Salmon River Campground

Star4.54
14 reviews
Salmon River Campground
$8.00 - $8.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Fees vary by location and activity, reservation fees are $8 if made online or through the app.
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
Total Campsite Fees$0.00

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Recreation Dot Gov
Provider

About this campground

Discover the freedom of spontaneous adventure at Salmon River Campground, where the first-come, first-served policy invites you to claim your perfect riverside spot as soon as you arrive. This flexible camping experience puts you in control of your wilderness escape, with modern convenience at your fingertips through the Recreation.gov mobile app's QR code Scan & Pay feature—making your check-in as smooth as the river's flow.
Salmon River Campground primarily offers standard non-electric campsites. Its first-come, first-served policy makes it accessible to a variety of campers.
Weather and SeasonsExperience the changing moods of the Salmon River throughout the seasons, where late summer transforms the rushing waters into gentle pools perfect for cooling tired feet after a day of exploration. As autumn gives way to winter, the campground takes on a dramatic character with crisp, cold air that awakens the senses, occasional gentle snowfall that dusts the landscape in pristine white, and moderate rainfall that fills the forest with the earthy scent of pine and fresh mountain air.
Natural Features and SceneryNestled along the banks of the legendary Salmon River within the majestic Sawtooth National Forest, this campground serves as your gateway to Idaho's untamed wilderness. Wake to the melodic sounds of rushing water just steps from your tent, and spend your days exploring the network of hiking trails that wind through towering pines and open meadows. The river's edge beckons with opportunities for quiet reflection, wildlife watching, and the simple pleasure of connecting with one of the West's most iconic waterways.
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Campsite details

AccessibilityNo specific accessibility features are mentioned in the available information.
Sites SizeNo specific details on site sizes.
Sites PrivacyThe campground is noted to be near a highway, with some users commenting on highway noise. Privacy levels may be limited due to proximity to the road.
Total Campsites0 campsites
Recommended CampsitesReviews suggest avoiding sites near the highway for reduced noise and considering nearby Casino Creek Campground for more privacy.
Best CampsitesSpecific campsites not mentioned.

Reserving a campsite

Groups
No information on group sites is provided.
Tents
Tents are not allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed

Site layoutReviews mention the campground's proximity to Salmon River and the highway, suggesting a linear or open layout.
Reservation PlatformsRecreation.gov mobile app
Walk-in AvailabilityFirst-come, first-served availability only.
Cancellation PolicyReservations can be canceled anytime before the scheduled arrival date. Late cancellations subtract the first night’s recreation fee from refunds and incur a $10 fee. Changes to new stay dates incur a $10 fee per reserved site. Scan & Pay transactions are non-refundable.

Amenities available

Potable water
Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Salmon River Campground offers access to various outdoor activities. Key highlights include hiking, fishing, and enjoying the natural beauty of the surrounding area. User reviews emphasize the proximity to trails, the Salmon River, and nearby scenic attractions like Stanley and Redfish Lake.
Hiking
The campground is close to numerous trails. One user mentioned 'plenty of trails to hike' and another praised the 'great outdoors' in the area.
Fishing
The campground is close to the Salmon River, which provides easy access to fishing opportunities. A review highlights the 'close proximity to water for easy access to fish.'
Wildlife viewing
The campground is located in the Sawtooth National Forest, which offers opportunities to observe a variety of wildlife, though specific species are not detailed.
Winter Activities
No specific information on winter activities provided.
Water Sports
No specific information on non-motorized water sports provided.
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Campground rules

  • Pets are not allowed

Hazards

General hazardsBear country with specific rules for food storage and campsite conduct.

Weather forecast

31
°F
Nov 25
Tuesday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%

Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities

Humidity: 46%

Comfortable humidity levels

Wind: 2.7 mph

Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities

Clear sky

7 day forecast

Weather History
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo

Good to know

Trash and recyclingNo specific information on trash and recycling facilities provided.
Proximity to water featuresClose to the Salmon River with late-season accessibility for dipping feet.
Common complaintsComplaints about highway noise and riverside access closures.
HostHosts receive positive feedback in reviews for friendliness and cleanliness.

Campground Map


Camper Reviews

4.5
14 reviews
Top-Rated
Top-Rated
Salmon River Campground is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
Overall, Salmon River Campground is well-reviewed for its cleanliness, convenient access to outdoor activities, and proximity to nearby attractions. However, some users noted noise from the nearby highway as a drawback.
Review Summaries
Based on 14 reviews

What Campers Love

Positive aspects highlighted by users include clean vault toilets, friendly camp hosts, easy access to the river for fishing, and proximity to hiking trails and scenic areas such as Stanley and...
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Based on 14 reviews

Common Concerns

Common complaints include highway noise due to the campground's proximity to the road and limited privacy at campsites.
Based on 14 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers are advised to arrive early to secure a spot as the campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis. Download the Recreation.gov app beforehand as cell service may be limited.
Based on 14 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Reviews suggest the campground is popular during warmer months for activities like hiking and fishing. In the late season, the river levels drop, providing a quieter environment and opportunities to...
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Based on 14 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'Great location relative to Stanley...the nicest, cleanest vaulted toilet I've ever been in.' 2. 'Great place to camp, close to the water for easy access to fish and plenty of trails to hike.' 3....
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Based on 14 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

No specific site numbers or details are provided in user reviews.
Based on 14 reviews

Accessibility Features

No reviews directly addressing accessibility features were provided.
Based on 14 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

No reviews or comments related to pets were included.
Based on 14 reviews

Last updated November 24, 2025
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