About Cottonwood Recreation Site
OverviewNestled 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 rings2 walk-in tent sites with picnic tables & fire ringsPotable water & vault toilets Day-Use pavilion with horseshoe pits, large picnic tables, campfire ring, and grillBoat ramp and trailer parking areaSeasonal campground hostKnow 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.
Campground Amenities
Most popular amenities
Parking
Picnic Table
River Access
Fire Pit
Water and Hygiene
- Potable Water
Cooking and Fire
- Picnic Table
- Grill
- Fire Pit
- Campfire Ring
Parking and Transport
- Parking
Water Access
- River Access
- Boat Ramp
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Location Cottonwood Recreation Site
Address:
Challis Field Office, 721 East Main Street, Suite 8
Challis, ID, 83226
United States
Highway access
The Cottonwood Recreation Site is located along Highway 93, which provides direct access to the area. It is approximately 18 miles from the nearest junction with US Highway 20.
Latitude & Longitude: 44.6678 / -114.079
Elevation: 1435 feet
Policies & Rules
Cancellation policy
- Reservation fees are non-refundable. For campsites, cabins, lookouts, yurts, group sites, and similar stays, we charge a reservation service fee of $8.
- Standard cancellations usually have a $10 cancellation fee. Customers can generally cancel before the check-in date online.
- Late cancellation rules differ by stay type.
- Individual campsites: cancelling after 12:00am local time the day before arrival usually means a $10 cancellation fee plus forfeiting the first night's fee.
- Cabins, lookouts, and yurts: cancelling less than 14 days before arrival usually means a $10 cancellation fee plus forfeiting the first night's fee.
- One-night reservations: a late cancellation usually forfeits the full amount paid, up to the total original reservation cost.
- Modifications are allowed before the cut-off window, but fees depend on the change. Changing to dates completely outside the original reservation dates may trigger a $10 change fee. Extending or shortening a stay that still includes original dates usually has no change fee, though refunds may depend on timing and facility rules. Switching to the same type of campsite for the same dates usually has no change fee, but price differences are charged or refunded.
- Early departures may or may not be refunded. At certain facilities, partial refunds may be possible if staff can mark the site available for other visitors. No refund is given for a night if the early departure is requested after that day's check-out time.
- Security deposits are separate. Security deposits may be refunded to the original payment method if the facility is left in acceptable condition, as determined by the property.
Nearby Campgrounds
Last updated: June 4, 2026
Managed by Bureau of Land Management