Cottonwood Recreation Site

For Idaho locals seeking a convenient and picturesque spot to enjoy the outdoors, Cottonwood Recreation Site in Ellis, ID, presents an inviting option. Nestled along the scenic Upper Salmon River, amidst groves of lush cottonwood trees, this Bureau of Land Management (BLM) managed site offers a welcoming environment for both overnight stays and day-use activities. It's a fantastic choice for those looking to fish, boat, or simply relax by the river, all within a relatively accessible location in central Idaho.

Cottonwood Recreation Site is praised by visitors for its clean facilities and well-maintained grounds. Whether you're passing through on a road trip or planning a longer stay to explore the Salmon River corridor, this campground provides a comfortable and enjoyable base. While some recent reviews have noted temporary issues with water availability, the overall consensus highlights it as a quality spot with essential amenities, making it a reliable choice for Idahoans eager to experience the natural beauty of their state.

Cottonwood Recreation Site is conveniently located in Ellis, ID 83235, USA. It sits along U.S. Highway 93, approximately 2 miles south of the small community of Ellis and roughly 15 miles north of Challis, Idaho. Its roadside location makes it easily accessible for both RVs and vehicles towing trailers, including larger units up to 40 feet with a toad, as noted by visitors. The site boasts relatively level, paved campsites with both drive-through and pull-in accommodations, ensuring ease of parking and setup.

The campground's position between the highway and the Upper Salmon River provides both convenience and scenic beauty. While there can be some highway noise, most reviews indicate it's not enough to be distracting, allowing visitors to still enjoy the peaceful sounds of the river. This accessibility, combined with its location near the Salmon River, makes it a popular spot for those exploring the central Idaho region, including areas like the Salmon-Challis National Forest and the Frank Church-River of No Return Wilderness, though the recreation site itself is a more developed BLM offering. Good cell phone service is typically available at this site, which is a significant convenience for modern travelers.

• Campsites: Cottonwood Recreation Site features 13 individual campsites, including two dedicated walk-in tent sites. Each site is equipped with a picnic table, a fire ring with an attached BBQ grill, and a raised tent square. The areas around the picnic tables and fire rings are graveled for cleanliness and ease of use.

• Clean Restrooms: The campground provides four vault toilets (pit toilets) that are consistently reported as clean and well-maintained by visitors.

• Potable Water: Potable water is available via a pressurized system with faucets scattered throughout the campground, although past reviews indicate it's advisable to check current conditions or prepare to haul water from town in case of unexpected outages.

• Dump Station: A dump station with flushing capabilities is available on-site, a valuable amenity for RV users. There might be a fee for dump station use if not camping ($5 if camping, $10 otherwise).

• Trash Receptacles: Sufficient trash receptacles are provided, promoting a clean environment and easy waste disposal.

• Day-Use Area: There is a dedicated day-use area, which includes a reservable covered pavilion with water, electricity, grills, a fire pit, and horseshoe pits, making it suitable for group gatherings or picnics.

• Boat Ramp: The site offers a convenient boat ramp for direct access to the Salmon River, ideal for fishing and various water-based activities.

• Camp Host: A camp host is typically on-site during the recreation season, ensuring the grounds are well-maintained and assisting visitors.

• First-Come, First-Served: Most campsites are available on a first-come, first-served basis, with a stay limit of 14 days. The group shelter can be reserved in advance by calling the Challis Field Office.

• Riverside Setting: The campground's location directly on the banks of the Upper Salmon River is a major highlight. Many sites are right on the river, offering soothing sounds and beautiful views, perfect for relaxation.

• Excellent Fishing: The Salmon River provides superb fishing opportunities, particularly for steelhead and salmon during specific seasons, as well as various trout species. The campground also offers a small platform at the river's edge, allowing those without a boat to fish directly.

• Boating Access: With an on-site boat ramp, Cottonwood Recreation Site is an ideal put-in or take-out point for those wanting to float, kayak, or raft the calmer sections of the Salmon River (Class I and II rapids are common in this stretch).

• Well-Maintained Grounds: Visitors consistently praise the cleanliness and upkeep of the campground, with paved roads and RV pads, and well-groomed grassy areas.

• Accessibility Features: Two of the campsites are ADA accessible, and the overall design with paved roads and pathways makes much of the site accessible to those with mobility challenges.

• Shade from Cottonwoods: The abundance of mature cottonwood trees provides ample shade, especially welcome during warmer Idaho summers, contributing to a pleasant camping environment.

• Wildlife and Birdwatching: The riverine habitat and surrounding forested areas attract various wildlife and bird species, including bald eagles, osprey, and blue herons, offering excellent opportunities for birdwatching and nature observation.

• Convenient Location: Its spot on Highway 93 makes it a convenient stop for travelers, offering a developed camping option without venturing far off the main route.

Address: Ellis, ID 83235, USA

While the provided phone numbers (760 area code) might seem geographically distant, Cottonwood Recreation Site is managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), specifically under the Challis Field Office. For the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding fees, current conditions (like water availability), or to reserve the group shelter, Idaho locals should contact the relevant BLM office directly.

BLM Challis Field Office (primary contact for this site):
Phone: (208) 879-6200

The phone numbers (760) 337-4400 and +1 760-337-4400 appear to be incorrect or relate to a different location, so it's always best to use the BLM office contact for Idaho-specific inquiries.

Email: BLM_ID_ChallisOffice@blm.gov

Website: For more information, searching the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) website under "Cottonwood Recreation Site Idaho" is recommended.

Cottonwood Recreation Site is an ideal camping destination for Idaho locals due to its balance of convenience, amenities, and natural beauty. For residents in the Challis-Salmon corridor or those exploring central Idaho, its easy access directly off Highway 93 makes it a hassle-free choice for a quick overnight stay or a longer family camping trip. The campground's design, with relatively level and paved sites, caters well to both RV and tent campers, ensuring a comfortable experience for various types of outdoor enthusiasts.

The consistent praise for its cleanliness, along with the presence of amenities like vault toilets, a dump station, and potentially potable water, means locals can enjoy a developed camping experience without feeling entirely disconnected. While temporary water issues have occurred, the overall commitment to maintenance makes it a reliable choice. The most significant draw, however, is its prime location along the Upper Salmon River. This provides locals with readily available access to some of Idaho's best fishing, gentle river floating, and scenic riverside relaxation. The ability to launch a boat directly from the campground, or simply cast a line from the accessible river's edge, makes it a favored spot for those who cherish Idaho's waterways.

Furthermore, the presence of sufficient trash receptacles and the "pack it in, pack it out" mentality for other waste aligns with the responsible outdoor ethics prevalent among Idahoans. It's a place where you can unwind by the campfire, listen to the river, and appreciate the state's natural splendor without venturing too far into the rugged backcountry. Cottonwood Recreation Site truly serves as an accessible, clean, and engaging riverside oasis, perfectly suited for Idaho locals seeking convenient and enjoyable outdoor recreation.

Cottonwood Recreation Site

Ellis, ID 83235, USA