Spring Creek Campground

4.47

18 reviews

Quick Facts

3,458 ft

Price

$10/night

Booking

First-Come

Sites

5 campsites

Season

Open season starts M...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Check Policy

Opens Salmon-Challis National Forest site

Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

3,458 ft

Price

$10/night

Booking

First-Come

Sites

5 campsites

Season

Open season starts M...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Check Policy

Opens Salmon-Challis National Forest site

Official Website

Get Directions

Spring Creek Campground

$10.00 - $10.00 / night

Campsite Fees

$10 per night is charged for single-unit developed campsites. Undeveloped sites may be available free of charge.

Standard Site Fee$10.00

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

4.47

Recommended

Based on 18 reviews

14 Google reviews

Most mentioned

cleanlocation

Some mention

cell service

"User reviews consistently praise the natural beauty, cleanliness of the toilets, and versatility of the campground. However, they note the lack of amenities such as potable water and cell phone service."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

Spring Creek Campground

45.3920, -114.2543

Driving directionsFrom North Fork, go 18 miles west on Forest Road 030.

Road from North Fork is reported as paved for 15 or 16 miles to the campground according to user reviews.

Best Time to Camp at Spring Creek Campground

Spring Creek's dramatic seasonal transformations create distinctly different camping experiences throughout the year. Winter brings a crystalline wonderland with temperatures plummeting to a brisk 16°F, perfect for those seeking solitude and frost-kissed mornings by the river. As wildflowers bloom and snow melts, spring emerges as the sweet spot for camping, offering mild temperatures and the river at its most dynamic. Summer transforms the campground into a sun-drenched paradise, with mercury climbing to a comfortable 89°F – ideal for cooling off in the river's refreshing pools and enjoying long evenings around the campfire under star-filled skies.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.5 / 5

Top 23% in ID

Swimming, boating, and peak fishing seasons make summer especially appealing.

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

Likely excellent fall scenery and fewer crowds; river access remains valuable.

Spring(Mar-May)

4.0 / 5

Top 11% in ID

Opens Mar 1; spring offers good fishing and emerging scenery though flows may vary.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

Not recommended

Open season starts March 1st; facility appears closed in winter months.

Planning Tips

Operating Season: Open season starts March 1st.

About Spring Creek Campground

Nestled along the pristine banks of the Wild and Scenic Salmon River, Spring Creek Campground offers adventurers a perfect blend of riverside tranquility and backcountry exploration. With 5 well-appointed developed sites and numerous primitive camping spots scattered along the riverbank, this hidden gem caters to both comfort-seekers and wilderness enthusiasts. The crystal-clear waters teem with native cutthroat and rainbow trout, while seasonal runs bring steelhead and whitefish to lucky anglers. Thrill-seekers will discover that Spring Creek serves as the gateway to an exhilarating 10-mile whitewater journey featuring heart-pumping Class III rapids, with a convenient take-out waiting at Cove Creek. Whether you're navigating the network of dirt roads in your 4x4, tackling challenging jeep trails, or exploring intimate single-track paths on foot or bike, Spring Creek promises endless adventures in every direction.

Spring Creek Campground offers a mix of developed and undeveloped camping options. There are 5 developed sites and numerous undeveloped spots, catering to a variety of camping preferences.

Weather and SeasonsSpring Creek's dramatic seasonal transformations create distinctly different camping experiences throughout the year. Winter brings a crystalline wonderland with temperatures plummeting to a brisk 16°F, perfect for those seeking solitude and frost-kissed mornings by the river. As wildflowers bloom and snow melts, spring emerges as the sweet spot for camping, offering mild temperatures and the river at its most dynamic. Summer transforms the campground into a sun-drenched paradise, with mercury climbing to a comfortable 89°F – ideal for cooling off in the river's refreshing pools and enjoying long evenings around the campfire under star-filled skies.

Natural Features and SceneryThe Wild and Scenic Salmon River serves as Spring Creek's stunning centerpiece, its emerald waters carving through a tapestry of dense forest and rugged terrain. Towering conifers provide a natural cathedral overhead, their branches filtering sunlight into dancing patterns on the forest floor. The surrounding wilderness showcases nature's artistry with moss-covered boulders, wildflower meadows, and the constant symphony of rushing water. Trail networks wind through this pristine ecosystem, revealing hidden waterfalls, scenic overlooks, and glimpses of local wildlife in their natural habitat.

Geological RegionSpring Creek Campground occupies a spectacular position where ancient geological forces have sculpted one of Idaho's most treasured waterways. Positioned strategically upstream from where the legendary Wild and Scenic Middle Fork joins the main Salmon River, this location showcases millions of years of geological artistry. The surrounding canyon walls tell the story of time itself, with exposed rock layers revealing the region's dynamic past while the ever-flowing river continues its patient work of carving through the landscape.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Groups

Group site descriptions or allowances are not provided.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Site layout5 developed campsites; layout specifics not described, but includes numerous undeveloped sites.

Walk-in AvailabilityUser review states '1st come 1st' for camping spots, indicating first-come, first-serve availability.

Site SizeSites vary in size between developed and undeveloped, with no specific measurements provided.

PrivacyThe privacy levels of the sites are not detailed in the source materials.

Total Campsites5 campsites

Amenities available

Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Spring Creek Campground offers recreational opportunities that highlight its natural surroundings. Popular activities include fishing for trout, steelhead, and whitefish in the Salmon River, and exploring the area's network of trails for hiking or off-road exploration. The site also features a boat ramp and swimming area.

HikingThe area is described as 'webbed with dirt roads, jeep trails, and single track trails,' providing ample opportunities for hiking and exploration.

FishingFishing in the Salmon River is a major attraction. Anglers can expect to catch cutthroat and rainbow trout, steelhead, and whitefish.

SwimmingA designated swimming area is mentioned. One user review highlights this feature: 'There is also a boat ramp, and place for swimming.'

BoatingThe campground has a boat ramp, making it convenient for boating activities. Additionally, it serves as a put-in for a 10-mile run with Class III rapids.

Water Sports

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsUser reviews mention 'Bring DEET!' suggesting mosquitoes or other insects may pose a concern.

No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.

Weather at Spring Creek Campground

Reviews

4.5

18 reviews

Recommended

Spring Creek Campground is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews consistently praise the natural beauty, cleanliness of the toilets, and versatility of the campground. However, they note the lack of amenities such as potable water and cell phone service.

Review Summaries

Based on 18 reviews

What Campers Love

Clean vault toilets, scenic riverfront location, boat ramp, and swimming opportunities are frequently mentioned as highlights.

Based on 18 reviews

Common Concerns

Lack of potable water and cell phone service are noted as drawbacks. Additionally, there are no hookups for RVs or other modern amenities.

Based on 18 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers are advised to bring their own potable water and mosquito repellent, as one reviewer suggests: 'Bring DEET!'

Based on 18 reviews

Seasonal Insights

No seasonal trends are explicitly mentioned in the reviews.

Based on 18 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'Loved this campground. There are some pay spots, $10.00 a night and quite a few no pay. Right on the salmon river. Beautiful!!!' - Mary Eason. 2. 'Great campground very clean toilets, good boat...

Based on 18 reviews