Sam Brown Campground
USFS · Campground · Fee
Fast facts
- Cost
- Fee charged
- Managed by
- USFS
- Type
- Campground
- Hours
- Check in: 2:00 p.m.; Check-out: 12:00 p.m.; Quiet hours are 10:00 p.m. until 6:00 a.m.
- Reservations
- fs.usda.gov
- Nearest dump station
- Aspen Point Dump Station · 75.5 mi
- Coordinates
- 42.4420, -123.6860
- Last verified
- September 18, 2026
About this place
Sam Brown Campground is centered around a large meadow that has a colorful history of the earlier miner and homesteader to the area. Trails are located throughout the area, as well, with options for hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, and motorcycles, including Elkhorn Mine Jeep Road. Nearby; trail opportunities include: Briggs Creek Trail #1132; (the trailhead located in campground)Taylor Creek Trail #1142 Onion Way Trail #1157Secret Way Trail #1282Dutchy Creek Trail #1154 The size of this campground, and nature of the landscape, lends itself to large group camping, with 2 picnic shelters, and amphitheater. The meadow is great for group activities, and is also a great place to wildlife watch: deer, elk, and a plethora of bird species frequent the area. Briggs Creek flows through the area before passing on to the Illinois River. Campsites are suitable for tents, small trailers, or campers. This campground is close to Sam Brown Horse Camp. Facilities: 19 campsites with picnic tables, and fire pits, no water available, 3 vault toilets, no trash service - Please pack out what you pack in.
From the USFS.
Is Sam Brown Campground free?
No. Sam Brown Campground charges a fee. It is managed by the USFS. Sites are reservable through fs.usda.gov.
How do I get to Sam Brown Campground?
From Interstate 5, take the Merlin Exit to Merlin / Galice Road approximately 12 miles to the Briggs Valley Road (Forest Road 2500). Follow Forest Road 2500 approximately 15 miles to Forest Road 2512, turn right and the campground will be on your left about 0.5 mile up the road. Access to the area restricts vehicle size, due to the narrow winding steep road to the Briggs Valley area.
What are the rules at Sam Brown Campground?
Quiet hours between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m.Campfires in developed fire pits onlyFireworks are prohibitedDogs must be on leashOHV/ATV use prohibited in the campgroundMaximum length of stay: 14 days
Nearby
SourceData from the USFS. Last synced September 18, 2026. Community reports and photos are submitted by travelers and are not verified by the agency.
