The Salmon area sits at approximately 4,000 feet elevation in central Idaho, bordered by the Continental Divide and the Salmon River. Camping options range from primitive riverside spots to developed campgrounds with full hookups. Summer temperatures typically reach 85-90°F during the day with cooler nights in the 40-50°F range, while spring and fall bring significant temperature fluctuations.
What to do
Fishing access: Morgan Bar Campground offers excellent fishing opportunities directly on the Salmon River. "Small place, only 10/15 campsites. Sits right on a river, very spacious sites and super cheap ($5)," notes Camden P. The campground's location provides easy river access for anglers of all skill levels.
Boating and rafting: Tower Rock Recreation Site includes a small boat launch area for accessing the Salmon River. According to Melody M., "This is right on the Salmon River so a good place to camp if fishing the Salmon. There was an osprey nest right by our campsite which had some babies and parents which were interesting to watch."
Wildlife viewing: Watch for ospreys, bald eagles, and smaller wildlife along the Salmon River. At Williams Lake Campground, visitors can hike to the nearby lake and possibly spot various wildlife species. Jessica C. mentions, "Williams lake is about 5 minutes up the road. The campground was nice with sites spaced far enough that their is privacy."
What campers like
River proximity: Camp Creek BLM Camping offers sites directly alongside the Salmon River. Kristy A. shares, "Site: moderately clean and private. Spaced apart about 3 sites alongside the river access. Trees for hammocking and shade. Relatively even for van parking. 1 minute walk to the river from all sites."
Affordable options: Many BLM campsites near Salmon are budget-friendly. Morgan Bar Campground costs only $5-15 per night. Tom P. notes, "It's a nice quiet camp close to town on the river. It is not $5, it is $15 a night. Which is more - but 1/2 off for old farts like me."
Stargazing: The Salmon area's minimal light pollution creates excellent stargazing conditions. Noah M. writes about Camp Creek BLM Camping: "Amazing drive-in BLM campsite right on the Salmon River. Primitive site; no water/bathroom. Great stargazing."
Swimming spots: Several campsites offer swimming access in the Salmon River or nearby lakes. Allison M. describes her experience at Williams Lake Campground: "We visited the lake that was maybe 5 minutes away from the sites and swam out to a little island to cliff jump! It was a beautiful and well kept site."
What you should know
Cell service varies: Reception can be spotty throughout the area. Andrea C. notes at Camp Creek BLM: "Very little Verizon service." At Wagonhammer RV Park, Brian C. reports: "No cell service (AT&T & Sprint)" but mentions, "If you are a digital nomad and stay here then go to Salmon (30-minute drive), turn left, and a few blocks down on your left is the public library."
Road conditions: Some campgrounds require navigating steep or rough roads. Wagner F. warns about Williams Lake Campground: "Just be aware to check your car breaks because the back travel is downhill the mountains."
Bugs and wildlife: Insect activity varies by season. Vania Z. recommends for Morgan Bar: "Bring bug spray it was buggy!" Lorrie K. mentions at Wagonhammer: "Swarming mosquitoes anywhere in the shade."
Water access: Most primitive sites lack potable water. At Shoup Bridge Campground, Dexter I. notes: "Water is available and the area has a vault toilet and trash cans. Campground has a boat launch."
Tips for camping with families
Best campground amenities: Wagonhammer RV Park offers clean facilities ideal for families. Todd explains it's "a well-run site, is clean and has full hookups, laundry, a store, etc..." and mentions it's "a quiet, calm, and safe place for travelers staying in everything from tents to enormous RV's."
Pet-friendly options: Several campgrounds welcome pets, with some offering dedicated pet areas. Lisa B. shares about Wagonhammer: "Dog friendly and there is a dog island that your fur kid can run around off leash!"
Group site selection: For families camping together, Morgan Bar offers spacious sites. Rebekah B. describes it as having "about 5 spots for camping, and a volleyball court, spot for horseshoes and a fairly open field perfect for any other activities."
Swimming safety: Williams Lake provides family-friendly swimming options. Allison M. mentions the lake is "maybe 5 minutes away from the sites" where her group "swam out to a little island to cliff jump!"
Tips from RVers
Hookup availability: Century 2 Campground & RV Park offers full-service RV sites close to town. Sarah M. notes: "Walk In's Welcome. We literally pulled in off highway 93 and were immediately welcomed with open arms. The campground is under new management, so is going through a lot of amazing changes!"
Site accessibility: Consider vehicle size when choosing a campsite near Salmon. For Tower Rock, Chip K. advises: "Loop is a bit tight in spots so I wouldn't recommend it for a large 5'er or motorhome."
Riverside parking: Some RV sites offer premium riverside locations. Cia S. describes her experience at Andreas on the River RV Park: "Asked for one on the river, which had its own deck. Kind of shocked it was $45 a night after so much free camping! But nice to have hookups and our own deck looking over the river watching osprey fish."
Level parking considerations: Camp Creek BLM offers decent parking for smaller RVs. Kristy A. notes the site has "relatively even van parking" and is "perfect view of the big dipper between the canyon view made for a beautiful night of star gazing by the fire ring."
