Primitive tent campsites near May, Idaho offer riverside access and mountain views within the Salmon-Challis National Forest. Most dispersed camping areas provide fire rings but lack facilities such as running water or restrooms. Winter conditions limit access to many sites from November through April, with the majority of camping areas accessible via Forest Service roads that may require high-clearance vehicles.
What to do
Fishing access: Camp Creek BLM Camping provides direct access to the Salmon River with multiple fishing spots. According to camper Mandi W., "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."
Hiking nearby trails: Timber Creek Campground serves as a gateway to surrounding trail systems. Tate W. notes, "Excellent access to the surrounding area and trails/roads. Very few bugs. Water available and vaulted bathrooms. Lots of space between camp grounds."
Star gazing: The remote location offers exceptional night sky viewing at several sites. At Camp Creek BLM, camper Kristy A. observed, "perfect view of the big dipper between the canyon view made for a beautiful night of star gazing by the fire ring. Plenty of fishing access and space to walk around the river."
What campers like
River proximity: Waddington Creek Primitive Campsite offers camping beside the Salmon River. Jibran B. shared, "It's beautiful. And luckily calm and warm for this time of year. And there's 9 bars of service to boot!"
Privacy between sites: Timber Creek provides well-spaced sites with natural buffers. One camper observed, "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."
Hammock-friendly trees: Several campsites feature mature trees ideal for hammock camping. Liv M. mentioned about Waddington Creek, "It's a huge site and we were able to take my honda civic down. Super nice being next to a river, road wasn't a problem with loud traffic. Good hammock trees."
What you should know
Limited facilities: Most dispersed sites lack basic amenities. At Waddington Creek Primitive Campsite, Annie C. noted, "No services here, not even a pit toilet. However, 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."
Road access challenges: Some sites require appropriate vehicles. Frank W. warned about Waddington Creek, "Very steep grand off highway to one site. Not recommended if you are pulling any type of camper."
Cell service variability: Connectivity varies significantly between camping areas. Andrea C. mentioned at Camp Creek BLM, "Very little Verizon service. There are three spots to camp here."
Tips for camping with families
Water safety planning: Riverside camping requires extra vigilance. Camp Creek BLM visitor Mandi W. advised, "We could easily go down and swim from our site. Fully dispersed no services, no cell signal (verizon)."
Reservoir activities: Little Bayhorse Lake Campground offers family-friendly lake access. Derek S. recommended, "Great spot in the woods. Near a lake with fishing and hiking opportunities. Campsites are clean with good spacing between them."
Filter water preparation: No potable water exists at most sites. Beth B. noted at Timber Creek Reservoir, "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."
Tips from RVers
Site leveling challenges: Finding level spots can be difficult at riverside locations. At Camp Creek BLM Camping, Andrea C. shared, "We travel in a 23 foot camper van. Plenty of room for our rig. Great views! Very little Verizon service. There are three spots to camp here."
Pull-through accessibility: Some areas offer easier access for smaller rigs. Eric D. cautioned about Camp Creek BLM, "It's just a pull off. Not much for flat spots or anything else. You will need to have everything you need with you."
Seasonal road conditions: Spring snowmelt and fall weather can impact road quality. At Big Eightmile Trailhead, Krystal C. reported, "Also tried Patterson trail, Devils lake, Everson trail, eight mile trail which not able to complete due to snow or fallen trees in the way."
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