Sawtooth National Forest — Copper Basin Road Dispersed Camp
Copper Basin sits at roughly 7,200 feet in the Pioneer Mountains corridor — a broad sagebrush-and-grass bowl rimmed by peaks pushing past 12,000 feet. Pull off along the Copper Basin Road (Forest Road 135) and you’ve got solitude, long sight lines, and cold nights even in July. No developed infrastructure out here — pack everything in, pack everything out. Fire restrictions apply mid-summer; check with the Ketchum Ranger District before you light anything. Sites are first-come, first-served and you’ll rarely compete for space except during fall hunting season.
Access is via paved US-93 to the Copper Basin turnoff north of Mackay, then dirt and gravel FR 135 — manageable for most high-clearance 2WD rigs in dry conditions. After rain, clay sections get greasy fast. Snow can linger into June and close the upper road. No water on-site; tank up in Mackay before you head in. Stay limit is 14 days per USFS standard.
Pioneer Mountains high desert — wide open and free.
Place Details
| Type | Dispersed Camping |
|---|---|
| Elevation (ft) | 7200 ft |
| Nearest town | Mackay, ID |
| Miles from pavement | 8.5 mi |
| Minimum vehicle | High-clearance 2WD |
| Access road surface | Gravel |
| Cell service | None |
| Cost (USD/night, 0 = free) | Free |
| Reservation required | No |
| Stay limit (nights) | 14 nights |
| Best season | June-October |
| Land manager | USFS |
| Permit required | No |
| Coordinates | Open directions |
| Find on Google | Search on Google → |