136 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
North Fork, Idaho serves as a gateway to diverse camping experiences along the Salmon River corridor. Established campgrounds like Wagonhammer RV Park & Campground provide 56 developed sites with amenities including electric hookups, showers, and drinking water, while dispersed options such as Bobcat Gulch offer more primitive experiences. The camping landscape includes a mix of Forest Service, BLM, and private facilities accommodating tent camping, RVs, and even glamping opportunities in yurts at locations like River's Fork Lodge & RV Park. Most developed campgrounds operate seasonally from May through November, with several offering river access for fishing and water recreation.
Road conditions vary significantly throughout the region, with many dispersed sites requiring high-clearance vehicles to navigate rough forest roads. "It's a very off the beaten path, tucked away in the woods, true getaway from the busy city life," noted one visitor about camping in the area. Elevation changes affect temperatures dramatically, with cooler nights even during summer months. Cell service is limited outside established campgrounds, particularly in canyon areas. Many campgrounds near North Fork provide potable water during the operating season, though dispersed campers should bring their own supplies. Bear-aware practices are essential throughout the region, with proper food storage required at all camping areas.
Waterfront camping represents a significant draw, with multiple sites offering direct access to the Salmon River. A camper described their experience: "We had a group of 8 people, and two camp sites was plenty. Some people hammocked & said the groves of trees were perfectly spaced for this, while others stayed in tents." Mixed-use campgrounds accommodate various camping styles, with tent and RV sites often separated to maintain appropriate noise levels. The region's camping areas feature abundant wildlife viewing opportunities, with deer commonly spotted in early mornings. The North Fork camping region provides ideal basecamp locations for exploring Idaho's scenic wilderness, with many campgrounds situated near hiking trails and fishing spots. During peak summer weekends, reservations are strongly recommended for established campgrounds, while dispersed sites like those along forest roads provide alternatives when developed campgrounds reach capacity.
"Great location & super clean! Our campsite was right next to the river. Dog friendly and there is a dog island that your fur kid can run around off leash!"
"Wonderful location with very little wifi services. If you want to relax in a very nice, park setting, surrounded by mountains, this would be your place. Big spaces in the middle area."
from $25 - $45 / night
Check Availability"Cattle farms nearby but not a bother. Small campground that is quiet with camp host on site. Camp host dog wanders but is friendly."
"It’s a nice quiet camp close to town on the river. It is not $5, it is $15 a night. Which is more - but 1/2 off for old farts like me."
from $2 - $15 / night
"Only downside is it’s rather close to the highway and you can hear cars driving by pretty regularly."
"This small campground is right along the highway so it has easy access... and some highway noise. It is small, but we were there by ourselves 2 of the 3 nights we stayed."
"We stayed in site #2 pretty close to the lodge which I think helped with the WiFi signal. The sites are large and easily fit our 28’ trailer and truck. Definitely could fit any size class A rig."
"It is a very off the beaten path, tucked away in the woods, true getaway from the busy city life."
"Nice are to get away from it all. Road is best traveled with AWD-4WD. Campgrounds are nice and level for tents."
"Tis campground was a favorite on our Idaho trip. Lots of spots available on a week night. Great campground host. Bathrooms were really clean and great tasting water."
"Sites aren’t too close to each other so there is some privacy, and there are lots of trees for shade and hammocks."
from $10 / night
Check Availability"7 spots off the beaten path, small creek lehmi. On the Lewis and Ckark trail. Bathroom is ADA."
GuideThis dispersed site was a large turn out on the road, enough room for two camps, on a large bend in the West Fork of the Bitterroot River, caught several cutthroat and rainbows 10-12”, site was great, free, shady and right next to woods and river. A couple nice stone fire pits had been formed, lots of room.
GuideSite “10”, tents only but enough room for our truck camper rig. Beautiful access to East Fork of the Bitter Root. Oneish hour south of Missoula. Most sites require reservations. Fished here, caught a bunch of little bitty Bull Trout. Host let us help ourselves to firewood.
GuideSite #8 is at the end, right next to beautiful creek, levelish site, private for a campground, wonderful for getting a peaceful night sleep with the creek. Tent pad separate from rig, picnic table and fire ring (bring firewood). Vault toilets were clean by vault toilet standards. You can hike to Elkhorn hot springs easily which are rustic but fun. Host was attentive and happy to talk for a bit. Mtn biking nearby at the little ski resort. The whole Pioneer Scenic byway was beautiful and the Crystal park is close by to go dig some crystals out of the mountain (bring bug spray and a shovel)
TravelerLocated about 21 miles south of the town of Wise River, MT. Little Joe is a four site Forest Service operated campground for those wanting solitude. While not next to Wise River, there is a small creek a hundred yards to the north that provides natural white noise. The campground offers two single occupancy sites and two double occupancy sites. There are no pull through sites. One restroom and a hand-powered water pump services the campground. The campground is suitable for smaller RVs and camp trailers which helps keep this site largely empty during the week. It is only 7 miles or so from Crystal Park for those rock hounds. Cost is currently $15 per night befor any discounts from Federal passes (then $8/night). While there the restroom was clean and stocked. It's one of my favorite campgrounds on the Pioneer Mountain Scenic Byway (state highway 73) as it is positioned away from most other campgrounds other than dispersed sites. Lupine Picnic Area is approximately 5 miles to the south which offers spectacular views of the East Pioneers.
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!
GuideWe found this place by chance. Just off highway 93 S .. small dispersed campground .. maybe 4 sites in total with fire rings most with access to Salmon river. A decorated vault toilet with toilet paper and a small boat launch ramp. Close to the highway but noise really didn’t bother us. Spent two nights here. Free! We have a 30 ft motorhome with high clearance and found a nice place to camp up!
GuideLovely peaceful camp. Water out of the pump is very rusty so filtration a must. People need to go over the rules. No holding sites it is illegal. Please pay and show your tickets. Don't park in a campsite to visit other campers use day use. Do not leave smoldering campfires ever. That is considered unattended. Put it out so others dont have to breath it in all night. No gens after 10pm. Why doesnt everyone get better batteries and solar. It is easy and economical. Did i say pay? Why folks think they dont have to pay cause no one is watching. What other rules get broken by such folks when no one is checking. Have some honor in an honor system and especially when this regime has no honor.
ScoutWe recently camped at Rombo campground, with friends, and had a wonderful time. The campground is quite small, perhaps 15 individual spots, which worked well for us, as I particularly like the more private and quieter locations. There was potable water spigots and bear proof garbage containers. The fire rings looked fairly new, with higher, larger rings and sturdy grates.
The camp host is very friendly and helpful. He cleans the pit toilets on a regular basis and does a great job. He travels through the campground regularly, with his little dog Jellybean, making sure that everyone is taking care of their campsites (no unattended fires, trash issues, parking issues, etc.)
Most sites had an easy access to the river and there were a few trails nearby to hike on. We heard heron calls in the evening, as well as seeing many smaller critters. The camp host warned us that bears had been visiting the campgrounds near the Painted Rock Reservoir, about 10 miles away, and could show up at our campground as well, so we were sure to pack all food items away.
The spaces for campers were not very large so I would say this is best suited for smaller campers or travel vans. We had a tear drop trailer, which was perfect for the site that we found. There are only a few sites that can be reserved online, the rest are on a first come basis. Our only complaint about our three days there, is that there was a crew across the river that was clearing deadfall and working with chainsaws. They started at about 5:45 each morning but had to quit at 2:00 pm. That put a damper on trying to sleep in and the noise was a bit irritating as it sounded like a dirt bike racetrack around the forest.
TravelerJust three RV sites which made it feel private. The bathrooms with showers were very nice. Electric and water hookups right by the river was a great find!
Camping spots near North Fork, Idaho range from primitive riverside sites to developed campgrounds at elevations between 3,500-5,000 feet. The Salmon River corridor experiences typical temperature variations from 80°F daytime highs in summer to 40°F overnight lows, with many campsites subject to limited mobile connectivity in canyon areas. River access is available at multiple locations, though water levels fluctuate seasonally with peak flows occurring in late spring.
Kayaking the Salmon River: From River's Fork Lodge & RV Park, visitors can rent kayaks to explore the calm sections of the river. "The fishing was spot on, right on the river you don't have to even drive anywhere if you don't want. They also offer kayak rentals. Unfortunately I didn't realize how warm, calm, and popular the river was. Next time we come back we will definitely float the river," reports Gabe L.
Fishing for trout: The Twin Lakes area offers excellent fly fishing opportunities with clear mountain waters. According to Mark & Kelly at Twin Lakes: "We didn't fish, but we watched others catch many trout out of kayaks with fly rods." Non-motorized boats work best here as the lakes restrict motor usage.
Historical exploration: Visit the Lewis and Clark historical sites near camping areas. The Agency Creek Campground sits directly on their historic trail route. As owen T. notes, "7 spots off the beaten path, small creek lehmi. On the Lewis and Clark trail. Bathroom is ADA."
Huckleberry picking: Seasonal huckleberry gathering makes for a rewarding activity during summer months. Robert at Twin Creek Campground remarks, "Huckleberries were ripe, added treat. Beautiful forest."
Riverside camping spots: Many North Fork campsites offer direct water access. At Bobcat Gulch, Evan H. notes: "Most sites back up to the river which is pretty nice. FREE and pretty quiet for the Saturday night I stayed - 4 open spots at 8:30pm."
Well-spaced sites: Campers appreciate the privacy at certain campgrounds. Annie C. describes Twin Creek Campground: "Sites aren't too close to each other so there is some privacy, and there are lots of trees for shade and hammocks. Choose your site carefully as they are not all level and some are much larger than others."
Budget-friendly options: Several camping spots near North Fork provide affordable accommodations. Camden P. describes Morgan Bar Campground: "Small place, only 10/15 campsites. Sits right on a river, very spacious sites and super cheap ($5). Camp host is a cool guy too, that always helps."
Clean facilities: Despite remote locations, many campgrounds maintain good standards. Ginny H. says of Twin Creek Campground: "Bathrooms were really clean and great tasting water. Sites are very nicely spaced and lots of privacy between them."
Road conditions: Access to some campgrounds requires navigating unpaved roads. Mark & Kelly G. warn about Twin Lakes: "Long, bumpy road going in and out." Similarly, Chris J. adds: "It's about a 15 mile commute on a gravel road to get there. If your plan is to stay at the campsite for the duration of your visit I would recommended it. But if you are going to explore the area you have to make the 30 mile round trip."
Temperature fluctuations: Mountain camping means preparing for cold nights even in summer. Katie G. notes about Twin Lakes: "In July it gets to be around 30° F at night so bring lots of extra blankets."
Insect activity: Mosquitoes can be problematic in certain areas. Lorrie K. mentions at Wagonhammer RV Park & Campground: "So close to a five star campground if it were not for the swarming mosquitoes anywhere in the shade."
Limited services: Many campgrounds lack facilities urban campers might expect. Ben H. reports at Morgan Bar: "I stayed here for one night. It is $5 per night. I had decent Verizon signal. There were at least eight camping areas. The camping limit for this area is 14 days."
Choose shaded sites: Heat can be intense during summer months. Inez at Spring Creek Campground warns: "I would not recommend end of July/August. Temps 100 and no breeze."
Bring entertainment: Some campgrounds lack dedicated children's activities. Gabe L. suggests about River's Fork Lodge: "If there was really anything they could add, would possibly be something for kids to do. Just as a family of four with a 3 and 6 year old, they can only fish so much."
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Schedule morning wildlife spotting excursions. Inez notes: "Plenty to see if traveling in vehicle like bighorn sheep, whitetail deer and bald eagles."
Stock up on supplies: Remote locations mean limited shopping options. Lorrie K. advises: "Nearest town with groceries etc. is in Salmon so stock up before you go."
Cell service considerations: Connectivity varies widely between campgrounds. Brian C. shares his experience at Wagonhammer: "No cell service (AT&T & Sprint). Poor WiFi. If you are a digital nomad and stay here then go to Salmon (30-minute drive), turn left, and a few blocks down on your left is the public library. It's the best wifi you'll find."
Big rig accessibility: Not all campgrounds accommodate larger vehicles. Chip K. cautions about Tower Rock: "Loop is a bit tight in spots so I wouldn't recommend it for a large 5'er or motorhome."
Spacing between sites: RVers appreciate adequate site separation. Melody M. notes: "Camp sites are well spaced with their own fire pits and picnic tables. The roads and campsites are paved."
Seasonal considerations: Many campgrounds have limited operating seasons. Julie W. reports about Morgan Bar: "We stopped here to sleep on our way to Glacier NP. It was easy to find but off the main road and quiet. Very clean campsites with fire pits and trash cans."
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I navigate to camping areas in North Fork, Idaho?
To reach camping areas in North Fork, Idaho, you'll primarily navigate via Highway 93, which runs along the Salmon River. For access to Shoup Bridge Campground, follow the main highway and watch for BLM signage. If you're heading to Martin Creek, be prepared for some quieter forest roads—this tucked away and well-maintained spot requires more navigation but rewards with river access and hiking opportunities. Many campgrounds in the area are accessed via gravel or dirt roads branching off from the main highway, so having a good map is essential. Cell service can be spotty, so download maps beforehand or pick up a local map from ranger stations.
What campground facilities are available at North Fork Motel and Campground?
While specific reviews for North Fork Motel and Campground are limited, nearby River's Fork Lodge & RV Park offers water, toilets, and is big-rig friendly. For comparison of facilities in the area, Elk Bend RV Park provides beautiful scenery, quiet grounds, clean laundry facilities, and excellent owner service. Most established campgrounds in the North Fork area typically offer basic amenities including vault toilets, picnic tables, and fire rings. For more detailed and current information about specific facilities at North Fork Motel and Campground, contacting them directly is recommended as amenities may change seasonally.
Where are the best camping spots in North Fork, Idaho?
North Fork, Idaho offers several excellent camping options. Twin Creek Campground provides well-spaced sites with good privacy, clean bathrooms, and great-tasting water. Many campers also enjoy Camp Creek BLM Camping, which features riverside sites with mountain views at the bottom of a canyon. These spots offer moderately clean, private sites spaced along the river access with trees for hammocking and shade. For those who prefer more amenities, consider the campgrounds closer to Salmon, which provide convenient access to the region's outdoor recreation opportunities.
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