Exploring Riggins Idaho
At a glance
Welcome to Riggins, Idaho. An undiscovered gem along the Salmon River. With a population under 500, this blip on the radar, is somewhere that needs to be explored. Better known as the the Gateway to Hells Canyon from the South, this is the Whitewater Capital of Idaho.
The town is nestled along the banks of the little Salmon river, between McCall and Grangeville. Every spectacular adventure begins in the heart of Riggins. It boasts unparalleled rugged beauty, small town nostalgia, and a thrill enthusiasts dream.
The town offers jet boat tours, world class steelhead fishing, hunting, and heart stopping white water rafting adventures. The beautiful views, scenic drives, and outdoor thrills will keep you coming back.
Riggins is known as a gateway between Southern and Northern Idaho, and it features numerous RV Parks and campgrounds. With easy access to the rivers, mountains, and the Payette National forest this is a must stay for campers, travelers, and outdoor enthusiasts.
Check out all the amazing things to do in Riggins, Idaho!
Fishing in Riggins Idaho
Riggins is nestled along the banks of the little Salmon River, and in close proximity to the Snake River. It offers world class steelhead fishing along the banks of the Salmon River, as well as by boat.
The town offers multiple outfitters that will ensure you have an amazing time. Especially for those who don’t have all the right fishing gear, going with an outfitter saves time and money if just wanting to try it out.
Riggins is an amazing launch pad for your next Idaho fishing adventure. Most of the outfitters will have the option for Sturgeon fishing, bass fishing, and catfishing along Hells Canyon and into the Snake River.
Reel in a Steelhead along the Salmon while taking in the breathtaking scenic sites. Cruise upriver in the Frank Church Wilderness area, or admire the harsh and beautiful country along Hells Canyon.
Companies in Riggins offering Drift Boat Fishing Trips on the Salmon River and Snake River:
- Rapid River Outfitters: Offering Steelhead fishing, mulitday adventures, and small mouth bass fishing trips.
- Captain Kirk’s: Offering Steelhead fishing tours and fun Dutch oven seminars.
- River Adventures Inc. This outfitter offers Hells Canyon Boat tours, Steelhead fishing, and Salmon fishing along the Snake and Salmon river.
- Mountain River Outfitters: Another amazing outfitter for Idaho fishing for Steelhead, Chinook Salmon, Bass, Trout and Sturgeon.
Always check with Idaho Fish and Game for permitting and season updates. Steelhead fishing season in Riggins usually lasts from late fall to when the river freezes. Typical Riggins Steelhead fishing runs 9/1-12/31.
The fishing may start in early September, but the fish typicall arrive and start biting in October. Fall is the best time for Steelhead fishing in Riggins. Therefore, I recommend booking a trip from October-November.
There is a variety of amazing fishing options in Riggins. You don’t have to go with an outfitter to experience the thrill of reeling in a giant sturgeon, feisty Steelhead, or beautiful trout. If you purchase a fishing permit, then you are welcome to fish from the banks of the Salmon and Snake River.
Double check yearly limits and regulations before taking any of the fish home! Idaho residents are going to have a more affordable permit, but don’t let that stop you if you’re visiting.
Hunting in Riggins Idaho
If you’re looking to bundle your Riggins adventure, this small town is in the epicenter of activity.
Riggins is near the Hells Canyon National Recreation Area, the Gospel Hump Wilderness, as well as the Nez Pierce, and Payette National Forests. There is over 10,000 acres of private land, and over 1,000 square miles of big game hunting territory.
This is some of the best big game hunting territory found in North America. The outfitters offer big trophy hunts like Elk, Mule Deer, Mountain Lion, Mountain Goats, and Black Bear.
The area’s rugged terrain, limited coveted tags, and world class big game makes it the excursion of a lifetime. Venture into some of the most remote areas, within American’s deepest Canyon, where you fill find hunting you only dream of.
Some outdoor enthusiasts may be looking for smaller, yet still exciting game. The rugged landscape is perfect for Chukar and Partridge. The Chukar and Gray Partridge thrive along the grassy slopes and rocky outcroppings along the many river corridors. They’re fun to hunt, and offer a tasty treat.
Outfitters near Riggins offering big game trophy and upland bird hunting
- Hells Canyon Outfitters: This outfitters showcases big trophy hunts like Elk, Mule Deer, Mountain Lion, Mountain Goats, and Black Bear. Access to private lands via ATV’s and 4×4 vehicles.
- Heavens Gate Outfitters: Color Phased Black Bear hunts in the spring and fall, Mountain Lion, Whitetail and Mule Deer, Archery and Rifle Elk and wild upland birds. Featuring chukar, quail, and partridge hunting on the lease ground and grouse in the National Forest.
- Captain Kirk’s: Chukar and Gray Partridge hunting opportunities. Combine Bird Hunting and Steelhead fishing for a thrilling adventure.
Riggins Hunting features Big Game, Upland Bird, Small Game, and Water fowl. The town acts as a home base for many different hunting units. Make sure to check the Idaho Hunt Planner before getting your gear ready and venturing into the great Idaho Wilderness.
Jet Boat Tours in Riggins Idaho
The Salmon River, also known as “River of No Return” wilderness. Aptly named for river that turned Lewis and Clark back. They described it as “foaming and roaring through rocks in every direction, so as to render the passage of anything impossible.”
Riggins is nestled along the Salmon River, and it provides over 60 miles of easily accessed roaring water to explore. The deep river gorge is filled with exciting rapids, breathtaking scenery, and a glimpse into the wilderness. It is the longest un-damned river in the lower 48 states, providing the perfect avenue for jet boat tours.
Riggins is home to may jet tour outfits, that provide day trips filled with excitiement. Tour the challenging whitewater, thru the depths of the canyons. Enjoy stunning Idaho wildlife, and historic sites. Jet boat thru the Snake River, through Hells Canyon and the Salmon river.
Most day excursions offer dedicated time for relaxation, snacks, and breaks for swimming. Bring your camera as you’re likely to see bald eagles, bighorn, and other big game. Make sure to bring your camera!
Jet Boat Tours in Riggins:
- River Adventures Inc. Jet boat up the Salmon River (River of no return) or Snake River. Also offers jet boat fishing excursions. Experience sightings of Bighorn Sheep, Eagles, and other wildlife.
- Salmon River Jet Boat Tours: Cut through the heart of Frank Church River. Wind thru the deepest canyon in North America. Experience historical sites and homesteads.
- Mountain River Outfitters: Experience medium sized covered jet boats for personalized and exciting rides through the rapids. A unique way to experience the Salmon River and the rugged terrain.
Idaho’s Wild main Salmon River meanders through the Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness. This is the largest wilderness in the lower 48 states. Along the banks you will find pristine white sandy beaches of the Salmon. You can eat a snack, swim, or relax during the hot Idaho summers.
The access to the gorgeous river and wildlife makes Riggins a must stop destination for your next jet boat adventure.
White Water Rafting in Riggins Idaho
Riggins is known as the White Water Capital of Idaho. It has some of the most epic rapids, gorgeous scenery, and breathtaking views in the Pacific Northwest.
Idaho White Water River rafting near Riggins, offers rapids for seasoned rafters or newbie paddlers. Riggins is the destination for an unforgettable adventure.
Make sure to bring your water shoes, a swim suit, and a desire for adventure. Notable rapids like Ruby, Time Zone, Chair, Fiddle, Black Rock, and Lake Creek will test your nerves and bring out your inner daredevil. Experience over 400 miles of Idaho’s legendary White Water Rafting in Riggins.
The raft season typically kicks off in late May with high river flows and crazy rapids. It starts winding down in August and September with lower water levels.
White Water Rafting Outfitters in Riggins Idaho
- Mountain River Outfitters: Grip onto your paddle, and dig in your heels. Offering multi-day Snake and Salmon River rafting adventures. Over 400 Miles of Idaho’s Legendary White Water.
- Adventure Idaho: Lower Salmon, Main Salmon, and Snake River trips. Day trips and multi-day adventures.
- Orange Torpedo Trips: Grand Canyon of the Salmon River, two and three day options on the Salmon River for those seeking an introductory experience to river life.
- Wild River Adventures: Offering classic whitewater rafting, lower gorge of the Salmon, and overnight trips!
RV Parks and Camping in Riggins Idaho
Are you looking forward to your next epic adventure in Riggins? Now you need to find a RV park near Riggins, or a campground to call home base.
Idaho’s gateway to first class white water rafting, once in a lifetime jet boating, epic hunting, and Steelhead fishing. You need somewhere to stay, and Riggins has plenty of RV parks and campgrounds to explore.
White bird is also nearby, and offers alternate RV Parks close to Riggins for relaxing after your amazing adventure.
If you’re looking for other RV Parks in Idaho, check out my other posts about RV Parks near Boise and RV Parks near McCall!
1. Riverside RV Park- Visit Park
- Distance from Riggins: RV Park located in Riggins Idaho
- Camping sites: 15 RV sites with full hookups. No tent camping.
- Fee: $45 per night, $250 per week
- Campground amenities: Complimentary Wi-Fi, electricity, city water, sewer, trash removal, lawn care, and doggy bags.
- Campground popularity: High
This RV Park in Riggins is in town and right along the beautiful little Salmon river. Reservations are available, but walk-ins are welcome if not full. Close to all the jet boating, fishing, hiking, fishing, and other outdoor recreation in Riggins.
They have nicely shaded spots, with well-maintained picnic areas and RV spots. Located along the Little Salmon River this gem is great for families and travels looking to explore Southwestern Idaho. The area is beautifully landscaped, and shaded by numerous trees.
Reservations are encouraged, especially in the busy Steelhead fishing season. Spend the day exploring, hunting, fishing, hiking, rafting, and jet boating. Spend the evenings gazing at the stars while listening to the calming lapse of the river edge.
2. The RV Landing at Carlson Ranch – Visit Park
- Distance from Riggins: 10 Miles from Riggins. Along the Salmon River bank near Riggins Idaho
- Camping sites: Offering RV sites and dry cabins year round
- Fee: 50-60$ per night for RV sites, weekly rates available
- Campground amenities: Full RV hookups, bathrooms, volleyball courts, boat mooring, bathhouse
- Campground popularity: High
Close to the town of Riggins, a perfect getaway for a family vacation. Offering recommendations for ATV/UTV, snowmobile, and other rentals in Riggins. Easy access to whitewater rafting on the Salmon river, steelhead fishing, and exciting jet boat tours.
Located right along the river, wake up to the breathtaking views of the banks of the Salmon.
3. Big Eddy RV Park – Call (208)-628-3547
- Distance from Riggins: RV park in Riggins Idaho
- Camping sites: RV sites
- Fee: Call for updated camping fees
- Campground amenities: Showers, laundromat, wifi, bathrooms
- Campground popularity: Medium
Beautiful RV Park located on the main Salmon River in Riggins Idaho. Pull through sites, river side sites, beach, showers, laundromat, Satellite TV, WiFi
4. Shorts Bar Recreation Site
- Distance from Riggins: 1.5 miles from Riggins, up Big Salmon.
- Camping sites: Open area for campground
- Fee: Fee area
- Campground amenities: open area for undeveloped camping. 5 picnic tables, fire pits, and a vault toilet. Pack in, pack out.
- Campground popularity: High for fisherman
Shorts Bar Campground, near Riggins Idaho is a fisherman’s haven. Offering a great place to spend the weekend along the Salmon River. It is a big, open, and undeveloped area perfect for big groups. The road can be rough and steep, so may need higher lift on the vehicle.
No water is available on site and the area is pack in and pack out. There is a vault style outhouse available for use.
5. River Village RV Park – Visit Site
- Distance from Riggins: RV Park in Riggins, Idaho
- Camping sites: 20 RV hookup sites, 8 tent sites
- Fee: RV Hookups 20$, Tent Camping 15$
- Campground amenities: Full hookups, bathrooms, pull thru sites, showers
- Campground popularity: High
Close to all the Riggins excitement with Salmon River fishing, jet boating, white water rafting, horse back riding, and ATV rentals. Located close to the Snake River, and along the banks of the Salmon.
This beautiful RVP Park offers waterfront RV sites, shade trees, and walking distance to town. Enjoy the breathtaking scenery in Riggins Idaho.
6. Island Bar Recreation Site- Visit Site
- Distance from Riggins: Campground 4 miles east of Riggins
- Camping sites: tent sites and group spots
- Fee: Check website for overnight fees
- Campground amenities: Boat ramp, vault toilets, access to sandy beaches
- Campground popularity: High
The camping and RV site near Riggins is located on the Lower Salmon River. Used frequently as a put-in spot for floating the Lower Salmon River via raft, kayak, or jet boat.
The site is largely undeveloped and is near large, sandy beaches and has easy access to the Salmon River. BLM recreation sites also on this stretch of river are Lucile, Old Lucile, Shorts Bar, Slate Creek, Skookumchuck, White Bird, Hammer Creek and Pine Bar.
Check the website for RV camping information.
7. Spring Bar Campground
- Distance from Riggins: 11 miles from Riggins
- Camping sites: 18 tent spots
- Fee: 12$ per night: Bring cash
- Campground amenities: Next to Salmon River Boat ramp. 4 Vault toilets. This is rugged country. Pack in pack out.
- Campground popularity: Medium
A popular take-out point for floaters of the Salmon River, the Spring Bar Campground offers a boat launching ramp and 18 tent campsites.
The site provides a picnic table and fire ring at 16/18 sites. The campground is located next to a flat part of the Salmon River, nestled in the Idaho rugged back country. The surrounding area is great for fishing, swimming, berry picking, and exploring the gorgeous Idaho outdoors.
Riggins hot springs (not on public land) is across the river West of the campground.
8. Canyon Pines RV Resort – Visit Campground
- Distance from Riggins: Located on US 95 mile post 185, 9-miles south of Riggins
- Camping sites: Resort has 54 sites, each with a 12-foot wide gravel driveway and 18 feet of grass.
- Fee: 35-55$ a night pending on the Riggins RV site
- Campground amenities: 20/30/50 amp power, water with pressure relief, telephone jack
- Campground popularity: High
Unravel after a day of adventure and find your inner peace in the middle of Idaho. Located 9 miles south of Riggins – Idaho’s Whitewater Capital- and 2200 feet of the Little Salmon River bounds.
This RV Park near Riggins is open year round and offers breathtaking views of the river. The little park next to the Salmon River is the perfect getaway for those seeking a scenic, relaxing, and luxurious vacation in Idaho.
Within walking distance of the Little Salmon, this is the perfect getaway.
9. Pittsburg Campground – Visit Area
- Distance from Riggins: White Bird, Idaho (19 miles); Riggins, Idaho (45 miles)
- Camping sites: 28 tent/trailer sites
- Fee: Single Unit 15$/night
- Campground amenities: Picnic tables, Vault Toilets. Drinking Water.
- Campground popularity: High- summer months . The road is steep and narrow, less assessable in later season.
Pittsburg Campground overlooks the Wild and Scenic Snake River in the Hells Canyon National Recreation Area. The area is open year-round and can accommodate large RV’s and camper trailers.
This campground is in the Hells Canyon National Recreation Area and has access to the Snake River for fishing, boating, exploring, hiking, and kayaking.
10. Swiftwater RV Park LLC – Visit RV Park
- Distance from White Bird: 2 miles outside of White Bird and 17 Miles from Hells Canyon National Recreation Area.
- Camping sites: RV and Tent Sites
- Fee: Check website
- Campground amenities: Showers, bathrooms, laundromat, full hookups
- Campground popularity: High
Swiftwater RV Park near White Bird is a safe and minor/pet friendly campground located directly on the banks of the Salmon River. Only 17 miles from the Hells Canyon National Recreation Area, and with over 300 feet of riverfront facing the Salmon River.
The RV Park near White Bird and close to Riggins, is great for campers in big rigs, 5th wheels, toy haulers, and even tent campers. The amenities are clean and well cared for. The views are breathtaking, and the vibe is relaxed and laid back. Use this as your launch pad for exploring the Hells Canyon or Salmon River!
11. Deer Creek Pines RV – Visit Campground
- Distance from White Bird : 9.5 Miles from White Bird Idaho and 18 Miles North of Riggins
- Camping sites: 9 RV Sites
- Fee: Check Website
- Campground amenities: Water, waste stations, electricity, Wifi
- Campground popularity: High
Nestled between the “Mighty Snake River” and the “River of No Return”, AKA the Salmon River, sits this small RV Park near White Bird.
Each of the 9 spaces offers Full Hook Ups. Each site is surrounded by beautiful pine trees, river canyons, and a view of the Snake River. The spaces are large with plenty of room for an extra vehicle or boat. The spaces offer lawns, picnic tables, fire pits, and grills.
12. Hammer Creek Campground – Visit Campsite near White Bird
- Distance from White Bird: Approximately 2.7 miles from Highway 95, west of White Bird, Idaho along the Salmon River
- Camping sites: 12 campsites
- Fee: Check Website
- Campground amenities: Amenities include drinking water, accessible restrooms and a RV dump station
- Campground popularity: High
Hammer Creek Recreation site is a popular put-in spot for boating the Lower Salmon River via raft, kayak, jet boat or power boat.
Featuring 12 campsites nestled along the banks of the Lower Salmon River. The area is surrounded by grassy outcroppings, and semi-arid mountain peaks.
Other BLM recreation sites along this stretch of river are Island Bar, Lucile, Old Lucile, Shorts Bar, Slate Creek, Skookumchuck, White Bird, Hammer Creek and Pine Bar. Be sure to check those sites for more information and amenities for boat ramps or camping.
Check out the town
If you’re staying at one of the RV Parks near Riggins, you’re still going to need gas, grub, and maybe some things you may have forgotten at home! Luckily Riggins has a small town along the Salmon River. Don’t blink, or you might miss it!
The town has a population of less than 500 but during the summer months it’s full to bursting! If you need to stop in for a few groceries, head to Riggins Whitewater Market.
The town also offers a gas station, coffee shops, and a fun consignment shop to check out if you’re in town. If you’re hungry head to Cattlemen’s homestyle cooking or Salmon River Inn Pizza Sandwich Restaurant.
Riggins is an amazing town with a lot of fantastic opportunities for adventure! Come for the white water rafting, the fishing, the camping, and jet boating! There is so much to do in this gorgeous town along the Salmon River!