River access and free camping draw a steady crowd to Short's Bar Recreation Area, a BLM dispersed site along the Salmon River outside Riggins. Space is available. Crowds can be vocal, and some campers set up for extended stays. Porta-potties are on-site, and the area is big-rig accessible with cell service. Bring earplugs if noise is a concern, and arrive early on weekends to secure a spot.
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsShort's Bar Recreation Area is located in Idaho near Riggins
Dispersed CampingCoordinates
45.41380019 N
116.3022023 W
Connectivity
T-MobileNo Coverage
VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 9/12/26- AT&TLTESome CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 9/12/26
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo Coverage
- VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 9/12/26
- AT&TLTESome CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 9/12/26
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Dispersed
- Group
Features
For Campers
- Phone Service
- Drinking Water
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Big Rig Friendly
DISPERSED CAMPING
Enjoy dispersed camping on government land and leave no trace. Pack in and pack out. No (or limited) services at this camping area. Permit may be required.
PERMIT might be REQUIRED
We curate permit requirements across the US for our PRO members. Try PRO to see if Short's Bar Recreation Area needs a permit.
Drive Time
- 1 hr 51 min from Lewiston, ID
- 2 hrs 56 min from Boise, ID
- 3 hrs 38 min from Walla Walla, WA
- 4 hrs 10 min from Kennewick, WA
