K
Karin G.
Guide
GuideElk Bend RV Park
Just what we needed
Nice welcome and information about the area. Sights are a bit close but not many people are here so it’s not noticeable. Great views and amenities are fine.
Tent Camping near Carmen, ID
44 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
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Tent campsites around Carmen, Idaho offer backcountry and primitive camping options in the Salmon River region. Bobcat Gulch provides drive-in access with designated fire rings for tent campers, while Camp Creek BLM camping features free, primitive tent sites along the Salmon River. Wallace Lake Campground offers tent-only sites, typically open from Memorial Day through September with basic amenities including toilets and drinking water.
Most primitive tent campgrounds in the Carmen area lack developed facilities. Camp Creek and Waddington Creek provide riverside tent sites with no services beyond fire rings. A recent review noted, "No services here, not even a pit toilet." Tent campers should bring all necessary supplies including drinking water, as potable water is unavailable at most locations. The majority of tent sites feature uneven, natural surfaces requiring careful tent placement. Many sites remain accessible from late spring through early fall, though some higher elevation areas may have shorter seasons due to snow conditions.
The tent camping experience near Carmen offers exceptional river access and mountain views. Tent sites at Camp Creek BLM camping provide direct access to the Salmon River. According to one visitor, "Each spot is super private, there aren't many spots. Ours was right on the river and we could easily go down and swim from our site." Primitive tent campsites generally offer more privacy than developed campgrounds, though proximity to Highway 93 means some road noise may be audible. Walk-in tent sites at Waddington Creek Primitive Campsite require navigating steep terrain but reward campers with greater seclusion. Star-gazing opportunities are excellent from most backcountry tent locations, with minimal light pollution enhancing night sky visibility.
Best Tent Campgrounds near Carmen (44)
1. Bobcat Gulch
"No water/power completely dry. Bathroom but primitive. No trash."
"There are no numbered sites, just designated fire rings to indicate the different sites I suppose. One large accesible pit toilet is available. Most sites back up to the river which is pretty nice."
2. Wallace Lake Campground
"We piddled around in a raft around the lake and did some fishing. Saw quite a bit of wildlife. We had a great camping spot right by the water. Touring the mining towns near by was so much fun!"
3. Camp Creek BLM Camping
"Spaced apart about 3 sites alongside the river access. Trees for hammocking and shade. Relatively even for van parking. Not buggy at all."
"Amazing drive-in BLM campsite right on the Salmon River. Primitive site; no water/bathroom. Great stargazing."
4. Waddington Creek Primitive Campsite
"Yellows and oranges surround the banks, the river. I have the whole campground to myself—all two sites. But, of course, I only occupy one."
"Super nice being next to a river, road wasn’t a problem with loud traffic. Good hammock trees"
5. Century II Campgrounds
6. Deadwater Campground
7. Cougar Point
8. Salmon National Forest Deep Creek Campground
9. Beaverhead National Forest South Van Houten Campground
10. Halfway Gulch Cua
Drive Time
- 2 hrs 23 min from Idaho Falls, ID
- 2 hrs 25 min from Missoula, MT
- 3 hrs 9 min from Helena, MT
- 3 hrs 22 min from Bozeman, MT
Recent Tent Camping Photos near Carmen, ID
6 Photos of 44 Carmen Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers
Tent Camping Reviews near Carmen, ID
178 Reviews of 44 Carmen Campgrounds
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Sue R.GuideAmerican Legion Park
Minimal but acceptable
No luxuries but if you need a place to pull off the road with restrooms, it works great. Tents can stay under shelter. Run by veterans and members of the American Legion, we appreciated it.
- CCorinne W.Guide
Watts Bridge Campground
Great spot on the Salmon
We camped here for 2 nights and it was great! We got a spot with a path to the river, and some trees to provide us with some shade. We had a picnic table and fire ring. The bathroom was decent. A beautiful view of the mountains all around. There’s a ranch next to this spot so you hear the cows mooing! We did hear some traffic but it wasn’t bad at all. Great views of the night sky! We were able to see so many stars, it was incredible! It really gets hot here during the day, and chilly at night. And it was free!!!
Brian E.GuideShoup Bridge Campground — Salmon Field Office (Blm)
5 miles South of Salmon Idaho. Right on the Salmon River
Only 6 spaces. $15 per night with self pay envelope. Flat paved spots. Several will easily fit a big rig rv. Pit Toilets and a water spigot. Close to highway so, road noise is present during the day. Lots of shade trees and grass.
- RRoddrickGuide
Price Creek Campground (Mt) — Beaverhead Deerlodge National Forest
Beautiful place
This is a forest. service campground, but it’s all paved every site spaced apart, fantastic campground. Wayne and Betty are fantastic host even let me borrow a shovel and sift to go dig for quartz.
David R.GuideSpring Gulch
Tent spot?
Site “10”, tents only but enough room for our truck camper rig. Beautiful access to East Fork of the Bitter Root. Oneish hour south of Missoula. Most sites require reservations. Fished here, caught a bunch of little bitty Bull Trout. Host let us help ourselves to firewood.
- David R.Guide
Grasshopper Campground and Picnic Area
Amazing spot
Site #8 is at the end, right next to beautiful creek, levelish site, private for a campground, wonderful for getting a peaceful night sleep with the creek. Tent pad separate from rig, picnic table and fire ring (bring firewood). Vault toilets were clean by vault toilet standards. You can hike to Elkhorn hot springs easily which are rustic but fun. Host was attentive and happy to talk for a bit. Mtn biking nearby at the little ski resort. The whole Pioneer Scenic byway was beautiful and the Crystal park is close by to go dig some crystals out of the mountain (bring bug spray and a shovel)
- DDavid D.
TravelerLittle Joe
Sweet Little (Joe) Spot
Located about 21 miles south of the town of Wise River, MT. Little Joe is a four site Forest Service operated campground for those wanting solitude. While not next to Wise River, there is a small creek a hundred yards to the north that provides natural white noise. The campground offers two single occupancy sites and two double occupancy sites. There are no pull through sites. One restroom and a hand-powered water pump services the campground. The campground is suitable for smaller RVs and camp trailers which helps keep this site largely empty during the week. It is only 7 miles or so from Crystal Park for those rock hounds. Cost is currently $15 per night befor any discounts from Federal passes (then $8/night). While there the restroom was clean and stocked. It's one of my favorite campgrounds on the Pioneer Mountain Scenic Byway (state highway 73) as it is positioned away from most other campgrounds other than dispersed sites. Lupine Picnic Area is approximately 5 miles to the south which offers spectacular views of the East Pioneers.
Katie D.GuideRoad Agent Campground — Bannack State Park
Quiet place to unplug
Small cg at MT St park, we have it to ourselves (at least right now). Tons of birds!!
Guide to Carmen
Tent camping near Carmen, Idaho offers a chance to immerse yourself in the stunning natural beauty of the region, with various options for outdoor enthusiasts seeking adventure and tranquility.
Tent campers should check out Camp Creek BLM Camping
- Enjoy a private camping experience right on the river at Camp Creek BLM Camping, where you can swim and relax in a serene environment.
- This site is perfect for those traveling in RVs or tents, with ample space and beautiful views of the surrounding mountains.
- Be prepared for a primitive experience, as there are no services available, making it essential to bring everything you need.
Explore local attractions near Waddington Creek Primitive Campsite
- Nestled next to a river, Waddington Creek Primitive Campsite offers a peaceful retreat with stunning fall colors and a chance to spot local wildlife.
- The site features good hammock trees and is accessible for smaller vehicles, making it a great choice for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle.
- With only two sites available, you can enjoy a more secluded camping experience while still being close to the road for easy access.
Tips for tent camping near Bobcat Gulch
- Bobcat Gulch provides a basic yet charming camping experience with several sites backing up to the river, perfect for fishing and relaxing by the water.
- The campground is free and quiet, making it an ideal stop for a peaceful night under the stars, though be mindful of the nearby highway noise.
- Facilities include a large accessible pit toilet, ensuring some level of comfort while enjoying the great outdoors.
Frequently Asked Questions
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campsite near Carmen, ID?
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Carmen, ID?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Carmen, ID is Bobcat Gulch with a 4.5-star rating from 4 reviews.
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tent camping near
Carmen, ID?
What is the best site to find tent camping near Carmen, ID?
TheDyrt.com has all 44 tent camping locations near Carmen, ID, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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