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Morgan Bar 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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Morgan Bar Recreation Site

Many of the most popular destinations for camping and outdoor recreation in the United States are lands under the protection of the Bureau of Land Management (BLM). The BLM, an agency of the federal government, is responsible for administering over 247 million acres of land, which is distributed among more than 850 distinct sites. One of the places maintained by the BLM is Idaho's Morgan Bar Recreation Site.

Located a short distance north of Salmon National Forest and south of the Idaho-Montana border, the Morgan Bar Recreation Site lies beside the Salmon River. The BLM-administered site is a scenic, peaceful camping spot in a beautiful and remote part of northern Idaho. Visitors journey to the site not only to camp out under the stars but also to fish, hike, and explore the area. If you're looking to find any BLM sites in your region, simply search online for "BLM camping near me."

What to See and Do

Hiking and Biking

Henry Creek Loop

Henry Creek Loop is a quiet hiking and biking trail located near Salmon, ID. Hikers of all ability levels should do well on this trail, and the ideal time to visit is between May and December.

Length: 3.8 miles

Intensity: Easy

Slump Gulch Loop

The Slump Gulch Loop trail is a moderately challenging trail near Salmon that's excellent for hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding. The trail offers scenic views and a solid chance to spot some interesting birds or local wildlife. Dogs are allowed on the trail and can even be off leash in certain areas.

Length: 7.6 miles

Intensity: Moderate

Goldbug Hot Springs

The Goldbug (Elk Bend) Hot Springs trail is a beautiful out-and-back trail in the Salmon National Forest. The popular rocky trail is frequently used for hiking and trail running, and there's a good chance you'll encounter other people during your visit. The scenic hike features a waterfall, colorful wildflowers, and, at the end, a variety of hot springs!

Length: 3.5 miles

Intensity: Moderate

Fishing & Boating

Due to its proximity to the Salmon River, the Morgan Bar Recreation Site offers excellent nearby fishing and boating opportunities. The campground itself features a boat launch in case you want to take your kayak or small fishing boat out on the river. Alternatively, you can cast out your fishing line from the riverbank. If you're lucky, you may catch various species of trout, steelhead, or salmon. If the weather gets hot, you can even jump in the river for a refreshing swim.

Climbing

The region around the Morgan Bar BLM site features quite a few rocky and mountainous sections. If you're a serious and experienced climber, you can take on some of the majestic peaks within the Bitterroot Range. You'll find bouldering opportunities near Lost Horse, such as top-rope climbs in Kootenai Canyon and many mountaineering opportunities among the high peaks of the area.

Wildlife Viewing

Because of its location near the Salmon River and the wetlands, the Morgan Bar area is a great birdwatching site. Some of the species that inhabit the area's skies include mallards, Canada geese, common mergansers, and even bald eagles. If you venture into the nearby Salmon National Forest, you'll want to keep your eyes open for moose, mule deer, antelope, elk, bighorn sheep, and bears.

Picnicking

Other than the food itself, the Morgan Bar Recreation Site provides all the things you need for a great picnic. The site offers a peaceful setting, shady shelters, fire pits, and picnic tables. Of course, if you'd rather enjoy your meal or snack by the water, you can always take a picnic blanket down to the banks of the Salmon River.

Bureau of Land Management Camping

RV Camping

You can enjoy some BLM RV camping at the Morgan Bar Recreation Site Campground. Keep in mind that the campground doesn't offer any water, electric, or sewer hookups, but it can accommodate RVs of all shapes and sizes. Camping will cost you $5 per night, and you'll have access to group facilities and a boat ramp. Although there aren't any Bureau of Land Management campgrounds in the area with RV hookups, you will find several nearby RV parks. If you head a bit south to the town of Salmon, you could stay at Andreas on the River RV Park or Fort Limhi RV Park.

Free Camping

While there are a handful of campgrounds in the Morgan Bar area that only require small fees, there may not be any established sites that are free to use. To enjoy some Bureau of Land Management free camping, you'll need to stake out your own campsite. If you like, you can look for a remote spot along the Salmon River to set up your RV or tent site.

RV Rentals Near Morgan Bar Recreation Site Plan your next adventure

Credit: Vanna Mae, @vannamaeart

Planning your Morgan Bar Recreation Site BLM trip

The Morgan Bar Recreation Site BLM area is in a very remote part of Idaho, so you'd be wise to pack your RV full of extra food, water, and emergency supplies. You never know when something unexpected might occur to leave you temporarily stranded. Make sure that the food you bring can be eaten as is or that it is easily prepared. Before you leave on your trip, you should also let one or more people know where you're going because you may not have cellular reception in the area. Before you head out on your trip, check out our blog for all you need to know about BLM camping.

Leave No Trace

The BLM asks that you do your best to follow the Leave No Trace guidelines for minimizing your impact on the beautiful natural area. If you burn any campfires, please confine them to designated spaces and make them no larger than necessary. If you come across any wildlife, only observe from a safe distance. Try not to disturb anything you find in nature, and if you set up a campsite, make sure you're using a durable plot of land. Lastly, respect any other people you encounter at the site, and remove or dispose of all your trash when you leave the area.