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BLM Camping

Lake Creek Trailhead

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is responsible for 1 in every 10 acres of land in the U.S.

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Lake Creek Trailhead

Bureau of Land Management free camping is popular in Idaho thanks to the state’s beautiful scenery and abundance of wildlife. BLM sites, which are areas of public lands, are a great way to get in touch with nature or learn more about the history of an area. To find BLM sites, search for "BLM camping near me."

The Lake Creek Trailhead is located just outside Ketchum, Idaho. The trail is a popular one with locals and visitors alike as it allows people to spot wildlife, take photos, and enjoy the area’s gorgeous wilderness landscape. The trail is located in the Salmon-Challis National Forest and near the Sawtooth National Forest and the Sawtooth Wilderness Area.

What to See and Do

Hiking and Biking

Lake Creek Trail

The Lake Creek Trail is a loop that can be traveled in either direction. The trail is excellent for both hiking and mountain biking, and many people enjoy using it for horseback riding.

Length: 11 miles

Intensity: Moderate

Norton Lakes Trail

This scenic trail offers beautiful views of the lakes but also of the surrounding mountains.

Length: 4.6 miles

Intensity: Moderate

Chocolate Gulch Trail

Located in the Sawtooth National Forest, this trail offers picturesque views.

Length: 5.3 miles

Intensity: Moderate

Baker Lake Trail

This trail, which is also located in the Sawtooth National Forest, passes by a peaceful lake, and hikers can often spot migratory birds.

Length: 3.6 miles

Intensity: Easy

Bald Mountain Trail

This trail has some steep areas, but visitors who travel the trail in the early morning or evening can view the sunrise or sunset from the top.

Length: 11 miles

Intensity: Hard

Fishing and Boating

The nearby Big Wood River, particularly the stretch that runs near Ketchum, is excellent for trout fishing. Parts of the Lost River are also great for catching cutthroat and rainbow trout, and this river is also a good spot for catching graylings. Magic Reservoir is a good choice for either boating or fishing. Rainbow and brown trout, smallmouth bass, and perch can all be caught there.

Climbing

Rock climbing enthusiasts can explore the Sawtooth National Recreation Area for some excellent climbing options. Areas such as the Finger of Fate and Elephant’s Perch are good options, but several of the peaks also offer good options for technical climbs. Many climbers also find a variety of climbing options at the nearby Castle Rock State Park, which offers some of the best climbing in the region.

Wildlife Viewing

The Lake Creek Trail, Sawtooth National Forest, and Salmon-Challis National Forest are all good places for wildlife viewing. Species in the area include deer, elk, porcupines, bears, wolves, pronghorns, moose, bison, mountain lions, and lynx. There are also many birds native to the area, including eagles, falcons, owls, woodpeckers, and swans.

Picnicking

The Sun Peak Picnic Area offers shady picnic tables, and it’s located right down the road from the Lake Creek Trailhead. The Penny Lake Picnic Area offers picnic tables, fire pits with grills, bathrooms, and beautiful views of the lake. There are also several picnic tables at Rotary Park as well as a picnic pavilion and a playground.

Bureau of Land Management Camping

RV Camping

The area around the Lake Creek Trailhead offers a wide range of BLM RV camping options. Meadows RV Park in Ketchum has large, paved sites with full hookups. There is also a playground, a laundry facility, restrooms, and showers. Wood River Campground charges a small fee for overnight stays but offers both tent and RV sites. Drinking water and flush toilets are available, and there are several picnic tables around this secluded, quiet campground.

Free Camping

Free camping is available along Lake Creek Road, which isn’t too far from the Lake Creek Trailhead. The area does not have many amenities, so you’ll need to pack in everything you need and pack all of your trash out with you.

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Credit: Vanna Mae, @vannamaeart

Planning your Lake Creek Trailhead BLM trip

The area around the Lake Creek Trailhead is home to several large predators. If you encounter a bear or mountain lion, observe them quietly from a distance. Maintaining a safe distance and disturbing the animal as little as possible helps to keep both you and the animal safe.

The climate in the area is relatively mild in the summer, but from October through April, daytime temperatures can be very cold, and nighttime temperatures remain consistently chilly throughout the year. Always pack a few extra layers when you're hiking or visiting Bureau of Land Management campgrounds in the area. The Lake Creek Trailhead area is usually relatively dry in the summer and fall, but the area can see a good amount of snow during the winter and spring months, so start checking the area's weather about a week before your trip. Before you head out on your trip, check out our blog for all you need to know about BLM camping.

Leave No Trace

Leave No Trace guidelines help to keep areas clean, protected, and respected. In areas where there are few amenities, pack out your trash and dispose of it properly when you find a trash can. Stay on the trail and try not to disturb the plants or animals in the region. Be cautious when building a fire, and only ever build a fire in a pit or ring where it can be contained. Always use firewood from the area when possible so as to stop the spread of invasive species, and don’t bring any rocks, plants, animals, or firewood home with you.