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Best Tent Camping near Leadore, ID

150 Reviews

Tent campsites near Leadore, Idaho range from established Forest Service grounds to primitive BLM sites along the Salmon River. Timber Creek Reservoir and Big Eightmile Campground offer tent-specific camping options within the Salmon National Forest, with sites available year-round. Smokey Cubs Recreation Site provides seasonal tent camping from May through October with basic amenities for those seeking a more established experience.

Most tent campgrounds feature minimal amenities, with vault toilets available at Timber Creek Reservoir and Smokey Cubs, but no running water at any location. Campers should bring all necessary water or equipment to filter from nearby streams. Sites typically have fire rings where permitted, though firewood is not provided. The terrain varies from flat, open areas to more secluded spots among trees. One camper noted that at Timber Creek, "There are vault toilets across the river, otherwise digging your own holes is your best alternative." Access roads to many sites are unpaved and may require high-clearance vehicles during wet conditions.

The tent camping experience in the Leadore area offers exceptional solitude and natural beauty. Areas along the Salmon River provide opportunities for fishing and swimming directly from campsites. Higher elevation sites like Big Eightmile serve as excellent basecamps for hiking, with multiple trails accessible from the campground. Based on reviews from The Dyrt, many tent campers appreciate the seclusion: "Trails are well maintained, beautiful hikes!" Winter camping is possible at several year-round sites, though snow may limit access. Summer brings warmer temperatures but also more visitors, particularly on weekends. Fall camping offers colorful foliage and fewer crowds, making it an ideal time for tent campers seeking tranquility in this remote corner of Idaho.

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Best Tent Sites Near Leadore, Idaho (25)

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Tent Camping Reviews near Leadore, ID

150 Reviews of 25 Leadore Campgrounds

  • Alan B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 23, 2019

    Mt. Borah Trailhead and Camping Area

    Wonderful Views @ a Semi-Primitive CG

    Wow!  Absolutely the best spot to set up camp if you're looking at doing an alpine attempt on the roof of Idaho, Mt. Borah!  The campground sits right around 7200'  which is a decent bit cooler than the Big Lost River Valley to the west.  There is also a good bit of shade despite there being few large trees.  Its kind of a transition between the sage brush and juniper climate zones.  There are picnic tables and metal fire rings @ each site but there is absolutely no running water so be sure to fill your water bottles and camelbaks in Mackey which is the closest town.  There are vault toilets but no other amenities.  The perk of being fairly primitive is that the sites are only $5 a night!

    If you're planning on summiting Borah it's a good idea to get an alpine start <6 AM so you don't get baked by the sun as there's no shade the last 2 miles and sparse shade the first 1.5.  It is a brutal hike if you're not prepared.  The trail ascends 5200' of elevation in just over 3.5 miles.  Your legs will probably burn, bring hiking poles for the descent!  If you don't feel like hiking there are plenty of rivers nearby in which to fish and great spots to check out the scarp of the 1980's Mt. Borah earthquake, which you drive across on the way to the campground/trailhead.

  • Tim R.
    Jun. 29, 2017

    East Creek Campground

    Great Spot in the Middle of Nowhere

    Just a few miles out of the small town Lima Montana, this campground sits nestled in the mountains with a beautiful view and very few visitors.

    There is a gravel road, which was well kept when we went. We made it fine in our sedan.

    The are supposedly 4 sites, but we only noticed 3. We aren't a Friday night up there and we the only ones at the campsite.

    There are 2 vault toilets. It looks like there was a pump for water, but it was either broken, or I just don't know how to use it. Be sure to bring water.

    The picnic tables are solid and nice. The camp fire rings also come with grills.

    Overall, even without running water, we were prepared and had a great, quite, and beautiful stay at East Creek.

  • Dexter I.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 16, 2021

    Shoup Bridge Campground — Salmon Field Office (Blm)

    Small campgound on Salmon river and highway

    Shoup Bridge  Campground is a small Campground surrounding cottonwood trees along the banks of the Salmon River. It is also right along the Highway.  We found this a pleasant campground to stay in, plenty of flat ground for our tents and only $5 a night.  A few sites are quite small, but still room for a tent. This was our Scouts jumping off point for a backpacking trip the next day.  While next to the highway we expected a lot of noise during the night, but that was not our experience, the only real road noise we had was in the early morning with worked out as it helped wake us up.  Each site has a picnic table and metal fire ring.  Water is available and the area has a vault toilet and trash cans.  Campground has a boat launch.

  • Fred S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 28, 2024

    BLM Skull Canyon Road Dispersed

    Dispersed Camping in a Canyon

    Coordinartes: 44.16547,-112.90392. Beautiful views. Large dirt and gravel site, right along side to Skull Canyon Road, about a mile from ID Hwy 28. Canyon walls on each side. Rough narrow rocky track to the site from the highway; recommend high clearance. High humps on this track. Small rock fire ring. Grass and sagebrush all around site. Some leveling may be required. Tent camping possible. Very peaceful; can hardly hear road noise from highway. The only vehicle that drove by was a national forest truck. No cell service. There are several boondocking sites, some with vault toilets nearby, along Hwy 28 in the Birch Creek Recreation Area.

  • Colleen H.
    Jul. 22, 2018

    West Cameahwait Campground

    Great views, shade structures, and V clean outhouse

    This campground is easily accessibale of the I-15 just outside of Dillon located on the Clark Canyon Resouvoir. It offers picnic tables, fire rings at each established site, trash cans, and very clean and not smell restrooms. There are also about five spots that have shade structures which we were grateful for in the July MT heat.

    You can a panoramic view of the lake, access to beach front, and tons of different kinds of birds to watch. These sites are well maintained and free for 14 days.

  • Alan B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 7, 2019

    Beaverhead Campground

    Wonderful Spot on the Reservoir, but not Much Shade

    This is the spot to camp if you plan on spending most of your time here out on the water!  It seems like the entire west side of the campground where it meets the water could be used as a boat ramp and offers nice easy access to the reservoir for any age!  It is also the campground that is closest to the interstate (read busiest)  We were there on a Tuesday and almost half of the campground was full.  I can't even imagine what its like on a weekend let alone a holiday.  

    The campsites themselves are pretty basic.  A fire ring and picnic table are at each of the sites with vault toilets within walking distance.  There are pretty much no shade trees so plan on bringing an umbrella or something similar to keep yourself cool.  If you cross over the dam to the west side of the reservoir you'll also see a sign that is exactly half way between the north pole and the equator!

  • Donna S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jan. 5, 2015

    East Creek Campground

    PRIVATE!! 4 Sites only!

    East Creek Campground is a quaint low-use campground. There are 4 tent sites with 2 vault toilets. There is no water, so bring your own. East Creek is located 40 min south of Dillon, MT near Lima (15 miles north of the Montana/Idaho state line just off I-15). There are 6-7 miles of dirt roads through private properties to get to the campground.

  • MThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 17, 2024

    Watts Bridge Campground

    Okay site on Salmon River--HOT in July

    Simple campground along Salmon River--beautiful setting, with maybe 5 spaces, not all of which are marked well but do have picnic tables to indicate. Also a vault toilet at loop campground. Buggy, even with river flowing and slight wind. Free, which is nice. Can hear US93 traffic, but not bad considering neighbor ran generator which drowned out some noise.

  • Richard M.
    Dec. 7, 2020

    Vigilante Campground — Bannack State Park

    Beautiful small camp

    Nestled next to an old ghost town with a creek flowing around it. No att coverage, super quiet. No hook ups. Vault toilets, community water faucet. Plenty of room for our 30’ trailer and truck. Just empty your tanks and fill up on water, food and supplies in Dillon. Heavily shaded. Bring a generator to charge you bank, though I felt bad about running them because of the disruption in the serenity.

Guide to Leadore

Tent camping near Leadore, Idaho offers a serene escape into nature, with a variety of campgrounds that cater to outdoor enthusiasts seeking adventure and tranquility.

Tent campers like these nearby activities

  • Enjoy the scenic trails at Big Eightmile /Trailhead, where you can explore the Dairy Creek Trail and other nearby paths.
  • Experience the beauty of nature while camping at Timber Creek, which provides excellent access to surrounding trails and streams.
  • Hike through well-maintained paths at Timber Creek Reservoir, where you can enjoy stunning views and peaceful surroundings.

Tips for tent camping near Leadore

  • Be prepared for a lack of amenities at Hawley Creek, as it offers no firewood, picnic tables, or showers, making it ideal for those who prefer a more rustic experience.
  • Bring your own water or filtration system when camping at Timber Creek Reservoir, as the only water source is the river nearby.
  • If you're looking for a secluded spot, consider Smokey Cubs Recreation Site, which allows fires and pets, providing a cozy atmosphere for your camping trip.

Some prices for tent camping range from $10 to $0

  • Camping at Timber Creek costs around $10 per night, offering a great value for access to beautiful streams and trails.
  • Many sites, like Hawley Creek, are free, making them perfect for budget-conscious campers looking to enjoy the outdoors.
  • While some campgrounds may not have set fees, like Agency Creek Campground, it's essential to check for any potential costs or permits required for your stay.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Leadore, ID?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Leadore, ID is Timber Creek Reservoir with a 5-star rating from 1 review.

What is the best site to find tent camping near Leadore, ID?

TheDyrt.com has all 25 tent camping locations near Leadore, ID, with real photos and reviews from campers.

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