Tower Rock Campground
4.076 reviews1206 S Challis St, Salmon, ID, 83467
Quick Facts
Price
$5 - $15/night
Booking
Reservable
Sites
6 campsites
Season
Year-round
Cell
Unknown
Pets
Not Allowed
RV Friendly
Get DirectionsQuick Facts
Price
$5 - $15/night
Booking
Reservable
Sites
6 campsites
Season
Year-round
Cell
Unknown
Pets
Not Allowed
RV Friendly
Get DirectionsTower Rock Campground
$5.00 - $15.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Campsite nightly rates are $5/site and $2 per additional vehicle for standard sites. Seasonal rates for standard non-electric and tent-only sites are...
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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
Total Campsite Fees$5.00
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Provider208-756-5400Null
What Campers Say
4.07
Satisfactory
Based on 6 reviews
28 Google reviews
Most mentioned
viewsclean
Some mention
noiseroad noise
"User reviews highlight the campground's cleanliness, affordability, and convenient location along the Salmon River. Some drawbacks include small campsites and road noise, especially when approaching from the south."
Fees & Passes at Tower Rock Campground
$5 - $15/night
Campsite fees
Standard Site
Basic tent/RV spot
Cancellation: No cancellations, modifications, or refunds are allowed. Payment is made either on-site or via the R...
Prices verified December 7, 2025
Prices may vary by season and site type. Always confirm current rates on the official Salmon Field Office (BLM) website.
Best Time to Camp at Tower Rock Campground
Experience the best of Idaho's changing seasons at Tower Rock, where warm summer days averaging 78°F create perfect conditions for river adventures and evening campfires. As autumn approaches, refreshing rains transform the landscape into a tapestry of colors, while the crisp air adds a touch of magic to your outdoor experience. Even winter brings its own charm to this year-round destination, with cooler temperatures offering peaceful solitude and a different perspective on the rugged beauty that captivated explorers centuries ago.
Spring (Mar-May)
Wildflowers bloom, mild temperatures, fewer crowds. Great for hiking and photography.
Best
Summer (Jun-Aug)
Peak season with warm weather, perfect for water activities. Book early.
Fall (Sep-Nov)
Beautiful fall colors, cooler temps, quieter campgrounds. Ideal for peaceful trips.
Winter (Dec-Feb)
Snow activities available. Some facilities may close. Check conditions.
Planning Tips
- Peak Season: June 21, 2025 - December 31, 2025. Book 2-3 months ahead.
- Operating Season: Open year-round. Seasonal first-come, first-served reservations from June 21 to December 31.
About Tower Rock Campground
Step into the footsteps of Lewis and Clark at Tower Rock Campground, where history meets adventure along the pristine Salmon River. This captivating riverside retreat invites modern explorers to cast their lines into the same waters that sustained the Corps of Discovery, launch rafts for thrilling whitewater adventures, or simply meander along scenic drives that reveal the untamed beauty of Idaho's wilderness. Whether you're drawn by the allure of legendary fishing holes or the chance to camp where America's most famous expedition once rested, Tower Rock delivers an unforgettable blend of outdoor recreation and living history.
Tower Rock Campground offers a mix of camping options, including RV sites, tent-only sites, and a first-come-first-served setup. It is ideal for campers seeking a historical location with scenic views and river access.
Historical SignificanceTower Rock stands as a monumental landmark in American exploration history, forever etched in the journals of William Clark who described it as a 'Clift of dark brown flint.' This very spot served as a crucial waypoint for the Lewis & Clark Expedition, where the Corps of Discovery paused in their westward journey to rest and resupply. Today, visitors can literally touch the same ancient stones that caught the eye of these intrepid explorers, creating a tangible connection to one of America's greatest adventures.
Weather and SeasonsExperience the best of Idaho's changing seasons at Tower Rock, where warm summer days averaging 78°F create perfect conditions for river adventures and evening campfires. As autumn approaches, refreshing rains transform the landscape into a tapestry of colors, while the crisp air adds a touch of magic to your outdoor experience. Even winter brings its own charm to this year-round destination, with cooler temperatures offering peaceful solitude and a different perspective on the rugged beauty that captivated explorers centuries ago.
ElevationNestled within the dramatic Salmon River Valley, Tower Rock Campground occupies a strategic position where towering canyon walls give way to the rushing waters below. This valley location provides a unique microclimate and stunning vertical landscapes that have drawn travelers for centuries.
Natural Features and SceneryPrepare to be mesmerized by Tower Rock's spectacular natural amphitheater, where the mighty Salmon River carves its path through ancient Precambrian quartzite formations that predate complex life on Earth. The campground's namesake tower rises majestically above the water, its dark flint face catching the light in ways that change throughout the day. Nearby, whimsical hoodoo sandstone formations add an almost otherworldly element to the landscape, their wind-carved shapes telling stories of millions of years of geological artistry. Every vista offers a photographer's dream and a naturalist's paradise.
Geological RegionTower Rock showcases one of North America's most fascinating geological stories, where Precambrian quartzite formations reveal rocks formed over a billion years ago. The Salmon River Valley serves as nature's gallery, displaying these ancient stones alongside younger hoodoo sandstone sculptures that seem to defy gravity. William Clark's keen observation of the 'dark brown flint' cliff during the Lewis & Clark Expedition highlighted what modern geologists recognize as a remarkable window into Earth's deep past. This extraordinary geological diversity creates a landscape where every rock formation tells a chapter in our planet's epic story.
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Campsite details
AccessibilityThe campground provides accessible picnic tables, vault toilets, and a boat ramp to accommodate visitors with disabilities.
Sites Size"Small campsites" as described by a reviewer. The campground includes a mix of standard and tent-only sites.
Sites PrivacyPrivacy levels are not explicitly described, but reviews indicate that road noise may affect seclusion.
Total Campsites6 campsites
Recommended CampsitesChoose sites closer to the river for views and privacy.
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Reserving a campsite
Guests Allowed Per Site
Limit of one additional vehicle per campsite.
Groups
Group sites are not specifically described or mentioned in the provided materials.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutSmall campground with 2 tent-only sites and 4 RV sites, including 2 pull-thru RV spots.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen year-round. Seasonal first-come, first-served reservations from June 21 to December 31.
Reservation PlatformsReservations and payments can be made through Recreation.gov Scan & Pay App.
Walk-in AvailabilityFirst-come, first-served availability during open season. Limited sites may fill quickly.
Cancellation PolicyNo cancellations, modifications, or refunds are allowed. Payment is made either on-site or via the Recreation.gov Scan & Pay App.
Amenities available
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Tower Rock Campground is ideal for outdoor enthusiasts, offering activities such as fishing, wildlife viewing, hiking, hunting, and river-related recreation like boating and rafting. The boat ramp provides access to the Salmon River, and the area is rich in historical significance as noted by visitors.
Hiking
The area offers access to both motorized and non-motorized trails, making it a versatile option for hikers of varying skill levels.Fishing
The Salmon River is a prime fishing spot for steelhead and trout. One user review specifically praises the boat ramp as a great spot for anglers.Boating
The campground includes a boat ramp that allows access to the Salmon River, which is used for both boating and rafting. The ramp can get crowded, as noted by a user review.Wildlife viewing
The area provides opportunities to observe local wildlife, though specific species are not detailed in the source materials.Winter Activities
Winter-specific activities are not highlighted in the source materials.Water Sports
The boat ramp facilitates activities such as rafting and non-motorized boating, which may include kayaking or canoeing.Advertisement
Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Campfires allowed in designated rings with grills.
- Quiet hours are Null
Hazards
General hazardsPotential hazards include rattlesnakes and road noise from Highway 93.
Weather at Tower Rock Campground
38
°F
Dec 7
Sunday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
Humidity: 67%
Moderately humid conditions
Wind: 2.3 mph
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
Overcast
Weather History
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Reveal forecast
Emergency Services
Emergency services are located in Salmon, ID (~10 miles away).
Good to know
Peak season datesJune 21, 2025 - December 31, 2025
Trash and recyclingNo specific information is provided regarding trash and recycling facilities. Campers should plan to pack out their garbage.
Proximity to water featuresDirect access to Salmon River via boat ramp.
Common complaintsRoad noise is noticeable until later evening. Limited tent sites available.
HostNull
Campground Map
1206 S Challis St, Salmon, ID, 83467
Driving directionsTake Highway 93 North of Salmon, ID for 10 miles. Campground will be on the left between the highway and the Salmon River.
Easy access from Highway 93, which is paved and accessible year-round.Nearby places
Salmon, ID: 10 miles / ~15 minutes
Nearby supplies
Supplies can be found in Salmon, ID (~10 miles away).
Reviews from booking and map sources
4.1
6 reviews
Tower Rock Campground is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews highlight the campground's cleanliness, affordability, and convenient location along the Salmon River. Some drawbacks include small campsites and road noise, especially when approaching from the south.
Review Summaries
Based on 6 reviews
What Campers Love
Users appreciate the affordable $5 per night fee, clean facilities, "beautiful views of Tower Rock and Salmon River," and the historic significance. The boat ramp and fishing opportunities are also...
Based on 6 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Criticisms include road noise, particularly until late evening, and the small size of campsites. The entrance sign is noted to be obscured by brush when approaching from the south.
Based on 6 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Campers recommend watching for rattlesnakes, using the boat ramp early to avoid congestion, and coming prepared given the limited amenities such as no water spigots.
Based on 6 reviewsSeasonal Insights
Smoke from nearby forest fires and road noise can affect the experience during certain seasons. Peak summer months may see increased activity at the boat ramp.
Based on 6 reviewsCamper Quotes
1. "Nice, clean campsites. Very small though." 2. "$5/ngt, only 2 tent sites, 4 level RV sites with 2 pull-thrus, boat ramp. No water spigots." 3. "Beautiful campground right along the Salmon River....
Based on 6 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
1. "Only 2 tent sites, 4 level RV sites with 2 pull-thrus." 2. "Clean facility, gets a little contested at the boat ramp."
Based on 6 reviewsAccessibility Features
The campground's accessible boat ramp and vault toilets are appreciated features for visitors with disabilities.
Based on 6 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
No user feedback specifically addresses pet policies or pet-related experiences.
Based on 6 reviewsCamper Reviews by Outdoorithm campers
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Last updated December 7, 2025
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