Deadman Hole Recreation Site

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is responsible for 1 in every 10 acres of land in the U.S.

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Deadman Hole Recreation Site

Deadman Hole Recreation Site is nestled in a scenic area near the Upper Salmon River in Idaho. The Bureau of Land Management (BLM), a federal government agency, is responsible for maintaining this recreation site and other public lands designated as important locations for recreation and environmental preservation. Some of the activities that visitors enjoy at Deadman Hole Recreation Site are fishing, kayaking, canoeing, and swimming along with free Bureau of Land Management camping. There are also opportunities for hiking and OHV riding on trails not far from the recreation site. If you're up for exploring two of the country's most beautiful and famous national parks, you'll find Yellowstone National Park and Grand Teton National Park within 270 miles of Deadman Hole along the western border of Wyoming.

What to See and Do

Hiking and Biking

Malm Gulch Trailhead

The Malm Gulch Trailhead is just a few miles north of the Deadman Hole Recreation Site off of State Highway 75. Exploration of the gulch takes hikers through the remnants of a petrified forest on an easy walk that's perfect for all skill levels. The short, out-and-back trail features two interpretive areas with signs describing what the gulch was like over 50 million years ago. You can also walk among the remaining stumps of the ancient redwood forest. Expect a two-mile drive from the turnoff to the trailhead unless you'd prefer to hike in from the parking area closest to the highway.

Length: 1.1 miles

Intensity: Easy

Fishing & Boating

Deadman Hole Recreation Site lies adjacent to the Salmon River, which offers some of the best fishing in Idaho due to its high concentration and variety of fish species. Anglers have chances to snag sockeye and Chinook salmon, smallmouth bass, mountain whitefish, steelhead, and three types of trout—bull, cutthroat, and rainbow. The recreation area also has a boat ramp for nonmotorized watercraft. Peaceful parts of the river are great for floating, while whitewater sections further north are popular for kayaking and rafting.

Climbing

Opportunities for rock climbing are just one mile south of Challis along Highway 75. Two climbable rock faces are noticeable from the highway, where there is a large pull-off area for parking. Each route offers a different climbing experience. No Time to Die is a sport climbing route with two challenging pitches, but if you prefer a traditional climb, Die Another Day is a short but epic crack route without a lot of choss.

Wildlife Viewing

Because of its prime location along the Salmon River, Deadman Hole Recreation Site is home to a variety of fish species along with large and small game animals. Mule deer, elk, bighorn sheep, black bears, and cougars are among the mammals that roam through the area. You're also likely to see beavers, marmots, river otters, and skunks. Waterfowl and songbirds are frequently spotted during migration season, and other birds such as chukar and partridge reside in the area throughout the year.

Picnicking

Deadman Hole Recreation Site allows visitors to picnic in the primitive camping area at designated picnic shelters, though picnicking is also permitted throughout the recreation area.

OHV Riding

The area surrounding Deadman Hole Recreation Site is abundant with OHV trails for riders of all skill levels. Popular trails such as the Snake Ridge Trail, Lombard Trail, and Jimmy Smith Trail offer various types of terrain that range from rocky hills to flat dirt roads. Most of the trails are just a few miles from Deadman Hole.

Bureau of Land Management Camping

RV Camping

BLM RV camping at Deadman Hole Recreation Site is limited, though there are more nearby camping areas that are open to RVs at the Bayhorse and East Fork campgrounds. You'll find 11 RV campsites with picnic tables and fire pits at Bayhorse and eight RV sites at East Fork. Both campgrounds provide access to vault toilets and potable water. If you're looking for more BLM lands that offer RV camping, search for "BLM camping near me" to locate public campgrounds throughout Idaho.

Free Camping

Bureau of Land Management free camping is offered on a first-come, first-served basis at Deadman Hole Recreation Site. This camping area consists of five sites that accommodate small RVs near the Upper Salmon River. The small campground also provides restrooms, picnic shelters, a boat ramp, and potable water. More free Bureau of Land Management campgrounds are located south of Deadman Hole at the Little Boulder Campground and the Garden Creek Campground near the Sawtooth Mountain Range.

RV Rentals Near Deadman Hole Recreation Site Plan your next adventure

Credit: Vanna Mae, @vannamaeart

Planning your Deadman Hole Recreation Site BLM trip

When planning your BLM trip, remember that some campgrounds may be undeveloped and have limited amenities for RVs. Most campsites are not equipped with hookups, and restrooms, water, and cellular service could be unavailable. Prep your RV for areas with sparse supplies by stocking your fridge with extra water bottles and food. Pack clothes for cool and warm weather since evenings in wilderness areas can get chilly even in the summer, and make sure you have all the recreational equipment you need to enjoy your favorite outdoor activities. Before you head out on your trip, check out our blog for all you need to know about BLM camping.

Leave No Trace

BLM requires visitors to properly dispose of waste by packing out trash. Keep your campsite clean to reduce the likelihood of human interaction with predatory animals that may inhabit areas near the campground. Food containers should be airtight, and trash should be contained within sealed bags to prevent attracting wildlife. Be sure to follow fire safety guidelines for campfires. If there are no fire pits available at the site, refrain from building a fire pit of your own unless BLM regulations permit you to do so.

Deadman Hole Recreation Site Location

To reach Deadman Hole Recreation Site from Boise, head north on W State Street, and then get onto ID-55 N in Eagle. Continue driving north for about 34 miles. At County Hwy 17/Banks Lowman Road, turn right. Keep going until you get to ID-21 N. Veer right to merge onto the highway. In Stanley, turn left onto State Hwy 75 N. Follow the highway until you reach Deadman Hole Recreation Site, which is just 11 miles north of Clayton.

Address: 721 East Main St Suite 8, Challis, ID

Ready to visit Deadman Hole Recreation Site? An RV rental is a great way to experience your destination. Not only will you be close to all the action, but at the end of a long day exploring, you’ll have your RV to return to for the night where you’ll enjoy a full kitchen, bathroom, and nice soft bed. Not sure about renting an RV? Here’s a step-by-step guide to renting an RV with RVshare.