Fishing the Salmon River draws many visitors to Shoup Bridge Campground, where the BLM maintains a small cluster of sites along the riverbank, each with a picnic table and metal fire ring. A boat launch on-site sees steady traffic through the day, which means this is an active spot rather than a remote one. Sites sit within roughly 20 feet of the highway, and campers should expect vehicle noise, particularly in the early morning hours. Site 5 is frequently noted as the most desirable for its direct river frontage.
Cottonwood trees shade the flat ground between sites, and running water is available on-site alongside a vault toilet and trash service. Cell coverage is reliable here, which some campers appreciate and others see as a sign they haven't gone deep enough into the Salmon-Cobalt corridor. Those looking for a more remote experience can find it roughly 20 minutes up the forest road, where Shoup Bridge and other dispersed options feel considerably more removed from highway activity. Mountains Hideaway Campground is another alternative a few miles north.
At $5 per night for most stays, the value is hard to argue with. "Clean, cheap, safe, right on the river," notes Michael. Anglers, scouts staging backpacking trips, and travelers needing a one-night base near camping near Salmon will find this a functional and affordable stop worth considering.
Description
Overview
Shoup Bridge Campground is an easily accessible, paved RV-friendly campground that offers numerous riverfront sites. The mature cottonwood trees provide all sites ample shade for those hot summer days and the sound of the Salmon River running by will entice you to stay longer than you planned. The site is named after George Shoup, the first Governor of Idaho, who later became a U.S. Senator. The campgrounds boat ramp is a popular launch site for rafters and anglers.
Recreation
Shoup Bridge Campground offers many recreation opportunities including river access for rating, fishing, tubing, and swimming. The campground sits at the end of a 5-mile paved non-motorized path that leads into the town of Salmon. The surrounding area offers a multitude of recreation opportunities including motorized and non-motorized trails, hunting, fishing, and wildlife viewing.
Facilities
Shoup Bridge Campground offers 8 campsites for both RV and tent camping. Potable water, vault toilets, picnic tables, fire rings, and ample shade are available at all sites. Campground offers scenic riverfront benches and a bicycle repair station. Campground host onsite from Memorial Day through Labor Day.
Natural Features
The Salmon River runs adjacent to the campground and the mature cottonwood trees provide plenty of shade and wildlife habitat.
Contact Info
This location is unstaffed. To speak with our main office for general information, please call: (208) 756-5400.
Nearby Attractions
Highway 93 Pathway Williams Lake Campground Salmon River
Charges & Cancellations
No changes/cancellations/refunds are allowed as all fees are paid either on-site or through the Recreation.gov Scan & Pay App.
Fee Info
Campsite nightly rates are $5/site and $2 per additional vehicle. Limit of one additional vehicle per campsite. Fees may be paid on-site using fee envelopes or with the Recreation.gov Scan & Pay App.
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsShoup Bridge Campground is located in Idaho near Salmon
Directions
Take Highway 93 South for 5 miles from Salmon, ID. The campground will be on the right between the highway and the Salmon River.
Address
1206 S Challis St
Salmon, ID 83467
Coordinates
45.098 N
113.893295 W
Connectivity
T-MobileNo CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 7/24/26
VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 7/24/26
AT&T5GGood CoverageVerified by 4 usersLast on 7/24/26
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 7/24/26
- VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 7/24/26
- AT&T5GGood CoverageVerified by 4 usersLast on 7/24/26
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
Features
For Campers
- Trash
- Phone Service
- Toilets
Drive Time
- 2 hrs 22 min from Idaho Falls, ID
- 2 hrs 38 min from Missoula, MT
- 3 hrs 22 min from Helena, MT
- 3 hrs 35 min from Bozeman, MT
