Idlewild Campground
Area Status: Open
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: | 3/26/2025 Campground is open with no services. |
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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.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:
ParkingWatch 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 |
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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 |
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Horse Riding
The Forest Service requests and recommends bringing certified weed free feed for horses entering the wilderness.Difficulty Level: | Intermediate to Difficult |
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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 |
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Gold Panning
Gold Panning on the Salmon River is regulated by CA Dept of Fish & Game.Difficulty Level: | Intermediate to Difficult |
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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 |
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