Dispersed camping options surround North Fork, Idaho at elevations ranging from 3,900 to 4,500 feet in the Salmon-Challis National Forest. Summer temperatures regularly exceed 90°F during July and August, while spring brings unpredictable weather patterns. Winter access becomes limited as many forest roads close due to snow accumulation, typically from November through April.
What to do
River access for fishing: Chaffin Creek Road offers primitive sites within steps of water access. "Being only a very short distance from the main road, the dirt access road is smooth though it has scattered potholes and is through a country residential area. Once you pass the private properties, you enter into the forest and drive fairly close to a creek," notes Kevin C. about the dispersed sites along Chaffin Creek.
Hiking opportunities: Several trails begin near rustic camping areas outside North Fork. The Baker, Middle, and Gem Lake Trail is accessible from Forest Service Road 5634. "Found this spot on our way to hike the Baker, Middle, & Gem Lake Trail. There's just one proper dispersed site on this long switchback dirt road, but it's quite the spot if you can grab it! The views are amazing," reports Meghan B. about FS Road 5634 dispersed camping.
Boating access points: Red Rock Access provides boat launching facilities for day trips on the Salmon River. "The boat ramp was fairly busy in the morning. Really decent overnight stop!" mentions Connie H. regarding watercraft usage at this location.
What campers like
Open spaces with privacy: Deer Gulch provides ample room between sites. "Lots of room for our dogs to run by site without bothering others," notes Sharon W. about the Deer Gulch camping area, which features grassy areas and shade trees.
Cell service availability: Connectivity varies significantly between sites. "I had full bars with Verizon (the cell tower was within line of sight) but my friend with t-mobile had no service whatsoever," reports Ted T. about connectivity at dispersed sites. The FS Road 5634 site maintains good reception in an otherwise spotty area: "Much of this road has no cell service, but this campsite did have a good AT&T signal."
Creek-side camping: Lost Horse Creek provides numerous spots along flowing water. "A ton of dispersed sites right near the creek," observes Kelsey W. about the Lost Horse Dispersed Campground. Steve O. adds, "Lost Horse creek is beautiful. Can get a little tight with campers in peak season."
What you should know
Bridge access limitations: Several camping areas require crossing narrow bridges that restrict larger vehicles. At Red Rock Access, Connie H. reports: "We stopped here after trying Bobcat Gulch, which was completely full! So, we drove a little further and found this spot. We pulled in late after 10:00 PM and we were the only ones there, but woke to a couple other trucks that had pulled in."
Traffic variations: Some forest roads experience unexpectedly high traffic. "The road in is BUSY. We have camped at a number of dispersed locations over the years and this was BY FAR the busiest forest road we have seen. On Friday night we counted 50 cars passing by before we stopped counting," warns Opus 15 about Lost Horse road conditions.
Site availability fluctuations: Bobcat Gulch fills quickly during peak periods. "We tried to stop here for an overnight, but it was completely full! There were so many trucks, trailers, camper vans, etc... looked like a nice spot, but since there wasn't much room anywhere, we decided to head further down the road," reports Connie H.
Tips for camping with families
Toilet facilities: When traveling with children, prioritize sites with vault toilets. "There are no numbered sites, just designated fire rings to indicate the different sites I suppose. One large accessible pit toilet is available," explains Evan H. about Bobcat Gulch's basic amenities.
Swimming access points: Families appreciate safely accessible water features. "Easy river access, too! Note that you can turn right or left once across the bridge. Fewer people to the left," advises Kenny R. about Deer Gulch facilities.
Shade availability: During summer months, temperatures regularly exceed 90°F. "Beautiful grass in most of the spots. Fire rings, bathrooms near by... 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," shares Sharon W. about conditions at lower elevation sites.
Tips from RVers
Road condition alerts: Forest roads leading to remote sites often have rough sections. "The last 2.3 miles of the drive was on a fairly rough, but very manageable, forest road. (Mostly washboard and a few holes) It was 11.8 miles from our camp to Darby, and about 13 miles to the Yellowstone Ranch," details Opus 15 about the Lost Horse area access.
Size considerations: Many rustic camping areas near North Fork accommodate modest-sized RVs. "We have a 26 ft TT and this was perfect right off highway," mentions Sharon W. about Deer Gulch's accessibility for travel trailers.
Overnight recommendations: For travelers passing through, certain sites work better for single nights. "This 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," advises Eric G.
