Salmon River Designated Dispersed Campsite #2

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In this video we provide a comprehensive review of 3 of the free boondocking (dispersed camping) sites near Stanley, Idaho in the Sawtooth National Forest. Salmon River Designated Spots 1, 2 and 3. All locations are in the Sawtooth National Forest and there is a 10 day stay limit between May 1- September 15th with an unlimited stay limited outside of that time period.

We got a site right by river. It is a bit rocky but had no issues bringing our 16 ft trailer in, just go slow. Many other trailers/tents there. Wouldn't recommend for large 5th wheels or motor homes. One ok pit toilet. Only minutes from redfish lake/stanley lake. Went kayaking and horse back trailride from redfish corrals. It is immediately past sunny gulch paid camp ground, dirt road. We have US cell but no service. Had service by post office in stanley. ** don't put out or up your awnings! Learned the hard way. Came back from riding and a wicked wind had Come up and it looked like spaghetti lol. Lesson learned.

Great free boondocking location close to Stanley and Redfish Lake. Big rigs ... easiest spots are to the left. Some big rigs parked in the middle “island” camping area to the right, but there are some tight turns that way. We were in the far northwest corner closest to the river. It was a great spot! We could easily hear the river and could catch peeks of it through the trees. If you continue down river to the left from our camping spot, there is a trail that leads you to a couple less busy river access spots. If you go towards the river and then to the right roughly 4-5 spots down there is a very steep path going down to the river. Be careful; many people have fallen on this path. This spot has a small rock pool that would be nice for corralling little kids and their toys. We did have a couple mice get in our rv, so it would be a good idea to have mouse traps. It was dusty and busy with a lot of campers coming and going, but for the most part people were quiet. Be sure to visit Redfish Lake. It’s beautiful. There is a $9 day use fee that is not covered by the state park pass or America the Beautiful pass. The dog beach is to the left at the round about and down the road near the boat ramp. After parking in the day use lot, it’s a long walk around to the right to the dog beach. We had a terrible time finding it. Also Sunbeam Hot Spring was amazing! Go early to beat the crowds. We were the only ones there until about 9 am. There is a $5 sewer dump and free potable water at the ranger station about 1-2 miles north towards Stanley. The Mercantile in Stanley had the basics for groceries and household items, but they were pricey. Easy general delivery for packages and friendly people at the post office. Cell service ... we could get Verizon off an extended tower (so not Verizon owned). With our directional antennae we had about 3 bars of LTE and were able to work easily in the early morning or late night hours. Day hours were a little tougher. Visible Wireless did not work here since the tower was not an actual Verizon tower. Sprint/TMobile was very spotty to none. Looking at the coverage map, we were just outside of it. Enjoy this beautiful area!

This place is great and it's free. The other "established" campgrounds in the area are just like boondocking with no hookups but you have to pay while this place is free with no hookups. We have a 35' 5th wheel and the campground is super tight to navigate. Must stay in spots with a fire ring. Easy access to river and Redfish Lake. $5.00 dump station towards the lodge at Redfish Lake with showers and laundry. We will definitely return to this spot.

Easy access but the turnoff from the main road is not marked. I saw campers with class A’s, trailers, and tents. Some sites have good shade and others don’t. Even though is dispersed camping you must say in a spot with a metal fire ring. Our site was flat but there were many half exposed rocks 6-18” in diameter. Getting the tow vehicle in and out was bumpy. During Labor Day weekend it was busy as was the whole area. The location is next to the Salmon River which makes for a nice secluded water experience away from the crowds.

Great little spot right off the highway, basically across form Redfish Lake Rd (212). I went immediately to the right to get a spot overlooking the river. Views were great.

FYI - I went end of Sept and it was freezing. Stanley is one of the coldest areas in the nations and it lived up to its rep overnight. Even with the day time getting in to the 60's you better prepare.