In-depth guide · CampingSpirit
From the black lava landscape near Arco over Galena Summit to the lakes beneath the Sawtooth Mountains and on along the Payette River to Boise.
The spirit of the route
Craters of the Moon looks like a piece of a planet that someone forgot to plant: black basalt flows, cinder cones, and between them sagebrush and wildflowers that cover the lava fields in early summer. The sky here is dark enough for the Milky Way, the silence so great that you can hear your own blood. Further north the Wood River Valley opens up at Ketchum and Sun Valley, then ID-75 winds up to Galena Summit, and from the top the Sawtooth Valley with the Salmon River lies at your feet, the jagged range behind it. Redfish Lake and Stanley Lake are cold, clear and fringed with pines; in the evening it turns fresh even in high summer. The route is easy to drive, but calls for consideration of altitude, weather and wildfire smoke.
Stage-by-stage plan
1Stage 1: Arco to Craters of the Moon (approx. 30 km)
- The drive
- From Arco take US-20/26/93 south-west to Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve: well-built two-lane road, driving time about 25 minutes. The Loop Road in the park (about 7 miles) is paved, partly narrow; it is closed in winter because of snow. Fuel and shopping beforehand in Arco, as there is no fuel station in the park. For visitors without US residence, higher fees or surcharges may apply in national monuments and parks, check current amounts on nps.gov/crmo.
- Highlights & must-sees
- Arco: first town in the world to be lit with nuclear power, in 1955; a visit to Experimental Breeder Reactor I (EBR-I) a little outside town is possible in summer, check opening times in advance.
- Inferno Cone and Devils Orchard: cinder cone with a view, nature trail through lava fields; the trails are short, but the ground is sharp, wear sturdy shoes.
- Indian Tunnel and lava tubes: caves are accessible only with a free permit at the visitor centre (to protect the bats); take a torch and a helmet.
- CampingSpirit overnight tip
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Official campsite or RV park: Lava Flow Campground in Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve: basic sites without hookups, with toilets; water is seasonal, check length and season in advance at nps.gov/crmo. Alternative: BLM and Forest Service campgrounds around Arco or in Carey.
Free camping or nature tip (where legal): On the BLM land around Arco dispersed camping is usually allowed for up to 14 days; access roads are partly gravel, ask about rules and road condition at the BLM office. In the Craters monument itself overnighting is permitted only at the campground.
- Insider tip for campers
- During the day it is hot and shadeless on the black lava: walk early in the day or in the evening, and carry enough water. At night the stars and a light with a red filter are worthwhile; the park is known as a Dark Sky Park.
2Stage 2: Craters of the Moon to Hailey (approx. 130 km)
- The drive
- On US-20/26/93 west through Carey to the junction at Timmerman Junction, there take ID-75 north to Hailey: well built, little traffic, driving time about 1.5 hours. The highway is wide, but the wind can be strong. Fuel stations in Carey, Picabo and Bellevue.
- Highlights & must-sees
- The wide high plain of the Snake River Plain: lava fields, grain and hills, green in spring and yellow in summer.
- Hailey: town in the Wood River Valley, birthplace of the poet Ezra Pound and a base for trips to Sun Valley; shops and workshops.
- Silver Creek Preserve near Picabo: nature reserve with trout water and birdwatching; check access and rules in advance.
- CampingSpirit overnight tip
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Official campsite or RV park: In the Wood River Valley there are Forest Service campgrounds in Sawtooth National Forest north of Ketchum, such as Boundary Campground and Easley Campground; check status, vehicle length and reservations on Recreation.gov. In Hailey and Ketchum private RV parks with hookups, waste disposal and laundry.
Free camping or nature tip (where legal): In Sawtooth National Forest dispersed camping is permitted on many forest roads, usually for up to 14 days; observe the rules of the Ranger District, fire bans and access roads. In Ketchum and Sun Valley overnighting in a vehicle in car parks is prohibited.
- Insider tip for campers
- Hailey is the last larger town with a supermarket and workshop before the Sawtooth Valley: take care of fuel, propane and shopping here. Take care of waste disposal before Galena Summit.
3Stage 3: Hailey to Ketchum and Sun Valley (approx. 25 km)
- The drive
- On ID-75 north through the Wood River Valley to Ketchum and Sun Valley: wide, well-built road, driving time about 30 minutes. A lot of traffic in summer, cyclists on the Wood River Trail.
- Highlights & must-sees
- Ketchum: alpine small town with the memorial and grave of Ernest Hemingway in the cemetery; shops, cafés and bike rental.
- Sun Valley: historic winter sports resort from 1936; in summer hiking, cycling and concerts.
- Trail Creek Road and Pioneer Mountains: scenic route east of Sun Valley, partly gravel, suitable for motorhomes only to a limited extent.
- CampingSpirit overnight tip
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Official campsite or RV park: In the Wood River Valley: Forest Service campgrounds north of Ketchum (Boundary Campground, Easley Campground); check status and dimensions in advance. Private RV parks in Hailey and Ketchum with water and waste disposal.
Free camping or nature tip (where legal): Dispersed camping in Sawtooth National Forest on forest roads north of Ketchum; observe the rules and road condition. In the towns themselves overnighting in a vehicle is prohibited.
- Insider tip for campers
- In summer the campgrounds in Ketchum are booked up early: reserve in good time. For restocking supplies Ketchum is more expensive than Hailey.
4Stage 4: Ketchum to Stanley (approx. 100 km)
- The drive
- On ID-75 (Sawtooth Scenic Byway) north over Galena Summit (about 2,650 m) into the Sawtooth Valley and on to Stanley: the road climbs in switchbacks to the summit and descends in long downhill stretches, driving time about 1.5 hours without stops. With a motorhome drive in a low gear and spare the brakes. In winter the summit is often covered in snow, closures and chain requirements are possible. Fuel stations in Ketchum and Stanley.
- Highlights & must-sees
- Galena Overlook: viewpoint at the pass with a view over the Sawtooth Valley and the Salmon River; a good stop with parking and information boards.
- Sawtooth National Recreation Area: high valley with lakes, meadows and mountains; hiking trails, angler access points and lakes such as Alturas Lake and Pettit Lake.
- Stanley: small town on the Salmon River, starting point for hikes and river trips; shops, fuel station and museum.
- CampingSpirit overnight tip
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Official campsite or RV park: Redfish Lake in the Sawtooth National Recreation Area: several Forest Service campgrounds (including Sockeye Campground, Mount Heyburn Campground, Glacier View Campground) with water and toilets, no hookups; reserve via Recreation.gov, check lengths and status in advance. Stanley Lake Campground and Iron Creek Campground (Sawtooth National Forest) are further options; both have basic facilities.
Free camping or nature tip (where legal): In the Sawtooth National Recreation Area special rules apply to dispersed camping, partly with prohibited zones and a maximum stay; ask for the map and rules at the Visitor Center or Ranger District. In Stanley overnighting in a vehicle in car parks is not permitted.
- Insider tip for campers
- In the Sawtooth Valley it gets cold at night even in summer, frost is possible. Fuel and water before Galena Summit; in Stanley there is a fuel station, but prices are higher. Wildfire smoke can limit visibility in August and September.
5Stage 5: Stanley to Lowman (approx. 90 km)
- The drive
- On ID-21 (Ponderosa Pine Scenic Byway) west over Banner Summit (about 2,150 m) to Lowman: the road is paved, winding, with descents and climbs; driving time about 1.5 hours. Motorhomes usually manage the route without problems; in winter the pass is often closed. Hardly any fuel stations, mobile coverage weak. The road later follows the South Fork Payette River.
- Highlights & must-sees
- Sawtooth Mountains from Stanley Lake: short detour to Stanley Lake with a view of McGown Peak and the row of jagged peaks; access road gravel, slippery when wet.
- Kirkham Hot Springs: thermal springs on the Payette River; parking and paths to the water, use at your own risk.
- Lowman: small town with a shop and fuel station.
- CampingSpirit overnight tip
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Official campsite or RV park: Kirkham Hot Springs Campground (Boise National Forest) on the South Fork Payette River: basic sites, limited vehicle length; check status and dimensions in advance. Private RV parks in Lowman are limited.
Free camping or nature tip (where legal): In Boise National Forest dispersed camping is permitted on many forest roads, usually for up to 14 days; observe the rules on fires and wildfire.
- Insider tip for campers
- There is little in the way of supplies on the route: fill up on fuel and water before Stanley. Lowman has a fuel station, but with limited opening hours.
6Stage 6: Lowman to Boise (approx. 120 km)
- The drive
- On ID-21 further south via Idaho City to Boise: winding through forest, later wider; driving time about 2 hours. In Boise all supplies are available.
- Highlights & must-sees
- Idaho City: former gold-rush town with a museum and a main street from the 19th century.
- Lucky Peak Reservoir: reservoir north of Boise with access to the water.
- Boise: capital of Idaho with an old town, the Greenbelt along the river and museums.
- CampingSpirit overnight tip
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Official campsite or RV park: In Boise private RV parks with hookups, waste disposal and laundry; state parks around Boise offer basic sites. Check status and lengths in advance.
Free camping or nature tip (where legal): In Boise National Forest dispersed camping on forest roads; in the city of Boise overnighting in a vehicle in car parks is prohibited.
- Insider tip for campers
- In Boise take care of waste disposal, propane and shopping; plan the vehicle return or onward journey.
Camping practice & local rules
Wild camping & overnight parking
- Dispersed camping is widespread in Sawtooth National Forest, Boise National Forest and on BLM land, usually for up to 14 days in one place; observe the rules of the Ranger District and fire bans.
- In the Sawtooth National Recreation Area special rules and prohibited zones apply to dispersed camping; ask for the map and rules at the Visitor Center.
- In Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve overnighting is permitted only at the campground; cave visits require a permit.
- In Ketchum, Sun Valley, Stanley and Boise, overnighting in a vehicle in car parks is mostly prohibited.
- Bear safety: black bears occur in the Sawtooth area; store food and rubbish bear-safe.
- Apps: iOverlander, Campendium, The Dyrt, Recreation.gov; road status: Idaho 511.
Waste disposal & supplies
- Hookups and dump stations in Hailey, Ketchum, Stanley (limited) and Boise at private RV parks; otherwise rare.
- Drinking water from taps at campgrounds; filter or boil lake water.
- Propane in Hailey, Ketchum, Stanley and Boise; European cylinders need adapters.
- Fuel: cheaper in Hailey and Boise; in Stanley and Lowman more expensive and limited.
- Shopping: supermarkets in Hailey, Ketchum and Boise; in Stanley small shops with higher prices.
- Electricity: hookups only at private RV parks; generators only at permitted times.
Vehicle size & traffic rules
- Speed limits in mph: highways mostly 55–65, in built-up areas 25–35, mountain roads signposted.
- Tolls: no toll roads on the route; admission to Craters of the Moon separate.
- Dimensions: legal height 14 ft (4.27 m); passes are steep, drive downhill stretches in a low gear.
- Season: summer is high season; passes are often closed in winter; wildfire season July to September with smoke.
- Traffic law: right turn on red after stopping, unless a sign prohibits it; mobile phone while driving only hands-free; open alcohol containers prohibited.
- Emergency: 911; mobile coverage is weak in the Sawtooth Valley and at passes.
CampingSpirit packing & preparation checklist
- Warm layers and a hat: nights in the Sawtooth Valley can be around freezing even in summer.
- Sturdy shoes, gloves and a head torch for the lava fields and caves in Craters of the Moon.
- Binoculars and a star chart or app: the sky is very dark, the Milky Way clearly visible.
- Water filter and canisters: basic campgrounds often have no drinking water.
- Offline maps and a paper map: reception is poor at the pass and in the valley.
As of 2026-09. Closures, fees and booking rules change: check official sources before you go.
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