Salmon-Challis National Forest, ID is a great camping destination for adventurers of all types. There are tons of hikes and other fun activities to partake in, as well as sights to see and explore. Ready to plan your adventure? Check out our campgrounds near Salmon-Challis National Forest and user-submitted reviews.
$18 - $36 / night
"Cross the bridge off of Hwy 75 and keep driving down a dusty dirt road to the campground. There is also private property near here so stay to the main road. "
"There are a couple of trailheads right in camp which is cool, and there are dedicated spaces for equestrian camping."
"At first we were worried since it was right off the busy highway but it was an awesome place to stay for a few days. "
" Another campground close to Hwy 75. This campground has paved drive throughout the campground with paved parking pads at the sites."
"We walked to the other side of the bridge and let our dogs jump in where the water was calmer. Overall really clean and well maintained space."
"Pros: *Views for miles *Steps from the Salmon River *Boat launch for rafting,kayaking,fishing *Covered picnic table *Generous spacing between sites *Serious star gazing opportunities
- Easy drive to Challis"
" Though this campground sits along the highway it is easier to tolerate noise when its free!
The campground loop is gravel and has “pull next to” (bump out?)"
$26 - $52 / night
"We had very low expectations staying at a campground that is almost always booked solid (we figured it would be crowded and loud) and is in one of the most popular parts of Idaho."
"A trip into the Sawtooth mountains and a visit to Redfish Lake has been de rigeur for any visit to Grandma’s for as far back as I remember... beginning with a trip in ‘84 when my younger brother heeded"
$5 - $10 / night
" This is a very well manicured campground that sits directly off of highway 75. It is very small and mostly sunny."
$15 - $75 / night
"We were originally booking in an equestrian site but we don't own horses the camp host left us a little sticky note (there is not cell service) on the fence when we arrived to let us know that our campsite"
"However, it was within walking distance of the water for swimming and fishing.
Also VERY clean toilets!
Other than it was hot mid-day, it was beautiful, plus an amazing hiking trail is close too."
"We easily found a great site that gave a view of Redfish Lake and the long stretch of lodgepoles behind us. Sockeye Campground was below us on the lake but you won’t even know from our site."
"We went to investigate in order to report with first hand knowledge
On one of the most beloved and popular lakes in the Sawtooth. Redfish Lake. Gorgeous views. Any kind of water sports you crave."
"Got here on a Friday (8/26) around 7:30 pm. There were already some folks out here, but there were still some spaces. Although, they were a bit close to each other in the main area where you pull in."
"There was road noise from the nearby highway but otherwise it was quiet. I saw people fishing so I assume it's good for that. The river is great for rinsing off as well."
"Water: 1 minute walk to the river from all sites. No faucet for potable water, bring your own or filter from the river. "
"Amazing drive-in BLM campsite right on the Salmon River. Primitive site; no water/bathroom. Great stargazing."
TravelerThis campsite was a little slice of heaven, I honestly contemplated reviewing it because it want to keep this gem hidden. We were originally booking in an equestrian site but we don't own horses the camp host left us a little sticky note (there is not cell service) on the fence when we arrived to let us know that our campsite had been moved. We drove down the dirt road a little more and went to our new site, as well pulled up we were greated with the best lake view and a massive campsite. There isn't that many amenities at this campsite, it's a pack in pack our but there is a dumpster and vault toilets one for every I'd say 8 or 9 sites. The views were the best part, the camp hosts were kind and frequently driving through to make sure we are ok. They do sell wood bundles for $5 which was great because we ran out of wood multiple time and driving to Stanley they wanted $13 a bundle. This is now our favorite campsite and we will for sure be back!
RangerSituated next to Pettit Lake this campground served as a base camp while we explored the nearby hikes (Alice & Farley). Helpful host. Clean pit toilet. Water accessible in an adjacent trailhead (Tin Cup) parking lot. Campsites are well spaced. All sites are FF. $18/night. No cell coverage.
Only concern we had was that our site #13 was buggy given its proximity to the lake. Next time we will pick a site farther from the lake.
TravelerThis site was right along a river that was very beautiful but the campground was on higher ground so most people walked down to the entrance where you could get to the river or some people stood on the bridge to fish. Not all spots have trees, so be careful if you have pets. They did have three campsites for people with horses to camp. Not our cup of tea but if you are low maintenance or bring it all with you then this may be your pace. No other amenities. Right up the road from Stanley.
ScoutWhat a nice campground! We had very low expectations staying at a campground that is almost always booked solid (we figured it would be crowded and loud) and is in one of the most popular parts of Idaho. However, the camping spots are large and are nicely spaced. Even though almost every spot was taken, the campground was quiet and peaceful. We prefer dry camping, so liked the spots not having hook-ups and drains. Paved roads made for fun riding of bikes, the flushing toilets in the clean bathrooms were a plus, the fresh drinking water was clean and tasted great, there were trash bins close by and our host "Wally" was so kind. With a short walk, you are on the North shore or Dog Beach and a little further is Redfish Lodge, beach and restaurants. The food was so good and priced well, next time I will likely take less camping food and just eat at the lodge! (Easy!) The water in the lake is the cleanest you'll ever see....LET'S KEEP IT THAT WAY PEOPLE! Unfortunately, this campground is booked out almost the entire summer, so while we want to go back - it may have to wait until next year.
LegendAnother nice first come first serve campground along the Salmon River. Cross the bridge off of Hwy 75 and keep driving down a dusty dirt road to the campground. There is also private property near here so stay to the main road.
Most of the campsites sit above the Salmon River and just across the river is the highway so you will get some road noise.
There were a couple of hike-to sites as well (#18 + 19), where you park your car in the designated area then take your stuff up from there. Toward the end of the loop is a horse camping area and staging area for ATVs. There are plenty of trails for various activities for this place: Hiking, Biking, Horseback riding, ATV use, and Fishing.
There are pit toilets, picnic tables, fire pits, dumpster but no recycling, and hand pump water. Some sites are small but there is plenty of room near the end for bigger rigs. Parking at each site varies by levelness or size.
There was only one other camper there. Shade/sun mix for all sites.
Store food appropriately as there are no bear boxes and bears do come to this area.
Zero cell reception ATT, Verizon, or TMobile.
LegendThis campground is not run by the forest service but by a concessionaire, and you will use the iron ranger as there wasn’t a host when I was there. Super clean, all sites along the river side of the lollipop loop are identical with the exception of a couple double sites. There is a fence between you and the river, but not something you couldn’t just hop over to get to the water. Sites on the no river side were less desirable as they didn’t seem to be as large or have good spots for tents. There are a couple of trailheads right in camp which is cool, and there are dedicated spaces for equestrian camping. There didn’t seem to be many campers here, maybe because you have to know to cross the river on the bridge to get back in here. The campground looks fairly new, with very new looking picnic tables and a fairly new looking vault toilet.
TravelerSite: moderately clean and private. Spaced apart about 3 sites alongside the river access. Trees for hammocking and shade. Relatively even for van parking. Not buggy at all. Can see one person's cabin up the road but that's it. 360 views of mountains, placed at the bottom of a canyon.
Water: 1 minute walk to the river from all sites. No faucet for potable water, bring your own or filter from the river.
Noise: A bit of noise from US93, not that busy of a road but close enough to hear what passes except if you're sleeping in a van, ours muted that out nicely.
People: saw about 5 people total in an overnight stay. Nobody bugged us. Mostly just turning around. 1 camper next to us the following morning.
Activities: perfect view of the big dipper between the canyon view made for a beautiful night of star gazing by the fire ring. Plenty of fishing access and space to walk around the river. Beautiful place to adventure and be, would be a great spot for multiple nights. Space for people to bring their family or friends. Far away from cities and towns that it's not too busy.
RangerA trip into the Sawtooth mountains and a visit to Redfish Lake has been de rigeur for any visit to Grandma’s for as far back as I remember... beginning with a trip in ‘84 when my younger brother heeded the call of the wild spirits and disappeared into the forest for hours, only to be found munching happily on the assorted snack foods of a group of elk hunters he had surprised. This area still retains a wilderness experience despite numerous infrastructure improvements and new campground development. Of note, Redfish lake is within the 1416 square mile Central Idaho Dark Sky Reserve, the first Gold Tier site in the United States. The result is world class spectacular night sky astronomy unimpeded by light pollution, and makes this area a top pick to do some star gazing or meteor watching.
Fauna is abundant in the surrounding area. Deer, elk, bear, marten, moose, and pronghorn antelope all made appearances during my last rip to the area. Fishing at the beginning and end of season might net you Dolly Varden, Rainbow Trout, and Kokanee. The general store has some basic tackle, but the nearest gear and license is in Stanley.
The lodge, separately owned and seasonally operated under USFS special permit, has been in operation since 1929 and offers day rental bicycles of multiple types, horseback riding, boat/canoe/kayak/SUP rentals, a general store, a restaurant, and minimal WiFi and cell service, staying true to its roots wherever possible.
Pro tip: Enjoy the 17 1/2 mile lake loop hike, but if you’d like to split that distance or have other destinations in mind, the marina operates an on demand boat shuttle for hikers to the trailhead at the far end of the lake during daylight hours. No reservation is required, but you can call to schedule pickup.
LegendI got lucky with this campsite. Most of the campground was filled, but this site (#36) had a “see the host” sign on it. Turned out it was only available for that one night, which was perfect for me. Most of the sites had been reserved in advance and I happened to catch it on the one between night. I had amazing views of the glaciers in the Sawtooth Mountains across the lake. The campground is a series of loops, with the best sites in my loop where you have uninterrupted views of the glaciers and mountains. The trade off for the view is that you don’t have any trees on your site, so no shade and no hammock. But the tent pad was nice. The bathrooms are nice and clean, if a bit outdated. When you need a shower you do have to drive to the horse corrals to use the pay showers ($2 for 6 minutes, wait a full minute before getting in unless you like really cold water), but that is a small price to pay. Hiking in the park is amazing! And the only place you will have phone service is at the visitor’s center.
Horse camping near Salmon-Challis National Forest in Idaho offers a unique opportunity to explore the stunning landscapes while enjoying the company of your equine friends. With various campgrounds catering to horse enthusiasts, you can find the perfect spot to set up camp and embark on exciting adventures.
Frequently Asked Questions
What horse-friendly trails are available in Salmon-Challis National Forest?
Salmon-Challis National Forest boasts numerous horse-friendly trails that wind through stunning mountain terrain and river valleys. Near Glacier View Campground, riders can access the Sawtooth Valley trail system with spectacular mountain views. The trails near Pettit Lake Campground connect to the broader network including Alice Lake and Farley Lake trails, which are suitable for day rides or multi-day pack trips. Many trails follow historic routes through the wilderness, offering both challenging mountain ascents and gentle river valley paths. Most trails are well-maintained during summer months, though some high-elevation routes may have deadfall early in the season.
Are horses allowed in Salmon-Challis National Forest?
Yes, horses are allowed and welcomed throughout most areas of Salmon-Challis National Forest. The forest actively maintains equestrian facilities at several locations, with Mormon Bend Campground and East Fork being popular access points. Standard wilderness regulations apply, including the use of certified weed-free feed to prevent the spread of invasive species. Some sensitive areas may have seasonal restrictions or require special permits during peak periods. While most trails are open to horses, a few high-use hiking trails near popular recreation sites may be closed to equestrian use. Always check current forest regulations before your trip, as rules can change based on conditions and conservation needs.
When is the best season for horseback riding in Salmon-Challis National Forest?
The prime season for horseback riding in Salmon-Challis National Forest typically runs from mid-June through September. During this period, sites like Deadman Hole and Camp Creek BLM Camping offer excellent access to trails with moderate temperatures and minimal precipitation. July and August provide the most reliable conditions, as higher elevation trails are generally snow-free and stream crossings are manageable. Early season riding (May-June) often encounters snow at higher elevations and muddy conditions, while late September brings cooler temperatures with spectacular fall colors but potential early snow. Afternoon thunderstorms are common in summer, so morning rides are typically more predictable.
What are the best horse camping areas in Salmon-Challis National Forest?
Salmon-Challis National Forest offers exceptional horse camping areas for equestrian enthusiasts. Bull Trout Lake Campground stands out with dedicated equestrian sites that provide ample space for horses and trailers. Another excellent option is Casino Creek Campground, which features spacious sites along the Salmon River that can accommodate horse trailers. These campgrounds provide essential amenities for equestrians, including hitching posts, access to water, and proximity to extensive trail networks. Most horse camping areas in the forest operate on a first-come, first-served basis, so arriving early during peak season is recommended.
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