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Camping near Salmon, ID

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    SUMMARY PRESENTED BYT-Mobile

    Several camping choices surround Salmon, Idaho, from the centrally located Salmon City Park Campground to the more natural setting of Salmon Recreation Area. Salmon City Park Campground has the basics - restrooms and picnic tables - and puts you right in town. Salmon Recreation Area campsites come with better views and hiking trails nearby. If you prefer to camp away from others, the National Forest land around Salmon allows dispersed camping in many spots. Check about permits before you go, especially in summer, and always look up current fire rules. Salmon County Park Campground has room for both tents and RVs in its larger sites. Most developed campgrounds have water, but bring your own if you're heading to dispersed sites. Some camping spots have good tree cover while others sit in more open areas. Late spring and early fall typically have the nicest weather for camping here. Winter camping works if you're prepared for cold, and summer gets hot enough that you'll want shade and plenty of water. Salmon has enough different camping spots that most people can find something that works for them.

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    Best Campgrounds near Salmon (133)

    Filters    Tent onlyRVDispersedCabinGlampingPetsEquestrian

      1. Morgan Bar Campground

      4.3(8)5mi from Salmon16 sitesRVs, Tents

      "Cattle farms nearby but not a bother. Small campground that is quiet with camp host on site. Camp host dog wanders but is friendly."

      "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."

      from $2 - $15 / night

      2. Shoup Bridge Campground — Salmon Field Office (Blm)

      4.0(5)5mi from Salmon16 sitesRVs, Tents

      "Shoup Bridge  Campground is a small Campground surrounding cottonwood trees along the banks of the Salmon River. It is also right along the Highway. "

      "Close to highway so, road noise is present during the day. Lots of shade trees and grass."

      from $2 - $15 / night

      3. Century 2 Campground & RV Park

      5.0(2)1mi from SalmonRVs, Tents

      "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!"

      "Access to river to look at great! Renamed to Andreas on the River. The management helped us get in and made sure we were good. Super 5 stars!"

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      4. Cactus River Ranch RV & Campground

      4.7(3)8mi from Salmon5 sitesRVs, Tents

      from $35 - $65 / night

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      5. Andreas on the River RV Park

      4.5(2)1mi from SalmonRVs, Tents, Cabins

      "We have done only boondocking but were tired and wanted proximity to town. A few spots left and asked for one on the river, which had its own deck."

      "Easy 5 minute walk to town. Great local grocery, bakery, and a few breweries."

      from $45 - $75 / night

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      6. Williams Lake Campground

      4.8(4)11mi from Salmon18 sitesRVs, Tents

      "The sites are well organized and clean, the bathrooms are well maintained and the camping is pretty close to the lake, you can reach the lake with a 3 - 5 minutes walk."

      "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."

      from $2 - $30 / night

      7. Mountains Hideaway Campground

      5.0(1)2mi from Salmon8 sitesRVs, Tents

      from $25 / night

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      8. Tower Rock Recreation Site

      3.7(3)10mi from SalmonRVs, Tents

      "This small campground is right along the highway so it has easy access... and some highway noise. It is small, but we were there by ourselves 2 of the 3 nights we stayed."

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      9. Camp Creek BLM Camping

      4.4(5)14mi from SalmonTents

      "Amazing drive-in BLM campsite right on the Salmon River. Primitive site; no water/bathroom. Great stargazing."

      "Water: 1 minute walk to the river from all sites. No faucet for potable water, bring your own or filter from the river. "

      10. Wagonhammer RV Park & Campground

      4.3(6)15mi from Salmon47 sitesRVs, Tents, Glamping

      "This is a cozy little campground about 20 minutes outside Salmon, ID. It's located directly on the Salmon River. It's a well-run site, is clean and has full hookups, laundry, a store, etc..."

      "So close to a five star campground if it were not for the swarming mosquitoes anywhere in the shade."

      from $25 - $45 / night

      Check Availability
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    Recent Camping Photos near Salmon, ID

    51 Photos of 133 Salmon Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers

    Recent Reviews near Salmon, ID

    198 Reviews of 133 Salmon Campgrounds

    • CThe Dyrt Pro User
      Aug. 21, 2026

      Watts Bridge Campground

      Great spot on the Salmon

      We camped here for 2 nights and it was great! We got a spot with a path to the river, and some trees to provide us with some shade. We had a picnic table and fire ring. The bathroom was decent. A beautiful view of the mountains all around. There’s a ranch next to this spot so you hear the cows mooing! We did hear some traffic but it wasn’t bad at all. Great views of the night sky! We were able to see so many stars, it was incredible! It really gets hot here during the day, and chilly at night. And it was free!!!

    • Brian E.The Dyrt Pro User
      Aug. 18, 2026

      Shoup 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.

    • DThe Dyrt Pro User
      Aug. 5, 2026

      Challis Hot Springs

      Blissful

      First, a big thank you to the State of Idaho for stepping in to preserve this National treasure for citizens of Idaho and her fellow countrymen. The campground is spacious; tons of maneuver space and big spacious campsites. The Hot Spring pools are immaculate and are cleaned and drained daily. The staff, awesome. Bob at the front desk was a hoot and very nice man who offered some great suggestions and some funny Idaho backcountry stories. Love this park and the springs are magical. Our spot was right on the Salmon River with a trail access to the bank where there is a great swim hole.

    • David R.The Dyrt Pro User
      Jul. 25, 2026

      West Fork of Bitterroot

      Dispersed camping next to river

      This dispersed site was a large turn out on the road, enough room for two camps, on a large bend in the West Fork of the Bitterroot River, caught several cutthroat and rainbows 10-12”, site was great, free, shady and right next to woods and river. A couple nice stone fire pits had been formed, lots of room.

    • David R.The Dyrt Pro User
      Jul. 25, 2026

      Spring 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.The Dyrt Pro User
      Jul. 25, 2026

      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)

    • D
      Jul. 24, 2026

      Little 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.

    Guide to Salmon

    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."

    Frequently Asked Questions

    What riverside campsites are available along the Main Salmon River?

    The Main Salmon River offers several excellent riverside camping options. Cottonwood Recreation Site features 15 first-come, first-served sites with paved access right on the Salmon River, including 7 sites directly on the river's edge. Sites cost $10/night with discounts for America the Beautiful pass holders. For a more primitive experience, Camp Creek BLM Camping provides undeveloped sites right on the river with excellent stargazing opportunities but no facilities. Shoup Bridge Campground offers flat tent sites among cottonwood trees along the river for just $5/night.

    What amenities do Salmon, Idaho campgrounds offer?

    Campgrounds around Salmon, Idaho offer a range of amenities to suit different camping styles. Century 2 Campground & RV Park provides showers, on-site laundry facilities, and stunning views of the Salmon River. For a more rustic experience, Tower Rock Recreation Site offers paved roads and campsites, fire pits, and picnic tables, though amenities are basic. Many Salmon area campgrounds feature riverside locations, while RV parks typically provide full hookups, shower facilities, and convenient access to town services. Public campgrounds generally offer more limited amenities but at lower costs, typically $5-$15 per night compared to higher rates at developed RV parks with more services.

    Where are the best campgrounds near Salmon, Idaho?

    Salmon, Idaho offers excellent camping options for all preferences. Round Valley RV Park provides convenient access to town amenities, with sites that include power and water hookups. It's within walking distance of grocery stores and gas stations, making it perfect for restocking supplies. For those seeking a scenic riverside experience, Wagonhammer RV Park & Campground sits directly on the Salmon River about 20 minutes from town, offering full hookups, laundry facilities, and a store. Both locations provide clean facilities and serve as excellent base camps for exploring the Salmon area's outdoor activities and natural beauty.

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