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Camping options in the Gibbonsville, Idaho area include both established campgrounds and more remote sites set along rivers and mountain terrain. Twin Creek Campground offers spacious, shaded sites for tents and RVs with clean vault toilets and water spigots. Several miles south, Wagonhammer RV Park & Campground provides full hookup sites directly on the Salmon River with shower facilities and a small store. The surrounding Salmon-Challis National Forest and nearby BLM lands provide a mix of developed campgrounds and more primitive options within 20-30 miles of Gibbonsville.
Seasonal considerations significantly affect camping access in this region, with many campgrounds operating from May through September or early November. Winter snow typically closes higher elevation roads, while spring runoff can create challenging creek crossings. Summer brings optimal conditions but increased visitor traffic, especially on weekends. Cell service is limited throughout the area, with virtually no coverage at most campgrounds—Verizon provides occasional connectivity at some locations, while AT&T coverage is nearly nonexistent. "No cell service for Verizon. Nearest town with groceries etc. is in Salmon so stock up before you go," noted one visitor to Wagonhammer RV Park.
Riverside camping locations receive consistently high ratings from visitors who appreciate the peaceful settings and natural surroundings. The campsites at Twin Creek are described as "big and shaded for the most part" with "great tasting water" and "very nicely spaced with lots of privacy between them." Several campgrounds in the area feature access to fishing, hiking, and off-road vehicle trails. Huckleberry picking is possible at some locations in late summer, adding a unique seasonal activity. Visitors commonly mention the clean facilities, helpful hosts, and quiet atmosphere as standout features. For those seeking complete solitude, the more remote forest service campgrounds provide the best experience, though they offer fewer amenities than the privately operated RV parks closer to main roads.
"Tis campground was a favorite on our Idaho trip. Lots of spots available on a week night. Great campground host. Bathrooms were really clean and great tasting water."
"Sites aren’t too close to each other so there is some privacy, and there are lots of trees for shade and hammocks."
from $10 / night
Check Availability"Just far enough off the highway that you barely hear some of the traffic. $15 per night, half with a pass. 2 clean pit toilets and I saw 2 water spigot."
"I enjoyed staying here, the hot springs/campground nearby were closed (and for sale) so this was a pleasant suprise and respite. The spaces are far enough apart that you feel like you have privacy."
from $15 / night
Check Availability"Great location & super clean! Our campsite was right next to the river. Dog friendly and there is a dog island that your fur kid can run around off leash!"
"Wonderful location with very little wifi services. If you want to relax in a very nice, park setting, surrounded by mountains, this would be your place. Big spaces in the middle area."
from $25 - $45 / night
Check Availability"We went on a drive to get some just to find out they were all around our campsite. There are a lot of trails for those who like to ride their off-road vehicles."
from $30 / night
Check Availability"It is a very off the beaten path, tucked away in the woods, true getaway from the busy city life."
"Nice are to get away from it all. Road is best traveled with AWD-4WD. Campgrounds are nice and level for tents."
"Only downside is it’s rather close to the highway and you can hear cars driving by pretty regularly."
"7 spots off the beaten path, small creek lehmi. On the Lewis and Ckark trail. Bathroom is ADA."
"We stayed in site #2 pretty close to the lodge which I think helped with the WiFi signal. The sites are large and easily fit our 28’ trailer and truck. Definitely could fit any size class A rig."
"I loved the isolation of the location. Up at 7200ft you get a little winded hiking around, but the incredible scenery is worth it."
from $45 / night
Check Availability"It’s not that far from the highway which is nice if your looking to explore the area. It’s peaceful and quiet, and not busy."
RangerDon't know if it's the long gravel road in, but I was amazed how few people were enjoying this gem on a weekend. Beach access is tough without decent ground clearance, but doable if you pick your line.
GuideThis dispersed site was a large turn out on the road, enough room for two camps, on a large bend in the West Fork of the Bitterroot River, caught several cutthroat and rainbows 10-12”, site was great, free, shady and right next to woods and river. A couple nice stone fire pits had been formed, lots of room.
GuideSite “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.
GuideSite #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)
TravelerLocated 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.
ScoutPlease note, we have never stayed here, but the following experience should give anyone pause about ever making reservations, and then trying to cancel later. And, if the owner('Stu') is as corrupt and non-customer focused as he was in this simple matter, then God help anyone staying there who has a REAL problem! Our experience validates some bad reviews about this‘Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde’ owner! Here's our story: We made reservations online via RoverPass on 1 May, 2026 staying for three days in September, 2026, 4-1/2 MONTHS away, paying the full amount for all three days. Our plans changed and a month later, we canceled our reservations online via RoverPass. I then phoned Elk Bend RV Park.‘Stu’ answered. I told him that I had just canceled the reservations and he said“fine”, and hung up. I waited A WEEK and the credit had still not hit my credit card account. I phoned Elk Bend RV Park on 8 June 2026.‘Stu’ answered. I told him that“it’s been a full week now, and no refund credit has hit my credit card account”. He said“I’ll take care of it”. I said“Thanks”. End of conversation. A day or two later, I phoned Elk Bend RV Park and the call went over to voicemail after two or three rings. I figured I'd give the guy a couple more days, and called again on 11 June 2026. The call immediately went over to voicemail, no dial tone, nothing! Apparently, he had BLOCKED my number! At that point, I went online to my credit card account and logged a dispute. I attached at least 4 or 5 emails with the RoverPass reservations and cancellation to the dispute. After over a month, the credit was finally applied to my account. After over a month and multiple attempts, the credit card company noted that they had been unable to contact the owner! So, be forewarned, this‘Stu' character is a crook, and based on some of his reviews, a real kook, and he will keep your money unless DRASTIC action is taken! Had we paid for our reservations via check or debit card, we would have been, frankly, SCREWED! It is important to note that during this entire ordeal, we NEVER received a single phone call, email, or text message from'Stu' or anyone at ELK BEND RV Park concerning this matter! STAY AWAY! RUN, if need be! DO NOT STAY HERE! If you need a GREAT place nearby, we HIGHLY recommend Wagonhammer RV Park, in North Fork, about 42 miles North. We have stayed there three or four times over the years, and it's very nice!
GuideLovely peaceful camp. Water out of the pump is very rusty so filtration a must. People need to go over the rules. No holding sites it is illegal. Please pay and show your tickets. Don't park in a campsite to visit other campers use day use. Do not leave smoldering campfires ever. That is considered unattended. Put it out so others dont have to breath it in all night. No gens after 10pm. Why doesnt everyone get better batteries and solar. It is easy and economical. Did i say pay? Why folks think they dont have to pay cause no one is watching. What other rules get broken by such folks when no one is checking. Have some honor in an honor system and especially when this regime has no honor.
ScoutWe recently camped at Rombo campground, with friends, and had a wonderful time. The campground is quite small, perhaps 15 individual spots, which worked well for us, as I particularly like the more private and quieter locations. There was potable water spigots and bear proof garbage containers. The fire rings looked fairly new, with higher, larger rings and sturdy grates.
The camp host is very friendly and helpful. He cleans the pit toilets on a regular basis and does a great job. He travels through the campground regularly, with his little dog Jellybean, making sure that everyone is taking care of their campsites (no unattended fires, trash issues, parking issues, etc.)
Most sites had an easy access to the river and there were a few trails nearby to hike on. We heard heron calls in the evening, as well as seeing many smaller critters. The camp host warned us that bears had been visiting the campgrounds near the Painted Rock Reservoir, about 10 miles away, and could show up at our campground as well, so we were sure to pack all food items away.
The spaces for campers were not very large so I would say this is best suited for smaller campers or travel vans. We had a tear drop trailer, which was perfect for the site that we found. There are only a few sites that can be reserved online, the rest are on a first come basis. Our only complaint about our three days there, is that there was a crew across the river that was clearing deadfall and working with chainsaws. They started at about 5:45 each morning but had to quit at 2:00 pm. That put a damper on trying to sleep in and the noise was a bit irritating as it sounded like a dirt bike racetrack around the forest.
TravelerJust three RV sites which made it feel private. The bathrooms with showers were very nice. Electric and water hookups right by the river was a great find!
Camping options near Gibbonsville, Idaho range from established Forest Service sites to riverside RV parks along the Salmon River corridor. The area sits at elevations between 4,000-5,000 feet in the Salmon-Challis National Forest, with the Continental Divide creating a natural border between Idaho and Montana. Summer temperatures typically reach 75-85°F during the day and drop to 40-50°F at night, making layered clothing essential for campers.
Huckleberry picking: Twin Creek Campground offers prime berry picking opportunities in late summer. "Huckleberries were ripe, added treat," notes one visitor who enjoyed the "beautiful forest" surrounding the campground.
Kayaking and river activities: The Salmon River provides excellent paddling opportunities for non-motorized watercraft. At River's Fork Lodge & RV Park, "they also offer kayak rentals. Unfortunately I didn't realize how warm, calm, and popular the river was. Next time we come back we will definitely float the river."
Off-road vehicle trails: For those with ATVs or dirt bikes, several campgrounds provide access to trail systems. "There are a lot of trails for those who like to ride their off-road vehicles," reports a camper at Twin Creek, highlighting the extensive trail network throughout the surrounding forest.
Privacy between sites: Many campers appreciate the spacing at Twin Lakes where you'll find "large, flat sites - many of which are right on the water. Plenty of space between sites." This mountain lake setting offers an escape from more crowded campgrounds.
Historical connections: Some campgrounds in the area have significant historical value. At Agency Creek Campground Lehmi Pass, one visitor noted it's situated "on the Lewis and Clark trail" with "7 spots off the beaten path" and an ADA-accessible bathroom.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: The higher elevation campgrounds offer excellent wildlife spotting. At Hogan Cabin, visitors reported seeing "several deer and elk feeding in the field near the cabin, as well as a moose in the marsh along the creek."
Cell service limitations: Be prepared for minimal connectivity. At Indian Trees Campground, visitors report "No AT&T cell service but friends with Verizon had intermittent signal."
Remote access challenges: Many of the best places to camp near Gibbonsville require travel on unpaved roads. Twin Lakes Campground is "about a 15 mile commute on a gravel road" which means "if your plan is to stay at the campsite for the duration of your visit I would recommend it. But if you are going to explore the area you have to make the 30 mile round trip."
Seasonal temperature fluctuations: Even summer nights can be cold at higher elevations. At Twin Lakes, one camper warns, "in July it gets to be around 30° F at night so bring lots of extra blankets."
Look for campgrounds with creek access: Small water features provide entertainment for children. Annie C. describes Twin Creek Campground as having "the added bonus of the creek tinkling away below the campground," creating a peaceful background soundtrack.
Plan activities beyond fishing: Some parents note limited options for younger children. At Wagonhammer RV Park & Campground, one family traveling with "three kids under 5" appreciated the "beautiful and clean" setting but recommended planning additional activities since there's only so much fishing kids can do.
Find swimming spots: Not all riverside campgrounds have good swimming areas. One camper at Wagonhammer noted "one down side was the lack of nice swimming area in the campground," suggesting families should research swimming options before arrival.
Water and power availability: Full-hookup sites are limited in the region. At Bobcat Gulch, there are "no numbered sites, just designated fire rings" and no hookups available, though most sites "back up to the river which is pretty nice."
Site levelness varies: Many forest service campgrounds have uneven terrain. At Indian Trees Campground, "most sites are a bit hilly and you either have to walk uphill or downhill to your table and fire pit," requiring careful selection for RVs.
Stock up on supplies: Limited services mean preparation is essential. "No cell service for Verizon. Nearest town with groceries etc. is in Salmon so stock up before you go," advises one RVer about the North Fork area campgrounds.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I find camping in Gibbonsville, Idaho?
Gibbonsville offers several excellent camping options in the surrounding area. Twin Creek Campground is a popular choice with nicely spaced sites offering privacy, clean bathrooms, and great-tasting water. Another option is Camp Creek BLM Camping, which provides riverside sites with mountain views, trees for hammocking, and relatively level spots for vehicle parking. For those seeking RV accommodations, options include Elk Bend RV Park near Salmon and Agency Creek Campground near Lehmi Pass. The region also offers Forest Service campgrounds like Sam Billings Memorial Campground, which features 12 well-maintained sites with tables and fire rings, including larger spots that can accommodate RVs.
When is the best time to visit Gibbonsville for camping?
The prime camping season in Gibbonsville runs from late spring through early fall, with July and August offering the most reliable weather. August is particularly popular for those interested in huckleberry picking, especially around the Twin Creek Campground Group Camping Site area. For a unique experience, consider visiting Twin Lakes during summer months when you can enjoy this off-the-beaten-path destination accessed via a scenic 18-mile gravel road from Wisdom, MT. Be prepared for mosquitoes at certain campgrounds like Mussigbrod, particularly in early summer. Spring and fall offer fewer crowds but cooler temperatures, while winter camping is generally limited due to access restrictions and facility closures.
What are the best hiking trails near Gibbonsville, ID?
The Gibbonsville area offers exceptional hiking opportunities throughout the surrounding mountains. Near Lake Como Campground, you'll find the stunning 9-mile loop trail around the lake with constant mountain and clear water views—well worth every step for its phenomenal scenery. For a different experience, Martin Creek area provides excellent hiking trails in a tucked-away, well-maintained setting with river access. The nearby Crystal Park area also offers beautiful trails, with Fourth of July Campground serving as a good base camp. During huckleberry season (typically August), the Twin Creek area becomes popular with hikers who combine trail exploration with berry picking in the surrounding hills.
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