Bureau of Land Management · Idaho
Cottonwood Campground
Bureau of Land Management · Idaho, United States
- Sites
- 13
- Drinking water
- Yes
- Restrooms
- Yes
- Dump station
- Yes
- Elevation
- 4,705 ft
- Dark sky
- Bortle class 1
- Cell coverage
- T-Mobile none · AT&T none · Verizon none (carriers' 4G LTE filings to the FCC, 2025-12; not measured here)
- Phone
- 208-879-6200
- Activities
- Boating, Camping, Fishing
Season dates aren't confirmed for this campground yet - opening and closing dates haven't been verified. Check the operator's page or call ahead before you plan a trip.
Site map
The imagery of the campground. Press and hold the map to drop your own pins and notes; the operator publishes no site points here. Your ratings, notes, pins and photos are kept with the campground on your Saved list, the same list the camping map and the drive page keep.
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About
BLM campground. Nestled among shady groves of cottonwood trees along the scenic Upper Salmon River, Cottonwood Recreation Site offers a peaceful setting for camping, fishing, and river access. The campground provides 13 spacious campsites and two walk-in tent sites, each equipped with picnic tables, fire rings, and access to potable water.
In addition to camping, Cottonwood features a welcoming day-use area with a reservable covered pavilion—perfect for family gatherings, group events, or simply relaxing riverside. The pavilion is equipped with water, electricity, grills, a firepit, and even a horseshoe pit for a bit of friendly competition. A boat ramp provides easy access to the Salmon River for fishing or floating adventures, making Cottonwood an excellent base for exploring Central Idaho’s renowned waters.
Campground Amenities: 13 first-come, first-served campsites with picnic tables & fire rings 2 walk-in tent sites with picnic tables & fire rings Potable water & vault toilets Day-Use pavilion with horseshoe pits, large picnic tables, campfire ring, and grill Boat ramp and trailer parking area Seasonal campground host
Know Before You Go: Reliable cell service Water hook-ups on select campsites
Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway, a group event, or a stop along your river journey, Cottonwood Recreation Site blends comfort, convenience, and natural beauty.
Stay limit: 14 Days.
Fees
Campsites: $10 per night Reservable covered group shelter: $25 per day Dump Station: $10 for non-campers, $5 for campers
Weather, month by month
| Month | Typical high | Typical low | Coldest night | Hottest day | Years with a night below 32°F |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 31° | 15° | -5° | 41° | 11 of 11 |
| February | 34° | 18° | -8° | 49° | 11 of 11 |
| March | 41° | 25° | 10° | 63° | 10 of 11 |
| April | 46° | 31° | 10° | 64° | 10 of 11 |
| May | 62° | 41° | 29° | 76° | 2 of 11 |
| June | 73° | 52° | 38° | 92° | 0 of 11 |
| July | 88° | 63° | 45° | 96° | 0 of 11 |
| August | 87° | 62° | 47° | 95° | 0 of 11 |
| September | 75° | 52° | 37° | 88° | 0 of 11 |
| October | 58° | 37° | 24° | 77° | 6 of 10 |
| November | 45° | 30° | -17° | 61° | 9 of 10 |
| December | 31° | 13° | -6° | 48° | 10 of 10 |
Mid-month figures from 2016–2026 of daily weather at this spot (ERA5 reanalysis via Open-Meteo, CC BY 4.0), in °F. Typical is the median; coldest and hottest are the extremes seen.
Nearby campgrounds
- Morgan Creek Campground · Bureau of Land Management · 7 mi · 4 sites
- Challis Hot Springs State Park · Idaho State Parks · 11 mi · 68 sites
- West Fork Morgan Creek Campground · USDA Forest Service · 12 mi
- Morse Creek Campground · USDA Forest Service · 14 mi
- Iron Lake Campground · USDA Forest Service · 17 mi
All public campgrounds in Idaho · Every state and province · Facts read from the operator 2026-09-28. Confirm fees, rules and current status with the operator before you go.