Fishing and lakeside access draw campers to Josephus Lake Campground, set within Challis National Forest at roughly 6,000 feet in the Salmon River Mountains of central Idaho. The campground sits near both a lake and a river, giving anglers and paddlers direct access to water. The season runs July 1 through September 30, reflecting the area's short window at elevation. Expect rough access on the approach road, so high-clearance vehicles are advisable. Bring all supplies before heading in.
Description
Three campsites on Josephus Lake, near the border of the Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness. Sites include picnic tables and fire rings; campground also includes a vault toilet. Hiking trail from campground heads west into the wilderness, branching out through a lake-filled region before reaching the Wild and Scenic Middle Fork of the Salmon River. The lake is too small for motorboats.
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsJosephus Lake Campground is located in Idaho near Salmon-Challis National Forest
Public CampgroundDirections
From Stanley, go north 17 miles on Highway 21 and turn on forest road 008. The campground is about 18 miles north on forest road 008.
Coordinates
44.5490001 N
115.14300018 W
Connectivity
T-MobileNo Coverage- VerizonNo Coverage
- AT&TNo Coverage
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo Coverage
- VerizonNo Coverage
- AT&TNo Coverage
Access
Site Types
- Tent Sites
Features
Drive Time
- 3 hrs 26 min from Boise, ID
- 5 hrs from Twin Falls, ID
- 6 hrs 17 min from Missoula, MT
- 6 hrs 30 min from Lewiston, ID
