Idlewild Campground


Area Status: Open
Shaded camping site at Idlewild Campground

Idlewild campground has 11 campsites located on the North Fork of the Salmon River. There is potable water and garbage service provided during the summer season. There are vault toilets available. 

**Effective October 23 - no water or trash service is available for the winter season. **

At a Glance

Current Conditions: 10/30/23 Campground is open with no services.
Fees: Family campsites $10.
Usage: Light
Restrictions: Maximum RV size is 24 feet. Camping limit 14 days. Dogs on leash only.  
Closest Towns: Sawyers Bar, Etna
Water: Drinking water
Restroom: Vault
Operated By: US Forest Service

General Information

Directions: From Etna, take the Sawyers Bar Rd for approx. 20 miles to the campground.

Recreation Map

Map showing recreational areas. Map Information

Activities

Campground Camping

Camping on the North Fork of the Salmon River, with nearby access to either the Marble Mountains or the Russian Wilderness.

No. of Sites Reservations not available. All sites are first come, first served.
Reservation Info None
Fire Information Campfires in fire rings provided, subject to local restrictions.
No. of Accessible sites 11

RV Camping

Camping on the North Fork of the Salmon River, with nearby access to either the Marble Mountains or the Russian Wilderness.

General Info:

Parking

Watch overhead for low-hanging branches


No. of Sites 15
Reservation Info No reservations
Pavement Type for Parking Gravel
Hookup - Water No
Size Restrictions 24'
Hookup - Sewer No
Dump Stations No, Dump Station in Etna
Hookups - Electric No
Fire Information Campfires in fire rings provided, subject to local restrictions.
No. of Accessible sites None

River and Stream Fishing

Special Designations Regulations for the Salmon, Scott and Klamath Rivers are published in May each year in "Freshwater & Ocean Sport Fishing Supplement"
Fish Species Trout
Water Temperature Water temperature fluctuates with seasons, flow level and water depth.
Water/Flow Level Water flow in creeks and rivers fluctuate with seasons, rainfall and snow pack.

Day Hiking

Day hike along the scenic North Fork of the Salmon River on the North Fork Trail.
Fire Information A current California Campfire Permit is required to use a camp stove, barbecue or have a campfire outside the developed campground. Local fire restrictions supersede the campfire permit. Inquire at the Ranger Station before having a fire.
Difficulty Level: Intermediate to Difficult

Backpacking

Backpack up the scenic North Fork of the Salmon River on the North Fork Trail and head deep into the Marble Mountains Wilderness. No permit is required for the Marble Mountains Wilderness. Backpackers should always yield to horses and livestock on the trail. Speaking to horses in a quiet voice will help them stay calm as they pass you.
Fire Information A current California Campfire Permit is required to use a camp stove, barbecue or have a campfire. Local fire restrictions supersede the campfire permit. Inquire at the Ranger Station before having a fire.
Difficulty Level: Intermediate to Difficult

Horse Riding

The Forest Service requests and recommends bringing certified weed free feed for horses entering the wilderness.
Difficulty Level: Intermediate to Difficult

Viewing Wildlife

A good area for riparian wildlife along the river and forest birding. Some small mammals frequent the campsites.

Viewing Scenery

An eleven mile drive to Etna Summit on Road 1C01 offers great views of Marble Mountains and Russian Wilderness.
Difficulty Level: Intermediate to Difficult

Gold Panning

Gold Panning on the Salmon River is regulated by CA Dept of Fish & Game.
Difficulty Level: Intermediate to Difficult

Swimming

Swimming, wading and water play off the gravel bar on the North Fork of the Salmon River.
Clothing Requirements Swimming attire required.
Water Temperature Water temperature fluctuates with seasons, flow level and water depth.
Water/Flow Level Water flow in creeks and rivers fluctuate with seasons, rainfall and snow pack.
Difficulty Level: Intermediate to Difficult

Recreation Areas

Recreation Activities

Location

 
  Latitude : 
41.33153

  Longitude : 
-123.06004

  Elevation : 
2560'