RV sites near May, Idaho accommodate travelers year-round with several parks operating during winter months when temperatures drop below freezing. This central Idaho region sits at elevations between 4,000-5,000 feet, creating distinct camping conditions across seasons. The area offers access to the Salmon River and surrounding mountain terrain with varying levels of cellular connectivity between established parks and more remote locations.
What to do
Hot springs access: Challis Hot Springs provides on-site natural mineral pools alongside camping. "We stayed the night in a tent site, the place was beautiful! All the grass is nice and green, volleyball court, playground, two different hot pools from Hot springs. Beautiful flowers, right on the river! There's also hiking trails behind the campground," notes a visitor to Challis Hot Springs.
ATV trails: The Mackay area serves as a hub for off-road enthusiasts with dedicated trails. "Great area for ATV/UTV riding!" reports a camper who stayed at Wagon Wheel Motel & RV Park. Many campgrounds provide direct access to trail systems.
River activities: The Salmon River runs through multiple camping areas, offering water recreation. "The river is crystal clear over rocks and floating down on either and include plateable kayak, raft, or canoe is very doable," shares a reviewer about Elk Bend RV Park.
What campers like
Easy town access: Many RV sites near May provide convenient access to local amenities. "It was walking distance to grocery store and gas station. Check in was fast and rates are reasonable for tent site," writes a camper about Round Valley RV Park.
Riverside camping: Several parks feature sites directly along the Salmon River. "We enjoyed 2 nights here alongside the river with full hookups. The host was very kind and helpful with our questions. Easy 5 minute walk to town," reports a visitor at Andreas on the River RV Park.
Clean facilities: Campgrounds in the region maintain well-kept amenities. "Very clean very open great views of the mountains around the valley. Clean restrooms nice showers," notes a Round Valley RV Park guest. Another camper at Challis Hot Springs mentions, "The bathrooms and showers are open 24hrs a day so you don't even have to use the porta potties scattered around the property if you don't want to."
What you should know
Seasonal considerations: Several RV parks close during winter months. "We set up our daughter in our Super C here for 2 months while she worked in nearby Salmon during the busy season," explains a reviewer about Elk Bend RV Park, highlighting its seasonal operation.
Shade availability: Some campgrounds offer limited protection from sun. One camper notes about Round Valley RV Park: "Many large and well spaced pull through sites, all on gravel. Very little shade."
Reservation requirements: During peak summer months, advance booking is recommended. A Challis Hot Springs visitor warns: "Day of campout my reservation was taken away and was told to park with another camper. I had to park on the road as all of the other campers were anchored down for the weekend."
Tips for camping with families
Recreation options: Some parks offer additional activities beyond camping. A visitor to Challis Hot Springs shares: "This place has it ALLLLL. Tent sites, RV sites w/electric and water, dry sites; boat ramp; playground, volleyball net, clothes lines, hot springs pools(2!); showers; camp store with ice."
Spacing considerations: Site layouts vary significantly between parks. "Beautiful & well spaced pull thru and back in sites," notes a camper at Wagon Wheel Motel & RV Park. In contrast, another traveler warns about Cactus River Ranch: "Wouldn't choose service sites. Too close together and hard right angles."
Pet policies: Most parks welcome pets with varying accommodations. An Elk Bend visitor confirms: "Pet Friendly!" while noting there is "very nice grass around the gravel sites perfect for dogs."
Tips from RVers
Hookup options: Full-service sites are available at most parks. "AT&T coverage was good, with 3 bars of LTE and speeds up to 15 MB/s," reports an RV camper at Challis Hot Springs, though they note: "Although the CG has WiFi, we were never able to connect to it."
Site configuration: RV parks offer varied layouts affecting accessibility. "The non service site is great - easy back in with 24 ft TT," shares a visitor about Cactus River Ranch RV & Campground.
Access roads: Most RV sites feature straightforward entry points. One camper notes about Round Valley RV Park: "Easy in and out. Access the OHV trails from here."
