Camas County, Idaho

Camas County is a small and remote part of south-central Idaho, where rugged mountains meet the high desert. Fairfield, the county seat and main community, is surrounded by wide-open landscapes and a quiet rural atmosphere that sees far fewer visitors than other parts of the state.

The Camas Prairie gives the county its name and becomes especially beautiful in spring when camas lilies blanket the landscape with color. Ranching and farming remain the backbone of the local economy, while Soldier Mountain and the surrounding Sawtooth National Forest provide opportunities for hiking, hunting, and other outdoor activities. It’s not a major tourist destination—and locals generally prefer it that way.

Camas County has a strong small-town community spirit, where neighbors tend to know one another and look out for their community. Its population has been declining as younger residents leave for larger cities, but those who remain appreciate the wide-open spaces, peaceful surroundings, and quiet rural lifestyle.

CategoryDetails
County NameCamas County
County SeatFairfield
EtymologyNamed after the Camas flower, which is native to the region and was an important food source for Native Americans.
Cities, Towns, and CommunitiesFairfield, Sun Valley, and more
Interstates and HighwaysU.S. Route 20, Idaho State Highway 75
FIPS Code16-025
Total Area1,134 square miles (land: 1,127 sq mi; water: 7 sq mi)
Adjacent CountiesBlaine County (East), Lincoln County (Southeast), Gooding County (South), Elmore County (West)
Time ZoneMountain Time Zone
StateIdaho
Coordinates43.2° N, 115.2° W
Major LandmarksCamas Prairie, Soldier Mountain, Sun Valley, Sawtooth National Recreation Area
Population1,200
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