About this campground
Overview Nestled among shady groves of cottonwood trees along the scenic Upper Salmon River, Cottonwood Recreation Site offers a peaceful setting for camping, fishing, and river access. The campground provides 13 spacious campsites and two walk-in tent sites, each equipped with picnic tables, fire rings, and access to potable water. In addition to camping, Cottonwood features a welcoming day-use area with a reservable covered pavilion—perfect for family gatherings, group events, or simply relaxing riverside. The pavilion is equipped with water, electricity, grills, a firepit, and even a horseshoe pit for a bit of friendly competition. A boat ramp provides easy access to the Salmon River for fishing or floating adventures, making Cottonwood an excellent base for exploring Central Idaho’s renowned waters. Campground Amenities: 13 first-come, first-served campsites with picnic tables & fire rings 2 walk-in tent sites with picnic tables & fire rings Potable water & vault toilets Day-Use pavilion with horseshoe pits, large picnic tables, campfire ring, and grill Boat ramp and trailer parking area Seasonal campground host Know Before You Go: Reliable cell service Water hook-ups on select campsites Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway, a group event, or a stop along your river journey, Cottonwood Recreation Site blends comfort, convenience, and natural beauty.
Getting there
Travel north of Challis, Idaho on Highway 93 for approximately 14 miles. The recreation site will be on your left between the highway and the Salmon River.
Activities
- BOATING
- CAMPING
- FISHING
Nearby federal campgrounds
- Challis-Yankee Fork Ranger DistrictSalmon-Challis National Forest13 mi
- Morgan Summit TrailheadSalmon-Challis National Forest15 mi
- Iron Lake CampgroundSalmon-Challis National Forest17 mi
- Twin Peaks Transfer CampSalmon-Challis National Forest20 mi
- Bayhorse Recreation SiteSalmon River21 mi
- Buster Lake TrailheadSalmon-Challis National Forest23 mi
Explore more Idaho camping
Cottonwood Recreation Site doesn't take campsite reservations — but plenty of nearby Idaho campgrounds do, and we'll alert you the moment a sold-out site opens up.
Browse Idaho camping →Details from Recreation.gov's official RIDB catalog. Conditions change — confirm with the managing office before you go. Not affiliated with Recreation.gov or any federal agency.