Tin Cup Campground

For those Idahoans who seek the ultimate escape into raw, untouched wilderness, Tin Cup Campground near Challis is a destination that promises seclusion, adventure, and an unparalleled connection with nature. This isn't a family-friendly RV park with playgrounds and paved roads; instead, it's an ultra-remote, primitive camping area that serves as a vital gateway to the legendary Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness. It’s a place for the truly adventurous, those willing to navigate a challenging journey to reach a quiet, undiluted outdoor experience.

Tin Cup Campground is specifically designed for adventurers planning extended excursions into the backcountry. As one reviewer aptly puts it, it’s "the best place to camp before and after a long haul into the Frank." This highlights its role as a strategic staging point for deep wilderness explorations, particularly for hikers and equestrians. While some reviews caution about the "treacherous hour and a half drive on a bumpy dirt road" and describe the campground as "poorly maintained" or fishing as "not good," these perspectives often come from those expecting a different type of camping experience. For the dedicated wilderness enthusiast, the challenging access and primitive nature are part of its allure, ensuring a more authentic and less crowded encounter with Idaho's wild heart.

Located on Loon Creek and bordered by the vast Frank Church Wilderness, Tin Cup Campground offers essential basic amenities for those prepared for self-sufficiency. It's a place where peace and quiet reign, where the sounds of the wilderness are your primary companions, and where the star-filled night sky is truly unobstructed. This overview will delve into the specifics of Tin Cup Campground, helping you decide if this rugged Idaho gem aligns with your spirit of adventure.

Tin Cup Campground is situated in a remarkably remote part of Idaho, near Challis, with its address listed as Challis, ID 83226, USA. More precisely, it's located on Loon Creek and Tincup Creek within the expansive Salmon-Challis National Forest. Its key geographical significance lies in its position right at the border of the vast Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness, making it a critical access point for serious backcountry exploration.

Access to Tin Cup Campground is a significant part of its remote charm and a point often highlighted in reviews. Visitors should be prepared for a "treacherous hour and a half drive on a bumpy dirt road." This journey involves navigating Forest Road #007, often requiring a high-clearance vehicle, and possibly even 4x4 depending on conditions, especially after heavy rains. From Clayton, ID, you'd typically take State Route 75 west, turn onto Forest Road #013, then transition to dirt roads, continuing onto Forest Road #172, and finally bearing right onto Forest Road #007. The total drive from Clayton to Tin Cup is about 37 miles, with a significant portion on unpaved roads. The remoteness means there is typically no cell service, so thorough preparation with maps, downloaded routes, and emergency communication plans is essential. Despite the challenging journey, its ultra-remote location is precisely what attracts experienced Idaho outdoor enthusiasts seeking deep wilderness access, far from any crowds.

• Primitive Campsites: Tin Cup Campground offers approximately 10 to 13 individual campsites. These are primitive, meaning they provide basic cleared areas for camping.
• Picnic Tables: Each campsite is typically equipped with a picnic table for meal preparation and outdoor dining.
• Fire Rings: Metal fire rings are provided at each site, allowing for campfires (visitors must always check for current fire restrictions and burn bans before lighting any fires).
• Vault Toilets: The campground provides vault toilets (outhouses) for visitor convenience, which are designed for primitive settings.
• No Potable Water: It is crucial for campers to note that Tin Cup Campground does not have potable (drinking) water available. Visitors must bring all their own water or be prepared to filter/treat water from natural sources like Loon Creek.
• No RV Hookups: The campground does not offer electrical, water, or sewer hookups for RVs, making it suitable for tent camping or self-contained RVs prepared for off-grid operation.
• First-Come, First-Served Basis: Campsites are available on a first-come, first-served basis, meaning no reservations are accepted. This allows for spontaneous trips but also advises early arrival during peak seasons.
• Stock Loading Facilities: For equestrians, stock loading facilities are available, highlighting its suitability as a horse camp and access point for trail riding.
• No Garbage Services: Campers are expected to practice Leave No Trace principles, which includes packing out all trash and waste.

• Gateway to Frank Church Wilderness: The most significant highlight is its direct proximity and role as a primary access point to the vast and untamed Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness.
• Ultra Remote Location: For those seeking true solitude and a deep wilderness experience, its extreme remoteness and the challenging access road serve as a natural filter, ensuring fewer crowds.
• Access to Extensive Trail Network: Tin Cup provides access to numerous trails leading into the wilderness, including those near Phillips Creek Transfer Camp, Indian Springs, Rat Creek, China Creek, Mayfield Creek, and Monte Cristo, offering various hiking and equestrian loop options.
• Equestrian-Friendly: With stock loading facilities and trails suitable for horses, it’s an excellent destination for horse camping and trail riding.
• Primitive Camping Experience: The lack of modern amenities (no water, no cell service) is a highlight for campers who prefer a rustic, self-sufficient outdoor adventure.
• Beautiful Natural Setting: Despite some comments on maintenance, the location on Loon Creek, surrounded by forested terrain, offers a beautiful and tranquil natural environment.
• Wildlife Viewing Opportunities: The untouched wilderness provides ample opportunities for observing local wildlife.
• Nearby to Loon Creek: The campground's location on Loon Creek offers potential for stream-side relaxation, though fishing might be challenging according to some reports.

Address: Challis, ID 83226, USA (Specifically located on Loon Creek within the Salmon-Challis National Forest. Detailed directions involve navigating Forest Roads #013, #172, and #007 from Clayton, ID).

Phone: (208) 756-5100 (This phone number is for the Salmon-Challis National Forest Supervisor's Office, which oversees Tin Cup Campground. It is the best contact for current road conditions, fire restrictions, and detailed information about this remote area.)

Mobile Phone: +1 208-756-5100

For Idahoans who live for rugged adventure and truly understand the meaning of "getting off the beaten path," Tin Cup Campground is more than just a place to stay; it's a profound experience. This campground is exceptionally suitable for locals who possess a high degree of self-sufficiency, relish primitive camping, and are actively seeking access to the deepest reaches of Idaho's wilderness. Its ultra-remote location and the challenging journey required to reach it serve as a natural filter, ensuring that only the most dedicated adventurers make the trip. This results in a truly uncrowded and pristine environment that is increasingly rare in popular outdoor destinations.

Tin Cup's primary appeal for Idaho locals lies in its role as a direct gateway to the vast Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness. For backpackers, long-distance hikers, and equestrians, it’s an indispensable staging point for multi-day treks into some of the most untouched landscapes in the Lower 48. The availability of stock loading facilities further solidifies its value for Idaho's vibrant equestrian community. While some might view the lack of potable water or cell service as drawbacks, for the seasoned Idaho outdoors enthusiast, these are precisely the features that define an authentic wilderness immersion, forcing a complete disconnect from modern distractions and fostering a deeper connection with nature.

Ultimately, Tin Cup Campground is for the Idahoan who embraces challenge, prioritizes solitude, and dreams of exploring vast, untamed backcountry. It's a place where the rewards of breathtaking scenery and profound tranquility far outweigh the effort required to get there. For those who respect Leave No Trace principles and are prepared for a true wilderness adventure, Tin Cup Campground offers an unforgettable slice of Idaho's wild heart.

Tin Cup Campground

Challis, ID 83226, USA