Cougar Point Campground

Star4.88
10 reviews
Salmon-Challis National Forest, Idaho
Peace & Quiet

Quick Facts

6,600 ft

Price

Free

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

18 campsites

Season

The campground is se...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Opens Salmon-Challis National Forest site

Official Website
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Cougar Point Campground
$0.00 - $0.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Cougar Point Campground has no fees associated with camping at this site.
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

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What Campers Say

4.88

Top-Rated

Based on 10 reviews

7 Google reviews

"Most reviews praise the campground for its peaceful and scenic environment. There is consistent mention of the natural beauty of the Salmon National Forest."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

Salmon-Challis National Forest, Idaho

Cougar Point Campground

Salmon-Challis National Forest, Idaho

Driving directionsFrom Salmon, go south 5 miles on US 93 and west 12 miles on Forest Road 021.
The road to the campground is partially paved (US 93) but transitions to unpaved Forest Road 021, which may present challenges due to seasonal conditions.
Nearby places
Salmon (5 miles, approximately 10 minutes)
North Fork (approximately 12 miles, around 30 minutes)
Nearby supplies
Closest supplies are likely in Salmon, ID (5 miles), providing access to groceries, camping supplies, and fuel.

Best Time to Camp at Cougar Point Campground

Mountain weather here dances through dramatic seasonal changes, transforming from winter's pristine snowscapes to summer's warm, pine-scented days. Opening each June 1st as winter's grip loosens, the campground truly shines during summer months when gentle breezes whisper through the forest canopy and starlit nights offer perfect conditions for fireside gatherings. Come prepared for cool mountain evenings even in July and August.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.5 / 5
Top 23% in ID

Opens June 1; summer is peak season with warm, pine-scented days and access to trails.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Open into early fall; mountain fall weather and quiet conditions suit visits.

Spring(Mar-May)
Not recommended

Seasonal opening on June 1 implies spring (pre-June) is closed or limited.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Campground is seasonally closed in winter; opens June 1.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: Peak season appears to align with summer months, particularly June through early fall.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: The campground is seasonally open starting June 1.
  • Current Alerts: No current warnings or advisories explicitly mentioned.

About Cougar Point Campground

Tucked away in the heart of the Salmon River Mountains at 6,600 feet, Cougar Point Campground offers adventurers a rare gift: 18 pristine campsites where towering mixed conifers create a natural cathedral and camping remains blissfully free. This hidden gem delivers an authentic wilderness experience for those seeking solitude and unspoiled mountain beauty far from the crowds.
The campground is primitive, offering 18 campsites in a rugged forest environment. No modern facilities are available, making it suitable for campers seeking an off-grid experience.
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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
Not specified.
Check-out
Not specified.
Stay Limit
No explicit stay limit mentioned in authoritative sources.


Activities you can enjoy

Cougar Point Campground offers a range of outdoor recreational activities, including hiking and opportunities for big game hunting during the permitted season. The heavily forested surroundings enhance the natural experience.
HikingShort trails run north, south, and west from the campground, providing opportunities for casual hiking. No specific details on trail length or difficulty are provided.
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPotential hazards include wildlife typical of heavily forested mountainous areas and debris from falling trees. No potable water or restrooms are available, necessitating preparedness.
Active AlertsNo current warnings or advisories explicitly mentioned.
No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

Weather at Cougar Point Campground

Reviews

4.9
10 reviews
Top-Rated
Top-Rated
Cougar Point Campground is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
Most reviews praise the campground for its peaceful and scenic environment. There is consistent mention of the natural beauty of the Salmon National Forest.
Review Summaries
Based on 10 reviews

What Campers Love

Users highlight the serene atmosphere and scenic beauty of the campground. "Gorgeous campground in the Salmon National Forest. Highly recommended," writes Jonathan Lofthouse.
Based on 10 reviews

Common Concerns

No explicit complaints have been noted in the user reviews.
Based on 10 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers should prepare to bring their own water and supplies, as there are no on-site facilities.
Based on 10 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Seasonal trends are not explicitly mentioned, but the open season begins on June 1, making it best suited for summer and early fall visits.
Based on 10 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Gorgeous campground in the Salmon National Forest. Highly recommended." - Jonathan Lofthouse. "Quite peaceful and beautiful day or night." - Cort Herron. "Nice campground off main roads. No fees!" -...
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Based on 10 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Specific campsite details or user preferences for individual sites are not provided.
Based on 10 reviews

Accessibility Features

No accessibility-specific reviews are available.
Based on 10 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

There are no reviews or information specifically addressing pet policies.
Based on 10 reviews

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Last updated January 5, 2026
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