Fishing access along the Salmon River is the main draw at Tower Rock Campground, a BLM-managed site outside Salmon, Idaho. Nightly rates run $2 to $15, making it one of the more affordable drive-in options in the area. Campers should note the rough access road before arrival. Pets are not permitted. Red Rock Access sits 2.6 miles north for anglers wanting a nearby alternative.
Description
Overview
The Lewis & Clark Expedition camped at the Tower Rock site, along the main Salmon River. Today, the site offers prime river access for floaters and steelhead and trout anglers. Camping and picnic sites are also available, and the area makes a great stopping point for scenic drivers.
Recreation
The area surrounding the campground offers a multitude of recreation opportunities including motorized and non-motorized trails, hunting, fishing, and wildlife viewing. Rafters and anglers often use the boat ramp to access the Salmon River.
Facilities
The campground offers single-family campsites for both RV and designated tent-only camping. Each site is equipped with accessible picnic tables and campfire rings with grills. Vault toilets, fishing platforms, picnic shelter, and boat ramp with access to the Salmon River are provided. No hookups are available at this location.
Natural Features
William Clark described the rock formation above the campground, known today as Tower Rock, as a Clift of dark brown flint. The Precambrian quartzite is some of the oldest rock in Idaho and can be found in the outcrops between the campground and North Fork, ID. At the nearby Tower Pirimids Day Use Area "hoodoo" type sandstone, gravel, and capstone formation can be seen near another Corps of Discovery campsite.
Contact Info
This location is unstaffed. To speak with our main office for general information, please call: (208) 756-5400.
Nearby Attractions
Salmon River Tower Pirimids Day Use Area Morgan Bar Campground
Charges & Cancellations
No changes/cancellations/refunds are allowed as all fees are paid either on-site or through the Recreation.gov Scan & Pay App.
Fee Info
Campsite nightly rates are $5/site and $2 per additional vehicle. Limit of one additional vehicle per campsite. Fees may be paid on-site using fee envelopes or with the Recreation.gov Scan & Pay App.
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsTower Rock Campground is located in Idaho near Carmen
Directions
Take Highway 93 North of Salmon, ID for 10 miles. Campground will be on the left between the highway and the Salmon River.
Address
1206 S Challis St
Salmon, ID 83467
Coordinates
45.312086 N
113.90625 W
Connectivity
T-Mobile5GGood Coverage
VerizonNo CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 8/5/26
AT&TLTESome Coverage
Connectivity
- T-Mobile5GGood Coverage
- VerizonNo CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 8/5/26
- AT&TLTESome Coverage
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
Features
Drive Time
- 2 hrs 20 min from Missoula, MT
- 2 hrs 28 min from Idaho Falls, ID
- 3 hrs 4 min from Helena, MT
- 3 hrs 17 min from Bozeman, MT
