β All Campgrounds
Campsites
There are 14 tent / RV camping sites, each having a picnic table, barbecue stand, raised tent square, and a fire ring with an attached grill. The road and driveways are paved and overall, the grounds are well groomed. The area around the table and fire ring is graveled.
Water
Potable water is available by a pressurized system.
Restroom
There are vault style outhouses with electric lights!
Electricity
No.
Firewood
There was no indication of firewood for sale at the campground so bring your own.
Pets
Pets are allowed but must be leashed.
Picnic Area
Cottonwood Recreation Site has a large nice picnic area with a group shelter, 2 horseshoe pits, and a large lawn. The group shelter can be reserved for your event by calling 208-879-6200.
Handicap Access
This campground is very handicap accessible.
RV Dump Site
There is a RV dumping station at Cottonwood Recreation Site. There is a $3.00 fee.
Host On-Site
Yes.
Phone Service
Cell reception is spotty along Hwy 93, but good in Challis where there would also be a pay phone.
Garbage Services
Garbage service is available.
Fishing
Fishing the Salmon River is very popular. Check the regulations here.
Boating
There is a boat ramp at Cottonwood Recreation Site to access the river.
Swimming
If you are comfortable swimming in a river, I am sure you can find a swim hole.
Recreation
Recreation includes camping, fishing, and floating the river. Playing horseshoes and photography is always a great activity.
Wildlife
We didn't see any wildlife other than a few birds but one could easily see deer, coyote, fox, or maybe a cottontail rabbit.
Fee Schedule
The campsites are $10.00 per day for 2010. The group shelter can be reserved for $25.00.
Reservations
Per the info signs, the only thing one can reserve here is the group picnic area.
Fees & Res.
Per the info signs, the only thing one can reserve here is the group picnic area. The campsites are $10.00 per day as of February 2025. The group shelter can be reserved for $25.00.
Cottonwood Recreation Site
π Challis Area
π 44.667512,-114.078673
β° 4,680 ft
Cottonwood Recreation Site is located north of Challis, Idaho, along the Salmon River. The hills around are sage brush covered and dry while the mountains above are forested. The campground itself has many cottonwood trees which provide much needed shade. The Salmon River runs very close to the site and many of the campsites are right on the river. The sites away from the river can be fairly secluded because they are sheltered by both the cottonwood trees and a rim of rock which runs along that side of the site. There is a 14 day stay limit and quiet time from 10 pm to 8 am.
Amenities
Recreation
Fees & Reservations
Getting There
Cottonwood Recreation Site is on Hwy 93 between Challis and Salmon Idaho. From Challis, drive north 15.0 miles. Cottonwood Recreation Site will be on your left. From Salmon, drive south 43.1 miles.
7-Day Forecast
National Weather Service
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This information is accurate as of the date of the review.