Crags Campground & Transfer Camp

📌 Challis Area 📍 45.104319,-114.521176 ⛰ 8,440 ft

Crags Campground and Transfer Camp is set at a little over 8400 feet in elevation on fairly level ground. The forest is mostly pine. The campsites are well spaced out so most of your neighbor won't be to close. The road in is steep and in many places narrow so "I" would not bring a trailer of any real size here and if I did I would certainly be planning on a long stay to make that drive in worth it. It took 7 hours from Boise in my Ram pickup. Some of the reviews I read before going mentioned the need for good tires. The road in is rocky but I have been on worse. However I wouldn't recommend the street tires that come on some of the small cars.

Amenities

Campsites

There are nine campsites, each has a picnic table and fire ring. The road and driveways are gravel/dirt. There are some pull-through and some back in sites. I didn't see any numbers but there may be campsites at the transfer camp also.

Water

I find it amazing that there is a pressurized water system with faucets scattered about the campground and Transfer Camp.

Restroom

You will find multiple vault style outhouses at the campground, trailhead and transfer camp. They were clean and stocked with TP.

Electricity

No.

Firewood

I didn't see any for sale so one would need to gather their own.

Pets

As usual, pets must be kept on a leash. Do keep in mind there are wolves and wolves will sometimes attack your dogs.

Picnic Area

None.

Handicap Access

No.

RV Dump Site

None nearby.

Host On-Site

There is a host at the transfer camp but they were not there at the time of our visit.

Nearest Shower

Challis, Idaho

Nearest Laundry

Challis, Idaho

Garbage Services

No, you will need to pack your garbage out with you.

Recreation

Fishing

There is no fishing at the campground but Golden Trout Lake is a steep half mile hike away. There are many other lakes if you take a hike toward the Crags.

Boating

No.

Swimming

Surprisingly there was a VERY small but sandy beach at Golden Trout Lake. Seriously it is about 10 feet wide with no sandy patch anywhere else on the lake. It made me chuckle.

Hiking

My son and I spent four days hiking the Crags. Checkout the review here.

Recreation

Other than just getting away to camp the primary recreation here is hiking, backpacking, fishing and hunting. There is a system of interlinked trails with many lakes and mountains to explore. You will want to checkout the review I published about the hiking that is available here.

Wildlife

We saw tracks of deer but only actually saw a grouse and seven Bighorn Sheep. I am told there are wolves and bear as well as elk in this area but I saw no signs of their presence.

Fees & Reservations

Fees & Res.

First we don't own, manage or make reservations for any campground. The signs at the campground indicated the fee at the time of our visit was only $4 per day. What a bargain since most campgrounds with water are at least $15. The campsites are not reservable as of March 2025.

Getting There

To find Crags Campground you will want to checkout this GoogleMap. I set it to start from Stanley, Idaho but you can change it to start from your location if you want.

7-Day Forecast

National Weather Service

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This information is accurate as of the date of the review.