Tent camping opportunities near Challis, Idaho range from 4,000 to 9,000 feet in elevation across the Salmon-Challis National Forest. Summer temperatures typically reach 85-90°F during July and August, dropping to 40-50°F at night. Many primitive sites remain accessible from late May through mid-October, with higher elevations closing earlier due to snowfall.
What to do
Fishing access points: Several campsites provide direct access to prime fishing waters. At Waddington Creek Primitive Campsite, campers can fish directly from their sites. According to visitor Noah M., this is an "Amazing drive-in BLM campsite right on the Salmon River" where you can enjoy "great stargazing" after a day of fishing.
Wildlife viewing: The terrain around Challis supports diverse wildlife including elk, deer, and various bird species. Nip and Tuck Rd campers report regular sightings of local wildlife. Camper Maddie P. notes "the only animals I saw were some antelope, ground squirrels, and cows. Pretty wildflowers all around too."
Night sky observation: Minimal light pollution makes the area ideal for astronomy. Kristy A. describes Camp Creek BLM sites as having a "perfect view of the big dipper between the canyon view made for a beautiful night of star gazing by the fire ring." Camper Kevin C. adds that Nip and Tuck offers "clear views all around with unparalleled astronomy night viewing."
Historic site exploration: Visit remnants of mining history near certain camping areas. One camper at Waddington Creek mentions "go a couple hundred yards north and cross the river on the one lane bridge to come back down river to check out Duggout Dick's hermit house and orchard... you can see the interpretive signs about Duggout Duck and his interesting life."
What campers like
Mountain views: Campsites with elevation provide panoramic vistas. Travis H. considers Camp Creek BLM Camping "one of our favorite all time sites" with a "gorgeous view of the Sawtooths as you overlook the town Stanley." Another camper adds that "each spot is super private" with riverside settings.
River proximity: Many campers specifically seek sites with water access. Andrea C. found Camp Creek ideal for their "23 foot camper van. Plenty of room for our rig. Great views!" Liv M. appreciated Waddington Creek's "huge site" where it's "super nice being next to a river, road wasn't a problem with loud traffic. Good hammock trees."
Site separation: The dispersed nature of camping provides privacy between sites. As one camper at Nip and Tuck Road noted, "spots are pretty far apart and the only people I could see from my campsite were all the way across the valley." Another camper at Challis National Forest Little Bayhorse Campground describes it as a "great spot in the woods" that's "super hidden and worth the drive up."
Cell service variability: Service is inconsistent but available at select locations. Ray & Terri F. report from Nip and Tuck Road: "AT&T service was fair with 2-3 bars of LTE and speeds up to about 1.5 MB/s. T-Mobile service was good with 3 bars of 4G/LTE and speeds up to about 1.3 MB/s."
What you should know
Road conditions: Access routes vary significantly in quality. At Nip and Tuck Rd, Ray & Terri F. warn: "do not come in from the East on NF-633/Nip and Tuck Road off of Hwy 75 as just a short distance in, there is deep and narrow wash across the road that will likely ruin the underside of your RV unless you have a very high clearance vehicle."
Limited amenities: Most sites require complete self-sufficiency. Eric D. bluntly states Camp Creek BLM is "just a pull off. Not much for flat spots or anything else. You will need to have everything you need with you."
Campsite availability: Arrive early during peak season (July-August). Maddie P. recounts: "Got to Stanley area around 6pm on a Friday. Drove to Stanley Lake and Iron Creek but everything was full. Decided to drive down Rd 653 then to Rd 633 to see if there was anything open and found a good spot about 2 miles in from hwy 21."
Decommissioned campgrounds: Several previously established sites no longer exist. Eightmile Campground was "demolished by bulldozers" according to Amanda G., who noted "this is sad we have camped here for 25+ years."
Tips for camping with families
River safety precautions: Always supervise children near the Salmon River. At Camp Creek BLM Camping, Mandi W. notes sites are "right on the river and we could easily go down and swim from our site" but cautions about swift currents during spring runoff.
Terrain considerations: Many sites have uneven ground requiring careful tent placement. One camper at Waddington Creek found accessing the site required navigating a "very steep grand off highway to one site. Not recommended if you are pulling any type of camper."
Insect preparation: Mosquitoes can be prevalent, particularly in early summer. Ray & Terri F. report that at Nip and Tuck Road, "there were a few flies around during the daytime, but not the biting kind, just annoying. Mosquitos were an issue only in the evenings."
Tips from RVers
Site leveling challenges: Many dispersed areas lack level parking. At Waddington Creek Primitive Campsite, frank W. advises it's a "nice off grid site" but warns about the "very steep grand off highway to one site. Not recommended if you are pulling any type of camper."
Sizing restrictions: Smaller RVs and vans fare better at most sites. Kristy A. found sites at Camp Creek with "relatively even for van parking" while Andrea C. confirms "we travel in a 23 foot camper van. Plenty of room for our rig."
Limited turning radius: Some roads provide few opportunities to turn larger vehicles. Ray & Terri F. managed with a "36 ft Class A with a Cherokee Trailhawk tow" but recommend scouting the area before arriving with larger RVs.
