Best Dispersed Camping near Salmon-Challis National Forest
Dispersed camping options surround the Salmon-Challis National Forest, with Nip and Tuck Road offering some of the most scenic free sites. Located northwest of Stanley with views overlooking the Sawtooth Range, these primitive sites are accessible via NF-563/Stanley Creek Road from Highway 21. Reviews caution against approaching from Highway 75 due to a "deep and narrow wash across the road that will likely ruin the underside of your RV unless you have a very high clearance vehicle." Sites along the river provide more privacy and stunning night sky viewing.
Several free camping areas sit just off main highways, including Deer Gulch along the Salmon River and Deadman Hole Recreation Site. These areas typically include basic amenities like vault toilets and fire rings, though most lack drinking water and trash services. A recent visitor noted Deer Gulch has "plenty of room for RVs and tents. Lots of open space next to the river. There are some shaded spots, and plenty of unshaded in case you have Starlink." Indian Springs offers excellent camping but requires high-clearance vehicles and potentially chainsaw work to clear fallen trees from access roads.
