Dispersed camping options near Cobalt, Idaho include numerous primitive sites along the Salmon River where campers can enjoy water recreation and mountain views. Most campsites sit at elevations between 4,000-6,000 feet, with sites at Williams Lake reaching 7,000+ feet. Road conditions vary significantly depending on site location, with many requiring high-clearance vehicles during spring runoff periods.
What to do
River activities: Camp Creek BLM Camping offers direct river access for swimming and fishing. As one camper noted, "1 minute walk to the river from all sites. No faucet for potable water, bring your own or filter from the river." The Salmon River provides excellent opportunities for wading and cooling off during summer months.
Explore ghost towns: Visit the abandoned mines near Yellowjacket Guard Station, which serves as a gateway to the Frank Church Wilderness. One visitor described, "Driving up to Yellowjacket and through the abandoned mine sites feels like a step into the past. The 'ghost town' looks more like several abandoned mines, but is still so interesting to see."
Cliff jumping: Williams Lake offers adventurous visitors opportunities for cliff jumping. According to a camper, "We visited the lake that was maybe 5 minutes away from the sites and swam out to a little island to cliff jump!" This activity is weather-dependent and typically available from late June through early September.
Stargazing: The remote location makes this area ideal for night sky observation, particularly at sites away from highway lights. A Camp Creek visitor mentioned, "Perfect view of the big dipper between the canyon view made for a beautiful night of star gazing by the fire ring."
What campers like
Affordability: Many campsites in the area offer low-cost or free camping options. At Morgan Bar Campground, a camper appreciated that it was "super cheap ($5). Camp host is a cool guy too, that always helps." However, prices have increased at some sites—another camper noted, "It is not $5, it is $15 a night. Which is more - but 1/2 off for old farts like me."
Privacy between sites: Several campgrounds offer well-spaced sites. At Waddington Creek Primitive Campsite, a visitor noted, "It's a huge site and we were able to take my honda civic down. Super nice being next to a river, road wasn't a problem with loud traffic. Good hammock trees."
Wildlife viewing: The area supports diverse wildlife including deer, osprey, and small mammals. One camper at Yellowjacket Guard Station reported seeing "rattlesnakes and deer, and I wouldn't be surprised if Bigfoot was hanging out here somewhere."
Hammocking opportunities: Many sites provide trees suitable for hammocks. At Williams Lake Campground, campers mentioned the sites are "large and there are enough space for more than 2 or 3 tents easily" with good trees for hammocking at multiple sites.
What you should know
Road challenges: Many of the best places to camp near Cobalt, Idaho require careful navigation on gravel roads. A Williams Lake Campground visitor cautioned, "Just be aware to check your car breaks because the back travel is downhill the mountains," while another advised, "I would definitely recommend taking a reliable car because the road is a little difficult to the sites, but worth it."
Seasonal considerations: Most high-elevation sites close by early October. At Shoup Bridge Campground, campers found it "convenient but at a price" noting that "the toilets ran out of tp and many people could not get their questions answered" during peak season.
Limited amenities: Most primitive sites lack facilities. At Waddington Creek, a camper observed "No services here, not even a pit toilet," while Camp Creek visitors noted you'll "need to have everything you need with you."
Cell service variability: Connectivity fluctuates dramatically between sites. At Camp Creek, a camper reported "Very little Verizon service," while another noted there was "no cell signal (verizon)" at their campsite.
Tips for camping with families
Best swimming spots: Locations with gentle river access work well for families with children. At Century 2 Campground & RV Park, campers enjoy "Amazing views of the Salmon River" with relatively easy water access compared to steeper riverfront sites.
Wildlife education opportunities: The diverse ecosystems provide excellent wildlife observation chances. At Yellowjacket Guard Station, one visitor reported their experience as "truly a wild, unpredictable, beautiful place" where children can learn about wilderness environments.
Tick awareness: Families should conduct regular tick checks, especially during spring and early summer. A Yellowjacket visitor warned, "In mid-May, this place was seemed like ground-zero for ticks. Watch out and check often!"
Spacing for group camping: Sites vary significantly in size and capacity. At Williams Lake Campground, one camper observed, "The sites are large and there are enough space for more than 2 or 3 tents easily. The sites are well organized and clean."
Tips from RVers
RV accessibility concerns: Many primitive sites require careful assessment before attempting access. At Cactus River Ranch RV & Campground, an RVer noted, "Wouldn't choose service sites. Too close together and hard right angles," recommending the non-service site instead.
Leveling challenges: Finding level spots can be difficult at riverside locations. At Camp Creek BLM Camping, a camper with a 23-foot camper van reported, "There are three spots to camp here. One right in the river (difficult to find a level spot on the river). We had the first pull through spot and was perfect."
Full hookup options: For those requiring amenities, established RV parks near Salmon provide complete services. At Andreas on the River RV Park (formerly Century II), one visitor reported it was "worth it" despite the $45/night cost because of the "hookups and our own deck looking over the river watching osprey fish."
Dump station locations: Most primitive sites lack dump stations, requiring planning. Morgan Bar Campground has vault toilets and trash service but no dump facilities; RVers typically use facilities in Salmon when traveling between primitive sites.
