Hammer-Creek 6-2-2014A thunderstorm came up while we were looking for a likely (free) camp spot. We did see a place, just a turnout, right off the US 95 when we got off onto Old 95 at the south White Bird exit, but it would have been noisy. We found the little dirt road that led to the BLM land on the east side of the Salmon, we walked up a’ways but it looked kinda sketchy for the rig even without the storm threatening, so we decided to spend the $5 and stay at the BLM Hammer Creek Campground, on the west side of the river.

There was one other family when we got there but they packed up and left a 4:30. The camp host, Roy and his wife have a great spot well back from the campground in a little secluded glade, we had a good chat with him, he grew up on the Clearwater, he says, that they say “once your butt gets wet in the Clearwater you’ll never leave”. His kids are spread all over the US too.

Looks like this is the place where people “put in” to start rafting the lower Salmon River to the Snake. Looks fun for someone fit and indestructible.

Stayed: 6/2/2014

Cost: $5 with Access pass

RV/Camping: Either

Phone T-Mobile: Zero bars

Internet Verizon: Zero bars

Noise: Burbling of the river rapids

Restrooms: Flush with sinks

Water: Yes

Dump: Yes

Trash: Dumpster

Location:

N45.765821°, W116.324910°

On the west side of the Lower Salmon River just south of White Bird off the Old Hwy 95

Nights Stayed: June 2nd 2014
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