Emergency shut down of amenities at BLM Hammer Creek Recreation Site in Idaho Panhandle
Cottonwood, Idaho—The Bureau of Land Management Cottonwood Field Office has temporarily shut down certain amenities at Hammer Creek Recreation Site along the Lower Salmon River, due to an emergency septic system issue.
The Hammer Creek septic system supporting the RV Dump Station and flush toilet building suffered a drain field issue on Aug. 20, 2025. Subsequently, these amenities are out of order until repairs can be completed. A plan for repairs is moving along quickly, and system improvements are estimated to be completed by the end of October 2025. Until then, visitors will need to utilize alternative RV dump site locations. Hammer Creek will still be open to recreationists and vault toilets remain available for usage.
The Cottonwood Field Office recognizes the inconvenience this may cause to visitors, but they are necessary to ensure safe and efficient operation of the site for everyone’s enjoyment. For further information contact the Cottonwood Field Office at 208-962-3245, or via email at [email protected].
The BLM manages about 245 million acres of public land located primarily in 12 western states, including Alaska, on behalf of the American people. The BLM also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. Our mission is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of America’s public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations.