Dispersed camping sites along the Salmon River offer primitive camping near Riggins, Idaho throughout the summer and early fall. Most riverside locations provide basic accommodations with no amenities beyond stone fire rings and level ground. Winter access becomes limited due to snow conditions and forest road closures, typically from November through April depending on elevation and seasonal weather patterns.
What to do
Fishing access points: Multiple primitive campsites provide direct river access for anglers targeting steelhead and salmon. Fiddle Creek Recreation Site offers easy river entry points. "My husband and I were looking for a quick spot to camp and found this right off the highway, it was perfect for a last minute camping. We loved that it was right on the river, too," notes camper Marley F.
Mountain biking trails: Forest service roads near dispersed camping areas connect to singletrack trails throughout the region. Hells Canyon Overlook Near Saddle Creek provides access to challenging terrain. One visitor notes, "Tons of changes in terrain but the drive is not for the faint of heart. Be ready to share space with free roaming mountain cattle."
Water sports: Bring kayaks or paddleboards to experience the river from a different perspective. "A fabulous little spot next to the river for an overnight or two or three. There was a toilet and easy access to the river to fetch water to filter," writes Kevin C. about the camping experience at Pealy Loop.
What campers like
River sounds: Many campers appreciate the natural white noise from nearby waterways. At Hazard Creek Dispersed Camping, one reviewer notes, "Hazard creek nearby isn't too loud and sounds great. Not much firewood is around as its all been picked already."
Privacy between sites: Several locations offer natural spacing between camping areas. Lost Valley Reservoir features "a lot of space in each camp," according to reviewer Easton S., though they caution "not much land in between each camp so be courteous."
Cell service availability: Surprisingly good connectivity exists at select sites despite remote locations. Laura M. reports about Pealy Loop Recreation Site: "Verizon was roaming and AT&T had great reception. Despite being right off the main road, it was very quiet and you couldn't hear or see traffic since you're lower down on the river."
What you should know
Limited firewood supply: Most primitive sites near Riggins have depleted natural firewood. Brendan R. reports about Hazard Creek: "Nice flat spot with a stone fire ring. Not much firewood is around as its all been picked already."
Reservoir water levels: Lakes and reservoirs in the area experience significant drawdown during late summer. One camper at Lost Valley notes: "The lake is small and as the summer progresses and water is drained from the reservoir, it shrinks. I prefer camping here until about the 1st or 2nd week of August."
Campsite availability patterns: Weekday arrivals provide better site selection options. "We arrived on a Thursday afternoon in October. There were many spots available along the road leading up to this site," shares Ronda D. about Upper Payette Lake Dispersed Camping Area.
Tips for camping with families
Beach access considerations: Some waterfront areas have rocky shorelines not ideal for young swimmers. A Lost Valley camper cautions: "You can walk to the reservoir. The beach is very rocky."
Alternative bathroom options: Most primitive sites lack proper facilities. Easton S. suggests about Lost Valley: "Bathrooms are really dirty. Would recommend just use the woods whenever possible."
Activity planning: Bring water toys to keep children engaged during hot days. "Great spot tucked into the trees. Some sites are a bit cramped, but enjoyable. Cool trails and nearby water to keep the kids occupied," writes Will M. about Lost Valley camping.
Tips from RVers
Fifth-wheel access: Several primitive sites can accommodate larger rigs despite tight access roads. Will M. shares about Little Salmon River Pullout: "The road is tight but you can get a fifth wheeler in. Every spot looks very easy backing in. No sharp corners, no sacrifices were made in order to back in."
Turn radius challenges: Some sites require careful navigation for longer trailers. Marley F. advises about Fiddle Creek: "Pretty easy access, but if you have a longer trailer than I would suggest going in the first turn out, because the second one is tight."
Surface conditions: Most dispersed areas feature gravel pads of varying quality. Christian L. describes Little Salmon River Pullout: "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. The surface is a gravel and can fit a fairly decent amount of vehicles."
