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Map showing campground location near Stanley, Idaho
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Dagger Falls

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A rough 25-mile dirt road leads to Dagger Falls Campground, where the Middle Fork Salmon River creates natural rapids and a salmon ladder. The US Forest Service maintains this remote site from mid-June through September, providing drinking water, restrooms, and picnic tables among the forested terrain. Campers report consistently quiet conditions except during major holiday weekends, when the campground serves as overflow for Middle Fork river runners.

The river access near site 7 allows for cooling off, while hiking trails extend both upstream and downstream from camp. Salmon runs peak in early July, offering opportunities to observe fish jumping the falls. Clean facilities and maintained sites make this backcountry location accessible to both drive-in and walk-in campers willing to navigate the challenging access road.

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Map & DirectionsDagger Falls is located in Idaho near Stanley

Detail location of campground
Public Campground

Directions

Dagger Falls is accessed by dirt road from Idaho State Highway 21, and is often closed by snowdrifts until late May or early June. The turn-off is located 23 miles west of Stanley or 107 miles east of Boise between mileposts 109 and 110. This road is commonly referred to as the Bear Valley Road. The road is rough and narrow; your vehicle and/or trailer should be prepared for 25 miles (approx. 40 minutes) of single-lane dirt road. Sign for Dagger Falls is before you arrive at Boundary Creek, be cautious on this heavily travelled road.

Coordinates

44.5280002 N
115.283 W

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Connectivity

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Connectivity

Presented byT-MobileT-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoors
  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    Verizon
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T
    No Coverage

Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site
  • Walk-In
    Park in a lot, walk to your site.

Site Types

  • Tent Sites

Features

For Campers

  • Picnic Table
  • Drinking Water
  • Toilets
  • Alcohol
  • Pets
  • Fires

Drive Time

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Reviews3 Camper Reviews - Dagger Falls

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5.0

out of 5

3 Reviews

Campers regularly cited the clean, well-maintained sites and quiet atmosphere as major highlights. Basic facilities like restrooms and water are available despite the remote 25-mile dirt road access.

Reviewed Jul. 8, 2018

Salmon jumping!

My fiance and I were backpacking in the Frank Church area in late June and Dagger Falls was one of our stops. We didn't realize there was a campground here, but as soon as we found out we decided to stay the night. The campground was pretty quiet and very clean, and there was a restroom and clean water available. We cooled off in the river near the bridge by camp #7. And we saw many large salmon jumping up over the rapids and the salmon ladder! This was a pleasant surprise to us.

Month of VisitJune
  • Review photo of Dagger Falls by Leili K., July 8, 2018
Reviewed May. 26, 2018

Best Campground in America

If you have the vechicle and the determination, you can travel the 25 miles on a rough dirt road to get to the most beautiful campground ever.

This campground provides some overflow camping for MF floaters, but it is mostly quiet, with the exception of big holiday weekends.

There is great hiking here both up and downriver. Check current regsfor fishing….and come the first of July you may be fortunate enough to see Salmon jumping at Dagger Falls!

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Month of VisitJuly
Showing results 1-3 of 3 reviews

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Dagger Falls Campground located in Idaho?

Dagger Falls Campground is located approximately 25 miles down a rough dirt road in the Frank Church Wilderness area of Idaho. The remote location requires determination and an appropriate vehicle to access, but rewards visitors with stunning natural beauty. The campground sits near Dagger Falls itself, making it a popular stopping point for Middle Fork floaters and backpackers exploring the Frank Church wilderness region.

What amenities are available at Dagger Falls Campground?

Dagger Falls Campground offers basic but well-maintained amenities. The facilities include clean restrooms and drinking water. The campground is kept clean and well-maintained throughout the season. While not extensively developed, the natural setting and proximity to the falls compensate for the minimal facilities. The campground provides a good base for hiking in the surrounding area and viewing the impressive Dagger Falls.

How does Dagger Falls Campground compare to Boundary Creek Campground?

Dagger Falls Campground is more secluded and typically quieter than Boundary Creek Campground, except during holiday weekends when it may serve as overflow camping for Middle Fork floaters. Dagger Falls offers a more remote experience, requiring travel on a 25-mile rough dirt road. The campground features clean facilities and excellent hiking opportunities in a pristine natural setting. Both campgrounds serve visitors to the Frank Church Wilderness area, but Dagger Falls provides a more intimate connection with the wilderness for those willing to make the journey.

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