Free camping along the Salmon River, Watts Bridge Campground provides basic facilities at an Idaho Department of Fish and Game access site. The campground accommodates big rigs and offers ADA-accessible facilities, with drive-in access directly off US Highway 93.
Fewer than a dozen sites spread along a bend in the Salmon River, each equipped with picnic tables and fire rings under a canopy of cottonwood trees. Sites closest to the water fill quickly, as Annie C. notes: "Try and get either the first or last spots as they have easy river access; the rest of the spots have little tunnels through the underbrush to get to the river." The fast-moving water provides fishing opportunities, though calmer areas exist near the bridge for dogs and wading. A vault toilet serves the campground.
Campers report hearing some traffic noise from Highway 93, though the river sound typically masks most road noise. Cottonwood trees drop sticky debris during certain seasons, which can cling to pets and gear. Bug activity remains noticeable despite the flowing water and breeze. The campground stays relatively uncrowded during weekdays, with Cottonwood Recreation Site located 4.1 miles northeast for additional options.
Arrive early in the day to secure riverside spots, especially on weekends when competition for prime locations increases.
RV Road Trip Guides
Location
Public CampgroundWatts Bridge Campground is located in Idaho
Coordinates
44.63210868472298 N
114.14571702947538 W
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo Coverage
- VerizonNo CoverageVerified by 4 usersLast on 4/3/26
- AT&TLTESome Coverage
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo Coverage
- VerizonNo CoverageVerified by 4 usersLast on 4/3/26
- AT&TLTESome Coverage
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Group
- Equestrian
Features
For Campers
- ADA Access
- Picnic Table
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Big Rig Friendly
FREE established camping
Enjoy camping on government land. Limited or no services at this camping area.
PERMIT might be REQUIRED
We curate permit requirements across the US for our PRO members. Try PRO to see if Watts Bridge Campground needs a permit.
Drive Time
- 2 hrs 22 min from Idaho Falls, ID
- 2 hrs 39 min from Pocatello, ID
- 3 hrs 10 min from Twin Falls, ID
- 3 hrs 46 min from Boise, ID















