Gaines Bar Campsite Camping Area

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Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Gaines Bar Campsite, located along the Salmon River in Idaho's Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forest, offers dispersed camping with no established sites—first-come, first-served, and free of charge.


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Summary

No reservations or permits are required. Amenities are minimal: there are no toilets, no water, and no hookups. Some fire rings may be present, but picnic tables are not guaranteed. The area is forested and riverside, offering a peaceful, secluded vibe ideal for anglers and rafters. RVs can access the site but must be self-contained. Nearby, explore the Salmon River Scenic Byway or local trails. Best visited late spring to early fall when river conditions and weather are favorable.

       

Weather Forecast

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Nearby Streamflow Levels

Gaines Bar CampsiteSF CLEARWATER RIVER NR ELK CITY ID Preview Sf Clearwater River Nr Elk City Id
41.6cfs
42cfs
Gaines Bar CampsiteJOHNSON CREEK AT YELLOW PINE ID Preview Johnson Creek At Yellow Pine Id
118.0cfs
118cfs
Gaines Bar CampsiteSUGAR CREEK NR STIBNITE Preview Sugar Creek Nr Stibnite
7.64cfs
8cfs
Gaines Bar CampsiteEFSF SALMON R ABV SUGAR CRK NR STIBNITE Preview Efsf Salmon R Abv Sugar Crk Nr Stibnite
10.0cfs
10cfs
Gaines Bar CampsiteSF SALMON RIVER NR KRASSEL RANGER STATION ID Preview Sf Salmon River Nr Krassel Ranger Station Id
146.0cfs
146cfs
Gaines Bar CampsiteEF OF SF SALMON RIVER AT STIBNITE ID Preview Ef Of Sf Salmon River At Stibnite Id
9.24cfs
9cfs

Camping Essential Practices

Pack It In, Pack It Out
Take all trash, food scraps, and gear back with you to keep campsites clean and protect wildlife.
Respect Wildlife
Observe animals from a distance, store food securely, and never feed wildlife to maintain natural behavior and safety.
Know Before You Go
Check weather, fire restrictions, trail conditions, and permit requirements to ensure a safe and well-planned trip.
Minimize Campfire Impact
Use established fire rings, keep fires small, fully extinguish them, or opt for a camp stove when fires are restricted.
Leave What You Find
Preserve natural and cultural features by avoiding removal of plants, rocks, artifacts, or other elements of the environment.

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Nearby Snowpack Depths View more

DIXIE NORTH
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NOHRSC MOUNTAIN MEADOWS
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MOUNTAIN MEADOWS
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SECESH SUMMIT
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NOHRSC SECESH SUMMIT
0.0"
0"
YELLOW PINE 0.2 SSW
0"
0"
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River Runs