Salmon-Challis National Forest

If you’re looking for a seriously secluded spot, look no further than Indian Springs Campground. Still accessible by car but deep in the Salmon-Challis National Forest, drive on down this dusty road and pitch your tent among the pines and wildlife. Up for some outdoorsy fun? You’ve got hiking trails waiting for you to wander through just around th Read more...

Sandwiched between two ghost towns, we think we just found your next Halloween gathering spot. Let it be noted that Bonanza Group Campground is a popular area, so make sure to make your plans in advance. Learn the area's rich mining history through the interpretive sites or just strap on your boots for a good old hike. With exploration of both Cus Read more...

After taking a few twists and turns up the dirt roads outside of Challis, Idaho, you’ll know you’ve made it to Mosquito Flat Reservoir Campground by the stunning views of the crystal-blue water surrounded by the mountains. This small but spacious campground consist of a couple clusters of camping sites—some resting right alongside the water, and o Read more...

Venture a little bit off the beaten path, okay, maybe a more than a little bit, for some serious lone ranger camping out at the Monte Cristo Campground. After bumping 23 miles along the dirt forest road (high clearance vehicles are recommended) from the town of Sunbeam, you’ll be crying out “Jackpot!” when you see your new digs for the night. With Read more...

Calm down guys, Twin Peaks Campsite is cool, but it doesn't have much in common with the popular TV show. With light usage and a prime lookout, this is the perfect place to get your recluse on. The towering trees will offer ample shade, and once you've roasted the perfect s'more, your experience will really be golden. Read more...

It’s really the simple things in life, big, tall trees, a fresh breeze, and starry skies. Get back to basics at the tiny Banner Creek Campground. With few amenities and rustic sites, you’ve got nothing to do but relax and soak up those sweet, old-fashioned camping vibes. These rad spots are first-come, first-served and totally vehicle accessible. Read more...

Up for some sweet, rustic camping? Get in touch with your most adventurous self as you set up tent in one of the primitive sites at Beaver Creek Campground. Live off the land as you snack on trout you fished yourself from Beaver Creek and the many nearby lakes. Right near Beaver Creek Trailhead, this is a rad spot if you’re up for some Idaho adven Read more...

Rustic camping? Forest adventuring? How about some great fishing? If this sounds like your kind of place, check out Bench Creek Campground in Salmon-Challis National Forest. Perched not too far from Bull Trout Lake and along Bench Creek, spend your days getting deep into nature and nights relaxing in your secluded wilderness camp spot. Bring whate Read more...

Itching to get back to nature? Find refuge at Lola Creek Campground, home to tall trees, starry nights, and fresh breezes. Not to mention you’ve got a few perfectly picturesque trails just steps away, and sweet fishing at the nearby lakes. Campsites are primitive, first-come, first-served, and a short drive from even more rustic trails in the tota Read more...

Feelin' some rustic camping? Thatcher Campground in Salmon-Challis National Forest just might do the trick. Pack-in what you need and spend a few blissful days getting back to life as it’s meant to be enjoyed, simply. Sites are first-come, first-served, and convenient to get to by car, but still secluded from the road with lots of tall trees. Go a Read more...

Located on Loon Creek, Tin Cup Campground is the gateway to the Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness. This is a great spot for trail junkies, with additional trailheads located at Indian Springs (loop), Rat Creek (loop), China Creek, Mayfield Creek, and Monte Cristo. Stock loading facilities are available for equestrians. High clearance vehi Read more...

Located on the lake near the border of the Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness (phew, that’s one helluva name), Josephus Lake Campground has a hiking trail leading to the wilderness and a lake-rich region before reaching the Wild and Scenic Middle Fork of the Salmon River. Josephus Lake is too small for motorboats, but you can certainly try Read more...

Mill Creek Campground isn’t large by any standards, but this spot is popular for good reason. Tucked away in the evergreen forest of Salmon-Challis National Forest, this charming little campground boasts the same amenities as its larger neighbors, but with the feeling of relaxation and solitude that you normally find in the backcountry. In the adj Read more...

Head out for the roadside Custer #1 Campground to revel in the beauty of Idaho’s Salmon-Challis National Forest, and remind yourself of the simpler life. It’s not hard to relax in the low-key, quiet atmosphere of this charming little campground, but if you’re looking for an even slower pace of living, check out the nearby 19th-century boomtown of Read more...

Imagine dipping your toes in the crystal-clear water of a flowing river while soaking in the views of the surrounding mountains covered in evergreen trees. Yup, that’s what it feels like at the small but beautiful Eightmile Campground in Idaho’s Salmon-Challis National Forest. This quaint campground backs up right along the banks of the Yankee For Read more...

For a campground with a little more comfort than some of the primitive camping options in the Salmon-Challis area, check out the family-friendly Flat Rock Campground. This medium-sized campground is set right along the Yankee Fork of the Salmon River, about 13 miles outside of the quaint town of Stanley, Idaho. Bring the kids or a group of friends Read more...

Venture a little ways upriver from the Flat Rock Campground into the Flat Rock Extension Campground for a tad more privacy and shade. This small campground is a favorite for its primo location, and although it doesn’t have many amenities, you can always stroll down to the larger Flat Rock Campground to get what you need. Located across the road fr Read more...

A trip to Dagger Falls Campground will exceed the expectations of even the pickiest of campers. Located in the scenic pine forests of the No Return Wilderness, the big draw here is that the campground backs right up to the Middle Fork of the Salmon River, which is perfect for an epic rafting adventure and top-notch fishing. Less visited than the n Read more...

The Middle Fork Transfer Camp & Trailhead is a small collection of campsites nestled in the impressive wilderness of the Salmon-Challis National Forest outside of Stanley, Idaho. Conveniently located adjacent to a long-term parking lot, this collection of campsites sees a steady flow of visitors, especially during the summer months. Fortunatel Read more...

Grab your paddles and life vests, because when you’re camping at Boundary Creek Campground you know you’re here for the rafting. Find this newly renovated campground amongst the pine tree forests adjacent to the Wild and Scenic Middle Fork of the Salmon River—yes, “Wild and Scenic” is meant to be capitalized, since this is one of the original rive Read more...

Tucked away on the eastern end of the Salmon-Challis National Forest, Big Bayhorse Campground is an off-the-grid spot that proves a hidden treasure for truly dedicated outdoors folk. Making the 56-mile journey from the nearest town (Stanely, Idaho), you’ll be rewarded by sweeping vistas of the mountains, tons of hiking and ATV trails, and a pletho Read more...

If primitive camping at a small, secluded site sounds like your jam, fill up that gas tank and head for Little Bayhorse Campground. Making the 19-mile drive from Challis, Idaho and rallying through the final stretch on the steep dirt road will be worth the effort when you roll up and see the beautiful high mountain lake surrounded by evergreen for Read more...

Hidden amongst the trees in Salmon-Challis National Forest lies a lone campsite at West Fork Morgan Creek Campground. With a very low (and by that we mean basically zero) chance of pesky neighbors, this is the perfect getaway for those seeking the privacy and solitude of the great outdoors. Chill out by the creek, or just enjoy the freedom to stru Read more...

Lost Spring Campground is a good spot for hunting season, but during the off-season, it simply becomes a quiet, scenic getaway. This primitive camp will let you sleep, fish, and picnic all along Silver Creek. You can find the Meyer’s Cove Trailhead at the end of the road if you want to stretch your legs a bit!Read more...

At 4,800 feet, you’ll find Deep Creek Campground. There’s a few cozy campsites along the Deep Creek Ridge, where you can hit the trail to Leacock Point. On your way in, stop off at Salmon, the nearest town, for supplies, drinking water or filters, and lots of trail mix. Read more...

Relaxing in the middle of a meadow alongside a babbling creek might sound like a scene straight out of Bambi, and it’s also a pretty spot on depiction of the Bear Valley Trailhead Upper Campground. This peaceful campground is located in the stunning Lemhi Mountains, 28 miles outside of Leadore, Idaho. Lounge around the well dispersed campsites, or Read more...

The stunning backwoods of the Yellowjacket Mountains and the Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness come to a head at Yellowjacket Lake Campground. After a day of serious rugged hiking, you can come back to base camp for peaceful fishing in the creek or canoeing and kayaking on the lake. While these sites are best suited for tent campers, you Read more...

The trails, big game, and tall trees are abundant here in the Salmon River Mountains! At Cougar Point Campground, you can see and experience it all right from your campsite. Hike or bike Meadows Trail or get out on the Williams Creek Trail System, all 7,000 feet up weaving in-and-around amazing wilderness. Read more...

Enjoy the views as you are drivin’ to Iron Lake Campground. Follow the Salmon River Mountain Road which will lead you up to the forested campsites that dot the shores of this alpine lake. From here, you’ll be able to fish, canoe, or hike to the Hat Lakes and take in the beautiful wilderness! The rugged terrain and roads make these spots best for t Read more...

Jagged granite spikes shoot into the air, and crystal clear lakes dot the Salmon River Mountains. If you want to get up in this wilderness, the best place to start is Bighorn Crags Campground. From here, you’ll find drinking water, fire grates, and trailheads for the 2,500 miles of paths that wind out-and-about the Crags and the Frank Church—River Read more...

A little over 20 miles from Salmon sits McDonald Flat Campground, a cool breezy spot along Panther Creek. If you’ve wanted to camp out 5,400 feet up in the incredible Salmon-Challis National Forest, here’s your opportunity. Bring the fishin’ poles if you want trout for dinner!Read more...

You’ll be welcomed by quiet mountain forests and flowing creeks when you venture a little off the beaten path to the Big Eightmile Campground. Smack dab in the middle of an isolated section of the Salmon-Challis National Forest, this modest campground sets you up with the basic amenities, but still has the quiet feel of a remote backcountry site. Read more...

Venturing to Star Hope Campground may feel a bit like a treasure hunt thanks to the dirt backroads leading up to it, and the reward of finding such a secluded campground at the end. Now that you’ve made it to such a remote campsite, you want a little privacy, right? Sure enough, anyone else you’ll bump into here is thinking the same thing, and luc Read more...

For the truly dedicated campers, be sure to add Big Creek Campground to your list of secluded, secret campgrounds to explore. Tucked away in the heart of Idaho’s Salmon-Challis National Forest, this small, primitive campground is the place to go when you want to escape civilization, and are hoping for a low risk of potential tent neighbors. Out he Read more...

A far cry from a fraternity house, Phi Kappa Campground is set amongst the rugged peaks of the Pioneer Mountains in Idaho’s Challis National Forest. Pitch your tent, or rig up the trailer at one of the nicely wooded campsites and head for the adjacent Big Lost River. Be sure to bring your camera to capture the jaw-dropping Devil’s Bedstead peak ju Read more...

Escape the summer heat and flee up into the mountains for a few days at the Park Creek Campground. This collection of well dispersed campsites sprinkled amongst the pine and spruce trees offer generous privacy, and ample shade from the summer sun. After working up a sweat on the Summit Creek Trail, stroll over to Little Fall Creek or Big Fall Cree Read more...

Up for some truly scenic camping in Salmon-Challis National Forest? Cozy and wild Ebenezer Campground is a pretty prime spot in this corner of Idaho. Perfect for campers looking for plenty of outdoorsy ways to keep themselves occupied, Ebenezer has got it all. There's an extensive trail network that winds between tall trees and other flora, plus s Read more...

Fancy some boating slash camping? Mosy on over to Corn Creek Boat Ramp & Campground, where you can relax and enjoy the sweet campsite of your choosin’. These spots are perfect if you’re looking for more adventures on the Salmon River or the Frank Church River, and hiking trails nearby help you explore more of the awe-inspiring Salmon-Challis N Read more...

Once summertime hits, and the snow has finally melted from the mountain peaks, the beauty of Meadow Lake Campground is ready and waiting to be explored. Pitch your tent or park your RV amongst the impressive evergreen trees right next to the crystal-clear Meadow Lake (well-stocked with rainbow trout for all the fishers out there). The real attract Read more...

Finally, a campground that gets you away from the crowds but doesn’t require Bear Grylls survival skills for you to spend the night. The lightly used Iron Bog Campground rests at the base of Smiley Mountain (sorry, not shaped like your favorite emoticon) in a forested area dotted with three small alpine lakes. Perfect for a summer getaway with the Read more...

Searching for some sweet primitive camping in the great Salmon-Challis National Forest? Spring Creek Campground offers a handful of first-come, first-served spots right on Salmon River, meaning you’ve got fishing and whitewater rafting opportunities a’plenty. This is a seriously picturesque neck of the woods!Read more...

After making the 2. 5 mile drive from Mackay, Idaho, you’ll be rewarded by the rustic wilderness feel of Timber Creek Campground. Hidden amongst a forest of conifer trees, find this campground alongside the scenic Timber Creek, and in close proximity to Mill Creek Lake and the rambunctious Timber Creek ATV trail. Although the area is heavily woode Read more...

Imagine unwinding after a long day of fishing or hiking by soaking in a hot spring under a clear and starry sky. Yep, it’s possible! If this sounds like your kinda place—and let’s be honest, how could it not be—make sure to check out Horse Creek Hot Spring Campground for some sweet summertime camping. This spacious campground is RV and car-friendl Read more...

Nestled in a scenic wooded meadow, Loristica Group Campground is the ideal spot for your next rustic getaway with a group of friends. Whether you're just roasting some marshmallows on the fire, or walking around to view the wildlife, this is an oasis that will set you apart from the everyday grind. Make sure to bring something to treat your water, Read more...

Eight miles out of Leadore, Idaho, you’ll find the Hawley Creek Lower Campground. Expect a small but cozy campground that makes for a simple weekend in the RV, or a quiet tent camping getaway. Hawley Creek and the nearby reservoir provide fishing opportunity, and a few modest trails for hiking or ATV driving surround the campground. Don’t underest Read more...

The Hawley Creek Upper Campground is the place for a quiet getaway without many frills or thrills, just some plain ol’ camping at its simplest. Fishing awaits in the adjacent Hawley Creek, if you can arouse yourself from your peaceful slumber in the comfort of your RV or the warmth of your sleeping bag. Don’t be fooled into thinking that the two-m Read more...

Only seriously in-the-know campers will be privy to the small Reservoir Lake Campground in the Salmon-Challis National Forest. This primitive campground is for the rough-n-ready amongst us, who don’t mind bringing their own water, and will pack out their trash like a champ. Truly dogged hikers will want to tackle the steep trail through the peaks Read more...

Sparkling creek waters, cool breezes, shady acres, oh my! Twin Creek Campground is the perfect brew of tranquility and accessibility. Found just off Route 93, these campsites sit on the bank of the Salmon River and Twin Creek, both excellent spots for fishing. Bring the hiking boots so you can muddy them up on the Lewis and Clark National Historic Read more...

Strap the kayak on the car roof, and cruise along Salmon River Mountain Road to have the ultimate camping weekend at Wallace Lake Campground. Here, you will find insane views of the Salmon River Range and green forests surrounding the pristine, crystal-clear lake. Fish, canoe, row, or just sit by the fire and roast marshmallows!Read more...