K
Karin G.
Guide
GuideElk Bend RV Park
Just what we needed
Nice 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.
Dog-Friendly Camping near North Fork, ID
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Wagonhammer RV Park & Campground accommodates pets throughout its 56 riverside sites, with dedicated space for pets to run off-leash on its dog island. The campground operates seasonally from May 15 to November 15, offering a variety of accommodation options including tent sites, RV spots with full hookups, and glamping facilities. Bobcat Gulch provides a more rustic pet-friendly dispersed camping experience with sites backing up to the river. Dogs are typically required to be leashed in camping areas but can explore designated off-leash zones where available. River's Fork Lodge & RV Park maintains spacious sites that easily fit various RV sizes with full hookups, while remaining pet-friendly. The campground host at Twin Creek Campground keeps facilities exceptionally clean, with spacious, well-separated sites providing privacy for campers with pets.
Several hiking trails near North Fork campgrounds welcome leashed dogs, with access to the Salmon River providing cooling opportunities during hot summer months when temperatures can reach 100°F. The remote Twin Lakes Campground offers non-motorized lake access perfect for dogs who enjoy swimming, though the 15-mile gravel road access requires planning ahead. When camping with pets in this region, travelers should prepare for potentially extreme temperature variations, with some areas reporting nighttime temperatures dropping to 30°F even in July. No cell service exists at many campgrounds, making it important to research veterinary services in Salmon before arrival. Most campsites feature fire rings and picnic tables, providing comfortable spaces for both human and canine campers to relax after exploring the surrounding wilderness.
Best Dog-Friendly Campgrounds near North Fork (57)
1. Wagonhammer RV Park & Campground
"Having to run our company from the road, traveling with three kids under 5, 3 dogs and a cat, all over 5 we need to be able to work. "
"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!"
from $25 - $45 / night
Check Availability2. Bobcat Gulch
"Only downside is it’s rather close to the highway and you can hear cars driving by pretty regularly."
3. Tower Rock Recreation Site
"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."
4. River's Fork Lodge & RV Park
"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."
5. Red Rock Access
6. Twin Lakes
"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."
7. Twin Creek Campground
"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 Availability8. Agency Creek Campground Lehmi Pass
"7 spots off the beaten path, small creek lehmi. On the Lewis and Ckark trail. Bathroom is ADA."
9. Spring Creek Campground
10. Century 2 Campground & RV Park
"Access to river to look at great! Renamed to Andreas on the River. The management helped us get in and made sure we were good. Super 5 stars!"
"We literally pulled in off highway 93 and were immediately welcomed with open arms. The campground is under new management, so is going through a lot of amazing changes!"
Drive Time
- 2 hrs 9 min from Missoula, MT
- 2 hrs 53 min from Helena, MT
- 3 hrs 6 min from Bozeman, MT
- 5 hrs 44 min from Lewiston, ID
Recent Dog-Friendly Camping Photos near North Fork, ID
19 Photos of 57 North Fork Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers
Dog-Friendly Camping Reviews near North Fork, ID
213 Reviews of 57 North Fork Campgrounds
- S
Sue R.GuideAmerican Legion Park
Minimal but acceptable
No luxuries but if you need a place to pull off the road with restrooms, it works great. Tents can stay under shelter. Run by veterans and members of the American Legion, we appreciated it.
Brian E.GuideShoup Bridge Campground — Salmon Field Office (Blm)
5 miles South of Salmon Idaho. Right on the Salmon River
Only 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.
- RRoddrickGuide
Price Creek Campground (Mt) — Beaverhead Deerlodge National Forest
Beautiful place
This is a forest. service campground, but it’s all paved every site spaced apart, fantastic campground. Wayne and Betty are fantastic host even let me borrow a shovel and sift to go dig for quartz.
David R.GuideWest Fork of Bitterroot
Dispersed camping next to river
This 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.
- David R.Guide
Spring Gulch
Tent spot?
Site “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.
- David R.Guide
Grasshopper Campground and Picnic Area
Amazing spot
Site #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)
- DDavid D.
TravelerLittle Joe
Sweet Little (Joe) Spot
Located 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.
Superspockman
ScoutElk Bend RV Park
Beware!
Please 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!
Guide to North Fork
North Fork, Idaho lies at the junction of the main Salmon and North Fork rivers at an elevation of approximately 3,300 feet. The area experiences significant temperature fluctuations with summer highs reaching 100°F while nighttime temperatures can drop substantially even during peak season. Most campgrounds in this region operate seasonally from May to November due to weather conditions, with limited services available outside this window.
What to do
Kayaking the Salmon River: River's Fork Lodge & RV Park provides excellent water access with sites less than 10 feet from 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.
Hiking with dogs: Several trail systems near Twin Creek Campground accommodate hikers with pets. "It is super quiet back here, with the added bonus of the creek tinkling away below the campground," notes Annie C., who appreciated the natural setting. The campground provides access to nearby hiking paths and creekside exploration.
Wildlife viewing: The Salmon River corridor offers opportunities to spot diverse wildlife. "Plenty to see if traveling in vehicle like bighorn sheep, whitetail deer and bald eagles. Recommend a visit to the firefighter memorial at Indian river FS training camp," suggests Inez from Spring Creek Campground.
What campers like
Spacious, private sites: At Twin Creek Campground, sites are generously spaced for privacy. "Sites are very nicely spaced and lots of privacy between them," mentions Ginny H., while Ranee J. appreciates the "spacious sites, clean and gorgeous views."
Riverside locations: Many campgrounds in the area feature river access. Tower Rock Recreation Site sits directly on the Salmon River. Melody M. shares, "This is right on the Salmon River so a good place to camp if fishing the Salmon. There was an osprey nest right by our campsite which had some babies and parents which were interesting to watch."
Clean facilities: Campgrounds in the North Fork area are well-maintained. "Tis campground was a favorite on our Idaho trip... Great campground host. Bathrooms were really clean and great tasting water," reports Ginny H. about Twin Creek Campground. Similar observations are common across multiple pet friendly camping options in the region.
What you should know
Limited connectivity: Cell service and internet access is minimal throughout the North Fork area. "No cell service for Verizon. Nearest town with groceries etc. is in Salmon so stock up before you go," warns Lorrie K. about Wagonhammer RV Park & Campground.
Extreme weather variations: Temperatures fluctuate dramatically, requiring preparation for both heat and cold. At higher elevations like Twin Lakes Campground, Katie G. cautions: "The mosquitos are terrible so bring lots of deet, and in July it gets to be around 30* F at night so bring lots of extra blankets."
Limited availability: Popular sites fill quickly during peak season. "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," shares Connie H. about Bobcat Gulch.
Tips for camping with families
Consider accessibility needs: Family-friendly camping requires appropriate facilities. At Twin Lakes, Mark & Kelly G. report, "Large, flat sites - many of which are right on the water. Gorgeous views with the lakes nestled between mountains! Plenty of space between sites."
Pack extra supplies: Remote location means limited access to stores. "No trash cans or dumpsters, so pack out," Annie C. notes about Twin Creek Campground, highlighting the need to bring necessary supplies including trash bags.
Plan for digital detox: Families accustomed to connectivity should prepare for limited options. Brian C. from Wagonhammer RV Park shares their experience: "Being new RV'ers we didn't do our due diligence before booking, we went by pictures and the park did their part. They said poor internet and poor cell service we just didn't believe them."
Tips from RVers
Check road conditions: Access to some campgrounds requires careful planning. About Twin Lakes, Chris J. advises: "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 in order to get to the main road."
Site selection matters: Not all RV sites are equally accommodating. Chip K. notes about Tower Rock: "Loop is a bit tight in spots so I wouldn't recommend it for a large 5'er or motorhome," providing important sizing information for larger rigs.
Full-service options available: For RVers seeking amenities, Andreas on the River RV Park in Salmon offers complete hookups. "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 Daniel & Vicky C.
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According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near North Fork, ID is Wagonhammer RV Park & Campground with a 4.3-star rating from 6 reviews.
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