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Tent campsites near Leadore, Idaho range from Forest Service grounds to primitive BLM sites along the Salmon River, offering some of the best tent camping in this remote corner of Idaho. 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 near Leadore 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.
"There are vault toilets accross the river, otherwise digging your own holes is your best alternative, no running water other than a river. If you have means to filter water, no problem."
"There are designated camp spots with a bathroom and fire pits towatds the end of the road, but before the campground there are a lot of spots on the way to the campground where there are fire pits that"
"Excellent access to the surrounding area and trails/roads. Very few bugs. Water available and vaulted bathrooms. Lots of space between camp grounds. Not busy or packed at all."
"From BLM website; Centered around a single, sentinel Ponderosa Pine tree, this small campground features six campsites and a group use area."
"There is no shade but each camp site has a shade structure, picnic table, and fire pit. I got a nice spot with a direct view of the reservoir. We had fun walking along the lake and splashing around❤️"
"Yellows and oranges surround the banks, the river. I have the whole campground to myself—all two sites. But, of course, I only occupy one."
"Super nice being next to a river, road wasn’t a problem with loud traffic. Good hammock trees"
"Spaced apart about 3 sites alongside the river access. Trees for hammocking and shade. Relatively even for van parking. Not buggy at all."
"Amazing drive-in BLM campsite right on the Salmon River. Primitive site; no water/bathroom. Great stargazing."
GuideOther than a grumpy greeting and some fall flying aphids, we enjoyed our 5 nights. Soaking available 8:30sh to 8:30 ( 4:30 pm on Monday). Great cell coverage, partial hookups, one older bathhouse and several portapotties.
GuideNice welcome and information about the area. Sights are a bit close but not many people are here so it’s not noticeable. Great views and amenities are fine.
TravelerNice place. Come here to just hangout and relax before get my kid. It’s right by interstate and train so not sure if anyone will mind this. But nice place good place to do some Picnics.
GuideWe stopped off here for a couple nights. Used the reservoir for fishing. There are a couple boat launches. We had a large new picnic shelter with a picnic table, fire ring. Vault toilets are very clean. Water is available at hand pumps. Newly poured cement pads kept everything clean and free of dirt. Ample views of reservoir from all sites. We did not find highway traffic to be bothersome. Only downside was it was windy at times. Unbelievable amenities for being free.
RangerVery nice small campground on the lake. Has 4 sites with shelters and several without. Hand pump water and vault restrooms. Well maintained and clean. Good all weather gravel access road.
TravelerThis v park is surrounded by mountains and the spaces are large with grass and trees, (though many are young trees) in between each site. There is a dog park near the back and clean restrooms , showers and laundry room centrally located. We were there on a weekday in early september, and it was less than half full. The RV park is within town, but you don't really feel like it once you enter. It does get quite windy here though, be prepared. We would definitely stay here again.
GuideGreat spot right off the highway. Beautiful views, several spots to choose from. The road in is a little rough, just take it slow.
GuideWe camped here for 2 nights and it was great! We got a spot with a path to the river, and some trees to provide us with some shade. We had a picnic table and fire ring. The bathroom was decent. A beautiful view of the mountains all around. There’s a ranch next to this spot so you hear the cows mooing! We did hear some traffic but it wasn’t bad at all. Great views of the night sky! We were able to see so many stars, it was incredible! It really gets hot here during the day, and chilly at night. And it was free!!!
LegendThe reservoir has four or five different campgrounds but this is the only one that has full hook ups. It was $30 a night or $15 per night with the senior America the beautiful pass. No shade, but the sites were fairly level. Far enough away from the freeway that you didn’t have too much noise.
Tent camping near Leadore, Idaho provides direct access to the remote Lemhi Valley and surrounding mountains of the Salmon-Challis National Forest. Located at approximately 6,100 feet elevation, this region experiences dramatic temperature fluctuations between day and night, even in summer months. The primitive camping areas range from riverside spots along the Salmon River to higher elevation sites situated near alpine lakes and forested trails.
Fishing access: Camp Creek BLM Camping offers immediate river access for anglers. "We had the first pull through spot and was perfect. Very little Verizon service," notes Andrea C., highlighting the balance between convenience and disconnection from technology at these riverside sites.
Swimming spots: Waddington Creek Primitive Campsite provides natural swimming areas. "Super nice being next to a river, road wasn't a problem with loud traffic. Good hammock trees," reports Liv M., who found the site accommodating despite arriving in a Honda Civic.
Hiking exploration: Big Eightmile Campground serves as a gateway to multiple trails. "Dairy creek trail was a short and fun trail. Able to complete it and the water was super clear and pretty. Also tried Patterson trail, Devils lake, Everson trail, eight mile trail which not able to complete due to snow or fallen trees," explains Krystal C., detailing the trail options available.
Waterfront sites: Multiple campgrounds feature direct stream or river access. At Timber Creek Campground, Tate W. reports, "This campground has 2 streams running on both sides of it so most camp spots have access right into the water. There are 12 or so camp spots. $10 a night. Lots of trees and very flat."
Stargazing opportunities: The minimal light pollution creates exceptional night sky viewing. "The solitude and gurgling of Crooked River stayed constant as the hot sun slowly turned into the Milky Way," describes Jenny H. from Lone Tree Campground, emphasizing the dramatic transition from day to night.
Privacy between sites: Camp Creek BLM Camping offers well-spaced camping areas. "Each spot is super private, there aren't many spots. Ours was right on the river and we could easily go down and swim from our site," explains Mandi W., though noting proximity to Highway 93 means occasional traffic noise.
Water sources: No potable water exists at most sites. Kristy A. advises about Camp Creek: "No faucet for potable water, bring your own or filter from the river," highlighting the need for self-sufficiency.
Cell service limitations: Most areas have minimal to no connectivity. "No cell signal (Verizon)" reports Mandi W. about Camp Creek, while Andrea C. mentions "Very little Verizon service" at the same location.
Seasonal access challenges: Many roads become impassable during winter and spring runoff. At Waddington Creek Campground, visitors need to navigate "a steep and narrow" road that's "perfect for a small 4x vehicle," according to Jibran B., who visited during fall when conditions were favorable.
Accessible water play: Locations with gentle river access work best for children. Kristy A. describes Camp Creek as having "1 minute walk to the river from all sites" and being a "Beautiful place to adventure and be, would be a great spot for multiple nights. Space for people to bring their family or friends."
Historical sites: Take kids to explore nearby historical points of interest. Annie C. recommends: "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."
Toilet availability: Plan for primitive conditions at many sites. Frank W. notes that Waddington Creek is a "Nice off grid site" but has no facilities, while Timber Creek Reservoir offers limited toilet access: "There are vault toilets across the river," according to Beth B.
Site access evaluation: Many roads require high clearance vehicles. Frank W. cautions about Waddington Creek: "Very steep grand off highway to one site. Not recommended if you are pulling any type of camper."
Leveling challenges: Look for the few relatively flat parking areas. Kristy A. found Camp Creek to be "Relatively even for van parking," making it suitable for smaller recreational vehicles.
Space limitations: Lone Tree Campground offers more structured sites for RVs. Karla reports finding "well maintained road and level parking. There is no shade but each camp site has a shade structure, picnic table, and fire pit," amenities rarely found at the more primitive sites near Leadore.
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 26 tent camping locations near Leadore, ID, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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