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Salmon River Campground

12 ReviewsAdd Review

This first-come, first-served Forest Service campground sits directly along Highway 75, just a few miles outside Stanley, with sites arranged on both sides of the road. The riverside section periodically closes for habitat restoration work, directing campers to the highway-side loop where dusty gravel roads wind between sites equipped with fire rings and picnic tables. Hand-pump water stations and vault toilets serve the campground.

Sites vary considerably in their river access and privacy levels. Annie C. notes that "the best sites are riverside, especially numbers 7, 13, 14, and 15 as they are closest to the river and have short trails to the water." The campground accommodates RVs up to about 26 feet, though larger rigs may struggle with site length variations. Road noise from Highway 75 carries through the campground during daylight hours but diminishes after dark.

Salmon River fishing draws many visitors to these banks, with clear water revealing trout throughout the season. Multiple paths lead from campsites down to the water's edge for angling or accessing swimming holes that warm up by late summer. The campground also provides convenient access to nearby Boat Box Hot Springs for those willing to make the short trek.

Camp hosts collect the $18 nightly fee ($10 with senior passes) and sell firewood when fire restrictions allow. No cell service reaches the area across major carriers, and bears frequent the region, requiring proper food storage since no bear boxes are provided. The season runs from May through Labor Day, with Jennifer S. praising the "clean bathrooms" maintained throughout busy periods.

For different camping experiences, Casino Creek Campground offers a quieter setting less than a mile upstream.

Reservation Info

Pets must be on a leash.

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Map & DirectionsSalmon River Campground is located in Idaho near Stanley

Detail location of campground
Public Campground

Coordinates

44.2486 N
114.8691 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.
  • Boat-In
    Sites accessible by watercraft.

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • RV Sites
  • Standard (Tent/RV)
  • Group
  • Tent Cabin

Features

For Campers

  • Trash
  • Firewood Available
  • Drinking Water
  • Toilets
  • Alcohol

For Vehicles

  • Big Rig Friendly

Contact

General Info

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Reviews12 Camper Reviews - Salmon River Campground

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4.5

out of 5

12 Reviews

Many visitors highlighted the level riverside sites and clean facilities, with friendly hosts enhancing the experience. Some noted highway noise during the day, but most found good value at $18-20 per night for the prime salmon river location.

Reviewed Jun. 8, 2023

beautiful!

expected this to be free but it is not any longer. $20 per night or $10 with your senior pass. well worth it. we were camped right by the river in site 14. cleanest vault toilets ever. asphalt roads and sites in good condition. picnic table and fire ring. would come back here for sure

Site14
Month of VisitJune
Reviewed Jul. 21, 2022

Spectacular salmon river views

Perfectly level paved sites, incredible views you are directly on the salmon river. Very spacious lots of space between sites.

Site2
Month of VisitJuly
Reviewed Jun. 18, 2022

River and Road

 Right off of Hwy 75 you’ll find this first come first serve campground that has camping on either side of the road. The river side is currently closed for revegetation, erosion control, and habitat restoration. The other side is open. The river side is nice with campsites close to the river while the other side is just a street crossing away. Both are very similar otherwise. 

Dusty gravel roads will loop you through the campground. The sites themselves are dirt and gravel with mostly level parking areas and each site varies in length. We would fit in many of them in our 26' Class C but larger rigs may have a problem. Each site has fire pit and picnic table. There are pit toilets and hand pump water available as well. There is a dumpster for trash but no recycling. There are no bear boxes so store food appropriately as bears are common in this area. 

Road noise is an issue during the day as the campgrounds sit very close to the highway, but it dies down at night. Only 2 other campers there when we went.

$18/night 

Fire restrictions in effect at this time so NO FIRES 

No cell reception ATT, Verizon or TMobile

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  • Review photo of Salmon River Campground by Laura M., June 18, 2022
  • Review photo of Salmon River Campground by Laura M., June 18, 2022
  • (14) View All
Reviewed Jul. 31, 2021

On the river and close to hot springs

Just a short ways out of Lower Stanley is the Salmon River campground. There are sites on both sides of the road, but the best sites are riverside, especially numbers 7,13, 14, and 15 as they are closest to the river and have short trails to the water. Otherwise, the sites are pretty much the same with level areas for tents, some shade trees (might. Ot be mature enough for hammocks), and the campground is clean even after a holiday weekend. The super friendly hosts will come by to take your payment, exact cash is much appreciated. One of the draws of this campground is the fishing. The other is that you are fairly close to Boat Box Hot Springs.

Month of VisitJuly
  • Review photo of Salmon River Campground by Annie C., July 31, 2021
  • Review photo of Salmon River Campground by Annie C., July 31, 2021
  • Review photo of Salmon River Campground by Annie C., July 31, 2021
  • (10) View All
Reviewed Jul. 15, 2019

Quiet and Beautiful

**Plenty of paths down to Salmon river level to fish or nap. **

Limited unlocked bathrooms toilet paper in early spring.

**Goose poop and ants everywhere around camp sites. **

Reviewed Aug. 16, 2018

Just north of Stanley

Located on the banks of the salmon river beautiful spot just outside of town. Several sites located right on the river. Water available in the campground, firewood from the camp hosts, and clean bathrooms.

Reviewed Aug. 30, 2016

Beautiful river to spend time on

The salmon river is absolutely gorgeous. It has some nice swimming holes or eddies along the river, and the water is perfect for swimming in late summer, though a little chilly in the early summer months. The white sand you can find along the river is soft and beautiful.

  • Review photo of Salmon River Campground by Katie F., August 30, 2016
Reviewed Jul. 18, 2016

Amazing Fishing

I am not the best fisherman but the water up there is so clear with a ton of fish! I was able to catch several trout and eat them! It can get a little crowded on the river but its a ton of fun!

  • Review photo of Salmon River Campground by Nick P., July 18, 2016
  • Review photo of Salmon River Campground by Nick P., July 18, 2016
Reviewed Jun. 23, 2016

Salmon River area

Very steep terrain, only experienced individuals should do the back country. Getting to the river could be steep, but it is very good fishing!

  • Review photo of Salmon River Campground by Jill R., June 23, 2016
  • Review photo of Salmon River Campground by Jill R., June 23, 2016
Showing results 1-12 of 12 reviews

Frequently Asked Questions

What amenities and facilities are available at Salmon River Campground?

Salmon River Campground offers several basic amenities for a comfortable outdoor experience. The campground features clean vault toilets, fire pits at each site, and picnic tables. Water is available within the campground, and firewood can be purchased from camp hosts. The sites are on asphalt roads with paved camping spots, many of which are level. While the campground is primitive in nature, it provides the essential facilities needed for an enjoyable camping trip along the beautiful Salmon River.

How does Salmon River Campground compare to other campgrounds near Stanley, Idaho?

Salmon River Campground stands out among Stanley area campgrounds for its prime riverside location with several sites directly on the Salmon River. It's a first-come, first-served facility with particularly desirable sites numbered 7, 13, 14, and 15 offering the best river access. The campground costs $20 per night ($10 with a senior pass) and features well-maintained facilities including clean vault toilets and level paved sites. Unlike some other campgrounds in the area, it has limited shade trees and isn't ideal for large RVs. The location provides good access to local activities like hiking, biking, fishing, and nearby hot springs, making it a good base for exploring the Stanley region.

Are there photos available of Salmon River Campground?

While this response doesn't contain actual photos, Salmon River Campground offers picturesque settings worth capturing. The campground features beautiful riverside sites with the Salmon River flowing past, white sandy beaches along the water's edge, and mountain views in the surrounding landscape. Particularly photogenic are sites 7, 13, 14, and 15, which are closest to the river with short trails leading to the water. The campground's layout spans both sides of the road with the riverside section being especially scenic.

Where is Salmon River Campground located in Idaho?

Salmon River Campground is located just outside of Stanley, Idaho. It's situated a short distance from Lower Stanley along Highway 75. The campground is positioned directly on the banks of the Salmon River, offering beautiful riverside camping opportunities. Its convenient location provides easy access to nearby attractions while maintaining a natural setting along one of Idaho's most scenic waterways.

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