The best campgrounds near Leadore, Idaho with wildlife watching

If you're looking for a camping adventure near Leadore, Idaho, Hipcamp has over 230 options for you to choose from. With options as low as $16 per night and an average price of $50 per night, there's something for every budget. Check out the top campsites like The Meadow (102 reviews), Windbreak Farm Alpacas (56 reviews), and Idaho's Best Kept Secret! (28 reviews). Enjoy amenities like potable water, toilets, and pet-friendly accommodations. Plus, explore the historic sites, go paddling, or enjoy boating in the area. Start planning your camping trip now!

95% (232) • 37 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds near Leadore

If you're looking for a camping adventure near Leadore, Idaho, Hipcamp has over 230 options for you to choose from. With options as low as $16 per night and an average price of $50 per night, there's something for every budget. Check out the top campsites like The Meadow (102 reviews), Windbreak Farm Alpacas (56 reviews), and Idaho's Best Kept Secret! (28 reviews). Enjoy amenities like potable water, toilets, and pet-friendly accommodations. Plus, explore the historic sites, go paddling, or enjoy boating in the area. Start planning your camping trip now!

95% (232) • 37 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds near Leadore

1. Cactus River Ranch RV

96%

(97)

38mi from Leadore · 5 sites · Tents, RVs

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.

2. The Meadow

99%

(137)

47mi from Leadore · 5 sites · Lodging

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.

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

100%

(11)

33mi from Leadore · 2 sites · Lodging

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!

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

Toilets

Campfires

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!

Pets

Toilets

Campfires

6. Breathtaking beaverhead basecamp

97%

(29)

41mi from Leadore · 2 sites · Tents, RVs

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.

7. Camp Badger

90%

(15)

16mi from Leadore · 1 site · RV

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. 

8. Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest

79%

(14)

633 sites · Wisdom, Montana

Adventuring in the largest national forest in Montana should definitely be added to your summer (or winter!) to do list. Activities abound in The Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest, including wilderness trekking, scenic drives to killer views, camping among smallish forest sites, downhill and cross-country skiing in the winter, lake fishing, picnicking, and exploring historic wild-west ghost towns in the summer. You can also check out parts of the Continental Divide trail which crosses through this park, and cheer on thru-hikers in the final stretch of their epic journey. You may just have to flip a coin to decide between the plethora of outdoor fun in this 3.35 million acre forest. The choice is yours, all you have to do is pick one and get going!

Pets

Electrical hookup

Toilets

9. Bannack State Park

25 sites · Dillon, Montana

Discover the allure of Bannack State Park's historic charm and outdoor adventures.

Pets

Toilets

Campfires

Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community

J

Jeff

October 2025

16 ft car

1 night at Camp Badger

Exactly as described. Read the reviews, you'll know what you're in for. Solid night.

Meadow area with the cabin facing outward on the right.

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.

M

Mike

August 2025

Tent

1 night at Breathtaking beaverhead basecamp

Awesome site. Super sweat people. Would stay again!

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!

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!!!