino Creek Campground a truly special place. It’s a campsite where memories are forged through outdoor adventure, quiet evenings by the fire, and the pure, unadulterated beauty of Idaho's wilderness – a place that captures the heart of every local seeking a genuine escape into the Big Sky Country.

Casino Creek Campground

Stanley, ID 83278, USA