Tent campsites near North Fork, Idaho offer varying accessibility levels depending on elevation and seasonal conditions. Sites at higher elevations in the Salmon National Forest typically open in June and close in October due to snow conditions, while lower elevation sites along the Salmon River remain accessible throughout the warmer months. Summer temperatures along the river can exceed 90°F during July and August, creating ideal conditions for water recreation at riverside camping areas.
What to do
Fishing access: Connect directly to premier salmon fishing at Camp Creek BLM Camping. This site provides immediate river entry for anglers. As one visitor noted, "Amazing drive-in BLM campsite right on the Salmon River. Primitive site; no water/bathroom. Great stargazing."
River swimming: Cool off during hot summer months. Sites are strategically positioned for easy water access. A Camp Creek camper shared, "We could easily go down and swim from our site. Fully dispersed no services, no cell signal (verizon)."
Stargazing: Experience exceptional night skies away from light pollution. The canyon geography creates natural framing for astronomical viewing. One camper at Waddington Creek Primitive Campsite reported, "The road down is steep and narrow—perfect for a small 4x vehicle. It's also very short. I'm pretty close to the road but I don't mind."
Historical exploration: Visit local historical sites. Near Waddington Creek, visitors can explore unique local history. "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... you can peer in some Windows of one of his hand build houses."
What campers like
River proximity: Most tent sites provide direct waterfront access. The natural soundtrack of flowing water enhances the camping experience. A visitor to Crazy Creek Campground mentioned, "Right next to the creek, with another small branch cutting through the middle of the campground, the only thing I could hear was the water."
Wildlife viewing: Dawn and dusk offer opportunities to spot local fauna. Many campsites serve as observation points for deer and smaller mammals. One camper at Crazy Creek observed, "Saw a doe and fawn on the way out in the morning."
Site privacy: Spacing between sites varies by location. Campers seeking solitude can find more secluded options. At Camp Creek, a visitor noted, "Each spot is super private, there aren't many spots. Ours was right on the river."
Hammock opportunities: Trees at select sites support hanging setups. Multiple campgrounds feature mature trees suitable for hammock camping. A Waddington Creek camper mentioned, "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
Site availability: Popular spots fill quickly during peak season. Arriving early increases chances of securing preferred locations. A visitor to Bobcat Gulch reported, "We tried to stop here for an overnight, but it was completely full! There were so many trucks, trailers, camper vans, etc."
Road noise: Highway proximity affects some campgrounds. Traffic volume varies by time and season. One Camp Creek camper noted, "Only con is that it is close enough to hwy 93 that you can see and hear cars going by, but it's not a super busy road."
Limited facilities: Most sites require complete self-sufficiency. Campers must bring all supplies including water. A Camp Creek reviewer stated, "Not much for flat spots or anything else. You will need to have everything you need with you."
Cell service: Connectivity varies significantly by location and carrier. Some sites offer surprising coverage while others are completely offline. A Waddington Creek camper mentioned, "And there's 9 bars of service to boot!"
Tips for camping with families
Water safety: River currents can be strong depending on season. Children should be supervised near water at all times. Families often prefer camping at Wallace Lake Campground where "We piddled around in a raft around the lake and did some fishing. Saw quite a bit of wildlife."
Educational opportunities: Local history offers learning experiences. Several sites near North Fork provide opportunities to explore mining history. A Wallace Lake visitor shared, "Touring the mining towns near by was so much fun!"
Site selection: Some locations offer more level ground for family tents. When camping with children, prioritize sites with sufficient flat space. At Bobcat Gulch, "There are no numbered sites, just designated fire rings to indicate the different sites. One large accesible pit toilet is available."
Wildlife awareness: Prepare children for possible animal encounters. Local wildlife includes deer, coyotes, and smaller mammals. Proper food storage is essential at all sites.
Tips from RVers
Size limitations: Many sites accommodate only smaller recreational vehicles. Narrow access roads and limited turning radius restrict larger rigs. At Camp Creek BLM Camping, a camper noted, "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."
Access challenges: Some roads require high-clearance vehicles. Steep grades may be impassable when wet. A Waddington Creek visitor cautioned, "Nice off grid site. Very steep grand off highway to one site. Not recommended if you are pulling any type of camper."
Leveling requirements: Prepare for uneven terrain at most dispersed sites. Bring sufficient leveling blocks and stabilizers. According to one Camp Creek camper, "One right in the river (difficult to find a level spot on the river). We had the first pull through spot and was perfect."
Site capacity: Limited parking space at most tent campsites near North Fork. Larger rigs should scout locations before committing to access roads. "There are three spots to camp here. One right in the river... We had the first pull through spot and was perfect."
