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Island Bar Recreation Site

Cottonwood, ID

Island Bar Recreation Site

Island Bar Recreation Site is a no-permit, first-come, first-served campsite on Idaho's Lower Salmon River near Cottonwood, with a boat launch making it a primary put-in for rafting, kayaking, and jet boating.

The site remains largely undeveloped and sits adjacent to expansive sandy beaches with direct river access. Its boat launch infrastructure supports both day floats and multi-day river trips.

Island Bar is part of a cluster of recreation sites along the Lower Salmon River. Nearby options include Hammer Creek Recreation Site, Pine Bar Recreation Site, and Slate Creek Recreation Site for camping, as well as Lucile Recreation Site, Old Lucile Recreation Site, Shorts Bar Recreation Site, Skookumchuck Recreation Site, and White Bird Gravel Pit Recreation Site, each with varying amenities and services for river access and overnight stays.

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Reservations

Campsites are first-come, first-serve.

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Common Questions

What campers most often want to know about Island Bar Recreation Site.

Do I need a permit to camp at Island Bar Recreation Site?

No permit is required to camp at Island Bar. It operates on a first-come, first-served basis, so you can arrive and claim a site without advance reservation.

Can I launch a boat at Island Bar Recreation Site?

Yes, Island Bar has a boat launch. It is a frequent put-in spot for floating the Lower Salmon River via raft, kayak, or jet boat.

What should I expect at Island Bar Recreation Site?

Island Bar is largely undeveloped and features large, sandy beaches with easy access to the Salmon River. The site is situated on the Lower Salmon River and offers a rustic camping experience.

What other recreation sites are nearby on the Salmon River?

Several other BLM recreation sites are located on this stretch of the Lower Salmon River: Lucile, Old Lucile, Shorts Bar, Slate Creek, Skookumchuck, White Bird, Hammer Creek, and Pine Bar. You can check those sites for additional information about amenities, boat ramps, and camping options.