Camping near Salmon-Challis National Forest

Camping near Salmon-Challis National Forest, Idaho, offers a fantastic escape into nature with stunning views and plenty of outdoor activities. Whether you're looking to hike, fish, or just relax by the water, this area has something for everyone.

What to do:

• Hiking: Explore the beautiful trails around the area. Many campers rave about the access to trails like the one leading to Goat Lake. One visitor mentioned, "The hike up to Goat Lake is still one of our most favorite hikes, simply gorgeous but strenuous at times, so be prepared."
• Water Activities: Enjoy kayaking, paddleboarding, or fishing in the nearby lakes and rivers. A camper at Redfish Lake Outlet Campground said, "Gorgeous views. Any kind of water sports you crave."
• Wildlife Watching: Keep an eye out for local wildlife. A reviewer noted, "Fauna is abundant in the surrounding area. Deer, elk, bear, marten, moose, and pronghorn antelope all made appearances during my last trip."

What campers like:

• Scenic Views: Campers love the breathtaking scenery. One visitor at Stanley Lake Campground shared, "Incredible views from about half of the sites."
• Clean Facilities: Many campgrounds are well-maintained. A reviewer at Salmon River Campground mentioned, "Cleanest vault toilets ever. Asphalt roads and sites in good condition."
• Quiet Atmosphere: Campers appreciate the peaceful environment. A visitor at Iron Creek Campground said, "Quiet campsite. Walk to the trailhead."

What you should know:

• Limited Cell Service: Be prepared for spotty cell reception. A camper at Casino Creek Campground noted, "Zero cell reception ATT, Verizon, or TMobile."
• Fire Restrictions: Check for fire bans before your trip. A visitor at Sunny Gulch Campground mentioned, "No fires allowed when we visited."
• Reservations Recommended: Many campgrounds fill up quickly, especially during peak season. A camper at Glacier View Campground advised, "Expect to make reservations approximately 6 months in advance."

Tips for camping with families:

• Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for sites with amenities like picnic tables and clean restrooms. A parent at Challis Hot Springs said, "Beautiful kept park with friendly service great hot tubs."
• Plan Activities: Keep kids entertained with nearby hiking and fishing. A reviewer at Mormon Bend Campground shared, "You can fish or swim in the river on those warm days."
• Pack Snacks: Having snacks on hand can make a big difference. A camper at Elk Mountain RV Resort mentioned, "Great view. Friendly staff. Had hot showers."

Tips from RVers:

• Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A reviewer at Salmon River Campground noted, "Each site varies in length. We would fit in many of them in our 26' Class C but larger rigs may have a problem."
• Be Prepared for Dust: Some campgrounds can get dusty due to traffic. A visitor at Stanley Lake Campground mentioned, "There is constant traffic from site seekers and continual dusting because of it."
• Bring Extra Water: Not all campgrounds have water hookups. A camper at Iron Creek Campground said, "There is one water pump and one vault toilet in the campground."

Camping near Salmon-Challis National Forest, Idaho, is a great way to enjoy the outdoors with family and friends. With beautiful scenery, plenty of activities, and well-maintained campgrounds, it’s a perfect getaway.