Dispersed camping near Riggins, Idaho centers on the salmon-rich Main Salmon and Little Salmon River corridors, with elevation ranging from 1,800 feet in the river canyon to over 8,000 feet in the surrounding mountains. The area's climate varies dramatically by season and elevation, with canyon areas experiencing hot summers often exceeding 95°F while mountain campsites maintain cooler temperatures. This stark elevation difference creates multiple camping microclimates within short driving distances.
What to do
Salmon fishing access: At Shorts Bar Recreation Site, campers can set up directly on sandy beaches with prime fishing spots. "Great salmon and smallmouth fishing upstream or downstream. Downstream is the confluence of the Salmon River and the Little Salmon River near the town of Riggins, ID," notes Ed E.
Jet boat tours: Base yourself near Riggins for guided excursions. "River Adventures Jet Boat tour of Hells Canyon is worth it!" shares Nancy C. who stayed at Canyon Pines RV Resort just 6 miles from Riggins.
Mountain hiking: The Seven Devils area offers exceptional day hikes and backpacking opportunities. "There are several hikes that can be done in a single day or stretched out to multi day trips that go along mountaintops and alpine lakes," explains Celine K. Watch for wildlife including "black bears, rattlesnakes, mountain goats in the area."
What campers like
River sound: Many campsites sit directly beside rushing water. "The sound of the river at your campsite is so soothing!" writes Ed E. about Riverside RV Park. Similarly at Canyon Pines, Nancy notes "Even if you don't score a river site, you can still hear it crashing over the rocks."
Beach camping: Sandy riverside beaches provide natural swimming areas. "This campground does not have many amenities, but it is right on the Salmon River. This is a nice spot to go in the spring when it's warm in the valley but still cold up on the mountains," explains Hannah C. about Shorts Bar.
Wildlife viewing: The surrounding hills offer wildlife watching opportunities. "There is an Elk Farm on the other side of the road up the hill from the campsites. During the rut season (fall) you can hear their bugles echo through the canyon," mentions Ed E.
What you should know
Seasonal conditions: Spring snowmelt affects river access. "Early season made this inaccessible except for paddlers," warns Katherine B. about Island Bar Recreation Site.
Mountain access: Reaching higher elevation sites requires time. After a "45 minutes drive on dirt road we reached this rustic campground," reports Kirsten I. about Seven Devils Campground.
Limited facilities: Most dispersed sites have minimal amenities. "There are pit toilets, no trash, no water," continues Kirsten I. The Little Salmon River Pullout is even more basic with just fire rings.
Crowding patterns: Popular sites fill quickly during peak season. "This is a busy site, lots of paddler traffic," notes Katherine B. about Shorts Bar Recreation Site. Similarly, at Short's Bar Recreation Area, Shay S. observed it "was popping with people who are definitely staying a while."
Tips for camping with families
Beach recreation: Fiddle Creek Recreation Site offers riverside camping with easy water access. "We loved that it was right on the river," shares Marley F., making it perfect for families who enjoy swimming and water play.
Site selection: For larger families with multiple tents, choose carefully. "If you have a longer trailer then I would suggest going in the first turn out, because the second one is tight," advises Marley F.
Safety considerations: River sites require supervision. Julie at Riverside RV Park cautions that "The river is several feet down with no fence so not the best space if you have young kids."
Tick awareness: Conduct regular checks during warmer months. "If you have dogs, be sure to check them for ticks. We found a few here," warns Katherine B.
Tips from RVers
Overnight parking: The Little Salmon River Pullout Dispersed works well for quick stops. "This is a little pullout off route 95. Has about 10-15 feet of separation from main road, which gives privacy and protection from cars," notes Christian L.
Heat management: Summer temperatures in the canyon can be extreme. Riverside RV Park provides full hookups for air conditioning during hot weather, with Julie noting they chose the park "due to the record breaking heat this summer."
River view sites: Request specific sites at RV parks for best experiences. "We stayed in site 8 (full hookups) which is on the river. The view of the river was so spectacular," shares Julie about Riverside RV Park.
Water conservation: No potable water exists at most dispersed camping areas around Riggins. Kyle G. mentions that at Shorts Bar "There are a couple of spots where you can stay for longer, but mostly good for an overnight."
