Morgan Bar Campground
4.5312 reviews1206 S Challis St, Salmon, ID 83467
Morgan Bar Campground
$5.00 - $15.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$5.00
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
Fees vary by season. Nightly campsite rate is $5/site during standard season and $15 during peak season. $2 per additional vehicle. Fees can be paid on-site using fee envelopes or via Recreation.gov Scan & Pay App.
About this campground
Nestled along the pristine waters of the Salmon River, Morgan Bar Campground welcomes adventurers with a perfect blend of riverside camping and mountain vistas. Whether you're pulling in with your RV or pitching a tent under the stars, you'll find yourself at the gateway to Idaho's untamed wilderness. The campground's boat ramp provides direct river access for fishing enthusiasts and rafters, while a meandering trail around the wetland pond offers peaceful morning walks. To the east, the majestic Beaverhead Mountains paint a dramatic backdrop that changes with each passing hour, from sunrise alpenglow to sunset's golden farewell.
Morgan Bar Campground offers standard campsites for RV and tent camping, with additional group facilities available.
Historical SignificanceStep into a piece of living history at Morgan Bar, where the pioneering spirit of the American West still whispers through the trees. This land once belonged to the hardy Morgan family, whose homestead dreams took root in this river valley generations ago. Today, their legacy lives on in the remnant orchard that still bears fruit—a touching reminder of the families who first recognized the magic of this place. These heritage trees not only provide a link to the past but also attract wildlife and offer campers a unique opportunity to taste history during harvest season.
Weather and SeasonsMorgan Bar experiences the full drama of Idaho's changing seasons. Winter transforms the landscape into a serene wonderland, with gentle snowfalls typically bringing up to 3 inches per week—just enough to dust the evergreens without overwhelming access. During these colder months, expect crisp, freezing temperatures and predominantly cloudy skies that create a cozy atmosphere perfect for campfire gatherings. While clear days are treasured at about 36% of the time, the moody skies add character to the mountain views. Summer brings a welcome warmth that beckons swimmers to the river and fills the campground with the sounds of outdoor adventures, though specific temperature data remains as elusive as the morning mist on the water.
ElevationSituated in the heart of the Salmon River country, Morgan Bar rests at an elevation characteristic of central Idaho's river valleys. This strategic position offers the best of both worlds—protection from extreme alpine conditions while still providing that crisp, clean mountain air that makes every breath feel like a gift. The moderate elevation ensures comfortable camping conditions and easy access throughout most of the year.
Natural Features and SceneryNature puts on a spectacular show at Morgan Bar, where the mighty Salmon River serves as both the soundtrack and centerpiece of your camping experience. Towering rock cliffs rise dramatically from the water's edge, serving as ancestral nesting grounds for Canada geese whose honking calls echo across the canyon each spring. The campground's crown jewel might be its wetland ponds—tranquil oases that attract an impressive array of birdlife and offer some of the region's best wildlife viewing opportunities. From great blue herons stalking the shallows to deer coming down for evening drinks, these wetlands create a natural amphitheater for observing Idaho's diverse ecosystem. The Beaverhead Mountains complete the scenic tableau, their rugged peaks providing an ever-changing canvas of light and shadow.
Geological RegionMorgan Bar sits at a geological crossroads where ancient forces carved a masterpiece from stone and water. The Salmon River has spent millennia sculpting its path through the landscape, creating the dramatic rock cliffs that now serve as natural apartments for nesting Canada geese. These weathered ramparts tell the story of volcanic activity, tectonic shifts, and patient erosion that shaped the Beaverhead Mountains visible to the east. The campground's wetland areas represent more recent geological history, where river meanders and seasonal flooding created rich habitat pockets. This dynamic landscape offers campers a front-row seat to observe how water, wind, and time continue their eternal dance of creation and change.
Campsite details
AccessibilityThe campground offers accessible boat ramps and vault toilets, but no additional details on wheelchair accessibility or other ADA-compliant features are provided.
Sites SizeThe campsites are described as large and spacious, suitable for both RVs and tents.
Sites PrivacyNo detailed information is available about the privacy levels of the campsites.
Total Campsites8 campsites
Recommended CampsitesCampground offers spacious, shaded sites near the Salmon River. Tent sites are on grass; RV sites are gravel. Sites closer to the river may offer better views but fill quickly.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
No explicit check-in time mentioned.
Check-out
No explicit check-out time mentioned.
Stay Limit
No specific stay limit mentioned.
Guests Allowed Per Site
- Limit of one additional vehicle
- guest limit is not explicitly stated.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutCampground includes 8 campsites, with grass tent sites and gravel RV sites. Sites are spaced apart and shaded. Includes group picnic area.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen year-round; reservations available starting January each year. First-come, first-served begins June 20th annually.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via Recreation.gov Scan & Pay App or fee envelopes on-site.
Walk-in AvailabilityAvailable as first-come, first-served starting June 20 annually.
Cancellation PolicyNo changes/cancellations/refunds are allowed for Scan & Pay payments. This system operates similar to cash deposits into a fee tube.
Amenities available
Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Morgan Bar Campground offers a variety of recreational activities for visitors. Its proximity to the Salmon River allows for fishing, rafting, and tubing. A wetland pond and a riverfront trail provide birding and wildlife viewing opportunities. On-site recreational facilities also include horseshoe pits, bean-bag boards, and a grass volleyball court.
Hiking
The campground features a trail that winds around a wetland pond and along almost a mile of the Salmon River's west bank, offering opportunities for easy hiking and wildlife viewing.Fishing
Fishing opportunities are abundant thanks to the campground's location along the Salmon River.Swimming
Swimming is possible in the Salmon River; however, no designated swimming areas or safety details are provided.Boating
The campground provides a boat ramp, making it suitable for boating activities.Wildlife viewing
The surrounding area offers excellent birding and wildlife viewing opportunities. The rock cliffs west of the campground are popular nesting sites for Canada geese.Winter Activities
No specific winter activities are mentioned in the authoritative sources or user reviews.Water Sports
Rafting and tubing are popular water-based activities in the Salmon River.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Campfires are allowed and fire pits are available at all campsites. Visitors are advised not to move firewood to prevent pest spread.
Hazards
General hazardsMosquitoes are a recurring issue, as noted in multiple user reviews. Visitors are advised to be bear aware.
Weather forecast
71
°F
Aug 26
Tuesday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 37%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 4.3 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
Nearest hospital and emergency services are likely located in Salmon, 3.5 miles away.
Good to know
Peak season datesJanuary 1 - December 31 (First-come, first-served starting June 20 annually)
Trash and recyclingTrash collection is available, but no recycling facilities are mentioned in the authoritative sources or user reviews.
Proximity to water featuresLocated adjacent to the Salmon River with a boat ramp and wetland pond offering water-based recreation and birding.
Common complaintsMosquito infestation was commonly reported in reviews. Some issues with camp host management and facility cleanliness noted.
HostHost available on-site from Memorial Day through Labor Day. Reviewers noted mixed experiences with host management.
Campground Map
1206 S Challis St, Salmon, ID 83467
Driving directionsTake Highway 93 North from Salmon, ID for 3.5 miles. Turn left at the Lemhi County Fairgrounds and follow the signs for about 1 mile down the Diamond Creek Road. The site is on the right between the Diamond Creek Road and the Salmon River.
Access is via paved Highway 93 North, followed by a short gravel road. No seasonal closures or challenging terrain are noted.Nearby places
Salmon: 3.5 miles (~10 minutes drive)
Nearby supplies
Supplies, groceries, and fuel are available in Salmon, ID, approximately 3.5 miles from the campground.
Camper Reviews
4.5
12 reviews
Morgan Bar Campground is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews highlight the campground's peaceful setting, proximity to the Salmon River, and recreational opportunities as key attractions. Mosquitoes are a recurring complaint, though many visitors express enjoyment of their overall experience.
Review Summaries
Based on 12 reviews
What Campers Love
Positive reviews mention the campground's scenic location, adjacent river access, large campsites, affordability ($5 per night), and on-site recreational facilities. Many users appreciate the natural...
Based on 12 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
The most common complaints are about the mosquitoes, which several users describe as relentless. There are also mentions of limited oversight by the camp host, with one reviewer noting a fire left...
Based on 12 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Visitors recommend bringing mosquito repellent and possibly extra drinking water, as one user noted that the available water was 'not great.'
Based on 12 reviewsSeasonal Insights
Reviews indicate that mosquitoes are a significant issue during the warmer months, making late spring and summer less ideal for visitors sensitive to bugs. Fall reviews tend to be more positive, with...
Based on 12 reviewsShow more
Camper Quotes
User quotes include: 'I always enjoy camping here. It is so beautiful and peaceful.' (Robin Tui) and 'Great little campground, but the mosquitoes were terrible!' (Chris Verkerk).
Based on 12 reviewsSite-Specific Reviews
No specific site numbers are noted in user reviews, though some mention that tent sites are on grass while RV sites are gravel.
Based on 12 reviewsAccessibility Features
No specific accessibility reviews are provided by users.
Based on 12 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
No reviews specifically address pet policies or pet-related experiences.
Based on 12 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025