Deadman Bar Camping Area
00 reviewEast Fork of the South Fork Salmon River
Deadman Bar Camping Area
$0.00 - $0.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$0.00
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
No fees are required for this site.
About this campground
Tucked away along the pristine waters of the East Fork of the South Fork Salmon River, Deadman Bar Camping Area offers an authentic wilderness experience for those seeking simplicity and riverside tranquility. This intimate walk-in campground features three dispersed sites that put you right at the heart of river country, where the gentle rush of water mingles with the sounds of the forest. While the nearby road brings occasional reminders of civilization, the campground serves as a beloved basecamp for river enthusiasts and floaters who launch their adventures from these banks into the crystalline waters below.
Deadman Bar Camping Area is a dispersed camping site with three walk-in units that cater to primitive camping. RV camping, group sites, or luxury camping options like glamping are not available.
Historical SignificanceThe stories of Deadman Bar remain wrapped in the mysteries of the Idaho wilderness, waiting to be discovered by each new generation of visitors who pass through these timeless lands.
Weather and SeasonsThe seasons paint dramatically different portraits at Deadman Bar. Winter transforms the landscape into a snow-dusted wonderland, with blankets of white often reaching six inches deep, creating a serene but challenging environment for the hardy few. As spring awakens the forest, the transition brings a dynamic mix of rain and melting snow, gradually giving way to the warmth of early summer. By late July and August, the campground basks under crystal-clear skies, with temperatures climbing to a comfortable 86°F – perfect conditions for river activities and evening campfires under star-filled skies.
ElevationNestled within the varied topography of the Payette National Forest, the campground rests at an elevation that captures the essence of Idaho's diverse mountain landscape.
Natural Features and SceneryThe East Fork of the South Fork Salmon River serves as the campground's liquid lifeline, its clear waters carving through a landscape of rugged beauty that defines the Payette National Forest. Towering conifers create a natural cathedral overhead, while the riverbank reveals smooth stones polished by centuries of flowing water. The surrounding forest ecosystem pulses with life – from the smallest wildflowers pushing through the forest floor to the majestic trees that have stood sentinel for generations. This is nature in its raw, unfiltered form, where every sunrise brings new discoveries along the water's edge.
Geological RegionDeadman Bar sits within the spectacular geological tapestry of the Payette National Forest, where the East Fork of the South Fork Salmon River has carved its signature through mountainous terrain over millennia. This riverine landscape showcases the powerful forces that have shaped Idaho's backcountry – from ancient volcanic activity to the patient persistence of water sculpting stone. The surrounding peaks and valleys tell a story written in rock and sediment, creating a dramatic backdrop that reminds visitors of nature's grand architectural ambitions.
Campsite details
AccessibilityAccessibility features for those with disabilities are not mentioned in the sources provided.
Sites SizeThe campground consists of three individual units described as walk-in sites located adjacent to the road.
Sites PrivacyPrivacy is limited due to proximity to the road, which is noted to be noisy and dusty.
Total Campsites3 campsites
Recommended CampsitesSites are adjacent to the road, so visitors seeking quieter locations may find it unsuitable.
Best CampsitesSpecific site numbers were not provided; all three sites are dispersed and adjacent to the road.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
- Open access
- no specific check-in times.
Check-out
- Open access
- no specific check-out times.
Stay Limit
Not explicitly stated
Guests Allowed Per Site
Not explicitly stated
Groups
No group camping sites are mentioned in the provided sources.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutThree dispersed sites located adjacent to the road.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen year-round, 24 hours a day.
Reservation PlatformsNot applicable as reservations are not required.
Walk-in AvailabilityAll three sites are walk-in, first-come, first-served camping.
Cancellation PolicyNot applicable as reservations are not required.
Amenities available
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Activities at Deadman Bar Camping Area are limited. The site is primarily popular among boaters floating along the East Fork of the South Fork of the Salmon River. Hiking, fishing, and wildlife viewing opportunities are not explicitly mentioned, nor are other recreational activities.
Boating
Boating is the primary activity for visitors, particularly those floating along the East Fork of the South Fork of the Salmon River.Winter Activities
Winter recreation opportunities are not mentioned in the sources provided.Water Sports
Boating is explicitly mentioned as an activity; other water sports like kayaking or paddleboarding are not addressed.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Not mentioned; assumed campfires are allowed unless specified otherwise.
- Quiet hours are Not specified.
Hazards
General hazardsDust and noise from the adjacent road are recurring concerns. Lack of potable water and potential wildlife hazards.
Active alertsNo active alerts were mentioned.
Weather forecast
76
°F
Aug 26
Tuesday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 39%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 6.5 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Overcast
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
Krassel Ranger District is temporarily closed, closest emergency services are unknown.
Good to know
Peak season datesNot specified.
Trash and recyclingTrash and recycling facilities are not mentioned in the sources provided.
Proximity to water featuresLocated along the East Fork of the South Fork Salmon River.
Common complaintsUser reviews and descriptions frequently note the noise and dust from the adjacent road.
HostNo campground host information is available.
Campground Map
East Fork of the South Fork Salmon River
Driving directionsAccess from McCall is via the Lick Creek Road. Drive 35 miles to the junction with the South Fork road. Continue on the Lick Creek road - which becomes the East Fork of the South Fork road for another 4 miles. Campground is located along side the road.
Sites are adjacent to the road; access is direct but can be noisy and dusty.Nearby places
McCall is approximately 39 miles (about 1 hour 15 minutes drive away)
other population centers are not specified.
Nearby supplies
Supplies can be obtained in McCall, which is 39 miles away
detailed locations for groceries, camping supplies, or fuel are not specified.
Camper Reviews
0.0
0 reviews
Deadman Bar Camping Area has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
Reviews emphasize the campground's rustic nature and its popularity among boaters. "Sites are adjacent to the road, so it can be noisy and dusty," is frequently cited from user reviews and official descriptions. There are no explicit user ratings provided.
Review Summaries
What Campers Love
The site's adjacency to the East Fork of the South Fork of the Salmon River makes it a convenient stop for boaters. "Popular with boaters floating the East Fork of the South Fork Salmon River" is a...
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Common Concerns
Noise and dust from the road are consistently mentioned as drawbacks of the campground: "Sites are adjacent to the road, so it can be noisy and dusty."
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Campers are advised to bring their own potable water, as none is available on-site. The walk-in nature of the sites may require preparation for carrying gear.
Seasonal Insights
No reviews explicitly discuss seasonal differences.
Camper Quotes
"Popular with boaters floating the East Fork of the South Fork Salmon River." "Sites are adjacent to the road, so it can be noisy and dusty."
Site-Specific Reviews
There are only three units in this dispersed campground, but detailed reviews specific to individual sites are not provided.
Accessibility Features
Accessibility features are not mentioned in the provided sources or user reviews.
Pet-Friendly Features
Pet policies or experiences are not discussed in the provided sources.
Last updated August 10, 2025