Tent camping options around May, Idaho include both established and primitive sites in the Salmon-Challis National Forest region. The Big Eightmile Trailhead provides designated tent sites with fire pits at the end of the road, while more secluded spots can be found along the approach. Camp Creek BLM camping offers primitive riverside tent camping with several sites spaced along the Salmon River, providing opportunities for fishing and water access.
Most tent sites in the area are primitive with minimal amenities. Timber Creek Campground is one of the few established sites offering drinking water and vault toilets, operating from mid-May through mid-October. The majority of campsites have fire rings but lack running water, requiring campers to either filter from nearby streams or bring their own supply. A recent review noted, "There are no services here, not even a pit toilet," which is typical for many of the dispersed camping areas. High clearance vehicles are recommended for accessing some of the more remote tent sites, particularly those near Waddington Creek.
The tent camping experience near May offers excellent access to surrounding mountain terrain and water features. Sites along the Salmon River provide direct water access for swimming and fishing during summer months. Based on reviews from The Dyrt, many campsites feature good tree coverage for hammocking and shade, with relatively even terrain for tent setup. Campers frequently mention the privacy between sites and opportunities for stargazing. During fall, the changing colors add visual appeal to riverside camps. Several campgrounds become inaccessible due to snow during winter months, with most areas operating best between May and October. Walk-in tent sites tend to offer more seclusion than the drive-in options, though reviewers note that highway noise can occasionally be heard at sites closest to main roads.
"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"
"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."
"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."
"Near a lake with fishing and hiking opportunities. Campsites are clean with good spacing between them. Super hidden and worth the drive up."
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.
TravelerBeautiful and quiet spot along the creek. Site 3 was perfect for a tent set up. Nice fly fishing just down the road too.
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.
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.
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!!!
GuideOnly 6 spaces. $15 per night with self pay envelope. Flat paved spots. Several will easily fit a big rig rv. Pit Toilets and a water spigot. Close to highway so, road noise is present during the day. Lots of shade trees and grass.
TravelerFirst, a big thank you to the State of Idaho for stepping in to preserve this National treasure for citizens of Idaho and her fellow countrymen. The campground is spacious; tons of maneuver space and big spacious campsites. The Hot Spring pools are immaculate and are cleaned and drained daily. The staff, awesome. Bob at the front desk was a hoot and very nice man who offered some great suggestions and some funny Idaho backcountry stories. Love this park and the springs are magical. Our spot was right on the Salmon River with a trail access to the bank where there is a great swim hole.
ScoutPlease note, we have never stayed here, but the following experience should give anyone pause about ever making reservations, and then trying to cancel later. And, if the owner('Stu') is as corrupt and non-customer focused as he was in this simple matter, then God help anyone staying there who has a REAL problem! Our experience validates some bad reviews about this‘Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde’ owner! Here's our story: We made reservations online via RoverPass on 1 May, 2026 staying for three days in September, 2026, 4-1/2 MONTHS away, paying the full amount for all three days. Our plans changed and a month later, we canceled our reservations online via RoverPass. I then phoned Elk Bend RV Park.‘Stu’ answered. I told him that I had just canceled the reservations and he said“fine”, and hung up. I waited A WEEK and the credit had still not hit my credit card account. I phoned Elk Bend RV Park on 8 June 2026.‘Stu’ answered. I told him that“it’s been a full week now, and no refund credit has hit my credit card account”. He said“I’ll take care of it”. I said“Thanks”. End of conversation. A day or two later, I phoned Elk Bend RV Park and the call went over to voicemail after two or three rings. I figured I'd give the guy a couple more days, and called again on 11 June 2026. The call immediately went over to voicemail, no dial tone, nothing! Apparently, he had BLOCKED my number! At that point, I went online to my credit card account and logged a dispute. I attached at least 4 or 5 emails with the RoverPass reservations and cancellation to the dispute. After over a month, the credit was finally applied to my account. After over a month and multiple attempts, the credit card company noted that they had been unable to contact the owner! So, be forewarned, this‘Stu' character is a crook, and based on some of his reviews, a real kook, and he will keep your money unless DRASTIC action is taken! Had we paid for our reservations via check or debit card, we would have been, frankly, SCREWED! It is important to note that during this entire ordeal, we NEVER received a single phone call, email, or text message from'Stu' or anyone at ELK BEND RV Park concerning this matter! STAY AWAY! RUN, if need be! DO NOT STAY HERE! If you need a GREAT place nearby, we HIGHLY recommend Wagonhammer RV Park, in North Fork, about 42 miles North. We have stayed there three or four times over the years, and it's very nice!
GuideLower O’Brien campground is easy to get to. Would not recommend for RV’s. Off-road trailers can do it; however, no turn around spots unless you drive through the campsite. Vault toilets are clean and water is available. No trash service and no cell service. Spots are first come first served. Bring your cash - it’s easiest. Single spots are $22/night, $11/night with senior pass and access pass. Some road noise from hwy 75 during the day. Otherwise, quiet - birds and the river only.
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.
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."
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."
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."
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."
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."
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near May, ID?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near May, ID is Pennal Gulch with a 3-star rating from 1 review.
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TheDyrt.com has all 49 tent camping locations near May, ID, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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