Best Dispersed Camping near Salmon, ID
Dispersed camping near Salmon, Idaho encompasses several primitive sites on public lands, primarily along the Salmon River corridor. Bobcat Gulch and Deer Gulch provide free camping opportunities with river access, while other sites like Salmon Creek Camp on Loening Road offer additional options. Most sites feature basic fire rings to designate camping areas but lack developed amenities. The Bureau of Land Management and U.S. Forest Service manage these public lands where primitive camping is permitted without reservations.
Access to these dispersed sites typically requires crossing narrow bridges and navigating unpaved roads. Deer Gulch can accommodate larger vehicles including travel trailers and fifth wheels despite a narrow bridge crossing, though drivers should exercise caution. Bobcat Gulch contains approximately nine unmarked sites, while Deer Gulch provides more extensive camping options. Neither location offers drinking water, electric hookups, or dump stations. Camping is generally permitted for up to 14 days. Both sites feature vault toilets, but campers must pack out all trash and bring their own water.
These riverside locations provide scenic mountain views and easy water access for recreation. Both Deer Gulch and Bobcat Gulch are situated close to Highway 93, resulting in some traffic noise. A visitor noted that Deer Gulch has "beautiful grass in most of the spots" and "lots of room for our dogs to run by site without bothering others." Another camper mentioned Bobcat Gulch is "pretty quiet" even on weekends, with availability even during peak season. Cell service varies significantly by carrier - Verizon users report full coverage at Deer Gulch while T-Mobile users experience no service. Summer temperatures can be high at lower elevations, though conditions cool at night. Some sites offer shade trees while others provide open areas suitable for solar setups.
