**Recent Closures**
As of June 15, 2022, the U.S. Forest Service for the Sawtooth National Forest, announced the following campground closures due to recent flooding:
North Fork campground – North loop only
Various sites at Alturas Inlet Campground
Alturas Inlet Day Use and Beach
North Shore Day Use (Redfish)
Various campsites on Little Redfish Lake (Chinook and Mountain View Campgrounds)
Various sites along the Salmon River (Mormon Bend and Riverside Campgrounds)
For updates visit: www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/sawtooth/alerts-notices
Lobbies re-open
The Sawtooth National Forest offices re-opened this month to members of the public. The lobbies of the Supervisor’s Office and Ranger Stations in Burley, Fairfield, Ketchum, Sawtooth NRA Headquarters, and Stanley, are staffed and available to visitors.
Permits
Sawtooth Wilderness users must have a permit. These are available at all trailheads at no cost. Larger groups and those with stock must contact a Forest Service Office to obtain a permit. Groups may not exceed 12 people and 14 heads of stock.
Pets
Please keep pets on a leash.
Rangers will be enforcing dog-leash and dog-waste pick-up regulations in the SNRA – particularly in campgrounds. Dogs must be leashed at all campgrounds, picnic areas, and adjacent trailheads. Check regulations at recreation.gov.
Camping limits
Developed/dispersed camping, boats, boat trailers, travel trailers, tents, etc: 10 days in 30 days within a 30-mile radius for all of the SNRA. After 10 days, you must move your site/equipment at least 30 miles. Camp at least 100 feet from trails, lakes, and streams.
Campsites and picnic/day-use areas that accept reservations need to be made through www.recreation.gov or by calling (877) 444-6777.
Campfires
All campfires must be on a fire pan or fire blanket. The use of gas stoves is highly recommended. If you must build a fire, use only dead and down wood. For updates on restrictions and forest fire status click here.
Bear aware
Black bears are common in the Idaho Sawtooths. Bears learn campers and campground garbage containers are food sources that can result in a lethal outcome for the bear. To learn more, visit Sawtooth National Forest – Home
A food storage order is also in effect to prevent human-bear interactions in the SNRA. This requires campers and day users to store food and toiletries in locked vehicles or bear-resistant containers. Violating the order can result in a $5,000 fine. See SNRA occupancy and use food storage order.
Keep it enviro-friendly
At designated dispersed campsites, which are marked with tent symbols on posts, showering and washing dishes is prohibited within 150 feet of lakes and streams. Human waste must be buried at least 100 feet from water sources in holes 6-8 inches deep and covered with soil. There are many lightweight shovels designed just for this purpose.
Motor vehicle use
Snowpacks remain at higher elevations and several roads and trails will be closed. Driving or riding on muddy roads and trails leads to damage and erosion. The Forest Service encourages visitors to stop by your SNRA regional office and pick up the new Motor Vehicle Use Map which shows which roads and trails are open to motorized use. They are also available at SNRA motor use map.
For more information visit https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/sawtooth/recarea/?recid=5842
and https://www.fs.usda.gov/sawtooth
Or contact the Sawtooth NRA at 208-727-5000, the Ketchum Ranger Station at 208-622-0090, the Stanley Ranger Station at 208-774-3000 or the supervisor’s office in Jerome at 208-423-7500.
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