Best Tent Camping near Riggins, ID
Tent campsites in the Riggins, Idaho region offer a mix of established and primitive options within the Nez Perce National Forest and along the Salmon River corridor. Island Bar Recreation Site provides tent camping directly on the river with beach access, while Seven Devils Campground offers higher-elevation tent sites surrounded by forest at the gateway to Hells Canyon National Recreation Area, approximately 17 miles from Riggins via a rugged mountain road.
Most tent campgrounds near Riggins feature basic amenities including vault toilets, picnic tables, and established fire rings, though campers should bring their own water or filtration systems. The access road to Seven Devils Campground requires high-clearance vehicles and is not recommended for trailers, with reviews noting it takes about an hour to navigate the 17-mile dirt road from Riggins. Many sites operate on a first-come, first-served basis with no reservations accepted. Summer temperatures can vary dramatically between riverside locations and mountain sites, where nighttime temperatures can drop into the 30s even in August.
Walk-in tent sites at Windy Saddle Trailhead Campground provide exceptional views overlooking Hells Canyon and access to numerous hiking trails. The higher elevation tent camping areas typically open later in the season due to snowpack, with most mountain sites accessible from June through October. Backcountry tent camping opportunities extend into the Seven Devils Mountains and Gospel Hump Wilderness areas for those seeking more solitude. The primitive nature of these sites appeals to tent campers looking for a true wilderness experience. A camper described the Seven Devils area as "an incredibly beautiful area. It is rugged and feels so wild. Plan to take your time driving up 17 Mile road. The views are spectacular and easy to find."