Tent campsites near Shoup, Idaho range from accessible roadside spots to secluded riverside locations in the rugged Salmon River Mountains. Most sites sit at elevations between 3,500-4,500 feet with significant temperature variations between day and night throughout the camping season. Vehicle accessibility varies significantly, with many sites requiring high-clearance vehicles due to unpaved, rough forest access roads.
What to do
River swimming access: At Camp Creek BLM Camping, swimmers can access the Salmon River directly from campsites. "We were the only ones there, each spot is super private, there aren't many spots. Ours was right on the river and we could easily go down and swim from our site," notes a camper.
Night sky observation: Camp Creek offers exceptional stargazing opportunities within the canyon setting. A visitor observed: "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."
Historical exploration: Explore former mining towns near Wallace Lake Campground. One camper recalled: "Stayed here as a child. We piddled around in a raft around the lake and did some fishing. Saw quite a bit of wildlife. We had a great camping spot right by the water. Touring the mining towns near by was so much fun!"
What campers like
River proximity: Many sites position campers within feet of the Salmon River. At Camp Creek BLM, one reviewer found "Amazing drive-in BLM campsite right on the Salmon River. Primitive site; no water/bathroom. Great stargazing."
Natural isolation: Despite proximity to highways, most sites maintain a sense of seclusion. A camper at Bobcat Gulch noted: "Most sites back up to the river which is pretty nice. FREE and pretty quiet for the Saturday night I stayed - 4 open spots at 8:30pm."
Limited site competition: Smaller campgrounds mean less crowding and more space per site. A reviewer stated about Camp Creek BLM: "We travel in a 23 foot camper van. Plenty of room for our rig. Great views! Very little Verizon service. There are three spots to camp here."
What you should know
Limited facilities: Most tent sites near Shoup lack basic amenities. A Bobcat Gulch visitor reported: "Pretty small and basic campground. I counted what I think was 9 sites? There are no numbered sites, just designated fire rings to indicate the different sites I suppose. One large accessible pit toilet is available."
Site scarcity during peak periods: Popular spots fill quickly during summer weekends. A Bobcat Gulch visitor warned: "We tried to stop here for an overnight, but it was completely full! There were so many trucks, trailers, camper vans, etc... looked like a nice spot, but since there wasn't much room anywhere, we decided to head further down the road."
Seasonal variations: Most campgrounds operate seasonally from late spring through fall, with shoulder seasons offering better availability. Wallace Lake Campground operates specifically from Memorial Day through September 30.
Tips for camping with families
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Children can observe diverse wildlife from safe distances at campgrounds. A visitor to Wallace Lake noted: "We piddled around in a raft around the lake and did some fishing. Saw quite a bit of wildlife."
Accessible water activities: Gentle river access points provide safe areas for supervised children. At Salmon National Forest Deep Creek Campground, multiple shallow entry points allow for wading and splashing from June through October when the campground is open.
Limited connectivity: Prepare children for digital detox. A Camp Creek visitor noted: "No cell signal (Verizon). Only con is that it is close enough to hwy 93 that you can see and hear cars going by, but it's not a super busy road."
Tips from RVers
Limited level parking: Finding flat spots for larger vehicles requires planning. An RVer at Camp Creek BLM advised: "We travel in a 23 foot camper van. Plenty of room for our rig. We had the first pull through spot and was perfect."
Site preparation needed: Many dispersed sites require some preparation before setup. One camper cautioned about Camp Creek: "It's just a pull off. Not much for flat spots or anything else. You will need to have everything you need with you."
Self-sufficiency requirements: No hookups or services exist at most locations. A visitor emphasized: "Fully dispersed no services, no cell signal (Verizon)." Bring all water, food, and supplies needed for your stay duration.
