The best river, stream, or creek campgrounds near Leadore, Idaho

Camping along the river in Leadore means waking up to the sound of water moving past your tent, with views of cottonwoods and the Lemhi Range in the distance. Over 180 riverfront campsites let you fish for trout at dawn, hike game trails through sage and aspen, or saddle up for a horseback ride. Night temps drop fast, so pack layers if you’re planning a campfire. Many sites allow pets, and showers are easy to find. Expect an average price per night around $30, with some options as low as $25. Locals recommend The Meadow (110 reviews) for open skies and quiet, Cactus River Ranch RV (56 reviews) for easy river access, and Salmon Gypsy B&B & Mini-Donkey Ranch (9 reviews) if you want a quirky spot to meet the resident donkeys. Bring your rod, boots, and a sense of adventure—Leadore’s river camps deliver the real thing.

89% (214)

Top-rated campgrounds

Meadow area with the cabin facing outward on the right.

Camping along the river in Leadore means waking up to the sound of water moving past your tent, with views of cottonwoods and the Lemhi Range in the distance. Over 180 riverfront campsites let you fish for trout at dawn, hike game trails through sage and aspen, or saddle up for a horseback ride. Night temps drop fast, so pack layers if you’re planning a campfire. Many sites allow pets, and showers are easy to find. Expect an average price per night around $30, with some options as low as $25. Locals recommend The Meadow (110 reviews) for open skies and quiet, Cactus River Ranch RV (56 reviews) for easy river access, and Salmon Gypsy B&B & Mini-Donkey Ranch (9 reviews) if you want a quirky spot to meet the resident donkeys. Bring your rod, boots, and a sense of adventure—Leadore’s river camps deliver the real thing.

89% (214)

Top-rated campgrounds

1. The Meadow

99%

(137)

47mi from Leadore · 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.

2. Cactus River Ranch RV

96%

(97)

38mi from Leadore · 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.

3. Mountains Hideaway Campground

50%

(3)

42mi from Leadore · 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. 🏕️🌄

4. Salmon Field Office

47 sites · Salmon, Idaho

The River of No Return promises many returns when you discover the beauty of adventure throughout the Salmon Field Office. Rock climbers can scale challenging routes in the Bitterroot Range. Millions of acres of untouched lands are perfect for hiking, biking, and wildlife spotting, while the Salmon River offers anglers the sickest fishing in the country. If trout is your thing; this is your place! Meander through the second deepest gorge in the country, spot moose, bears and more in the rugged Lemhi Range and rest up under wide open Idaho skies at one of the area's many campgrounds. “No Return” might be a more accurate description, you’ll have a hard time coming home once you step into these stunningly lush and picturesque lands.

Pets

Potable water

Toilets

5. Salmon-Challis National Forest

82%

(22)

429 sites · Stanley, Idaho

Idaho oh Idaho. You never disappoint. The Salmon-Challis National Forest represents this flawlessly. Rugged mountains give way to untamed rivers; granite peaks gaze over sapphire alpine lakes; whitewater rafters cascade through rapids; and each day’s quest can lead to a different trail in the epic Frank Church-River of No Return Wilderness, which happens to be the largest contiguous wilderness area in the continental United States! Rugged and remote, this country offers millions of acres filled with breathtaking views from gravel roads, enough fish to stock your freezer all winter, and groves of cedar trees where you can set up your tent and peer out to the ocean of stars. At night listen to the coyotes call, the owls hoot, and the clink of cans as you toast to this recreational heaven. Idaho of Idaho, you are so much more than just a potato!

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Toilets

6. Salmon Gypsy B&B & Mini-Donkey Ranch

100%

(11)

33mi from Leadore · 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!

7. Lemhi River Natural Area Camping

100%

(6)

35mi from Leadore · 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.

8. Challis Field Office

83%

(3)

85 sites · Challis, Idaho

Challis Field Office offers wild lands, wild views, and wild adventures for even the pickiest of explorers. Hiking the trails to the scenic overlook of Mt. Caleb is sure to get you going, or pop on down to the Big Lost River for some shore-fire relaxing, rafting, and fishing. Big game hunters and anglers are going to go bananas over the opportunities here! The crystal clear Salmon River Canyon in particular offers trout and salmon fishing that will make you giddy! This is THE place for that record catch. Offroaders and history buffs will dig the ghost town of Bayshore, but the real wild time is your comfy sleeping bag around the fire at one of Challis’ campgrounds at the end of your adventure filled day.

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Public campgrounds near Leadore

Smokey Cubs Recreation Site Campground

3.6mi from Leadore · 8 sites · Tents, RVs · in Salmon Field Office

Hawley Creek Lower Campground

8.3mi from Leadore · 4 sites · Tents, RVs · in Salmon-Challis National Forest

Hawley Creek Upper Campground

8.8mi from Leadore · 6 sites · Tents, RVs · in Salmon-Challis National Forest

Reservoir Creek Campground

9.9mi from Leadore · 2 sites · Tents, RVs · in Salmon-Challis National Forest

100%

(1)

Big Eightmile Campground/Trailhead

12mi from Leadore · 10 sites · Tents, RVs · in Salmon-Challis National Forest

McFarland Campground

13mi from Leadore · 5 sites · Tents, RVs · in Salmon Field Office

100%

(2)

Meadow Lake Campground

17mi from Leadore · 18 sites · Tents, RVs · in Salmon-Challis National Forest

Timber Creek Campground

20mi from Leadore · 12 sites · Tents, RVs · in Salmon-Challis National Forest

Agency Creek Campground

21mi from Leadore · 4 sites · Tents, RVs · in Salmon Field Office

Morse Creek Campground

21mi from Leadore · 3 sites · Tents, RVs · in Salmon-Challis National Forest

100%

(2)

Bear Valley Trailhead/Upper Campground

22mi from Leadore · 6 sites · Tents, RVs · in Salmon-Challis National Forest

Summit Creek Recreation Site Campground

29mi from Leadore · 7 sites · Tents, RVs · in Challis Field Office

Stories from the community

M

Matt

2 weeks ago

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Mountains Hideaway Campground

Tammy was a great host. She answered all my questions in a timely manner. Even tho the property was closed for the season she allowed me to stay last minute. Helped to make for a smooth road trip. The property was clean and quiet.

Laron

October 2025

1 night at The Meadow

We had a great stay at Doug and Shannon’s cabin! Located close to Salmon, but still remote and private. We stayed plenty warm in the cabin, and enjoyed the swing by the water. Would definitely recommend and would stay again next time we are in the area!

Cat

October 2025

Weekend Trip to The Meadow

This was a very cute and homey cabin, perfect for a weekend getaway with my boyfriend. He originally wanted to camp, so even though the cabin is rustic, it was perfect for us. I especially enjoyed sitting on the loveseat on the porch. And having a coffee maker! The hosts were so friendly and welcoming.

Nate

September 2025

20 ft campervan

With pets

Weekend Trip to Cactus River Ranch RV

We loved everything about our stay at Cactus River Ranch! The setting along the river was lovely, everything was clean, the bathrooms and showers were great, and having laundry was a huge plus. We’ll definitely be back!

A

Aaron

September 2025

Weekend Trip to The Meadow

Had a great weekend at the cabin. Lots of nice touches and what a serene setting only 15 minutes from Salmon.

K

Kay

September 2025

26 ft travel trailer

With pets

4 nights at Cactus River Ranch RV

The campground was small, clean and quiet, and located off the main road but close to Salmon. Jessica and her husband are great hosts. Jessica responded quickly to any questions we had. We highly recommend the campground!!

G

Grace

September 2025

25 ft travel trailer

With kids

Weekend Trip to Cactus River Ranch RV

This was my families first ever camper trip. This was the perfect spot for us. It had every luxury like a shower and WiFi but felt private and was perfect for my toddler and baby with no cars in sight. The stars at night were incredible and the sound of the river felt like a dream. The host was super responsive. There were even two dogs on property that were very friendly and played fetch with us.

Jennifer

September 2025

25 ft travel trailer

3 nights at Cactus River Ranch RV

We loved Brandon and Jessica’s place. Well maintained, small and quiet, right on the river. Beautiful accommodations. We were able to ride our mountain bikes right from our camp site - what a bonus. We will be returning next year.

D

Diana

September 2025

Tent

With pets

2 nights at Cactus River Ranch RV

Great camping spot ! The cool. weather at night and the sounds of the river nearby was so relaxing 🏕️🫶🏼

D

Douglas

September 2025

25 ft travel trailer

1 night at Cactus River Ranch RV

Jessica has a very nice site, and she was extremely flexible when our situation changed. Great host!

K

Kathleen

August 2025

28 ft travel trailer

1 night at Cactus River Ranch RV

Beautiful location. Very clean. Bathrooms look new.

crash288s5

August 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Cactus River Ranch RV

Tent camped right on the Salmon, in tremendous privacy, with no atv's ripping in an out. Nothing but the sound of the river, horses living their best lives and coyotes yelling at each other occasionally. Easy access to town, Lake Williams, and miles and miles of the Salmon. All that AND two clean bathrooms and a laundry room. Each site also had it's own wooden picnic table and fire ring. The tent camp site was thoughtfully leveled and had wood chips around the table which helped tremendously on keeping the dust down. We couldn't have been more content.

K

Kelli

August 2025

Tent

1 night at Cactus River Ranch RV

We enjoyed a peaceful night rooftop tent camping on Jessica’s land. The Salmon River is stunning and we loved cooking with a view of ospreys diving for fish on the river. The bathroom and showers are pristine as well. We will definitely stay here again.

E

Eric

August 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Cactus River Ranch RV

This place absolutely rocked. Right on the river. Excellent bathroom and showers. Camp host was so cool. You have to check this out

R

Roger

August 2025

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to Cactus River Ranch RV

Nice spot, tucked away right on the river. Showers were great and very clean, nice to be able to get a good hot shower in a clean bathroom while out traveling. Would definitely stay again.

A

Annie

August 2025

20 ft pop-up camper

With pets

2 nights at Cactus River Ranch RV

I would not hesitate to book this site! It was absolutely perfect in every way! The owners are very friendly too!

Shawn

August 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Lemhi River Natural Area Camping

Water was a must and was easy to reach. Perfect stop along our way.

N

Nicole

August 2025

Tent

2 nights at Cactus River Ranch RV

Great tent camping spot! Right on river and peaceful. Restroom and shower were super nice and convenient.

L

Liz

August 2025

30 ft travel trailer

6 nights at Cactus River Ranch RV

What a great little campground right on the Salmon River surrounded by hills and farm fields. While it wasn't "private" camping - there are 3 hook-up spots and a couple of dry camps - it was pretty darn close. We stayed 6 nights and the campground was only full one of those nights. There is a bathhouse (with private showers and flushing toilets) and the area is spotless. We watched eagles and osprey soaring over the river and put our kayak in right at the camp to float into town. Jessica was a great hostess. She stopped by a couple of times to check on us and responded to a texted question I had, but otherwise left us alone. The campsite is close enough to town to be able to run in for groceries and ice cream, but far enough out that it's definitely camping. There is hiking very near by and Williams Lake is just up the road. I highly recommend Cactus River Campground. Thank you, Jessica for a great stay.

A

Andrew

August 2025

43 ft fifth wheel

Weekend Trip to Cactus River Ranch RV

We arrived with our 43’ fifth wheel and found the driveway a little bit tight, but made it into our spot and loved the stay! Power was strong and clean, water was as well. Great restroom facilities for those who need them. Dogs loved the river, the night sky was beautiful. Stay here if you can!!!