Best Campgrounds near Clayton, ID
The Salmon River corridor near Clayton, Idaho provides a mix of developed campgrounds and dispersed camping areas within the Sawtooth National Forest and BLM lands. Established options include The Sawmill Station with cabin accommodations and RV hookups, while Holman Creek Campground and Whiskey Flats Campground offer more rustic tent and RV sites without hookups. Several dispersed camping areas can be found along the Salmon River and its tributaries, with Deadman Hole Recreation Site offering free camping with vault toilets and picnic tables for tent campers, RVs, and even cabin options.
Road conditions vary significantly throughout the region, with many campgrounds accessible via paved highways while dispersed sites often require high-clearance vehicles on rougher forest roads. Most campgrounds in the area operate seasonally, typically from late spring through early fall, though some like Bayhorse Recreation Site remain open year-round. Summer temperatures are generally pleasant, but nights can be quite cool even in July and August due to the higher elevation. Cell service is limited or nonexistent at most camping locations, requiring advance planning. A camper noted, "The road can be a bit sketchy in spots but all in all not completely difficult. I did it with my Tacoma pulling a tiny camper but when I arrived at the lake, there were much larger vehicles than mine already there."
Proximity to water represents a significant draw for many campers in the Clayton area, with several campgrounds situated along the Salmon River or near mountain lakes. Vault toilets are common at most established sites, though hookups and shower facilities are limited to a few developed campgrounds like The Sawmill Station. The surrounding mountains provide excellent hiking opportunities and scenic views, with wildlife sightings frequently mentioned in reviews. Several visitors highlighted the region's natural hot springs as a unique feature worth exploring. A review mentioned, "This area is open range, and there are cattle roaming the grassland next to the lake. Watch your step on the paths around the site." Winter camping is possible at some locations but requires proper preparation for potentially harsh conditions and limited access.
