Lower O'Brien Campground

📌 Salmon River/Sunbeam Area 📍 44.257008, -114.694500 ⛰ 5,891 ft

Lower O'Brien Campground is located right on the edge of the Salmon River. The Salmon River Valley is narrow here with very steep mountains on both the north and south sides of the river. We camped here and gave fishing with spinners a try. W had 3 strikes but didn't land anything. We hiked down Robinson Bar Rd for about a mile where it appears to end at a small ranch. There is a trailhead just before the ranch. This trail leads south toward the White Cloud Mountains.

Amenities

Campsites

There are 10 camping sites with about half of them along the river. The road and driveways are all dirt/gravel. Each site has a picnic table and fire ring with an attached grill. We camped in the site closest to Upper O'Brien Campground and found it to offer a little more privacy.

Water

There was a new well in the campground but it was not yet operational. Potable water is available at Upper O'Brien Campground.

Restroom

There is a vault style outhouse here which is clean and well kept.

Electricity

No.

Firewood

Your will need to provide your own firewood.

Pets

Pets are allowed but must be leashed.

Picnic Area

Neither Upper or Lower O'Brien Campground has a picnic area.

Handicap Access

The outhouse is handicap accessible but the campground is pretty rough.

RV Dump Site

There is a RV dumping station just south of Stanley, Idaho.

Host On-Site

No.

Phone Service

Stanley has both a pay phone and cell phone reception. Clayton has cell reception for ATT and the Sawmill Station on Hwy 75 to the east has a pay phone.

Garbage Services

There is garbage service available in a dumpster near where Robinson Bar Rd takes off from Hwy 75.

Recreation

Fishing

Fishing is available in the Salmon River, check the regulations here.

Boating

There are no boating facilities here but there is upstream at Sunbeam for rafters. There were many rafters camping at the campground during our visit.

Swimming

Swimming is limited as the river can be dangerous. However, there is a "beach" of sorts on the east end of Upper O'Brien Campground.

Recreation

Recreation in this area includes rafting, kayaking, fishing, camping, hiking, backpacking and photography.

Wildlife

There are deer, elk, bear, and wolves in this area. In the White Cloud Mountains to the south, there are mountain lions and mountain goats but you will have to work to see them.

Fees & Reservations

Fee Schedule

The fee for a double site is $26.00 while a single site is $13.00 and it is $5.00 per day for your extra vehicle.

Reservations

This is a first come first serve campground.

Fees & Res.

This is a first come first serve campground. The fee for a double site is $26.00 while a single site is $13.00 and it is $5.00 per day for your extra vehicle.

Getting There

From Stanley, Idaho, take Hwy 75 east for 15.0 miles to Robinson Bar Rd. Turn right and cross the bridge, Upper O'Brien campground is on the left. To get to Lower O'Brien Campground, drive through Upper O'Brien. The road into Lower O'Brien is narrow and large RVs are requested to avoid it. They have at least one RV each year that gets stuck and has to be towed out.

7-Day Forecast

National Weather Service

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