Mcdonald Flat Campground

Closed — Closed for winter. At 5,400 feet elevation, snow typically closes access from late fall through spring. Season generally runs late May through October depending on snowmelt and road conditions.

About

McDonald Flat Campground is a small, rustic campground managed by the Salmon-Challis National Forest, situated at 5,400 feet elevation along the scenic Panther Creek. This free, first-come, first-served campground features 6 campsites in a remote mountain setting, making it an ideal base for anglers seeking to fish for trout in Panther Creek. The campground provides basic amenities including vault toilets, though potable water is not available on-site, so campers should bring their own water supply. Each site can accommodate trailers up to 20 feet in length. The remote location along Panther Creek Road offers a peaceful, backcountry camping experience away from crowds. Access to McDonald Flat Campground requires traveling approximately 24 miles west from Salmon on Forest Road 030, then south on Forest Road 055 (Panther Creek Road). Due to the elevation and remote location, the campground is typically inaccessible during winter months when snow closes the forest roads, with the season generally running from late spring through fall depending on snowmelt and weather conditions.

Directions

From Salmon, travel 8 miles south on US-93, turn right onto NF-021 for about a mile, then turn left onto Williams Creek Road/Deep Creek Road. Continue for about 26 miles, then turn left onto NF-055/Panther Creek Road and continue for 12 miles. The campground will be on the left.

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