Salmon-Challis National Forest provides a range of camping experiences across Idaho's rugged terrain, from accessible established campgrounds to remote dispersed sites. Travelers will find options like Indian Springs and Mosquito Flat Reservoir for primitive camping, as well as developed sites such as Custer #1 Campground and Big Bayhorse Campground. The area features a mix of tent sites, RV-compatible areas, and locations with varying amenities. Most dispersed camping areas remain primitive with minimal facilities, while established campgrounds may offer picnic tables, fire rings, vault toilets, and occasionally drinking water.
Road conditions present significant challenges for accessing many campgrounds in the region. The route to Big Bayhorse Campground requires high clearance vehicles according to multiple visitor accounts, with one camper noting it took "about 45 minutes" to navigate the "long, windy, rocky, dirt road." Indian Springs similarly requires proper vehicles, with a visitor reporting that while their "F-150 was able to do it, anything longer or with less clearance would struggle." Most camping areas are seasonal, typically open from late May through September or October due to mountain weather conditions. Vault toilets are common at established sites, but visitors should plan to bring their own water and pack out trash. A recent review noted, "Bring plenty for drinking and other daily uses!"
Campers consistently mention the exceptional night sky viewing opportunities and peaceful settings throughout the Salmon-Challis area. Sites near water features receive particularly positive feedback, with Big Bayhorse Lake and locations along the Salmon River being highlights. Several visitors noted the excellent fishing opportunities, especially for families. A camper at Big Bayhorse reported, "Fishing was perfect for young boys that need to catch something frequently to keep them engaged." While most campgrounds remain uncrowded except on holiday weekends, visitors should arrive early to secure waterfront sites. The region's beauty comes with trade-offs - many areas lack cell service, have limited amenities, and may experience seasonal bugs, but the spectacular scenery and solitude make these compromises worthwhile for most outdoor enthusiasts.
"Cute campsite with an old dragline excavator next to it. Access to the river, nice little fire ring"
"Near the lake. No water, has vault toilets. Roads can be slick."
"Really cool massive boulders are in and around the campground, and even though it is along the pass and near a beautiful gorge, you really can’t see anything beyond the campground due to the terrain."
"NO cell service whatsoever here either(AT&T) Location works for exploring the local areas up and down the fork"
"I did it with my Tacoma pulling a tiny camper but when I arrived at the lake, there were much larger vehicles than mine already there."
"This place was recommended by our camp host in lower Idaho. We made the drive up in our F-350 diesel and it felt sketchy in a few places. Took about 45 min."
$29 - $43 / night
"Sure there are a bazillion to choose from along the highway, but I wanted to soak in the highly reviewed waters. I was NOT disappointed!!!"
"showers; camp store with ice; WiFi; wildlife(two mountain goats lead me in on the road); walking trail; shade trees(no hammocks allowed). And it is next to the Snake river. Seriously??"
"My top sites of choice are sites 2 and 3 because of the shade and proximity to the creek. Site 3 is closer to the vault toilet and the working water pump."
RangerThere are campsites some with fire Rings some without all along this road. It is completely primitive camping pack it in pack it out Bring Your Own water. But for a few nights it would be a superb hideout in the quiet of nature. 10-day limit two bars Verizon. Clear views all around with unparalleled astronomy night viewing. I'll come back here in a heartbeat.
RangerNice place to camp, fish and relax. Very family friendly. Toilets, water and trash. No other amenitiesz
ScoutThe campground was right off the highway. Traffic noise during the day, but pretty much quiet at night. Only three other campers besides us. Redfish lake campgrounds were full. I would stay here again, as it was clean, well maintained, and the vault toilet was very clean.
GuideSite 13 is a little close to the road so we do get some road noise, but there is a nice short path that takes you right out to the lake with a spectacular view of the sawtooth mountains. Camp host was very nice and the camps are very cleanand spacious.
GuideConvenient location to Redfish Lake and Stanley. Road and spots have recently been updated with packed sand like substance. Sites marked with large stones. To the far right there is no trailer turn around but a site large enough for a 5th wheel if you back all the way in. Center area has back in and a couple pull thrus. To the left there are 7 back in spots and 1 in the middle that can be a pull thru. The left side is better for solar with larger spots. Potable water and dump at both Redfish Lake and Stanley Ranger station. Both areas are $12 and both a short drive. Dumpsters at both locations. We were her mid September and it was pretty open during the week but filled up on the weekend. Close to 75 so road noise but it calms down at night. 4 rating was because of road noise and generators (including open frame) running nonstop over the weekend. Weather was beautiful (70s) during day and low 30s to high 20s at night. Propane refill in Stanley.
GuideThis is a nice campground right off the road though so you do get some car noise. A fire ring, shade cover and picnic table are provided for the five campsites as well as a pit toilet. The river is about a four -8 minute walk or so from most campsites. Very clean
TravelerBeautiful river - the non service site is great- easy back in with 24 ft TT. Wouldn’t choose service sites. Too close together and hard right angles.
GuideNice campground with lots of trees. Good spacing between sites, and have tent pads. Picnic tables and fire rings are nicely done. Easy access to river. Most sites could handle 30 foot travel trailer. Easy access to area attractions.
GuideJust off the main highway, and only a narrow bridge as an obstacle. There is currently a 30’ish foot big fifth wheel here, so I guess it can handle the weight. Just watch your sides if you are pulling a camper.
Plenty of room for Rv’s and tents. Lots of open space next to the river. There are some shaded spots, and plenty of unshaded in case you have Starlink. There are even some metal campfire rings.
Easy river access, too! Note that you can turn right or left once across the bridge. Fewer people to the left.
Salmon-Challis National Forest spans over 4.3 million acres across central Idaho, with elevations ranging from 3,000 to over 10,000 feet. This diverse landscape includes alpine terrain, sagebrush plains, and river canyons, creating varied camping conditions. Summer temperatures can fluctuate dramatically between day and night, often dropping 30-40 degrees after sunset even during peak season.
Fishing at alpine lakes: Big Bayhorse Lake provides excellent fishing opportunities for families. A visitor at Big Bayhorse noted, "Caught 6 trout in the first hour. Wish we had our kayaks because the docks filled fast."
Explore ghost towns: While camping in Salmon-Challis National Forest, take time to visit nearby historic mining communities. One camper recommended, "On your way up be sure to stop at the Bayhorse State Park Ghosttown. Really well preserved and they are doing more work to continue to preserve the old mining town."
Stargaze after dark: The remote location offers exceptional night viewing with minimal light pollution. A visitor at Challis Hot Springs shared, "Very quiet and the sky view at night was amazing... clear view of the Milky Way!"
Hot springs soaking: Natural thermal features provide relaxation after hiking. "This place is a true gem. Getting to experience hot springs without hiking to them is so nice," reported one camper.
Clean facilities: Despite remote locations, many established sites maintain quality amenities. A visitor at Custer #1 Campground mentioned, "There are picnic tables and fire rings and a clean vault toilet, but not much else."
Uncrowded weekday camping: Most areas see lower usage midweek. A camper noted, "By Friday morning several had left... Saturday morning even fewer campers were there. Easily could find a spot on a weekend."
Wildlife viewing: The area supports diverse animal populations. One visitor at Challis Hot Springs reported wildlife encounters: "Two mountain goats lead me in on the road."
Riverside sites: Camping options along the Salmon River are particularly sought after. A camper at Franklin Basin Winter Trail Campsite shared, "Every spot we've camped at has a great view."
Road conditions vary significantly: Many campgrounds require high-clearance vehicles. A camper visiting Indian Springs warned, "The campsite is great but getting to it is a challenge, my F-150 was able to do it but anything longer or with less clearance would struggle."
Water availability limited: Most primitive sites lack potable water. A camper advised, "We left early only because we didn't have enough water. Bring plenty for drinking and other daily uses!"
Seasonal insects: Bug activity peaks mid-summer. One visitor reported, "Bugs get very bad mid-summer here."
Open range territory: Cattle may roam freely through camping areas. A camper noted, "This area is open range, and there are cattle roaming the grassland next to the lake. Watch your step on the paths around the site."
Choose sites with regular fish activity: Children enjoy consistent fishing success. According to one visitor, fishing at Big Bayhorse "was perfect for young boys that need to catch something frequently to keep them engaged."
Pack multiple layers: Temperature fluctuations require adaptable clothing even in summer months.
Consider established campgrounds: Amenities make family trips more comfortable. One visitor at Mill Creek noted, "There is also a nice day use group picnic site" near the camping area.
Arrive early for waterfront locations: Most campers prefer lake or riverside spots. A reviewer recommended, "Try and get a site at the top, even tho it puts you closer to the vault toilet. The top sites are the most level."
Check length restrictions: Many forest roads have tight turns unsuitable for larger rigs. One camper reported, "We made it partially up the steep narrow road before our truck started to over heat."
Scout campsites first: Remote locations may have limited turnaround areas. A camper at Old Drag campsite described it as a "cute campsite with an old dragline excavator next to it. Access to the river, nice little fire ring."
Plan for no hookups: Most forest service sites lack RV amenities. A visitor at Mosquito Flat Reservoir shared, "Near the lake. No water, has vault toilets. Roads can be slick."
Consider private alternatives: For full hookups, look beyond national forest boundaries. A full-time RVer reported, "We are full-timers in a 36 ft Class A with a Cherokee Trailhawk tow and stayed in site 27... AT&T coverage was good, with 3 bars of LTE and speeds up to 15 MB/s."
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Custer Motorway in Salmon-Challis National Forest?
The Custer Motorway is a historic backcountry route through Salmon-Challis National Forest that follows the path taken by miners during the 1870s gold rush. This scenic byway stretches approximately 46 miles and connects Challis to Sunbeam, passing through the abandoned mining town of Custer. The motorway provides access to several historic sites and ghost towns, offering a glimpse into Idaho's mining history. Custer #1 Campground is accessible along this route, providing a convenient overnight option for travelers. The road is generally open from July through October, depending on snow conditions. Most of the route requires high-clearance vehicles, and four-wheel drive is recommended, especially after rain. Always check current road conditions before attempting this backcountry drive.
Where are the best camping spots in Salmon-Challis National Forest?
Salmon-Challis National Forest offers outstanding camping options across its vast terrain. Stanley Lake Campground provides stunning lake views and convenient walk-up sites, though it's popular in peak summer months. Yellowjacket Guard Station offers a unique experience with its remote feel and historic setting, making it an excellent basecamp for wilderness exploration. For those seeking dispersed camping, areas near the Salmon River offer free boondocking with a 10-day stay limit between May and September. The forest also features numerous smaller campgrounds with amenities ranging from basic (pit toilets only) to more developed sites with water access. Many campgrounds are first-come, first-served, so arriving mid-week or early in the day is recommended during peak season.
Are there any pit closures or restrictions in Salmon-Challis National Forest?
Salmon-Challis National Forest typically implements seasonal fire restrictions during dry summer months that may affect campfire use. These restrictions can range from requiring fires only in designated fire rings to complete bans during extreme conditions. Iron Creek Campground and other popular areas maintain vault toilets that are generally open during the main camping season (May-September), though facilities at higher elevations may close earlier due to snow access issues. Redfish Lake Overflow Dispersed and similar dispersed camping areas enforce a 10-day stay limit between May 1 and September. Before heading out, check the Salmon-Challis National Forest website or contact a ranger station for current information on road closures, facility maintenance, and seasonal restrictions, as these can change based on weather, wildlife considerations, and maintenance schedules.
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