The Dyrt is here to help plan your best camping near May. Discover secluded campsites where you can reconnect with nature. Or maybe you like to bring your family and friends along. Either way, there are May campgrounds just for you. Ready to plan your adventure? Check out our campgrounds near May and user-submitted reviews.
The Challis Hot Springs is a 5th generation family-owned destination in the Round Valley, home of Challis, Idaho. The property is on the bank of the Salmon River, 70 miles from the headwaters of the “River of No Return.” Our primary amenity is natural odorless hot springs which constantly replenish with continuous freshwater supplied by nature through the river rock bottoms. Most guests enjoy the springs while camping in the RV and tent campground, which features mature trees, and irrigated grass sites, all within a stone’s throw of the Salmon River, which fronts the entire property. Our campground is the perfect location to launch your kayaking or rafting trip, fish for trout and steelhead, or just watch the wildlife. In particular, the herd of Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep frequents the cliffside above the property.
$29 - $43 / night
At Round Valley RV in Challis, we cater to those who want to experience everything the world has to offer by traveling the open road and enjoying the natural beauty. The great thing about camping is there are so many ways to do it. Whether you wish for a more rustic experience in a tent, or to observe the views in the height of RV luxury, we have something to offer you. However you choose to experience the world around you, let us bring you our best in views, amenities, and access to a variety of activities. Enjoy the scenic landscape, outdoor activities, and convenient amenities, located in beautiful Challis, Idaho. If you are looking for a beautiful and unique experience, Challis is a goldmine for those seeking a balance between adventure and peaceful serenity.
The BLM Cottonwood Recreation Site sits among groves of cottonwoods along the scenic Salmon River and provides a beautiful setting for fishing and camping. It also has a boat ramp, allows RVs, provides accessible campsites and includes a day use area with barbecues, tent sites and group camp sites. 15 camp sites total. This is one of a number of sites on the Upper Salmon River. The headwaters of the Salmon River are in the Sawtooth National Recreation Area. BLM recreation sites along this stretch start at the East Fork confluence, followed downstream by Deadman Hole, Bayhorse Campground, Challis Bridge, and Cottonwood Campground.
Bayhorse Campground is at 5400-foot elevation and is ten miles south of Challis on Highway 75. Named for a historic mining district, Bayhorse Campground has 11 campsites along the Salmon River offering plentiful fishing. Anglers come for the resident cutthroat and rainbow trout, steelhead and whitefish. Visitors can take the road west to Bayhorse Lake, which is near a number of historic mines. The entire area is rich in mining history, and this is a comfortable base camp for exploring the Land of the Yankee Fork. Amenities Include: 11 first come, first served campsites with picnic tables and fire rings, seasonal campground hosts, potable water, vault toilets, boat ramp and day use parking area, and plenty of hiking trails and interpretive sites to explore. There is limited cell service at this site. Electric and water hook-ups are not available.
A beautiful high mountain lake is the setting for this out-of-the-way campground. Plenty of fishing in lakes and streams. Good hiking and ATV trail access. Campsite facilities include picnic tables and fire rings with cooking grills. Within the campground, there are vault toilets and a day-use picnic area. On Bayhorse Lake campers will find a boat launch and two boat docks for use by non-motorized watercraft.
This dirt road is narrow and steep and while trailers are allowed, caution is advised; best fit for trailers and motorhomes less than 32 feet long. No drinking water is on-site, and please pack out your trash.
This 2.5-acre access offers primitive camping below US Highway 93. There is a beach area at low water along the Salmon River. A small boat could be launched here with difficulty. The road is unimproved and steep. Camp trailers and RVs are not recommended.
The Challis Hot Springs is a 5th generation family-owned destination in the Round Valley, home of Challis, Idaho. The property is on the bank of the Salmon River, 70 miles from the headwaters of the “River of No Return.” Our primary amenity is natural odorless hot springs which constantly replenish with continuous freshwater supplied by nature through the river rock bottoms. Most guests enjoy the springs while camping in the RV and tent campground, which features mature trees, and irrigated grass sites, all within a stone’s throw of the Salmon River, which fronts the entire property. Our campground is the perfect location to launch your kayaking or rafting trip, fish for trout and steelhead, or just watch the wildlife. In particular, the herd of Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep frequents the cliffside above the property.
$29 - $43 / night
At Round Valley RV in Challis, we cater to those who want to experience everything the world has to offer by traveling the open road and enjoying the natural beauty. The great thing about camping is there are so many ways to do it. Whether you wish for a more rustic experience in a tent, or to observe the views in the height of RV luxury, we have something to offer you. However you choose to experience the world around you, let us bring you our best in views, amenities, and access to a variety of activities. Enjoy the scenic landscape, outdoor activities, and convenient amenities, located in beautiful Challis, Idaho. If you are looking for a beautiful and unique experience, Challis is a goldmine for those seeking a balance between adventure and peaceful serenity.
The BLM Cottonwood Recreation Site sits among groves of cottonwoods along the scenic Salmon River and provides a beautiful setting for fishing and camping. It also has a boat ramp, allows RVs, provides accessible campsites and includes a day use area with barbecues, tent sites and group camp sites. 15 camp sites total. This is one of a number of sites on the Upper Salmon River. The headwaters of the Salmon River are in the Sawtooth National Recreation Area. BLM recreation sites along this stretch start at the East Fork confluence, followed downstream by Deadman Hole, Bayhorse Campground, Challis Bridge, and Cottonwood Campground.
Ranger
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.
Traveler
Site 5, probably the best. Clean, cheap, safe, right on the river. 5 miles from downtown.Sure,it’s close to the road, but it’s not that bad. I probably wouldn’t make it a 5 day vacation site,but I’m sure people do. I’d stay here again
Guide
I stayed here for one night. It is $5 per night. I had decent Verizon signal. There were at least eight camping areas. While I stayed here about half were full. The camping limit for this area is 14 days. There is a camping host that lives here so you cannot overnight park for free. There is river access. The only plot that I found that I could use my hammock at was plot 8. Just because of the lack of strong trees.
Guide
Stayed here for two nights. The first night I have the whole area to myself. The second night there was two other campers. Doesn't seem to be super popular or high in demand. So finding a spot shouldn't be a problem. There was about six or more parking/camping areas. No Wi-Fi or Verizon signal. There is a toilet available. Access to the river as well.
Ranger
It was the perfect location close to Stanley. It was a bit dusty. Bathroom was clean. Showers were good. The food at the restaurant was amazing. We have AT&T and no cell service. There is no trees for shade. Had to walk the dogs a little further to do their business.
RangerStoped for an overnight on our way to glacier. Clean and nice park.
Traveler
The management is absolutely incredible! This place is perfect. Access to river to look at great! Renamed to Andreas on the River.
The management helped us get in and made sure we were good. Super 5 stars! Great location near River for rafting. (30 min drive)
The other visitors are a little opinionated and like to share their opinions on your RV.
Super loved it all day! Stay there!
Dog park area is not fenced in. Nice place for them to do business.
Traveler
Beautiful grass in most of the spots. Fire rings, bathrooms near by. We have a 26 ft TT and this was perfect right off highway. Only stayed one day due to it being a little warm and we were heading up north. Did have shade and it cooled off at night . Lots of room for our dogs to run by site without bothering others.
TravelerPulled over mid day to spend the afternoon and night. We took the second to last spot on the river side. Arrived at noon on a Tuesday, departed at 8am next day and were the only campers. Very easy river access from site, but water is moving quickly. We walked to the other side of the bridge and let our dogs jump in where the water was calmer. Overall really clean and well maintained space. The only thing that will prevent us from coming back is the cottonwood tree droppings. They’re everywhere and very sticky, so if you have long haired dogs, it’s a nightmare to get them out.
Ranger
After riding ID75, it was time to find camp. Sure there are a bazillion to choose from along the highway, but I wanted to soak in the highly reviewed waters. I was NOT disappointed!!! Beautiful lawn, one of the freshest hot springs I’ve visited, and great campers. Side not: this place was recently purchased/handed over to the Idaho State Parks system.
Ranger
Nice clean campground. Only issue you did have some road noise since it’s right on the road. Picked up starlink service but no Verizon signal. Campground was pretty quiet not busy at all.
Traveler
It’s a long uphill drive on a narrow road to get there but it’s worth it! Each camp site is nice with plenty of space, fire pit and tent site. We took our chances on a Wednesday night in mid August and got lucky. Two sites were still open. With the drive and location we were surprised how many people were there but it was still very quiet and peaceful. The lake is beautiful and would be fun to kayak or paddle board on. We did some hiking up the trails to look over the campsite and the lake but did not take the full trail. Bathrooms were very clean and well stocked.
Traveler
I selected this campground after missing out on a nearby first come first serve that was fully booked. I am just thrilled with the campsites and cleanliness of the pit toilets and nearby stream and fishing.
Guide
This place is absolutely gorgeous. 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.
The vault bathrooms were clean, and I met one of the rangers while I was there who was super friendly.
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. Haha.
Legend
Nice little campsite near a small, quiet fishing lake. About 5 sites here with a pit toilet. No cell service. 10 mile rocky road in, but saw a fifth wheel, so its not impassable by any means! There’s also South Van Houten on the other side, but I can’t imagine this serene little patch of heaven gets too full. Saw folks swimming, fishing, and boating in the lake.
Legend
Nice small camping area with about 5 sites, complete with picnic tables and fire rings with grills. It was a fairly long drive down a somewhat road but wide gravel road, but I did see a truck with a big fifth wheel on it, so you can definitely do it!
Fishing in lake, just no motorized boats. Pit toilets. Pretty area!
Scout
This camp site was great. We visited the lake that was maybe 5 minutes away from the sites and swam out to a little island to cliff jump! It was a beautiful and well kept site. I would definitely recommend taking a reliable car because the road is a little difficult to the sites, but worth it.
Guide
We were the only ones there, 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. Fully dispersed no services, no cell signal (verizon). Only con is that it is close enough to hwy 93 that you can see and hear cars going by, but it’s not a super busy road.
Scout
We stayed in site 4 and we only saw one family but they were a few sites away. Part of that had to do with the rainy weather that week was. We were right by the river and it was kinda loud because of spring run off, but we got used to it and it was good! The Millcreek trailhead was super close and it was absolutely stunning! We made it up to the lower lake and thought we got there, but we actually didn't reach the real lake. Come to find out it was like another 1000 ft up the trail. 😅 Definitely one of my favorite camping trips!
GuideGreat view of the mountains and plenty of sites. Wasn’t too busy but others were around. There were bathrooms and some sites had fire rings. 93 is close so there is some mild highway noise but nothing unbearable. Bathroom was reasonably clean and stocked with toilet paper. I had full bars with Verizon (the cell tower was within line of sight) but my friend with t-mobile had no service whatsoever. Overall a nice inviting site.
Traveler
Nice & clean. Accommodating hosts. Nice & level pull thru and back in sites. Restrooms are key coded thus nice and clean. Great area for ATV/UTV riding!
TravelerLanded the spot on the far right side of the campsite, right on the river. Absolutely beautiful with all the leaves changing. Nothing like falling asleep to the sound of the river. Minimal sound from the road.
TravelerIncredible views after driving through most of Idaho this spot is a relief! Water /fishing access ,private spots , even one really nice paved spot close to entrance , don’t miss the turn it’s near a cattle gate on the gravel road
Traveler
Got there and the place was closed on Tuesday. The nice lady running the place told me about a free site 3 miles away toward the mountain and on the left. Follow the signs for sportsmen.
LegendThis is a nice and convenient place to stop. Right along the Salmon river. RT. 93 is close so some traffic noise. Vault toilets. No dump or water. Lots of sites to the left and right after crossing the bridge.
Guide
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 flats.
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. I was worried I wouldn’t get a spot so I got there early. Only 1 other family was camping there.
Tons and tons of campers and campgrounds in the area so if it was packed you could easily find a camping spot nearby.
Guide$5 a night. No service. 1 vault bathroom. About 6 camp spots. Not super packed. No water. A great place to camp with lots of trees. Picnic tables and fire pits. No many bugs.
The highlight of the area is the 2 mile hike to get to the lake above. Definitely worth it!
Camping near May, Idaho, offers a fantastic escape into nature with beautiful landscapes and plenty of outdoor activities. Whether you're looking to soak in hot springs or enjoy serene lakes, this area has something for everyone.
Camping near May, Idaho, is a great way to enjoy the outdoors with family and friends. With beautiful campgrounds and plenty of activities, you're sure to have a memorable experience!
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near May, ID?
According to TheDyrt.com, May, ID offers a wide range of camping options, with 120 campgrounds and RV parks near May, ID and 12 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near May, ID?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near May, ID is Challis Hot Springs with a 4.4-star rating from 9 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near May, ID?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 12 free dispersed camping spots near May, ID.
What parks are near May, ID?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 11 parks near May, ID that allow camping, notably Salmon-Challis National Forest and Sawtooth National Forest.
