Shiefer Campground
00 reviewShiefer Campground is an undeveloped site on the Salmon River
Shiefer Campground
$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
Shiefer Campground charges no fees. This is a free site.
About this campground
Nestled in the rugged canyon country along the legendary Salmon River, Shiefer Campground offers an authentic wilderness experience for those seeking solitude and natural beauty. This undeveloped gem provides a perfect basecamp for exploring the surrounding canyon landscapes, with trails that beckon adventurers into the legendary Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness. The nearby Pilot Peak lookout trail rewards hikers with panoramic vistas of this untamed region. As an undeveloped site, visitors embrace a true leave-no-trace ethic, packing out all trash to preserve this pristine riverside retreat for future generations.
Shiefer Campground primarily supports primitive camping due to its undeveloped nature. RV camping and group camping are not explicitly mentioned. The site includes picnic tables, but amenities are minimal.
Historical SignificanceJourney back in time with a visit to nearby Warren, where weathered mining houses and historic sites tell the story of Idaho's gold rush era. This well-preserved ghost town serves as a window into the region's rich mining heritage, where fortune seekers once carved their dreams into these rugged canyon walls. The echoes of pickaxes and the spirits of prospectors still linger in these historic structures, offering visitors a tangible connection to the Old West.
Weather and SeasonsThe canyon's unique microclimate creates a land of extremes, where bone-dry air persists year-round and temperatures dance between winter's icy grip and summer's warm embrace. Winter months transform the landscape with dustings of snow, while summer unveils endless blue skies and some of the clearest stargazing conditions in the region. The minimal precipitation throughout the year means outdoor adventures are rarely interrupted, making every season an opportunity to experience the canyon's raw beauty.
ElevationPerched at 3,050 feet above sea level, Shiefer Campground occupies a sweet spot in the canyon terrain where mountain air meets river valley. This moderate elevation provides comfortable conditions for camping while offering dramatic vertical relief as the surrounding canyon walls rise and fall around you, creating an amphitheater of natural wonder.
Natural Features and SceneryPrepare to be mesmerized by sweeping views of the South Fork canyon country that stretch in every direction from your campsite. The mighty Salmon River flows past your doorstep, its waters carving ever deeper into the ancient rock while providing a soothing soundtrack to your wilderness escape. Adventure awaits on trails that wind into the untouched Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness, one of the largest roadless areas in the lower 48 states, where pristine landscapes remain as wild as they were centuries ago.
Geological RegionSet within the dramatic canyon country carved by the South Fork of the Salmon River, Shiefer Campground sits at the intersection of geological wonder and wilderness adventure. The surrounding landscape tells a story millions of years in the making, where ancient rivers cut through bedrock to create today's spectacular canyons. Gateway trails lead directly into the Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness, while the nearby Pilot Peak lookout offers a bird's-eye perspective of this remarkable geological tapestry.
Campsite details
AccessibilityAccessibility features are not detailed; the undeveloped nature of the campground may pose challenges for visitors with disabilities.
Sites SizeSite sizes are not specified.
Sites PrivacyPrivacy levels of the campsites are not described.
Total Campsites1 campsites
Recommended CampsitesNo recommendations given for individual site selection due to the undeveloped nature and single campground site.
Best CampsitesSingle undeveloped site, no specific highlights mentioned.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
No specific check-in time, operational 24 hours/day.
Check-out
No specific check-out time, operational 24 hours/day.
Stay Limit
No specified stay limit provided.
Guests Allowed Per Site
No maximum guest limit mentioned.
Groups
Group site details are not provided.
Tents
Tents are not allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutUndeveloped site layout with no specific organizational features. Pack it in, pack it out policy.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen year-round, operational 24 hours per day.
Reservation PlatformsNot applicable; no reservations are required.
Walk-in AvailabilityAll sites are first-come, first-served due to the campground's free and non-reservable nature.
Cancellation PolicyNo reservation or cancellation policy applicable as the campground is free and not reservable.
Amenities available
Picnic tables
Activities you can enjoy
Shiefer Campground offers opportunities for fishing in nearby rivers/streams, hunting, shooting, and scenic driving. Trails provide access to the Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness and Pilot Peak lookout, enhancing outdoor recreational options.
Hiking
"Trails lead along the river into the Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness. A shorter trail leads to Pilot Peak lookout." These trails offer scenic and undeveloped hiking experiences.Fishing
"Fishing - River/Stream" is available near the campground, providing opportunities to fish in the Salmon River.Winter Activities
Winter activities are not specified, though weather data suggests snow in colder months.Water Sports
Non-motorized water sports such as kayaking and canoeing are not mentioned.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- No specific fire policies mentioned. Visitors should verify fire restrictions during their stay.
- Quiet hours are No specific quiet hours mentioned.
Hazards
General hazardsTerrain hazards in remote wilderness settings may include steep trails, river-related risks, and weather challenges. Wildlife interactions possible with free-roaming dogs.
Active alertsThe campground is not serviced regularly, which may create challenges for trash disposal and maintenance.
Weather forecast
74
°F
Aug 26
Tuesday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 30%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 5.9 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Clear sky
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
McCall Ranger District (temporarily closed) at 102 West Lake Street, McCall, ID 83638. Phone: 208-634-0400. Further emergency facilities likely accessible in McCall.
Good to know
Peak season datesNo peak season specified.
Trash and recyclingVisitors are advised to pack out their trash as the campground does not offer trash or recycling facilities.
Proximity to water featuresLocated on the Salmon River.
Common complaintsAccessibility and the undeveloped nature of the campground may present challenges to some visitors. Regular servicing is absent.
HostNo host or on-site management information provided.
Campground Map
Shiefer Campground is an undeveloped site on the Salmon River
Driving directionsFrom McCall, go north on Warren Wagon Road (Forest Road #21), then east on Forest Road #340. You will travel through the towns of Secesh and Warren, Idaho. Warren is a great place to stop and see historic mining houses and sites. Plan on 2-3 hours to get to Shiefer Campground from McCall.
"This campground takes several hours to reach by car from McCall and is not serviced on a regular basis." Roads leading to the campground include paved highways and unpaved forest roads. Seasonal road conditions might impact travel, and visitors are advised to plan for extended driving times.Nearby places
McCall (approximately 2-3 hours drive)
Nearby supplies
Supplies likely available in McCall, including groceries, camping supplies, and fuel.
Camper Reviews
0.0
0 reviews
Shiefer Campground has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews are not available for this campground.
Review Summaries
What Campers Love
Positive aspects such as the scenic views, access to trails, and proximity to the Salmon River are highlighted in the authoritative sources.
Common Concerns
Potential complaints include the lack of potable water, trash facilities, and regular servicing of the campground.
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Pack out your trash and bring sufficient water, as potable water is not available on-site.
Seasonal Insights
Seasonal review trends are not provided, but weather data suggests winter months have significant snowfall, impacting accessibility.
Camper Quotes
"Shiefer Campground is an undeveloped site on the Salmon River with views of the South Fork canyon country all around." "Trails lead along the river into the Frank Church River of No Return...
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Site-Specific Reviews
Site-specific reviews are not available.
Accessibility Features
Accessibility reviews are not provided; the undeveloped nature may pose challenges for visitors with disabilities.
Pet-Friendly Features
Pets are allowed, and dogs are welcome in all campgrounds, picnic areas, and trails. "We recommend you keep your dog on a leash."
Last updated August 10, 2025