Shoup Bridge Campground

Idaho, our beloved Gem State, is a treasure trove of natural wonders, offering endless opportunities for outdoor adventure and relaxation. For those of us who call Idaho home, finding accessible and serene spots to connect with nature is paramount. Tucked away just a short drive from the charming town of Salmon, you'll discover Shoup Bridge Campground, a true local gem that perfectly embodies the spirit of Idaho's outdoor lifestyle. This convenient and picturesque recreation area, managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), provides an ideal setting for everything from a quick picnic to an overnight camping trip, all with the soothing backdrop of the majestic Salmon River.

Shoup Bridge Campground isn't just a place to set up camp; it's a vibrant hub for riverside activities. Named after George Shoup, Idaho's first governor, this site is renowned for its easy access to the Salmon River, making it a favorite for anglers, rafters, and anyone who loves being by the water. Imagine waking up to the sound of the river flowing by, spending your days casting a line, or launching your boat for an exhilarating float. Even if you're just passing through, the shaded picnic areas and scenic views offer a perfect respite from the road. The mature cottonwood trees provide ample shade, a welcome relief on warm summer days, and contribute to the peaceful, natural ambiance that draws so many locals back to this spot year after year. It truly offers a slice of Idaho's natural beauty that is both convenient and incredibly rewarding.

Shoup Bridge Campground boasts an incredibly convenient and accessible location, making it a highly desirable spot for locals and visitors exploring the Salmon River region. The campground is situated approximately 5 miles south of Salmon, Idaho, directly off US Highway 93.

To reach Shoup Bridge Campground from the town of Salmon, simply take US Highway 93 South. You will find the campground located on your right-hand side, nestled between the highway and the Salmon River. The entrance is well-marked and easily identifiable. While the campground is close to the highway, many visitors note that the traffic noise is not overly disruptive, especially during the night, allowing for a peaceful sleep. The sites themselves feature paved parking areas and surroundings, making them easily accessible for both RVs and tents. This paved access is a significant advantage, particularly for larger recreational vehicles, ensuring a smooth entry and exit. The proximity to Salmon means that campers have easy access to town amenities, supplies, and services, offering the perfect balance of wilderness immersion and practical convenience. This makes Shoup Bridge an excellent basecamp for exploring the vast outdoor opportunities that the Salmon area provides.

Shoup Bridge Campground offers a range of essential services and facilities designed to provide a comfortable and enjoyable outdoor experience. While it maintains a rustic charm, the amenities available contribute significantly to visitor convenience.

Services Offered:

• Campsites: The campground features 8 individual campsites, accommodating both RVs and tents. These sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis, providing flexibility for spontaneous trips.
• Picnic Tables: Each campsite is equipped with a picnic table, perfect for outdoor dining, food preparation, or simply relaxing by your site.
• Fire Rings: Every site includes a fire ring, allowing campers to have a campfire (when fire restrictions permit) for cooking or warmth.
• Vault Toilets: Clean and maintained vault toilets are available on-site for public use, ensuring basic sanitation facilities.
• Potable Water: Potable (drinking) water is available at designated spigots within the campground, typically during the operating season (Memorial Day through Labor Day). It is always a good practice to confirm water availability upon arrival.
• Boat Launch: A significant feature of Shoup Bridge is its popular boat ramp, providing easy access to the Salmon River for rafts, drift boats, and kayaks.
• Day-Use Picnic Area: In addition to overnight camping, the site includes a day-use picnic area, ideal for those simply looking to enjoy the riverside setting for a few hours.
• Campground Host: A campground host is typically on-site from Memorial Day through Labor Day, offering assistance and ensuring the smooth operation of the campground.

Shoup Bridge Campground offers a variety of compelling features and highlights that make it a standout destination for outdoor enthusiasts in Idaho.

Features / Highlights:

• Riverside Location: The campground is uniquely situated directly on the banks of the Salmon River, offering immediate access to the water and breathtaking river views from many sites.
• Excellent Fishing Opportunities: The Salmon River is renowned for its fishing, particularly for salmon and steelhead. Anglers frequent Shoup Bridge for its convenient access to prime fishing spots. Hatchery steelhead (identified by a clipped adipose fin) can be kept, and barbless hooks are required.
• Rafting and Floating Access: With its well-maintained boat ramp, Shoup Bridge is a popular put-in or take-out point for those embarking on rafting, tubing, or kayaking trips on the Salmon River.
• Mature Cottonwood Trees: The campground is shaded by abundant, mature cottonwood trees, providing a comfortable and cool environment, especially during hot Idaho summers.
• Paved Surfaces: The parking areas and paths around the tables are paved, making the campground easily accessible and user-friendly for RVs and trailers.
• Proximity to Salmon, Idaho: Located just 5 miles from Salmon, campers can easily drive into town for groceries, supplies, restaurants, or to explore local attractions.
• Highway 93 Pathway Access: The campground sits at the end of a 5-mile paved non-motorized path that leads directly into the town of Salmon, offering an excellent opportunity for walking, jogging, or biking.
• Scenic Riverfront Benches: Visitors can relax on dedicated benches along the river, enjoying the views and the tranquil sounds of the water.
• Bicycle Repair Station: A thoughtful amenity for cyclists, the campground provides a self-service bicycle repair station, catering to those who utilize the paved pathway.
• Wildlife Viewing: The natural setting along the river attracts various wildlife, including cute rabbits as noted by visitors, providing opportunities for observation.
• Affordable Camping: With a fee of typically $5 per night, Shoup Bridge Campground offers a very budget-friendly camping option in a beautiful location.

For direct inquiries regarding Shoup Bridge Campground, including current conditions, operating seasons, or specific questions about the facilities, you can contact the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Salmon Field Office.

Address:Shoup Bridge CampgroundNF-021, Salmon, ID 83467, USA(Located approximately 5 miles south of Salmon on US Highway 93)

Phone: (208) 756-5400This phone number connects you to the BLM Salmon Field Office, which manages the campground and can provide the most accurate and up-to-date information.

Shoup Bridge Campground stands out as an exceptional choice for Idaho locals, particularly those in the Salmon area, due to its unique combination of accessibility, affordability, and rich recreational opportunities. For us Idahoans, quick access to outdoor pursuits is key, and Shoup Bridge delivers on this front. Located just a short 5-mile drive from Salmon, it offers an immediate escape into nature without the need for extensive travel. This makes it perfect for a spur-of-the-moment weekend trip, a mid-week fishing excursion, or simply a convenient spot for a family picnic.

The campground’s direct access to the Salmon River is arguably its greatest asset for locals. Whether you’re an avid angler seeking prime steelhead spots, a boater looking for an easy launch point for a float trip, or simply someone who enjoys the calming presence of a flowing river, Shoup Bridge caters to all. The paved pathway connecting the campground to Salmon is a fantastic feature for cycling and walking enthusiasts, allowing for extended outdoor activity right from your campsite. Furthermore, the presence of mature cottonwood trees ensures ample shade, a blessing during Idaho’s warm summer days, and the relatively inexpensive nightly fee makes quality outdoor experiences accessible to everyone. While it's close to the highway, many local reviews highlight that the peace of the river and the overall tranquil atmosphere quickly make any road noise negligible. It’s a clean, well-maintained, and consistently enjoyable spot that truly allows Idahoans to immerse themselves in the natural beauty that defines our state, making it a reliable and cherished local favorite.

Shoup Bridge Campground

NF-021, Salmon, ID 83467, USA