Hawley Creek, Upper Campground

Hello, fellow Idahoans! When the urge to disconnect from the daily grind and immerse ourselves in the simple tranquility of nature strikes, many of us seek out those peaceful, unpretentious spots that truly capture the essence of Idaho's wilderness. Today, we're shining a spotlight on just such a place: Hawley Creek Upper Campground. Nestled within the expansive Salmon-Challis National Forest near Leadore, this campground offers a quiet, rustic retreat, perfect for those who appreciate the beauty of our state’s mountains without a lot of frills.

This article is crafted with you, the local Idaho resident, in mind. We understand your desire for clear, factual information about the hidden gems and accessible natural spaces that define our state. We’ll guide you through what makes Hawley Creek Upper Campground a notable destination, covering its serene location and how to access it, the essential services it provides, its unique features and highlights, and how you can get in touch to plan your visit. Our aim is to paint a vivid picture of the peace, natural beauty, and simple outdoor pleasures that await you at Hawley Creek Upper Campground, ensuring you have all the details to make your next Idaho camping trip truly memorable.

Hawley Creek Upper Campground is about "plain ol' camping at its simplest," as one description notes. It’s a chance to wake up to the sound of a bubbling creek, breathe in the fresh mountain air, and spend your days fishing, hiking, or simply enjoying the quiet comfort of your campsite. Whether you're looking for a peaceful getaway for your RV or tent, a prime spot for fishing, or a basecamp for exploring nearby trails, Hawley Creek Upper Campground presents a compelling option that perfectly embodies the spirit of Idaho’s understated outdoor lifestyle. Let’s delve in and discover what makes this campground a truly special choice for us, the locals.

Hawley Creek Upper Campground is situated at NF-177, Leadore, ID 83464, USA. This places it within the vast and scenic Salmon-Challis National Forest, a region of central Idaho known for its rugged mountains, pristine rivers, and abundant wildlife. Specifically, the campground is located along Hawley Creek, a natural feature that contributes to its tranquil setting and recreational opportunities.

For Idaho residents, reaching Hawley Creek Upper Campground typically involves a relatively straightforward drive, though it transitions from paved highways to maintained county and forest service dirt roads. The campground is approximately 8 miles southeast of Leadore, a small community that can serve as a last stop for supplies. To get there from Leadore, you would follow Highway 29 east for about 1.25 miles. Then, turn right onto a county dirt road and continue for about 6 miles until you reach the junction with Forest Service Road #275. From there, follow Forest Road #275 east for approximately 4.5 miles up Hawley Creek until you see the Hawley Creek Upper Campground entrance on your right.

While the roads leading to the campground are generally manageable, being dirt roads, they can have varying conditions depending on weather and maintenance. However, reports suggest accessibility for most vehicles, including smaller RVs and trailers, making it a viable option for a wider range of campers. The area features forested terrain with elevations that can influence temperatures, ranging from lows in the 30s Fahrenheit in spring and fall to highs in the 80s during summer, offering comfortable camping conditions during the peak season. Its location offers a good balance of remoteness for peace and quiet, while still being accessible enough for a weekend trip from many parts of Idaho.

Hawley Creek Upper Campground provides basic yet essential services, focusing on supporting a simple, rustic camping experience in a natural environment. It's designed for campers who appreciate fundamental amenities and prefer to be self-sufficient.

• Individual Campsites: The upper campground features 6 individual campsites. Each site is equipped with a picnic table, providing a convenient surface for outdoor dining and food preparation, and a fire ring, ideal for campfires and cooking. These sites are suitable for both tent camping and smaller RVs or trailers.
• Vault Toilets: For restroom facilities, Hawley Creek Upper Campground provides vault toilets. These are non-flush, basic restrooms that are maintained to ensure cleanliness and functionality for campers in a natural setting.
• Potable Water: A significant convenience for a rustic campground, potable (drinking) water is available at Hawley Creek Upper Campground. This eliminates the need for campers to haul in all their water or rely solely on filtration, although it’s always wise to be prepared with backup.
• No Hookups or Dump Sites: As a primitive campground, there are no electrical, water, or sewer hookups for RVs, nor are there dump stations on-site. Campers need to be self-contained or plan accordingly for these needs.
• First-Come, First-Served: This campground typically operates on a first-come, first-served basis, meaning reservations are not usually accepted. Arriving early, especially during peak seasons or busy weekends, is advisable to secure a spot.
• Pack It In, Pack It Out: While trash receptacles may occasionally be available at other similar sites, the general principle for national forest campgrounds like this is to "pack out your trash" to help preserve the natural environment.

Hawley Creek Upper Campground, while simple in its offerings, boasts several appealing features and highlights that make it a cherished destination for Idahoans seeking an authentic outdoor experience:

• Quiet and Peaceful Getaway: The campground is explicitly described as "the place for a quiet getaway without many frills or thrills, just some plain ol' camping at its simplest." This makes it ideal for campers who desire solitude, a peaceful environment for relaxation, and an escape from urban noise and crowds.
• Fishing in Hawley Creek: A major draw is the opportunity for "Fishing nearby in Hawley Creek, and in the reservoir." This provides excellent recreational opportunities for anglers looking to cast a line in the clear mountain waters for trout.
• Forested Terrain: The campground is nestled in "forested terrain," offering a natural and scenic backdrop for camping. The trees provide natural shade and contribute to the fresh, invigorating mountain air.
• Access to Continental Divide Trail: A significant highlight for hikers and adventurers, there is a "spur trail to the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail" from the Hawley Creek Trail. This provides access to an expansive and iconic long-distance hiking trail, offering both challenging and scenic sections.
• Hawley Creek Trail: The Hawley Creek Trail itself, though "less than 2 miles long," is described as "rather difficult, gaining over 1000 feet in elevation." This presents a good challenge for hikers and is also open to "Motorized vehicles (ATVs, motorcycles)," allowing for diverse recreational use, but they are not allowed off-trail.
• Proximity to Historic Gilmore Ghost Town: Nearby, visitors can explore the historic ghost town of Gilmore. This adds a unique cultural and historical dimension to a camping trip, offering a glimpse into Idaho's past.
• Opportunity for Wildlife Viewing: The forested and creek-side setting provides excellent opportunities for observing local Idaho wildlife, adding an exciting element to the natural experience.
• Comfortable Elevations: While being in the mountains, its elevation (generally around 6,000-7,000 feet for Hawley Creek area) offers pleasant temperatures during summer, avoiding the extreme heat of lower elevations, while still providing that elevated mountain feel.

For those planning a trip to Hawley Creek Upper Campground and seeking more specific details or current conditions, here is the essential contact information:

Address: NF-177, Leadore, ID 83464, USA

Hawley Creek Upper Campground is managed by the Salmon-Challis National Forest, specifically under the supervision of the Leadore Ranger District. While a direct phone number for the campground itself is not typically provided due to its rustic nature and first-come, first-served operation, you can reach the relevant Forest Service office for information:

Leadore Ranger District:

Phone: (208) 768-2500

Mobile Phone: +1 208-768-2500 (This is generally the same main office number)

Alternatively, you can contact the broader Salmon-Challis National Forest headquarters for general inquiries and current forest-wide conditions:

Salmon-Challis National Forest Headquarters:

Phone: (208) 756-5100

Mobile Phone: +1 208-756-5100 (This is also a valid contact for the forest)

It is highly recommended to contact the Leadore Ranger District or the Salmon-Challis National Forest before your trip for updates on road conditions, fire restrictions, potential closures, and any other alerts that might affect your visit to Hawley Creek Upper Campground. Given its rural location, gathering all necessary information beforehand is crucial for a safe and enjoyable trip.

For us, the residents of Idaho, Hawley Creek Upper Campground isn't just another place to pitch a tent; it's a perfect embodiment of the quiet, authentic outdoor experiences that define our state. Its suitability for locals stems from its rustic simplicity, its peaceful setting, and its direct connection to the kind of unpretentious wilderness adventures we truly cherish.

Firstly, the campground’s description as a "quiet getaway without many frills or thrills" resonates deeply with the Idaho spirit. We appreciate places where the focus is on nature itself, where we can truly unwind and escape the clamor of modern life. Nestled within the Salmon-Challis National Forest and alongside Hawley Creek, it provides that perfect, serene backdrop for genuine relaxation and immersion in our beautiful natural surroundings.

Secondly, the basic yet functional services, including picnic tables, fire rings, and the crucial availability of potable water, cater precisely to our practical approach to camping. We value simplicity and self-reliance, and Hawley Creek Upper Campground supports just that. It's a place where we can enjoy traditional campfires, cook outdoors, and feel truly connected to the land without the distractions of excessive amenities.

Moreover, the recreational opportunities are exactly what many Idahoans look for in a local escape. The "fishing nearby in Hawley Creek" offers a peaceful pursuit for anglers, while the "difficult" Hawley Creek Trail and its spur to the iconic Continental Divide National Scenic Trail provide invigorating challenges for hikers and motorized vehicle enthusiasts alike. The proximity to the historic Gilmore ghost town adds a layer of local history and exploration, enriching the overall experience.

In essence, Hawley Creek Upper Campground offers an authentic, unpretentious slice of Idaho wilderness. It provides a peaceful, well-situated sanctuary where we, as locals, can truly unwind, embrace the simple beauty of our state’s natural treasures, and create cherished memories. It's a perfectly suitable and highly recommended destination for anyone looking for a genuine, quiet outdoor escape right here in Idaho.