Can you reserve a site at Cottonwood Recreation Site?

No. Cottonwood Recreation Site is not reservable through Recreation.gov, so sites are first-come, first-served or booked elsewhere.

Cottonwood Recreation Site, Idaho — sites, fees and cancellation alerts

Overview

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.

Getting there

Travel north of Challis, Idaho on Highway 93 for approximately 14 miles. The recreation site will be on your left between the highway and the Salmon River.

44.66778, -114.07944 · 44°40'4.0"N 114°4'46.0"W

Directions (Google Maps) · Directions (Apple Maps)

Typical weather

Typically 87°F in Jul, down to 32°F in Dec.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
High °F	32	39	51	58	68	76	87	85	76	60	44	32
Low °F	6	13	19	25	34	41	45	42	35	25	17	9
Precip in	0.3	0.3	0.7	0.8	1.2	1.3	0.5	0.9	0.9	0.9	0.5	0.3

1991–2020 averages from the nearest NOAA station, 11.4 mi away — not measured at the facility itself, and elevation can make a real difference over that distance.

Map

Fees and stay limits

Campsites: $10 per night Reservable covered group shelter: $25 per day Dump Station: $10 for non-campers, $5 for campers

Stay limit: 14 Days

From Recreation.gov, which is not always current. The operator's own page is the authority on what you will be charged.

Common questions about Cottonwood Recreation Site

Can you reserve a site at Cottonwood Recreation Site?: No. Cottonwood Recreation Site is not reservable through Recreation.gov, so sites are first-come, first-served or booked elsewhere.
How long can you stay at Cottonwood Recreation Site?: 14 Days

Camping near Cottonwood Recreation Site

West Fork Morgan Creek Campground 11.8 mi · Campground
Little West Fork Morgan Creek Trailhead 12.9 mi · Campground
Challis-Yankee Fork Ranger District 13.3 mi · Facility
Morse Creek Campground 14.4 mi · Campground
Bear Valley Trailhead/Upper Campground 17 mi · Campground
Iron Lake Campground 17.3 mi · Campground
Twin Peaks Transfer Camp 19.9 mi · Facility
Mosquito Flat Reservoir Campground 20.3 mi · Campground
Bayhorse Recreation Site 21.4 mi · Facility
Mill Creek Campground 22.3 mi · Campground
Buster Lake Trailhead 22.8 mi · Facility
Little Bayhorse Camping Area 23.3 mi · Campground

Contact

Recreation.gov last updated this record on 2026-02-25.

Cottonwood Recreation Site