White Bird is the perfect place for adventurous campers and RVers. White Bird is a great camping destination for everyone. There are tons of nearby hikes, adventurous activities, and sights to see. Ready to plan your adventure? Check out our campgrounds near White Bird and user-submitted reviews.
Hammer Creek Recreation site is a popular put-in spot for boating the Lower Salmon River via raft, kayak, jet boat or power boat. It has 12 campsites along the Lower Salmon River surrounded by semi-arid mountain peaks. Amenities include drinking water, restrooms and a RV dump station. Other BLM recreation sites along this stretch of river are Island Bar, Lucile, Old Lucile, Shorts Bar, Slate Creek, Skookumchuck, White Bird, Hammer Creek and Pine Bar. Be sure to check those sites for more information and amenities for boat ramps or camping.
Swiftwater RV Park is a privately held campground on the banks of the Salmon River. We are only 17 miles from Hells Canyon National Recreation Area and welcome big rigs to vintage trailers and tent camping. We are veteran-owned and operated and live onsite to offer terrific customer service and the cleanliness you deserve in an RV park. Each campsite offers 20/30 or 50 amp service, including water and WiFi, and use of our ultra-clean restrooms & showers. From beautiful back-in sites facing the Salmon River to nice-sized pull-thrus (no need to un-hook your big-rig) – or for those camping in a tent – you’ll discover that Swiftwater is a true gem – whether you are looking to spend the night, a week, or a month.
This site is a frequent put-in spot for floating the Lower Salmon River. The site is near large, sandy beaches and provides easy access to the Salmon River. BLM recreation sites attached to this stretch of river are Island Bar, Lucile, Old Lucile, Slate Creek, Skookumchuck, White Bird, Hammer Creek and Pine Bar. Be sure to check those sites for more information and amenities for boat ramps or camping. For river maps, authorized outfitters and shuttle services, see the links below.
Pittsburg Campground overlooks the Wild and Scenic Snake River in the Hells Canyon National Recreation Area. This large facility is open year-round with__28 tent/trailer sites many of which can accommodate large RVs and trailers. The accessible facility has accessible campsites and toilets with paved roads and camp spurs.__Drinking water is available.__With access to the Snake River for fishing, boating, historic intepretation, exploring and hiking within minutes of the campground, the facility is popular throughout the year. The Deer Creek road is maintained by the County and is steep and narrow for the last few miles after entering into the Hells Canyon National Recreation Area.Pittsburg Landing Boat LaunchPittsburg Rockart Interpretive Site ***FIRE RESTRICTIONS ARE JUNE 1 THRU SEPTEMBER 30*** ***CHARCOAL FIRES IN FIRE PAN ONLY***
This is a small developed site with shade, boat launch, and six campsites with tables and fire rings on the Lower Salmon River. BLM recreation sites attached to this stretch of river are Island Bar, Lucile, Old Lucile, Shorts Bar, Skookumchuck, White Bird, Hammer Creek and Pine Bar. Be sure to check those sites for more information and amenities for boat ramps or camping. For river maps, authorized outfitters and shuttle services, see the links below.
The Hells Canyon National Recreation Area (HCNRA) straddles both sides of the Snake River in Oregon and Idaho. This Hells Canyon National Recreation Area - Idaho section includes all developed recreation sites and trails that are all located away from the Wild and Scenic Snake River in the Idaho uplands. All other upland sites and all trails in the Hells Canyon NRA - Snake River, or Hells Canyon NRA - Oregonare found in those recreation area sections. Popular recreation areas include the Hells Canyon Wilderness (Seven Devil mountain range), Black Lake, Heavens Gate Lookout, Windy Saddle, and Seven Devils recreation area. Local Idaho communities that have a variety of services (i.e. fuel, lodging, stores and/or restaurants) are Riggins, Grangeville, Whitebird, Council, and Cambridge. These communities are within one hour of this area.
This site on the Lower Salmon River is a frequent put-in spot for floating the Lower Salmon River. Visitors can camp, fish and picnic here too. Several large beaches provide perfect swimming opportunities. BLM recreation sites attached to this stretch of river are Island Bar, Lucile, Old Lucile, Shorts Bar, Slate Creek, Skookumchuck, White Bird, and Hammer Creek. Be sure to check those sites for more information and amenities for boat ramps or camping. For river maps, authorized outfitters and shuttle services, see the links below. https://www.blm.gov/policy Room_Idaho_Lower-Salmon-River-Guide_HammerCreek-HellerBar_1.pdf
Traveler
Nice flat spot with a stone fire ring. Hazard creek nearby isn't too loud and sounds great. Not much firewood is around as its all been picked already.
ScoutGreat spot to camp out. Owls calling throughout the evening. Great cell service.
Traveler
We arrived on a Thursday afternoon in October. There were many spots available along the road leading up to this site. But they were close to the road and we wanted to be off the road. We ended up at the last spot on the road right before the interpretive trail at the end. This spot was tucked into the trees. And once we got our camper backed in, we didn’t even know the road was there. And the VIEW! Wow!! Looking across the lake with the most beautiful sunsets. We stayed for 3 nights. We set up Starlink so we could work on Friday and had no issues with the connection.
Scout
We had the place to ourselves. Great small campground if you want to get away from everything.
Traveler
My husband and I were looking for a quick spot to camp and found this right off the highway, it was perfect for a last minute camping. There’s a few more spots off the highway. We loved that it was right on the river, too. Pretty easy access, but if you have a longer trailer than I would suggest going in the first turn out, because the second one is tight.
TravelerTrailhead view is beautiful. Hike is down to the Snake River, which is over 5 miles each way. Major elevation change. Parking is free for up to 48 hours. No amenities. Small store and restaurant nearby.
Traveler
We were riding the Idaho BDR (Backcountry Discovery Route) and needed a place to camp near Pierce. There aren't many options that are accessible for our Support Truck but found Deyo Reservoir as a welcome spot. The West sites are very open and close to each other and are what you see first. I kinda stumbled down to the East Campground which is more for Truck/Tent camping and is wooded and cooler (it was 95 degrees when we rode in). Typical for Idaho the sites were nicely spaced, well maintained (it is hosted) and the Vault Toilet was very clean.
TravelerThis is a little pullout off route 95. Has about 10-15 feet of separation from main road, which gives privacy and protection from cars. The surface is a gravel and can fit a fairly decent amount of vehicles. The sign says you can camp up to 10 days consecutive, we only stayed for the night and continued on. This is also right on little salmon river.
Guide
Great free camping on the Salmon River. We stayed there one night and it was very nice picnicking along the Salmon. The campground has a single vault toilet that was very clean. The campground can accommodate large RVs as it's mostly a large gravel parking lot. We would definitely stay here again.
ScoutSuch a fun spot to camp! There's bathrooms and sand! You can ride bikes or four wheelers to the beach that is really big and just beautiful!!
Guide
Took my nephews here. The rangers were amazing and full of info that my boys just soaked right up! It really is full of green serene… bathrooms are clean as well as the whole campground.
TravelerThis camp site was popping with people who are definitely staying a while. These people let us camp near them but idk if they’d let us stay that long. Good for one night! Neighbors kind of loud but sooo pretty by the river!!! Easy to get in and out. Porta potty’s available
Guide
Level pull through sites. A little close together if full. Water and Electric. Staff friendly and helpful. Only bathroom open was a bit of a walk. Bathrooms were a rustic motif, clean, Hot showers.
Legend
There aren’t too many campgrounds between Orofino and Kooskia, Idaho except for a few RV parks. We finally found a beautiful campground off highway 12 or the scenic Lolo Highway. It was small but had quite a few open sites so we snagged one close to the river and bathroom. The highway noise was noticeable but not bad at night. Our picnic table had a view of the Clearwater river (yes, it is very clear and has salmon.). There were steps down to the rocky shore of the river. We net a couple from elsewhere in Udaho who always choose this campground.
Guide
I recommend this section of Wallowa-Whitman NF Rd 46 (4600) between Thomason Meadow Guard Station and Buckhorn Lookout because it is grazed less than surrounding areas, and thus has more plant diversity--i.e. great WILDFLOWER BLOOM in the spring. At 5000 feet, June to early July is a peak bloom time.
This is the top of the Imnaha River breaks, and you can see fully down into the BEAUTIFUL canyonlands of the Imnaha and Snake. Birdwatching was good for us out here too, especially raptors. One of the trailheads to the historic Nez Perce Nee -Me-Poo Trail is near this "Camp-1" dispersed spot.*
*One of our maps calls the marked spot "FSR 46 Camp-1," but the dispersed camp sites are all along NF Rd 46 from here north to Buckhorn.
The drive up to this area is well-maintained gravel, and an SUV with decent tires can do it. (We did it with a truck hauling a toy-hauler trailer). Bring all the water and supplies and tools you need--this area is REMOTE.
Take Crow Creek Rd off of Hwy 82 (btwn Enterprise and Joseph). All is paved until your intersection with Zumwalt Road, where you veer R to stay on Zumwalt (aka Zumwalt-Buckhorn Rd). It's gravel after that intersection.
Follow signs to Zumwalt Prairie or Buckhorn Lookout.
Crossing over Zumwalt Prairie is a GORGEOUS drive. The Nature Conservancy has their Zumwalt Prairie Preserve here, and it's a great side trip from the camp spot.
This section of NF-46 road is extremely quiet. Only the occasional ranch vehicle travels through. In fall this is a popular camp area for hunters.
I gave it 4 stars instead of 5 because of zero water, zero data, the ecosystem/soil that has been abused in the past (not wilderness), the 50-minute drive to WiFi/ restaurant/ water refill/ black water dump. But if I was comparing primitive camping to primitive camping, this would be a 5 of 5.
I would go back here (in late spring or early fall) in a heartbeat.
Traveler
One of the most stunning views I’ve had at a campground. Seven sites, several of them are quite close together and good for a group but maybe not strangers. Clean toilet when we went, we were the only campers and only had a couple visitors on their way up to Hat Point to see the view and use the toilet. Got pretty gusty at night and several of the sites are fairly exposed so plan accordingly. Would definitely go back.
Scout
I went to book this for a weekend for a family trip in the summer.. They do not have any tent spots. She was OK with our motorhome and one tent but the minute I said we had two kids and two small tents. She immediately informed me that she would not be renting to us. 
Scout
Clean campground and decent space between neighbors. Didn’t use any of the facilities. No sewer hookups. Would visit again. Lake was low and lots of geese so messes everywhere.
Traveler
If your just going for a day trip to the hot springs it's ok. Camping not so much, the photos tell you everything. They haven't but money into this place since inception. Very sad. Only 6 viable spots with one of those next to the bathroom and garage cans. We got (lucky) and were at the end next to the highway.
Scout
Beautiful view, super friendly staff, and very convenient location. Just a tiny bit off the highway, easy to access pull-through sites, and very affordable! Super clean and well kept.
GuideAttended a motorcycle rally here a couple times. Not really my type of camping.
TravelerI will definitely be back soon, even frozen it was very enjoyable
ScoutWe were hired as the park's camp hosts for the summer 2022 season and traveled over 2,000 miles for the job. We were extremely excited about the opportunity because it seemed like a dream job in a dream location. It is a family- owned and operated business and had all the indications of an excellent work opportunity. The agreement was 20hrs a week in exchange for our site. Our duties were the typical duties you see; cleaning the bathhouse, checking in guests, maintaining the sites, etc. We had the opportunity to earn additional wages on a case-by-case basis. Simple enough. We saw no red flags during our two phone interviews. However, over the next three months, things deteriorated rapidly. We found out some things the hard way (like, for example, the fact that they flew through 5 camp hosts during their first two years in operation- and the park is only three years old), and I'd like to spare anyone else from making the same mistakes we did.
So, let's get into the ugly.... It's a long read, but I promise I'm not being dramatic.
The owners' communication skills were almost non-existant. This created unnecessarily difficult situations on more than one occasion. Coupled with the fact that they frequently flip-flopped on the directions they gave their employees and waffled on the demands they made, working for them became increasingly frustrating and unrewarding. This became a massive sticking point because they claimed to excel in communication, when any employee could tell you that was a complete crock of (you know what).
They micro-managed unlike any employer I have ever seen (and I was active duty military for six years), which added to the stress. They also seemed to be completely out of touch with how long work around the park actually took. This is probably due to a combination of the facts that they were used to employing primarily family members (who would not mind selflessly working without having every hour of labor compensated) and that they had never actually done the work themselves. Things look very different from an air conditioned office than they do out in the heat. Appropriate attempts were made to handle issues through the proper channels, but at best they were ignored and at worst they were responded to with passive aggression. Apparently, as part-time employees, we were expected to read their minds, anticipate their needs, and go far above and beyond what any reasonable person would consider appropriate to communicate.
There were a thousand little cuts that added up to an insurmountable degree of inconvenience, but a few of the biggest were feeling that my time and labor were undervalued, that I could not leave the property on any day other than my off day (but could not expect to be compensated for the hours I was essentially held hostage there), that I had to walk an impossible balance between working enough hours but not working too many (a vague detail of our contract that we never did receive clarification on, no matter how many times we asked), a lack of clear communication, and feeling that we were looked down upon as "less than" them. And since we lived on the property, it was impossible to leave the work at work, and find any peace at home.
The kicker and final nail in the coffin of this whole thing was when, after leaving an honest review and feedback of the company through a public channel, one of the owners sent my spouse a nasty wall of text message, full of ageist inuendos and rude implications about the type of employment we would be best suited for. Apparently, when their behavior had the potential to make them look bad in a public space, the owners were all too eager to "communicate". The entire thing came off as tacky and unprofessional, and I regret giving them so much of our hard work and effort.
I'd like to give an honorable mention to some of the other, full-time employees, like our manager Chris who was very sweet (but very much not in control of anything). If it had been possible to only work for her, we would not have left. But the owners' personalities are toxic and overbearing and it was completely untenable. Since we left, the RV park ran an aggressive hiring campaign ad on Facebook, so there's a chance you may have seen it. Please save your sanity (and gas money) and do not entertain the opportunity.
Super fun fact that actually isn't fun at all- one of the owners is now the Idaho County State Senator....😊
Legend
Beautiful log cabin in the mountains of Idaho, located in Nez Perce Clearwater National Forest, so astonishing views are plentiful. There is no cell service here, so prepare for the trip ahead, print out your maps to the station, otherwise getting lost on your way here is a very likely possibility. BYO drinking water, headlamps and sense of adventure. Pack out what you pack in..must respect the power of nature.
Near by attractions are Florence which is a well known location for gold mining in days past, nice place to hike and explore the area’s history.
Guide
Hidden gem. Great spot. 10 free sites first come first serve. Vaulted toilets BYOT (bring your own toilet paper). Hidden lake within short walk. Picnic tables, fire pits. Great lookout spots.
Driving is single car, narrow, bumpy dirt roads. Be prepared to back up a ways when you encounter another vehicle. Also look out for mountain cows 🐄 they like to be in the road. I would not take an RV
TravelerGreat camping area. A number of places available through the forested meadow to camp.
The creek behind the campground is fun to play in. Only thing is due to the valley and tall timber, it does not get much sun. 5-Mile back up the road provides much more sunshine, if one likes sunshine.
It is reported the fire of 2022 pretty much burnt up this campground. Haven't been there to see, so camper beware...It may be many decades before it starts to return to its former glory... :-(
TravelerGreat little campsite. There are actually two campgrounds across the road from each other. The newer one is a wide open area while the older one is not conducive to larger 5th wheels.
I camped at the older one with my little 1960 Rolls Royal camper. Fun trails all around to explore and I've heard you can pan in the creek.
It is reported the 2022 fire pretty well wiped out the area so camper beware...
Camping near White Bird, Idaho, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and outdoor activities. Whether you're looking to fish, hike, or just relax by the river, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.
Camping near White Bird, Idaho, has something for everyone. Whether you're in an RV or tent, you'll find a spot that suits your needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near White Bird, ID?
According to TheDyrt.com, White Bird, ID offers a wide range of camping options, with 158 campgrounds and RV parks near White Bird, ID and 16 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near White Bird, ID?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near White Bird, ID is Hammer Creek Recreation Site with a 4.3-star rating from 4 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near White Bird, ID?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 16 free dispersed camping spots near White Bird, ID.
What parks are near White Bird, ID?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 13 parks near White Bird, ID that allow camping, notably Bankhead National Forest and Chugach National Forest.
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