Searching for an RV campsite near Salmon-Challis National Forest? Find the best information on RV campsites and dispersed camping near Salmon-Challis National Forest, including sites, reviews, and tips for getting the most out of your RVing experience. Search nearby RV campgrounds or find top-rated spots from other campers.
$50 - $70 / night
At Round Valley RV in Challis, we cater to those who want to experience everything the world has to offer by traveling the open road and enjoying the natural beauty. The great thing about camping is there are so many ways to do it. Whether you wish for a more rustic experience in a tent, or to observe the views in the height of RV luxury, we have something to offer you. However you choose to experience the world around you, let us bring you our best in views, amenities, and access to a variety of activities. Enjoy the scenic landscape, outdoor activities, and convenient amenities, located in beautiful Challis, Idaho. If you are looking for a beautiful and unique experience, Challis is a goldmine for those seeking a balance between adventure and peaceful serenity.
The Challis Hot Springs is a 5th generation family-owned destination in the Round Valley, home of Challis, Idaho. The property is on the bank of the Salmon River, 70 miles from the headwaters of the “River of No Return.” Our primary amenity is natural odorless hot springs which constantly replenish with continuous freshwater supplied by nature through the river rock bottoms. Most guests enjoy the springs while camping in the RV and tent campground, which features mature trees, and irrigated grass sites, all within a stone’s throw of the Salmon River, which fronts the entire property. Our campground is the perfect location to launch your kayaking or rafting trip, fish for trout and steelhead, or just watch the wildlife. In particular, the herd of Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep frequents the cliffside above the property.
$29 - $43 / night
We are an OHV & ATV friendly RV Park located in a remote part of the Salmon River country of central Idaho, in the heart of one of the best trail networks in the country. This area is second-to-none in terms of sportsman's and OHV recreational activities. We offer the following amenities:
$30 / night
This campground is just off Highway 21, and tucked back into the trees, overlooking beautiful Capehorn meadows. Walk across the street to overlook a marshy wetland, a hangout for breakfasting moose, elk, and a variety of birds. Each of the 5 sites is equipped with picnic tables and fire rings with cooking grills. The campground accommodates trailers and motorhomes up to 32 feet and has vault toilets and hand pumps for drinking water. Although there are no full hookups, the campground will fit trailers and RV's up to 32 feet long.
Overview: Bear Valley Campground is located along Bear Valley Creek which is one of the major headwater streams for the Middle Fork of the Salmon River. The campground is well shaded by a stand of lodgepole pine. However, many of the trees in the area are beginning to die due to a mountain pine beetle infestation. Use is moderate to high during the summer months and hunting season, and the campground is often full on weekends. Access to the campground is normally not available until June. There is no trash service, please pack it out!!! (Driveway lengths for RVs are limited. However, two sites will easily accommodate larger RV's and trailers.)
This location is available on a first-come, first-served basis only. Visitors are required to physically arrive at the campground to purchase and claim a site. Once on-site, you may be able to pay for your campsite(s) by scanning a QR code using the Recreation.gov mobile app, and the Scan and Pay feature. If this option is available, you will need to__first download the free Recreation.gov mobile app https://www.recreation.gov/mobile-app prior to your arrival__as some remote areas have limited or no cellular service.
Legend
Camped in site #15 on Sept 27, 2024. Paid $10 with senior pass. Nothing remarkable about the campground itself, but the trails leading out of the campground are really good. There is access to the Salmon River at the end of the campground road for bank/fly fishing; caught a nice rainbow trout. Sites along the river appear larger than those backing up to the hill. The river side sites are open sky, good for solar recharging and Starlink. The sites across the road have partial shade. There were a few pull-thrus; otherwise, back-ins. Campground is popular for OHV enthusiasts and hikers. Most sites are close to the dusty campground road. Vault toilet was not quite clean, although it was at the end of the summer season. There is a hand water pump. Site 15 is a small, almost level site with a pea gravel surface; it appeared to have a tent pad at the rear. This site has a table and metal fire ring. There is road noise from highway 75 across the river. It was very busy here during our stay, probably because forest service campgrounds west of Stanley were closed due to wildfires. There were a lot of drive-bys on the campground road. Nearby travel trailers with large noisy families kind of ruined the ambiance of this small campground; did not respect quiet hours. Campground probably okay for an overnight stay, fly fishing on the Salmon River or for accessing the trailheads. Overall, I did not enjoy camping here. I did, however, enjoyed hiking and fishing here. I am not likely to camp here again.
Ranger
Simple campground along Salmon River--beautiful setting, with maybe 5 spaces, not all of which are marked well but do have picnic tables to indicate. Also a vault toilet at loop campground. Buggy, even with river flowing and slight wind. Free, which is nice. Can hear US93 traffic, but not bad considering neighbor ran generator which drowned out some noise.
Guide
I enjoyed my 2 night stay here. I pitched a tent however it was quite windy due to it being an open area so just stake your tent down well. I had a spot right beside the salmon river and was able to access this campsite via my Honda Accord vehicle.
Traveler
My husband and I came to this spot with our 28ft trailer, luckily we were able to squeeze in. Lots of spots to choose from too. The campsites were clean and very peaceful place to camp for a few nights.
GuideThis was a great stay. I found a place to pitch a tent right beside the river. There seemed to be plenty of spots some vacant at times. It was close to Highway 75 but did get some traffic noise but the river drowned most of it out. Would stay here again!
Traveler
Site 5, probably the best. Clean, cheap, safe, right on the river. 5 miles from downtown.Sure,it’s close to the road, but it’s not that bad. I probably wouldn’t make it a 5 day vacation site,but I’m sure people do. I’d stay here again
Guide
Stayed here for two nights. The first night I have the whole area to myself. The second night there was two other campers. Doesn't seem to be super popular or high in demand. So finding a spot shouldn't be a problem. There was about six or more parking/camping areas. No Wi-Fi or Verizon signal. There is a toilet available. Access to the river as well.
TravelerWe stayed at this campground initially because it was right at the trailhead for the hike to Goat Lake. We got there around 5 and there were still plenty of sites available. It was pretty buggy, but it’s right next to a creek, so that’s what you expect. It was quiet and the sound of the creek made it easy to sleep after a long day.
Ranger
Spend 6 nights here while exploring Stanley, the sawtooths, and Boise National Forest. Big sites, beautiful lake, and very private. Really enjoyed our stay here.
Ranger
It was the perfect location close to Stanley. It was a bit dusty. Bathroom was clean. Showers were good. The food at the restaurant was amazing. We have AT&T and no cell service. There is no trees for shade. Had to walk the dogs a little further to do their business.
RangerStoped for an overnight on our way to glacier. Clean and nice park.
Traveler
We drove in on a late Thursday night, June 27th, to find the entire campground packed, and even struggled to find a dispersed camping site nearby. It's a great spot, but for it being a Thursday night, expected to find a bit more available.
Traveler
There are many sites up until the dead-end about 1.5 miles from the pay campground. I camped up on the stream. Great boondocking was here for a week. The road is in great shape. A couple of big rocks here and there. Plenty of places to do a 3-point turnaround with any rig.
No cell coverage. Got ok starlink between trees.
GuideThis area just up the road from the campground offers lots of dispersed camping. There are many established sites, some with fire rings, any car can make it.
Visited August 17-18, 2023 (adding reviews for past camp sites before I knew of the dyrt)
TravelerPulled over mid day to spend the afternoon and night. We took the second to last spot on the river side. Arrived at noon on a Tuesday, departed at 8am next day and were the only campers. Very easy river access from site, but water is moving quickly. 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. The only thing that will prevent us from coming back is the cottonwood tree droppings. They’re everywhere and very sticky, so if you have long haired dogs, it’s a nightmare to get them out.
Guide
Nice view of the lake. Quiet time of year to visit.
ScoutWe love camping in this campground. The reason for only three stars is because of the extremely rude behavior of the"camp host". We will not be going back as long as she is still there. This is our third time camping there and we have never seen treated so poorly by a camp host.
Guide
We loved everything about Grandjean campground. After a 20 minute drive on a narrow dirt road we discovered the best site. Nestled between a mountain stream and the Payette river the sounds of moving water drowned out all else. The Sawtooth lodge is nearby, but the best is the proximity to several hot springs. Move the rocks to control the water flow (and temp) and you will be treated to a true joy of nature.
Ranger
Decent traffic now and then but overall nice quiet area on a peaceful part of the river!
Ranger
After riding ID75, it was time to find camp. 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!!! Beautiful lawn, one of the freshest hot springs I’ve visited, and great campers. Side not: this place was recently purchased/handed over to the Idaho State Parks system.
Ranger
Nice clean campground. Only issue you did have some road noise since it’s right on the road. Picked up starlink service but no Verizon signal. Campground was pretty quiet not busy at all.
Legend
We stayed at the campsites at Mountain Village Resort after backpacking the Alice-Toxaway Loop. The staff was amazing but the campsites are not individual/numbered you just find a spot on the grass. There were multiple weddings happening and it was very loud (yelling, music) until about 1:30 am. The hot spring tub was a highlight and the views were amazing! The resort bar had delicious food and the bakery in town was amazing. I would have rated this site higher if it wasn’t so loud. It also would have been nice to have fire pits.
ScoutBeautiful and quiet area along a creek and against the forest.
Scout
This camp site was great. 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. I would definitely recommend taking a reliable car because the road is a little difficult to the sites, but worth it.
ScoutI arrived July 3rd, the first of a group of 8 ladies from Salt Lake City, UT. Driving up to the campground I was in awe by the views of the mountains, the streams, rivers, lakes, and campground.
As soon as I drove into the campground the host, Kelly greeted me with a huge smile and willingness to find me the perfect spot for me and the ladies.
Never in all of my camping experiences have I ever had a host that is not only 100% invested in his grounds but as well as his guests. I watched him closely. He knew all of the names throughout the campground. He would stop and visit multiple times to check on us. We connected and he is a friend for life now.
He kept his campground spotless. When I got there my spot was beautifully raked. It was amazing. He is amazing.
If you have the choice between any lakes in this area, you need to choose this one!!
Thank you Kelly for making our trip so amazing and memorable! You are the best!!! You truly are an awesome guy!
Legend
Bring your own shaded to this exposed small group area. The other two reviews on this site were about a diff campground entirely. This group area is $100 nite and has two small sites, limited shade. Vault toilet, dumpsters, and a hand pump water that looks to be hard iron stained. No cell signal. Note that Sheep Trail group area a couple miles away is a much much better camp, imo
Legend
Very nice shaded group area. 4 # sites but it is likely used by one group at a time using all 4 sites. Vault toilet, dumpster and hand pump water. Only issue is noise from the close hwy. No cell on TMobile. 10 mi to Stanley for supplies and gas. No RV dump or full hookups.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular RV campsite near Salmon-Challis National Forest?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular RV campground near Salmon-Challis National Forest is Stanley rv + camp with a 3.8-star rating from 6 reviews.
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TheDyrt.com has all 73 RV camping locations near Salmon-Challis National Forest, with real photos and reviews from campers.
