Agency Creek Campground

4.57

9 reviews

Salmon Field Office, 1206 S Challis St, Salmon, ID, USA

Peace & Quiet

Quick Facts

5,315 ft

Price

$3 - $8/night

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

4 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

No Service

Pets

Check Policy

Opens Salmon Field Office site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Quick Facts

5,315 ft

Price

$3 - $8/night

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

4 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

No Service

Pets

Check Policy

Opens Salmon Field Office site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Agency Creek Campground

$3.00 - $8.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Camping fees vary by location and activity, with reservation fees ranging from $3 (in-person) to $9 (contact center). Additional fees for...

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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Provider

(208) 756-5400

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What Campers Say

4.57

Top-Rated

Based on 9 reviews

9 Google reviews

Most mentioned

quietlocation

Some mention

cell service

"The campground is described as a primitive site, suitable for short stays. It is appreciated for its seclusion but lacks basic facilities such as water and cell service."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

Salmon Field Office, 1206 S Challis St, Salmon, ID, USA

Agency Creek Campground

Salmon Field Office, 1206 S Challis St, Salmon, ID, USA

Driving directionsTravel 23 miles southeast of Salmon, Idaho on ID 28 to Tendoy. From Tendoy, turn east and follow the Lewis and Clark Backcountry Byway 4 miles east.

The campground is accessible via paved roads until Tendoy, after which users need to follow the Backcountry Byway for 4 miles to reach the campsite.

Nearby places

Salmon (23 miles, approximately 35 minutes by car), Tendoy (4 miles, approximately 10 minutes by car)

Nearby supplies

Closest supplies including groceries and fuel can be found in Salmon, ID, 23 miles away.

Best Time to Camp at Agency Creek Campground

Agency Creek's high-altitude climate delivers crisp, invigorating conditions that define the true mountain camping experience. Winter visitors can expect beautifully clear, dry days punctuated by occasional dustings of snow that transform the landscape into a pristine wonderland. With daytime temperatures hovering around 28°F and nighttime lows dipping to 12°F, the campground offers that authentic cold-weather camping adventure for those properly prepared. The region's characteristically low humidity creates crystal-clear skies perfect for stargazing, while moderate winds carry the whispers of history across the Continental Divide.

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Good summer hiking and few mosquitoes noted despite creek proximity.

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

High-country crisp conditions and scenic vistas make fall attractive.

Spring(Mar-May)

3.0 / 5

Spring conditions variable at high elevation; trails may be wet or snowy.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

2.0 / 5

High-altitude winters may be clear but access and services likely limited.

Planning Tips

About Agency Creek Campground

Tucked away along the legendary Lewis and Clark National Backcountry Byway, Agency Creek Campground offers an intimate escape into the American frontier with just four primitive campsites. This hidden gem sits at the crossroads of history, where the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail and the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail converge. Adventure seekers will find endless opportunities for exploration, from mountain biking and hiking the same paths that shaped our nation's westward expansion, to hunting, OHV riding, and peaceful picnicking by the creek. Wildlife enthusiasts will delight in spotting native species against the backdrop of this historically rich landscape, while the nearby Sacajawea memorial serves as a poignant reminder of the brave Shoshone woman who helped guide the Corps of Discovery through these very lands.

The campground is a primitive, no-reservation location with only four sites available, emphasizing its secluded nature.

Historical SignificanceStep into the pages of American history at Agency Creek, where every trail tells the story of the Lewis and Clark expedition's epic journey. This sacred ground holds deep cultural significance as travelers follow in the footsteps of the Corps of Discovery along the National Historic Trail. The crown jewel of the area's heritage sites is the moving memorial to Sacajawea, the remarkable Shoshone interpreter and guide whose courage and knowledge proved invaluable to the expedition. Here, at this remote pass, visitors can reflect on her extraordinary contributions while standing in the very landscape she helped navigate over two centuries ago.

Weather and SeasonsAgency Creek's high-altitude climate delivers crisp, invigorating conditions that define the true mountain camping experience. Winter visitors can expect beautifully clear, dry days punctuated by occasional dustings of snow that transform the landscape into a pristine wonderland. With daytime temperatures hovering around 28°F and nighttime lows dipping to 12°F, the campground offers that authentic cold-weather camping adventure for those properly prepared. The region's characteristically low humidity creates crystal-clear skies perfect for stargazing, while moderate winds carry the whispers of history across the Continental Divide.

ElevationPerched high in the rugged terrain near the Continental Divide, Agency Creek Campground offers the rare opportunity to camp at the backbone of North America. This lofty position provides not only spectacular views but also a profound sense of standing atop the continent, where waters flow either east to the Atlantic or west to the Pacific. The high-altitude setting creates an environment where the air is crisp, the stars seem close enough to touch, and every sunrise feels like witnessing the birth of a new world.

Natural Features and SceneryAgency Creek Campground embraces visitors with its raw, untamed beauty—a landscape where the arid high country meets the life-giving waters of a mountain creek. This secluded sanctuary showcases the rugged splendor of the American West, with sweeping vistas of dry, golden terrain punctuated by the silver ribbon of Agency Creek winding through the valley. The sparse vegetation and open landscapes create perfect conditions for wildlife viewing, where patient observers might spot elk, deer, and various bird species going about their daily routines. As the sun sets, the dry terrain transforms into a canvas of warm oranges and deep purples, while the clear night sky reveals a breathtaking tapestry of stars unmarred by light pollution.

Geological RegionNestled in one of the West's most geologically fascinating regions, Agency Creek sits at the dramatic junction where the Continental Divide shapes the very flow of the continent's waters. This arid, secluded area tells a story millions of years in the making, where ancient geological forces created the backbone of North America. The campground's location along both the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail and the Continental Divide offers a unique blend of natural wonder and human history. The creek itself has carved its path through this dry terrain over countless centuries, creating a vital oasis that has drawn travelers—from indigenous peoples to Lewis and Clark to modern adventurers—to its life-sustaining waters. This remarkable landscape serves as both a geological classroom and a testament to the enduring relationship between humans and the natural world.

Best Campsites

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Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

14 Days

Groups

No group camping facilities are mentioned.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Site layoutPrimitive layout with only four campsites. No specific site organization or loops are mentioned.

Reservation PlatformsReservations are not available for this campground.

Walk-in AvailabilityWalk-up availability only, with no reservations permitted.

Cancellation PolicyReservations are not available; therefore, cancellation policies do not apply to this campground.

AccessibilityNo specific accessibility features have been mentioned, and the site is described as being primitive.

Site SizeThe campground only has four campsites, which are likely standard-sized as no differentiation is made.

PrivacyThe campsite is located in a secluded area, offering a degree of privacy due to its remote location and limited number of sites.

Total Campsites4 campsites

Recommended SitesRecommended for short stays due to its primitive nature and lack of amenities. Suitable for those seeking secluded, quiet experiences.

Activities you can enjoy

This area offers a variety of recreational activities. It is located along the Lewis and Clark National Backcountry Byway and is near both the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail and the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail, making it ideal for outdoor enthusiasts.

HikingThe campground is near the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail and the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail, providing extensive hiking opportunities.

BikingBiking is mentioned as one of the recreational activities available in the area.

Wildlife viewingWildlife viewing is explicitly mentioned as an activity in the area. The arid environment likely supports unique species.

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsUsers have reported encountering large bumblebees that show no fear. Additionally, there is no water or cell service available, and the arid environment may pose risks for dehydration.

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 Agency Creek Campground

Reviews

4.6

9 reviews

Top-Rated

Agency Creek Campground is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews

The campground is described as a primitive site, suitable for short stays. It is appreciated for its seclusion but lacks basic facilities such as water and cell service.

Review Summaries

Based on 9 reviews

What Campers Love

The location is appreciated for its remote and quiet setting. A user specifically noted that there were hardly any mosquitoes despite being near a creek.

Based on 9 reviews

Common Concerns

Users note the lack of water and cell service. One review also mentioned the presence of large bumblebees.

Based on 9 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

The campground is better suited for a one-night stay due to its lack of amenities. Campers should prepare for a primitive experience by bringing their own water and other necessities.

Based on 9 reviews

Seasonal Insights

No seasonal trends in user reviews are highlighted, but the remote location may make it less accessible in harsh weather conditions.

Based on 9 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'The usual primitive site. No water or cell service. Four maybe five camp spots. Okay for one night.' - Debbie Drives and Travels 2. 'Hardly any mosquitoes for being beside a creek, but there are...

Based on 9 reviews