Dispersed camping near Salmon, Idaho offers a mix of riverside and forested campsites with elevations ranging from 3,900 to 5,000 feet throughout the region. The Salmon-Challis National Forest and surrounding BLM lands contain numerous primitive camping options with varying accessibility depending on seasonal conditions. Summer daytime temperatures regularly exceed 90°F at lower elevations while higher altitude sites maintain cooler conditions.
What to do
River activities: Access the Salmon River directly from several primitive camping areas for fishing, swimming, or rafting opportunities. At Deer Gulch, campers appreciate the "easy river access," making it convenient for water recreation during summer months.
Wildlife viewing: Observe native species throughout the camping areas near Salmon. The riparian zones provide habitat for diverse wildlife including deer, small mammals, and numerous bird species. Bring binoculars for better spotting opportunities, especially during early morning and evening hours.
Stargazing: Utilize open clearings at several dispersed camping sites. At Bobcat Gulch, one visitor noted it was "pretty small and basic" but offered good night sky viewing from sites that "back up to the river which is pretty nice."
What campers like
Affordable accommodations: No fees required at most primitive sites around Salmon. Deer Gulch receives positive reviews for being "free" while offering amenities like "fire rings, bathrooms nearby" making it an economical option for budget-conscious travelers.
Spacious sites: Room to spread out without crowding other campers. As one visitor to Deer Gulch noted, there are "lots of room for our dogs to run by site without bothering others" and "plenty of room for RVs and tents."
Variable connectivity options: Cell service differs significantly based on location and carrier. According to one camper at Deer Gulch: "I had full bars with Verizon (the cell tower was within line of sight) but my friend with T-mobile had no service whatsoever."
What you should know
Bridge access limitations: Check vehicle length before attempting narrow bridge crossings to reach dispersed sites. A visitor to Salmon Creek Camp on Loening Road reported: "The first bridge is closed, and the second bridge is pretty narrow. I have a 16 foot camper, and didn't feel comfortable crossing it."
Highway proximity: Traffic noise varies at sites near main routes. One camper at Deer Gulch observed: "RT. 93 is close so some traffic noise. Vault toilets. No dump or water."
Facilities assessment: Vault toilet availability differs between sites. A Deer Gulch visitor found that the "bathroom was reasonably clean and stocked with toilet paper," but campers should bring their own supplies as a precaution.
Tips for camping with families
Heat management: Plan activities during cooler morning and evening hours when camping at lower elevations. One camper at Deer Gulch noted they "only stayed one day due to it being a little warm" but found that "it cooled off at night."
Site selection: Look for shaded areas when camping with children during summer months. Many sites offer a mix of shade and sun exposure, with one visitor noting Deer Gulch has "nice trees near river" and "beautiful grass in most of the spots."
Water safety precautions: Supervise children near the Salmon River at all times. The easy water access that makes these sites appealing also requires vigilance with young campers, particularly during spring runoff when currents are strongest.
Tips from RVers
Bridge crossing technique: Take it slow when navigating narrow access points to primitive camping areas. At Deer Gulch, a reviewer observed there's "only a narrow bridge as an obstacle" but noted "there is currently a 30'ish foot big fifth wheel here, so I guess it can handle the weight. Just watch your sides if you are pulling a camper."
Site orientation options: Consider sun exposure for solar power needs. According to one RVer at Deer Gulch, "There are some shaded spots, and plenty of unshaded in case you have Starlink."
Directional guidance: Explore both directions after crossing access bridges. One camper recommends: "Note that you can turn right or left once across the bridge. Fewer people to the left."
