Cottonwood, ID
Pine Bar Recreation Site
Pine Bar Recreation Site is a popular put-in point on Idaho's Lower Salmon River, offering a boat launch for river access without requiring a permit. This first-come, first-served campsite near Cottonwood draws paddlers and anglers heading downriver.
The site features spacious beaches ideal for swimming and picnicking, plus fishing opportunities along the water. A working boat launch makes it convenient for launching rafts, kayaks, or other watercraft onto the Lower Salmon River.
Camping here is unrestricted—no reservation system or permit draw—so you simply arrive and claim a spot. If Pine Bar is full or you're exploring other options, nearby alternatives include Island Bar Recreation Site, Hammer Creek Recreation Site, and Slate Creek Recreation Site, all within the same Salmon River corridor.
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Reservations
Campsites are first-come, first-serve.
View on Google MapsCommon Questions
What campers most often want to know about Pine Bar Recreation Site.
Do I need a permit to camp at Pine Bar Recreation Site?
No permit is required to camp at Pine Bar. The site operates on a first-come, first-served basis, so you can arrive and claim a spot without advance reservation.
Can I launch a boat at Pine Bar Recreation Site?
Yes, Pine Bar has a boat launch. It's a frequent put-in spot for floating the Lower Salmon River.
What activities are available at Pine Bar Recreation Site?
Pine Bar offers camping, fishing, picnicking, and swimming. The site features several large beaches suitable for swimming opportunities.
Are there other recreation sites nearby if Pine Bar is full?
Yes, several BLM recreation sites are located on this stretch of the Lower Salmon River: Island Bar, Lucile, Old Lucile, Shorts Bar, Slate Creek, Skookumchuck, White Bird, and Hammer Creek. These sites may have additional camping or boat launch options.