Closed
— Closed for the season due to snow. The campground typically opens mid-June and operates through September, depending on snow conditions and road access.
About
Iron Lake Campground sits along the shores of a high alpine lake in the Salmon-Challis National Forest, offering 8 campsites in a remote mountain setting. Each site includes a picnic table and fire ring. The campground has vault toilets, though amenity information varies by source. No garbage services are available, so visitors must pack out all trash.
The campground serves as a trailhead for accessing Hat Lakes to the south, providing additional fishing opportunities beyond Iron Lake itself. The lake allows carry-down access for non-motorized boats. The drive in along Salmon River Mountain Road (Forest Road 020) offers spectacular views of craggy peaks and deep pine forests, though the road is narrow, rough, and requires slow, careful driving.
This is a first-come, first-served campground with no reservations available. The remote location and challenging access road make it unsuitable for RVs and trailers. The high alpine setting means the campground operates seasonally, typically from mid-June through September, weather permitting.
Directions
From Salmon, go 5 miles south on US 93, then west 20 miles on Forest Road 021, and 21 miles south on FR 020 (Salmon River Mountain Road). FR 020 is a narrow, rough mountain road requiring slow and careful driving. Not recommended for RVs and trailers.
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