Ketchum, Idaho
Five weeks ago we arrived to Ketchum not knowing what to expect. Today, with 825 miles to cover ahead of a July 4th family commitment, with mixed emotions we decided to move on. We did so however knowing that we will be back someday … hopefully sooner than later.
Kelly and I love mountain towns and nestled in Sawtooth Mountains, Ketchum is just that. Unlike other resort towns however (Sun Valley is located there), Ketchum has a unique feel which results is a low key vibe. A common theory for this centers around the fact that the town is not necessarily easy to access – visitors must ‘want it’. For many, places such as Park City, Lake Tahoe, or Mammoth Lakes are far easier accessed and afford more skiing options, more restaurants, more night life, more shopping, more this and more that.
To our pleasure, we didn’t pick-up on any over the top nonsense commonplace to the aforementioned towns. Mainly, it didn’t feel over the top like over places can.
Its mood fit us like a glove.
We stayed in two locations during our time here – both fantastic boondocking sites minutes from town, but offering plenty of solitude and easy access to trails.
Having only scratched the surface of this region during our stay, Kelly and I are already discussing plans visit again in the fall. We cannot wait to visit again.
Wandering With Purpose 
Dave, these are amazing pictures of Ketchum and the Sawtooth Mtns. Where are the boon docking sites you visited? We are heading out there this fall and I’d love to add them to our possible camping sites. Thanks. Liz
Hi Liz,
Happy to share the site details. The first and last photos are the same location (43.734785,-114.304354), which is east of Sun Valley. The other site (43.758775,-114.341413) is northeast of town. Both are great sites and your class-A can should have no issue accessing either. That said site east of Sun Valley is one of many, affording more options. On the flip side, the site northeast of town is more isolated and with less road traffic generally. Enjoy your trip!
The essence of life continues to be small crowds and honest people. Marco Polo forever!
Eugene
How do you go about finding your boondocking sights? We have a 27ft Airstream too, and haven’t ventured far off any beaten paths so far!
We typically rely on a recommendations from our social media network (Instagram, Facebook, etc.) and the website http://www.campendium.com.
I am also an avid mountain biker, which allows me to scout potential sites suitable for our airstream.