South Fork Salmon River Campground
4.8110 reviewsSouth Fork Salmon River Campground, Cascade, Idaho
South Fork Salmon River Campground
$15.00 - $15.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$15.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
The campsite fee is $15 per night, with all sites priced the same.
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About this campground
Nestled within a majestic old-growth ponderosa pine forest, South Fork Salmon River Campground offers 11 intimate campsites where the whisper of ancient trees mingles with the gentle murmur of the South Fork Salmon River. This serene mountain retreat invites you to disconnect from the modern world and immerse yourself in nature's timeless rhythms. Whether you're casting a line into crystal-clear waters, exploring forest trails, or simply watching wildlife pass through camp, this peaceful sanctuary promises memories that will last long after your tent is packed away.
South Fork Salmon River Campground supports various camping styles, including tent and combined tent/RV sites. It is not equipped for RV hookups or glamping.
Historical SignificanceThis remarkable stretch of river serves as the grand finale for one of nature's most awe-inspiring journeys – the 700-mile odyssey of Chinook salmon returning from the Pacific Ocean to their ancestral spawning grounds. These determined travelers navigate countless obstacles to reach these pristine waters, and lucky visitors can witness this ancient ritual at a nearby viewing site. It's a humbling reminder of the enduring cycles that have played out in these waters for thousands of years, long before the first campers pitched their tents among these pines.
Weather and SeasonsFrom mid-May through mid-September, the campground awakens to welcome adventurers seeking the perfect mountain summer. Sun-drenched days invite exploration and outdoor play, while crisp mountain evenings call for campfire stories and stargazing under pristine skies. The reliable summer weather creates ideal conditions for everything from morning hikes to afternoon swimming, with temperatures that remind you why mountain camping is such a treasured escape from valley heat.
ElevationPerched at 5,400 feet above sea level, the campground offers a refreshing mountain climate that provides natural air conditioning during summer's peak. This elevation creates the perfect sweet spot – high enough to escape the sweltering valley heat, yet comfortable enough for family camping. The thin mountain air carries the scent of pine and wildflowers, while cool breezes ensure restful nights wrapped in your sleeping bag.
Natural Features and SceneryTowering ponderosa pines create a natural cathedral overhead, their vanilla-scented bark and dappled shade setting the stage for your outdoor adventure. The South Fork Salmon River glides past camp, its crystalline waters reflecting sky and forest, while nearby Chipmunk Creek adds its own melodic voice to the wilderness symphony. Summer transforms the understory into a painter's palette of wildflowers, attracting clouds of butterflies that dance through shafts of sunlight – a living kaleidoscope that changes with each passing day.
Geological RegionDeep within the Boise National Forest, this campground showcases the diverse tapestry of Idaho's mountain ecosystems. Ancient ponderosa pines stand as sentinels alongside their cousins – stately lodgepole pines and hardy spruce trees – creating a multi-layered forest canopy. The interplay between the South Fork Salmon River and Chipmunk Creek has sculpted this landscape over millennia, creating the gentle riverside benches where campsites now welcome visitors. This partially shaded wonderland represents the best of Idaho's mountain country, where geological forces and biological communities have combined to create an outdoor paradise.
Campsite details
AccessibilityWhile there are no explicit mentions of ADA-compliant facilities, users have noted the vault toilets and sandy parking aprons.
Sites SizeThe campground features a range of site sizes, including some large sites that can accommodate RVs up to 30 ft.
Sites PrivacyUser reviews highlight that certain sites offer more privacy than others, with spacing between sites being adequate.
Total Campsites11 campsites
Recommended CampsitesChoose sites adjacent to the river for the best views and privacy. Some sites are larger and can accommodate RVs up to 30 feet.
Best CampsitesSites closer to the river are highly preferred for their views and proximity to the water.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Not specified
Check-out
Not specified
Stay Limit
14 days
Guests Allowed Per Site
Not specified
Groups
No group campsites are available.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutThe campground stretches along the South Fork of the Salmon River. Sites are well spaced, providing privacy and easy access to the river.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen mid-May to mid-September; typically available Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day.
Reservation PlatformsNone; first-come, first-served.
Walk-in AvailabilityAll sites are first-come, first-served.
Cancellation PolicyFirst-come, first-served; no reservations accepted.
Amenities available
Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Recreational activities abound at South Fork Salmon River Campground. Visitors can enjoy hiking, mountain biking, wildlife viewing, and fishing. Seasonal attractions include chinook salmon spawning in September. Warm Lake nearby supports swimming, boating, and additional hiking opportunities.
Hiking
Hiking trails such as the WeWuKiye Trail No. 252 and Telephone Ridge Trail No. 112 offer varied experiences ranging from mountain biking to off-road vehicle riding. Trails are accessible from nearby Shoreline Campground.Fishing
Fishing opportunities include cutthroat, rainbow, lake, and bull trout at Warm Lake. River fishing includes chinook salmon during their spawning run, though restrictions apply during some periods.Swimming
Swimming is available at Billy Rice Swim Beach located at Warm Lake Lodge. The beach also offers day-use areas for picnicking.Biking
Mountain biking is highly recommended on the WeWuKiye Trail No. 252, accessed via Shoreline Campground.Boating
Boating and canoeing can be done at Warm Lake, with a ramp available at Shoreline Campground.Wildlife viewing
Wildlife is abundant in the area, including bears, deer, elk, fox, grouse, eagles, osprey, grosbeaks, whooping cranes, and otters. A fish viewing site for chinook salmon is available during their September spawning season.Beach activities
Activities at Billy Rice Swim Beach include sunbathing and wading.Winter Activities
Winter activities are not explicitly mentioned for this campground.Water Sports
Boating, canoeing, and swimming are popular water sports available at Warm Lake.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Campfires are allowed in designated fire pits. Firewood is generally not provided, so campers should bring their own.
- Quiet hours are Not specified.
Hazards
General hazardsThis is bear country. Food storage regulations must be followed. Noise from Warm Lake Road may be audible throughout the campground.
Weather forecast
78
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 37%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 7.6 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Overcast
7-Day Forecast
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Daily & Hourly Insights
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Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
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Weather Summaries
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Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
Cascade Medical Center, Cascade, Idaho (approximately 24 miles). Police services are available in Cascade. The nearest ranger station is the Cascade Ranger District Office.
Good to know
Peak season datesMid-May to mid-September.
Trash and recyclingThis is a pack-it-in, pack-it-out campground, meaning visitors are responsible for their own trash disposal.
Proximity to water featuresThe South Fork of the Salmon River runs alongside the campground, and Chipmunk Creek is nearby. Warm Lake, offering more recreational activities, is just a short drive away.
Common complaintsTraffic noise from Warm Lake Road is evident throughout the campground.
HostCampground maintenance, including vault toilet cleaning, is managed by the Warm Lake Camp Host.
Campground Map
South Fork Salmon River Campground, Cascade, Idaho
Driving directionsFrom Boise, Idaho, travel approximately 80 miles north on State Highway 55 to Cascade, Idaho. From Cascade, Idaho, travel 1 mile north on State Highway 55 to the Forest Highway 22 (Warm Lake Highway) turnoff. Turn east and travel approximately 24 miles to the southern intersection of Forest Service Road 579 and 474. Turn right on Forest Service Road 474 to access the South Fork Salmon River Campground. Alternatively, from Cascade, at the intersection of Main St. (State Rt. 55) and Warm Lake Rd., take Warm Lake Rd. east 23 miles to the campground sign. Turn right at the sign onto a dirt single-lane road and go 0.1 miles to the campground.
Access is easy with a paved road all the way to the campground, but the final 0.1-mile stretch to the campground is a dirt single-lane road.Nearby places
Cascade, Idaho (24 miles, approximately 45 minutes)
Boise, Idaho (104 miles, approximately 2 hours).
Nearby supplies
The nearest location for groceries, camping supplies, and fuel is Cascade, Idaho, approximately 24 miles away.
Camper Reviews
4.8
10 reviews
South Fork Salmon River Campground is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
Overall, users are highly satisfied with South Fork Salmon River Campground for its quiet atmosphere, spacious sites, proximity to the river, and wildlife viewing opportunities. However, some users mention traffic noise from Warm Lake Road and the lack of certain facilities.
Review Summaries
Based on 10 reviews
What Campers Love
Users appreciate the campground's cleanliness, privacy, and proximity to the South Fork Salmon River. Highlights include well-maintained vault toilets, sandy parking aprons, and excellent fishing and...
Based on 10 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Complaints include traffic noise from Warm Lake Road and the absence of certain amenities such as showers and RV hookups.
Based on 10 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Visitors recommend arriving early as the campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis. They also suggest visiting during chinook salmon spawning season for a unique experience.
Based on 10 reviewsSeasonal Insights
Users note increased demand during holidays like Labor Day weekend. Summer is popular for fishing, hiking, and wildlife viewing, while September offers chinook salmon viewing.
Based on 10 reviewsCamper Quotes
'The campgrounds were very nice. There was a lot of space in between other sites.' - Zach
'Proximity to the river is the best part of this campground.' - N A
'We drove through this small campground...
Based on 10 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Certain sites closer to the river are noted for their privacy, while larger sites are suitable for RVs up to 30 ft.
Based on 10 reviewsAccessibility Features
Accessibility features are limited; no comments regarding ADA compliance.
Based on 10 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Dogs are allowed but must be kept on a leash, as per official guidelines.
Based on 10 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025