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.
Tent Camping near North Fork, ID
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Tent campgrounds near North Fork, Idaho offer primitive accommodations along the Salmon River and in surrounding forest land. Bobcat Gulch provides several undesignated tent sites with fire rings along the river, while Camp Creek BLM camping features more secluded tent spots with river access. Both locations are free primitive campgrounds with minimal facilities. The Salmon National Forest's Deep Creek Campground operates seasonally from June to October, providing tent camping in a more established setting.
Most tent sites in the North Fork area require self-sufficiency as amenities are limited. Bobcat Gulch has a single accessible pit toilet, but many surrounding areas like Camp Creek lack any facilities. Campers should pack in all water or prepare to filter from nearby rivers. Fire rings are common at designated sites, though seasonal fire restrictions may apply during dry periods. Several campgrounds sit close to Highway 93, creating moderate road noise, while others like Deep Creek require travel on gravel roads. Free dispersed camping typically follows the standard 14-day stay limit on public lands.
Tent campsites throughout the region provide direct access to the Salmon River, offering swimming and fishing opportunities. Sites at Camp Creek BLM camping feature good tree cover for hammocks and shade, with spacing that creates moderate privacy between campers. Higher elevation sites in Salmon National Forest offer cooler temperatures during summer months. A recent review noted that Bobcat Gulch is "pretty small and basic" but offers a "pretty quiet" experience even on weekends. Areas like Waddington Creek Primitive Campsite provide more seclusion but require navigating steep access roads that are "perfect for small 4x vehicles." Tent campers particularly appreciate the natural settings, with several reviews mentioning exceptional stargazing opportunities at the more remote sites away from town.
Best Tent Campgrounds near North Fork (48)
1. Bobcat Gulch
"No water/power completely dry. Bathroom but primitive. No trash."
"There are no numbered sites, just designated fire rings to indicate the different sites I suppose. One large accesible pit toilet is available. Most sites back up to the river which is pretty nice."
2. Wallace Lake Campground
"We piddled around in a raft around the lake and did some fishing. Saw quite a bit of wildlife. We had a great camping spot right by the water. Touring the mining towns near by was so much fun!"
3. Deadwater Campground
4. Camp Creek BLM Camping
"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."
5. Century II Campgrounds
6. Halfway Gulch Cua
7. Crazy Creek Campground
"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 and later a fire spotter plane overhead."
"Stay here for quick access to Lamar Valley. Be aware of your surroundings, we had a coyote visit us unexpectedly!"
8. Waddington Creek Primitive Campsite
"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"
9. Salmon National Forest Deep Creek Campground
10. Cougar Point
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 Tent Camping Photos near North Fork, ID
7 Photos of 48 North Fork Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers
Tent Camping Reviews near North Fork, ID
188 Reviews of 48 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.GuideSpring 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!
- DDiane S.Guide
Boulder Creek
Wish people would follow basic rules
Lovely 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.
Guide to North Fork
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."
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent
campsite near North Fork, ID?
Which is the most popular tent campsite near North Fork, ID?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near North Fork, ID is Bobcat Gulch with a 4.5-star rating from 4 reviews.
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North Fork, ID?
What is the best site to find tent camping near North Fork, ID?
TheDyrt.com has all 48 tent camping locations near North Fork, ID, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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