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Top Tent Camping near Salmon-Challis National Forest

298 Reviews

Searching for a tent campsite near Salmon-Challis National Forest? Find the best information on tent campgrounds near Salmon-Challis National Forest, including sites, reviews, and tips. Would you prefer a quiet dispersed site or an established camgpround with amenities? Either way, The Dyrt makes it easy to find the perfect place to pitch your tent.

Best Tent Camping Sites Near Salmon-Challis National Forest, ID (125)

  1. Camper-submitted photo from Stanley Lake Campground

    1.

    Stanley Lake Campground

    17 Reviews
    38 Photos
    261 Saves
    Stanley, Idaho

    Overview

    Stanley Lake Campground is located on the shoreline above beautiful Stanley Lake at the foot of the Sawtooth Mountains.

    Recreation

    Stanley Lake offers excellent boating, water skiing, canoeing, kayaking and fishing for rainbow, cutthroat, brook and bull trout. A boat ramp is located just outside the campground. The Idaho Centennial Trail passes nearby and can be accessed from the Stanley Lake Trailhead across the lake.

    Facilities

    The campground offers 17 reservable sites, as well as additional first come, first served sites. Vault toilets and drinking water are provided. Roads and spurs within the site are gravel. A scenic overlook is located next to sites 3 and 4, with outstanding views of McGowan Peak and Stanley Lake. Painters and photographers frequent the overlook to capture the views.

    Natural Features

    The campground is situated on a hillside above the lake in a thick grove of lodgepole pines, at an elevation of 6,500 feet. Most campsites have partial shade and views of the lake and/or the rugged 9860-foot McGowan Peak. Temperatures are cool, with an average summer high of 78 degrees and a low of 40 degrees.

    Nearby Attractions

    Stanley Lake lies within the Sawtooth National Recreation Area, which offers a myriad of excellent hiking and biking opportunities. An estimated 750 miles of trails crisscross the valley and surrounding mountains. Numerous sparkling lakes and streams, including the Salmon River, dot the area, making for great rainbow and native Westslope cutthroat trout fishing. Redfish Lake is nearby, offering additional water recreation opportunities. Popular area events include an Arts and Crafts Fair in July, and Wagon Days, Salmon Festival, Quilt Fair and Fireman's Ball in September.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • RVs
    • Tents
    • Group

    $22 / night

  2. Camper-submitted photo from Salmon River Campground

    2.

    Salmon River Campground

    12 Reviews
    31 Photos
    204 Saves
    Stanley, Idaho

    Overview

    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.

    • RVs
    • Tents
    • Group
    • Cabins
    • Standard (Tent/RV)
    • Tent Cabin
  3. Camper-submitted photo from Challis Hot Springs

    3.

    Challis Hot Springs

    9 Reviews
    37 Photos
    46 Saves
    Challis, Idaho

    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.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • RVs

    $29 - $43 / night

  4. Camper-submitted photo from Casino Creek Campground

    4.

    Casino Creek Campground

    9 Reviews
    23 Photos
    42 Saves
    Stanley, Idaho

    Casino Creek Campground is composed of 19 sites including 2 double-sites along the Salmon River. Sites 18 & 19 are for tent camping only and sites 12, 13 and 14 accommodate livestock tethered to hitching rails. Casino Creek trailhead is located within the campground leading to trails along Big Casino Creek and Little Casino Creek which lead to the Casino Lakes in the White Cloud Mountains to the east and the Sawtooth Mountains to the west. This area is terrific for fishing and hiking along the beautiful Salmon river and surrounding creeks. All sites are first-come, first-serve.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • ADA Access
    • RVs
    • Tents

    $18 - $36 / night

  5. Camper-submitted photo from Sunny Gulch Campground

    5.

    Sunny Gulch Campground

    12 Reviews
    34 Photos
    88 Saves
    Stanley, Idaho

    Overview

    Sunny Gulch Campground sits along the shores of Salmon River in the forests of central Idaho.

    Recreation

    Excellent fishing is right out your back door on the Salmon River, with rainbow trout, Westslope cutthroat trout and occasional hybrid cutbows and bull trout available. Sunny Gulch lies in the heart of the Sawtooth National Recreation Area. A myriad of excellent hiking and biking opportunities are available, and an estimated 750 miles of trails crisscross the valley and surrounding mountains.

    Facilities

    Sunny Gulch offers several campsites, a handful of which are close to a large picnic shelter. These sites and the shelter are perfect for a family reunion, wedding or other special event. The shelter contains a grill, utility tables, a dutch oven cooking surface and eight picnic tables. Vault toilets and drinking water are provided. Roads and parking spurs are paved.

    Natural Features

    The campground offers spectacular views of the Sawtooth Mountains. Summer wildflowers are plentiful and lodgepole pines provide partial shade. Temperatures are cool with an average summer high of 78 degrees and a low of 40 degrees.

    Nearby Attractions

    The Alpine Way Trail begins less than a mile from the campground, and the Idaho Centennial Trail passes nearby. Redfish and Stanley Lakes are nearby with great boating, water skiing, canoeing, kayaking and fishing. Numerous additional sparkling lakes and streams dot the area. Popular area events include an Arts and Crafts Fair in July, and Wagon Days, Salmon Festival, Quilt Fair and Fireman's Ball in September.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • RVs
    • Tents
    • Group

    $100 - $125 / night

  6. Camper-submitted photo from Mormon Bend Campground

    6.

    Mormon Bend Campground

    7 Reviews
    20 Photos
    48 Saves
    Stanley, Idaho

    Overview

    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.

    • RVs
    • Tents
    • Equestrian
    • Standard (Tent/RV)
    • Trash
    • Firewood Available
  7. Camper-submitted photo from Sockeye Campground

    7.

    Sockeye Campground

    12 Reviews
    57 Photos
    327 Saves
    Stanley, Idaho

    Overview

    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.

    • Phone Service
    • RVs
    • Tents
    • Group
    • Standard (Tent/RV)
    • Market
  8. Camper-submitted photo from Glacier View Campground

    8.

    Glacier View Campground

    11 Reviews
    55 Photos
    178 Saves
    Stanley, Idaho

    Overview

    Glacier View Campground is located next to beautiful Redfish Lake, beneath the Sawtooth Mountain Range, at an elevation of 6,500 feet.

    Recreation

    Glacier View is in the heart of the beautiful Sawtooth National Recreation Area, where outdoor activities abound. Redfish Lake offers excellent boating, water skiing, canoeing, kayaking and fishing for rainbow trout and Kokanee salmon. Little Redfish Lake is just down the road, offering additional fishing and canoeing. The Redfish Lake Visitor Center is within 1/4-mile, offering interpretive activities, evening programs and wildlife, geology and historical exhibits.

    Facilities

    The campground offers several family sites, many with views of the lake and rugged Mount Heyburn. Flush toilets and drinking water are provided. Roads and parking spurs throughout the site are paved. Younger visitors love the campground's two playgrounds. Sandy Beach Boat Ramp is less than a mile away and an RV dump station is just over a mile away.

    Natural Features

    Summer wildflowers are plentiful, lodgepole pines provide partial shade and Fishhook Creek is nearby. Temperatures are cool, with an average summer high of 78 degrees and a low of 40 degrees.

    Nearby Attractions

    The Sawtooth National Recreation Area offers a myriad of excellent hiking and biking opportunities; an estimated 750 miles of trails crisscross the valley and surrounding mountains. Alpine Way, Fishhook Creek, Redfish Lake Creek and Bench Lakes Trails all offer trailheads in the immediate area. The Idaho Centennial Trail passes nearby. The Salmon River offers excellent fishing for rainbow trout, Westslope cutthroat trout and occasional hybrid cutbows and bull trout. Popular area events include an Arts and Crafts Fair in July, and Wagon Days, Salmon Festival, Quilt Fair, and Fireman's Ball in September.

    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • RVs
    • Tents
    • Equestrian
    • Standard (Tent/RV)

    $40 / night

  9. Camper-submitted photo from Bayhorse Recreation Site

    9.

    Bayhorse Recreation Site

    5 Reviews
    16 Photos
    30 Saves
    Challis, Idaho

    The headwaters of the Salmon River are in the Sawtooth National Recreation Area. BLM recreation sites along this stretch start at the East Fork confluence, followed downstream by Bayhorse, Deadman Hole, Challis Bridge, Cottonwood, Kilpatrick, Gold Bug Hot Springs, Elevenmile, Eightmile, Shoup Bridge, Morgan Bar and Tower Rock. Bayhorse Campground is at 5400-foot elevation and is ten miles south of Challis on Highway 75. Named for a historic mining district, Bayhorse Campground has 11 campsites along the Salmon River offering plentiful fishing. Anglers come for the resident cutthroat and rainbow trout, steelhead and whitefish. Visitors can take the road west to Bayhorse Lake, which is near a number of historic mines. The entire area is rich in mining history, and this is a comfortable base camp for exploring the Land of the Yankee Fork. Amenities Include: 11 campsites with picnic tables and fire rings; Seasonal Campground Hosts; Potable Water (beware of the sprinkler system if tenting); Vault toilets; Boat ramp and day use parking area; drinking water, restrooms; Plenty of hiking trails and interpretive sites to explore.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • ADA Access
    • RVs
    • Tents
    • Group

    $5 - $10 / night

  10. Camper-submitted photo from Blind Creek Campground

    10.

    Blind Creek Campground

    4 Reviews
    3 Photos
    98 Saves
    Stanley, Idaho

    This campground is the first of several campsites along the canyon formed by the Yankee Fork of the Salmon River. Fishing for rainbow trout in the river, and interpretive and historical tours available nearby. Each site has picnic tables, fire rings with cooking grills. There is a Vault toilet. The sites accomodate trailers and motorhomes up to 32 feet.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Reservable
    • RVs
    • Tents
    • Standard (Tent/RV)

    $5 / night


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Recent Tent Reviews In Salmon-Challis National Forest

298 Reviews of 125 Salmon-Challis National Forest Campgrounds