Copper Basin (FR 40135) in ID -- Free Camping & Overnight Parking in Idaho

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Copper Basin (FR 40135) in ID

Salmon-Challis NF, Lost River Ranger District
7,830 ft
Maps
Overnight camping allowedRUTTED
VerizonUNMEASURED
AT&TNONE
T-MobileUNMEASURED
StarlinkEXCELLENT

A 27.1-mile stretch of dirt National Forest road in Custer County, ID.

Salmon-Challis National Forest, Lost River Ranger District allows dispersed camping here -- 14-day limit in any 30 days.

All 27.1 miles in are maintained only for high-clearance vehicles. Dirt the whole way in (27.1 miles). Climbs 4,300 ft over 27.1 miles -- sustained grades near 12%, with pitches to 27%. Stretches run along a shelf with a drop of up to ~120 ft on the downhill side. Winds through 17 switchbacks. Dead-end road -- no mapped turnaround; expect to back out or unhitch.

Secluded here -- the nearest through road is 3.0 miles off. Big Lost River East Fork runs 0.1 mi off. Copper Basin Knob stands 2,950 ft above the site, 3.6 miles south. The nearest town, Sun Valley, is 26 mi off.

September normals 30–65°F, 0.9″ rain. Monthly averages, PRISM 1991–2020.

Nearby Spots
Lake Cr. (FR 40507) in IDDispersed Camping4.1miBellas Canyon (FR 40512) in IDDispersed Camping5.0miMuldoon Canyon (FR 40510) in IDForest Road Road5.8miBroad Canyon Campground in IDCampground5.9miBear Canyon (FR 40216) in IDDispersed Camping6.7mi
Fire restrictions

Set by Salmon-Challis National Forest, Lost River Ranger District. Stage 1 and 2 orders change within days -- check the current order before you build a fire.

fs.usda.gov
Sources checked August 2026Something wrong here?