5
Total Campsites
Campground
—
Reservable Sites
Mostly first-come
—
Accessible
ADA-compliant sites
—
Organization
Managing agency
Overview
About BOUNDARY CREEK CAMPGROUND
Overview Boundary Creek Campground is located at the edge of the Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness, adjacent to the boat launch for the Middle Fork of the Salmon River in Idaho. The site generally provides overnight camping for boaters waiting to launch the next day on their permit to float the Middle Fork. Of the 15 campsites, 5 can be reserved during the high-use season (June 15-Aug. 15); the remaining 10 are first-come, first-served. Outside of those dates, all 15 sites are first-come, first-served. Recreation Boundary Creek Campground is a popular spot for boaters running the Middle Fork of the Salmon. A nearby transfer camp provides long-term parking and trail access into the Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness. Visitors enjoy hiking, horseback riding, picnicking, fishing and viewing wildlife. Facilities Boundary Creek Campground is a popular spot for boaters running the Middle Fork of the Salmon. A nearby transfer camp provides long-term parking and trail access into the Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness. Visitors enjoy hiking, horseback riding, picnicking, fishing and viewing wildlife. Natural Features At an elevation of 6,280 feet, the campground is situated among lodgepole pine trees, near the Wild and Scenic Middle Fork of the Salmon River. The air is crisp and fresh, even in the heart of summer, due to it's high elevation. Nearby Attractions The Middle Fork of the Salmon River flows over 100 miles through the heart of the Frank Church-River of No Return Wilderness, and originates 20 miles northwest of Stanley, Idaho, at the confluence of Bear Valley and Marsh Creeks. Float permits are required year round. It was one of the original eight rivers in the nation designated as Wild and Scenic on October 2, 1968.
- 5 total campsites listed.
- Primarily first-come camping based on current listing data.
- Most common site type: unknown (5).
- Map coordinates are available for trip planning.
Our Take
What makes BOUNDARY CREEK CAMPGROUND special
For whitewater adventurers and wilderness seekers, Boundary Creek Campground near Challis, Idaho, is where the journey begins. Positioned at the very edge of the Frank Church-River of No Return Wilderness — the largest contiguous wilderness area in the lower 48 states — this campground serves as the primary put-in point for multi-day rafting and kayaking trips down the legendary Middle Fork of the Salmon River. The boat launch here is the gateway to roughly 100 miles of world-class whitewater that cuts through a roadless canyon of staggering depth and beauty. Paddlers typically spend a night at Boundary Creek before launching at dawn, and the anticipation around camp the evening before a trip is electric. Even if you are not running the river, the campground offers access to extraordinary backcountry hiking and some of the finest mountain scenery Idaho has to offer. The floating season generally runs from late May through September, with peak flows in June creating the most thrilling rapids. This is a destination built for experienced outdoor enthusiasts, permitted river groups, and anyone with a spirit of adventure willing to venture deep into one of America's last truly wild landscapes. Reservations and permits for the Middle Fork are highly competitive, so plan well ahead to secure your spot at this iconic trailhead.
Campsite Inventory
5 sites to choose from
Unknown
0
Reservable
0
Accessible
Amenities & Details
Everything you need to know
Accessibility
Yes
Campfire Allowed
Yes
Site capacity
Double, Single
Check-in time
1:00 PM
Check-out time
11:00 AM
Condition Rating
Good
Double Driveway
Yes
Driveway entry
Back-In
Driveway length (ft)
30
Driveway surface
Gravel
Fire Pit
Yes
Grills/Fire Ring
Yes
Max guests
16, 8
Pets allowed
Yes
Picnic Table
Yes
Shade
Yes
Site Access
Drive-In
Site overhead clearance (ft)
15
Reservations & Contact
Plan your stay
Phone
208-879-4100
jwisner@fs.fed.us
Getting There
Boundary Creek is accessed by a dirt road from Idaho State Highway 21, and is often closed by snowdrifts until late May or early June. The turnoff to Boundary Creek is located 23 miles west of Stanley, Idaho, or 107 miles east of Boise between mileposts 109 and 110 on SH21. This road is commonly referred to as the Bear Valley Road, #579, which is rough and narrow. Travel this road for approx. 13 miles, then turn onto the Boundary Creek Road, #568, and travel another 13 miles. Your vehicle and/or trailer should be prepared for 26 miles of rough, busy, single-lane dirt road.
FAQ
Common questions
Everything you need to know before your trip to BOUNDARY CREEK CAMPGROUND.
How do reservations work for BOUNDARY CREEK CAMPGROUND?
Reservation availability for BOUNDARY CREEK CAMPGROUND can vary by season and campsite type. Check the contact and access section before booking.
What campsite types are available at BOUNDARY CREEK CAMPGROUND?
BOUNDARY CREEK CAMPGROUND currently lists Unknown (5).
Where is BOUNDARY CREEK CAMPGROUND located?
BOUNDARY CREEK CAMPGROUND is in Idaho near Challis. Coordinates: 44.5314, -115.2930.
Keep Exploring