Challis National Forest runs a well-maintained corridor of campgrounds along Highway 75, and Mormon Bend sits directly within that stretch, positioned close enough to the Salmon River that anglers can reach the water without much effort. The campground is a US Forest Service site open from mid-March through November, with paved drives and parking pads throughout. Sites are level and come with fire rings and picnic tables, and several include flat, groomed tent pads. No hookups are available, but hand pump water, toilets, and trash dumpsters are on-site.
Highway noise is worth factoring into expectations. The campground sits adjacent to the road, and with limited tree coverage across many sites, traffic sound carries through the day. Shade varies considerably from one site to the next, so arriving with time to look around pays off. A camp host is present and has firewood for sale, though fire restrictions apply during dry stretches in summer. Cell service is essentially nonexistent across all major carriers.
Fishing draws a consistent share of visitors, and the Salmon River is accessible at the campground entrance and from the bridge nearby. Some sites allow anglers to fish directly from camp. Nancy C. puts it plainly: "You can't get much closer to the Salmon River than this." Rafting and kayaking are also feasible given the river access, and Stanley, roughly six miles southwest, handles resupply needs. The fee runs $18 per night, or $9 with an America the Beautiful pass. Campers who want more tree cover or a quieter road situation can look at Casino Creek Campground nearby, or browse places to camp around Challis National Forest for additional sites along the corridor.
Description
Overview
This location is available on a first-come, first-served basis only. Visitors are required to physically arrive at the campground to purchase and claim a site. Once on-site, you may be able to pay for your campsite(s) by scanning a QR code using the Recreation.gov mobile app, and the Scan and Pay feature. If this option is available, you will need to__first download the free Recreation.gov mobile app https://www.recreation.gov/mobile-app prior to your arrival__as some remote areas have limited or no cellular service.
Reservation Info
10-day stay limit. Campers must occupy the site the first night and cannot go more than 24 hours thereafter without occupying the site.
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsMormon Bend Campground is located in Idaho near Stanley
Coordinates
44.2616 N
114.8411 W
Connectivity
T-MobileNo Coverage- VerizonNo Coverage
- AT&TNo Coverage
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo Coverage
- VerizonNo Coverage
- AT&TNo Coverage
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
- Hike-InBackcountry sites.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Equestrian
Features
For Campers
- Trash
- Firewood Available
- Drinking Water
- Toilets
- Alcohol
Drive Time
- 3 hrs 3 min from Idaho Falls, ID
- 3 hrs 18 min from Pocatello, ID
- 3 hrs 55 min from Twin Falls, ID
- 4 hrs 48 min from Boise, ID
