Cottonwood Recreation Site Campground

In
Challis Field Office
·
100%
13 sites · RV, Tent
The name says it all… camp in a lush cottonwood grove and get some much needed peace and quiet at Cottonwood Recreation Site Campground. Nestled deep in Idaho’s wilderness along the peaceful Salmon River, you’ve got some sweet fishing right at your feet, not to mention access to nearby hiking trails. With some amenities, you’ve got nothing to do but relax. Camping bliss.
What this place offers
Campfire allowed
Pets allowed
No showers
Toilets
Potable water
Picnic tables
Sewage hookups
No electric hookups
First come, first served
RV, Tent
Explore 323 campgrounds near Challis Field Office

Available campgrounds nearby

Top-rated for location, privacy, and amenities near Challis Field Office

  • Cactus River Ranch RV
  • Easy loop pull around for the RV and large campsites with complete hook-ups.
  • Cactus River Ranch RV

Cactus River Ranch RV

96%
(97)
28mi from Cottonwood Recreation Site Campground · 5 sites · Tents, RVs · Salmon, ID
Currently, the property has 3 full RV hook-up with water, 30-50 amp power and septic (Site #1 - 30 amp, Site #2 - 50 & 30 amp, Site #3 - 50 & 30 amp). There is also 1 campsite for either a vehicle or tent, with access to complete bathhouse and shower facilities. Cactus River Ranch is located 12 minutes outside of Salmon, Idaho along the Salmon River. The sites have river front views with your own private river access. Hiking and mountain biking options are available right out the back door up Henry's Creek trail. Amazing fly fishing or bird watching location! Williams Lake is located 6 miles up the road and offers a variety of recreation activities including fishing, swimming, paddle-boarding, canoeing, or sight seeing. If you are looking for an area that is out of town, THIS IS IT!! We also have overnight stalls available for horses. Please make sure RV tanks are empty in order to hook up to septic. No RV dump station on site. With the river location, we get very windy conditions along the river corridor. Awnings can easily become damaged during these conditions. Please take notice and consider putting awnings away so that they don't get damaged. Along the same lines, please don't have campfires if the winds are high. Make sure your dogs are on a leash. We have mules on the property that DO NOT like dogs. This is for the safety of your dog. No fireworks on the premises. We do have a couple small trash cans that get dumped on Thursdays...that being said....we are NOT a dump. If trash cans are full or you have large items, please haul your trash to Lemhi County Landfill. They are open Monday-Friday: 7am-5:15pm and have dumpsters open on the weekend.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$35
 / night
  • Porch swing by the creek- the perfect place to have your morning coffee.
  • Driving up Carmen Creek Road.
  • Porch swing by the creek- the perfect place to have your morning coffee.

The Meadow

99%
(137)
44mi from Cottonwood Recreation Site Campground · 5 sites · Lodging · Carmen, ID
Welcome to the Weaver's Meadow. We have lived on this property for the past 31 years and it is the very spot where a blind date led to an engagement which let to a beautiful love story and 3 wonderful children. Now, we hope you too can come and enjoy the utterly breathtaking beauty of our secluded, creekside paradise. Nestled among the aspen trees you will find a one room cabin complete with bed, table and chairs, wood cookstove and all the amenities you will need to truly relax with the comfort of a cozy cabin to forget the outside world.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$60
 / night
  • Breathtaking beaverhead basecamp
  • Breathtaking beaverhead basecamp
  • Breathtaking beaverhead basecamp

Breathtaking beaverhead basecamp

97%
(29)
36mi from Cottonwood Recreation Site Campground · 2 sites · Tents, RVs · Salmon, ID
Learn more about this land:Flat spot, decently private with a babbling ditch and view of the beaverhead mountains. Outhouse available complete with new toilet seat. All the delicious well water you can handle. Also, access to a slide in camper with a little wood stove and a propane cooktop. Available upon request.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$12
 / night
  • Camp Badger
  • Camping at Camp Badger in Gilmore, Idaho.
  • Camp Badger

Camp Badger

90%
(15)
42mi from Cottonwood Recreation Site Campground · 1 site · RV · Leadore, ID
Gilmore Idaho is a old silver mining town that was active between the 1880's and abandon in the 1930's after the power plant caught on fire. Gilmore is a legitimate ghost town that contains old buildings, mines, cemetery, etc. Gilmore, Idaho still has numerous old buildings and mines, there is so much to explore!Learn more about this land:Gilmore Idaho is a old silver mining town that was created in the 1880's and abandon in the 1930's after the power plant caught on fire. Gilmore is a legitimate ghost town that contains old buildings, mines, cemetery, etc. Gilmore, Idaho still has numerous old buildings, mines, and mining equipment. There is so much to explore in Gilmore! BUT you must not enter any of the old buildings, or any private property.The campsite is primitive and contains a small dirt pad, fire pit, and a tent pad.Gilmore Idaho is roughly 130 mins away from Idaho Falls. The Birch Creek Charcoal Kilns are roughly 20 mins away, and Meadow Lake and Meadow Lake Campground are roughly 5 miles away on a dirt road (on top of the mountain). The Meadow Lake Campground is only open for 2 months out of the year due to the snowfall (its on top of a mountain), so this campsite (Camp Badger) is a great place to camp if you can not find a spot at the campground.Camp Badger is the only campsite available within the Gilmore town site. 
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$5
 / night
  • Salmon Gypsy B&B & Mini-Donkey Ranch
  • Salmon Gypsy B&B & Mini-Donkey Ranch
  • Salmon Gypsy B&B & Mini-Donkey Ranch

Salmon Gypsy B&B & Mini-Donkey Ranch

100%
(11)
15mi from Cottonwood Recreation Site Campground · 2 sites · Lodging · Salmon, ID
Located on Idaho's Salmon River outside Salmon, ID, the Salmon Gypsy B and B and Mini-Donkey Ranch is two acres of heaven. The gypsy wagon is only 2 miles from the famous Goldbug Hot Springs trailhead. Enjoy the peace of this area just across the river from a working cattle ranch, 2.5 miles from the local bar and grill, 23 miles north to Salmon, and 35 miles south to Challis in the lovely unincorporated area of Elk Bend, Idaho. Enjoy hiking, rafting, fishing, biking, horseback riding and a visit with our mini-donkeys!
Potable water
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$135
 / night
  • Mountains Hideaway Campground
  • Mountains Hideaway Campground
  • Mountains Hideaway Campground

Mountains Hideaway Campground

50%
(3)
36mi from Cottonwood Recreation Site Campground · 8 sites · Tents, RVs · Salmon, ID
Mountains Hideaway Campground: A Minimalist Oasis in the High Desert Tucked behind Off the Beaten Path Saddlery in Salmon, Idaho, Mountains Hideaway Campground offers simple, dry camping with wide-open skies and mountain views—just minutes from town. 🌾 Note: This is high desert terrain. Grass is dry mid-to-late summer through fall. Not a lush green lawn—just honest Idaho beauty. What You’ll Find Here 🛖 Dry Camping Simplicity No water or electric hookups—just a level space for your RV or tent, room to breathe, and the freedom to create your own experience. 🌌 Open Skies With no tall trees or light pollution, this is a stargazer’s dream. Bring a blanket and enjoy the Milky Way above you. 🛍 Convenient Location Steps from a locally owned store offering western apparel, snacks, gifts, and more. Campers can use the indoor bathroom during store hours and visit with friendly locals. 🔥 Shared Firepit Relax and unwind around our communal firepit (weather permitting). Great for marshmallows and conversation. 🎠 Small Play Area Located beside Tent Site 1 and across from several RV sites—a cozy space for little ones to play while you relax nearby. 🐾 Pet-Friendly Bring your well-behaved pets! There’s room to roam, sniff, and explore. 🗑 Trash Cans for Bagged Trash Available next to the store building for camper use. Please bag all trash and keep the space clean for everyone. Amenities 🚽 24/7 Portable Toilet 🚿 Showers during store hours – $5 (towel rental $1) 💧 Potable water access (bring your own containers) Nearby Adventures 🎣 Salmon River – fish, float, or relax by the water 📜 Sacajawea Center – local history, Lewis & Clark info 🛶 Rafting Tours – whitewater or scenic floats 💦 Hot Springs – nearby soaking spots to unwind 🥾 Hiking Trails – explore the rugged Lemhi Valley This is a dry camping site: no hookups, no individual fire rings, and no green lawns. But if you love peace, stars, and rustic charm—it’s perfect. 💬 Ask about our monthly rates, which include free shower use. Secure your spot and embrace the beauty of the simple life at Mountains Hideaway Campground. 🏕️🌄
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$25
 / night
  • Lemhi River Natural Area Camping
  • Lemhi River Natural Area Camping
  • Lemhi River Natural Area Camping

Lemhi River Natural Area Camping

100%
(6)
35mi from Cottonwood Recreation Site Campground · 1 site · Tent, RV · Salmon, ID
Welcome to our serene retreat along the picturesque Lemhi River. Situated on five acres downstream from a magnificent river restoration project, our property offers a haven for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers alike. Cast your line into the pristine waters of the Lemhi River and enjoy the thrill of fishing in one of nature's finest playgrounds. As night falls, marvel at the brilliance of the star-studded sky and listen to the soothing sounds of the surrounding wilderness. With direct access to BLM land, adventure awaits just beyond our doorstep. Lace-up your hiking boots or hop on your mountain bike to explore the scenic trails that wind through the rugged terrain. For a relaxing escape, take a short drive to Sharkey Hot Springs and immerse yourself in the rejuvenating waters. Whether you're seeking solitude in nature or seeking adventure in the great outdoors, our unique property along the Lemhi River offers the perfect retreat for your next getaway.
Pets
Potable water
Campfires
from 
$35
 / night

More to explore nearby

100%
1 ratings · 0 reviews
LocationCottonwood Recreation Site Campground, Challis Field Office, Idaho, United States
Is anything missing?Suggest edits to improve this listing for fellow campers.
What this place offers
Campfire allowed
Pets allowed
No showers
Toilets
Potable water
Picnic tables
Sewage hookups
No electric hookups

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Mosquito Flat Reservoir Campground

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Bayhorse Recreation Site Campground

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Mill Creek Campground

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Lost Spring Campground

Lost Spring Campground

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Little Bayhorse Campground

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Top parks near Cottonwood Recreation Site Campground

Beavertail Hill State Park
Bannack State Park
Bitterroot National Forest
Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest
Grand Teton National Park
Golden Spike National Historic Site
Fossil Butte National Monument
John Day Fossil Beds National Monument

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