Smokey Bear

Smokey Bear offers convenient water access to scenic Alturas Lake in the Sawtooth Mountains near Sawtooth City. The facility features a dedicated boat ramp and trailer parking area located within Smokey Bear Campground, less than a quarter-mile from the main camping area. This is an ideal launch point for kayakers, canoeists, and motorboats exploring the lake's clear waters and surrounding alpine scenery.

The campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis with 12 RV-friendly campsites available, each equipped with picnic tables and fire rings. Amenities include vault toilets, drinking water, gravel parking spurs, and a day-use area with designated swim beach nearby. Note that there are no electrical hookups or dump stations. Payment can be arranged on-site, with the option to use the Recreation.gov mobile app's Scan and Pay feature if available.

The location provides excellent access to the Sawtooth Wilderness, with Forest Road #205 trailheads nearby leading to Alturas Lake Creek, Eureka Gulch, and Alpine Creek. This spot is consistently noted as one of the better campground options on Alturas Lake due to its scenic alcove location and reliable facilities. For those seeking alternatives, three other campgrounds lie within 10 miles, including North Shore, Pettit Lake, and Chemeketan (all reservable).

Overview
This location is available on a first-come, first-served basis only. Visitors are required to physically arrive at the campground to purchase and claim a site. Once on-site, you may be able to pay for your campsite(s) by scanning a QR code using the Recreation.gov mobile app, and the Scan and Pay feature.

If this option is available, you will need to first download the...

Overview
This location is available on a first-come, first-served basis only. Visitors are required to physically arrive at the campground to purchase and claim a site. Once on-site, you may be able to pay for your campsite(s) by scanning a QR code using the Recreation.gov mobile app, and the Scan and Pay feature.

If this option is available, you will need to first download the free Recreation.gov mobile app https://www.recreation.gov/mobile-app prior to your arrival as some remote areas have limited or no cellular service.

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