Mcdonald Flat Campground
The campground opens for the season on May 25. First-come, first-served with no reservations. No potable water available on site.
Red Flag Warning issued August 10 at 2:02AM MDT until August 10 at 9:00PM MDT by NWS Pocatello ID
* AFFECTED AREA...Fire Weather Zone 475 East Salmon River Mountains/Salmon NF and Fire Weather Zone 476 Lemhi and Lost River Range/Challis NF. * WIND...West 10 to 20 mph with gusts up to 30 mph. * HUMIDITY...As low as 10 percent. * IMPACTS...Wind reaching these speeds and humidity drier than 15 percent can result in rapid fire spread and extreme wildfire intensity.
Air Quality Alert issued August 7 at 1:30PM MDT by NWS Missoula MT
AQAMSO * WHAT...Air Quality Advisory because of degraded air quality due to wildfire smoke. Air Quality Index is forecast to be Moderate * WHERE...Lemhi County * WHEN...Until 3pm MDT 8/10/2026 * IMPACTS...Air quality is acceptable. However, there may be a risk for some people, particularly those who are unusually sensitive to air pollution.
About
McDonald Flat Campground sits at 5,400 feet elevation along Panther Creek in the remote backcountry of Idaho's Salmon-Challis National Forest. This small campground offers just 6 sites, providing a quiet retreat for those seeking solitude away from more developed recreation areas. The creek is known for trout fishing, making it a draw for anglers. The campground is primitive with vault toilets but no potable water on site. Campers should bring all necessary water supplies. The 20-foot maximum trailer length makes this site best suited for tent camping or small trailers. The access route involves roughly 40 miles of travel on forest roads from Salmon, so high-clearance vehicles are recommended. This is a no-fee campground operated on a first-come, first-served basis. The typical season runs from late May through fall, weather and road conditions permitting.
Directions
From Salmon, go 24 miles west on Forest Road 030, then south on FR 055 to the campground.
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | — |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | — |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $0 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | 20ft |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | — |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (208) 756-5100 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
Useful Links
| USFS McDonald Flat Campground |
Community Posts
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