Chinook
Forested campground situated along the Secesh River at an elevation of 5,650'.
Sites are first-come, first-served. Recreation.gov lists this campground for paying on site, and you may be able to pay with the Scan and Pay feature of its app.
More like this: first-come in Idaho · pets allowed in Idaho
Site mix
| Standard, no hookups | 8 |
| Host/management | 2 |
Amenities & rules
| Pets | Allowed |
| Campfires | Allowed, subject to restrictions |
Each of nine sites includes a picnic table, fire ring, and several are equipped for stock use. There is typically potable water available June - September. There are no hookups or trash receptacles. Please pack out your trash.
Individual sites vary. Confirm on Recreation.gov or with the managing office.
Season & status
| Status | Closed for the season. Forest Service sites close for the season; check the official page for the reopening date. |
| Forest | Payette National Forest |
| Booking | Sites are not reservable. |
| Fees | $10/night |
Weather by month
Getting there
From McCall, follow the Warren Wagon Road (21) north for 36 miles. Turn right at the Chinook Campground sign and follow Forest Road #378 for one mile to the campground.
| Coordinates | 45.2140° N, 115.8087° W · Directions ↗ |
Fire nearby
- PrescribedMeadow Marsh Rx
23 mi from the campground · 70 acres
- PrescribedGoose Rx
26 mi from the campground · 529 acres
- PrescribedBrush Rx
28 mi from the campground · 150 acres
- PrescribedCold Rx
35 mi from the campground · 1,094 acres
Distance is to the reported incident point, not the fire edge. Call the managing office before you drive.
Explore
Video
Chinook Bay Campground, Sawtooth National Recreation Area, Stanley, Idaho
Trails nearby
- 0.1 miLoon Creek/Loon Lake ↗13.3 mi trail · hiking, horse, bike, motorcycle and 1 more
- 0.1 miSecesh River ↗14.3 mi trail · hiking, horse, bike, motorcycle and 1 more
- 2.1 miWillow Basket Creek ↗7.3 mi trail · hiking, horse, bike, motorcycle and 2 more
- 2.2 miVictor Creek ↗10.8 mi trail · hiking, horse, bike, motorcycle and 1 more
- 3 miLoon Creek ↗11.6 mi trail · hiking, horse, bike, motorcycle and 1 more
- 3.2 miWillow Basket2.6 mi trail · hiking, horse, bike, motorcycle and 2 more
Trailheads within three miles
- 0.1 miLoon Lake Trailhead ↗Payette National Forest
Trail and trailhead records are the Forest Service's. Distances are straight-line to the nearer trail end. Trail conditions are not tracked here.
Public land it sits in
This campground sits inside Payette National Forest.
- inPayette National Forest ↗National Forest · Forest Service · 2,407,306 acres
- 8.1 miFrank Church-River of No Return Wilderness ↗Wilderness · BLM/FS · 2,358,886 acres
- 15 miGospel-Hump Wilderness ↗Wilderness · Forest Service · 205,395 acres
Each unit is published as a centre point and an acreage rather than a boundary, so this section stands it in for a circle of the same area. Whether a campground is inside, and how far it is from one it is outside, are both approximate.
Other campgrounds nearby
Cabin and lookout rentals nearby
On the National Register nearby
- Chinese Mining Camp Archeological SiteSite · Warren · 6.8 mi
- Chinese CemeterySite · Warren · 7.2 mi
- Warren Guard Station, Building 1206Building · Warren · 7.6 mi
Recreation
Local activities include fly fishing, mountain biking, and hiking. The Secesh River Trail #080 and Loon Lake Trail #081 both comprise a portion of the popular Loon Lake Loop and depart directly from the campground. The historic town of Warren as well as Burgdorf Hot Springs are within easy driving distance.
Guidebooks for Idaho
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Titles come from Open Library's catalog, matched by subject heading or by title.
Reference
Questions people ask
Do I need a reservation at Chinook?
No. Chinook is first-come, first-served. Sites are not reservable. Sites are taken on arrival and paid at the fee station.
Source: Forest Service
How much does it cost to camp at Chinook?
$10/night
Source: Forest Service
What time is check-in at Chinook?
Check-in 2:00 PM, checkout 11:00 AM.
Source: Forest Service
Is Chinook open right now?
Closed for the season as of Oct 16, 2026.
Source: Forest Service status
How many sites does Chinook have?
10 sites, including 8 standard sites without power.
Source: Forest Service
Are pets allowed at Chinook?
Yes, pets are allowed at Chinook. Leash rules apply.
Source: Forest Service
Can I have a campfire at Chinook?
Fires are allowed in the provided rings under normal conditions. As of 2026-10-16, there are 4 active fires within 50 miles, so check current restrictions before you light one.
Source: Fire nearby
What is there to do at Chinook?
Local activities include fly fishing, mountain biking, and hiking. The Recreation section on this page has the rest.
Source: Recreation
What if Chinook is full?
The nearest public campgrounds are Burgdorf (6.4 mi, first-come), Jeanette (6.9 mi, first-come), and Secesh Campground (10.6 mi, first-come).
Source: Campgrounds nearby