Popular BLM Recreation Sites Reopened

Organization

Bureau of Land Management

BLM Office:

Idaho Falls District Office

Media Contact:

CHALLIS, ID – Owing to receding river water, the BLM has reopened several popular recreation sites along the Salmon River. 

The Challis Bridge Day Use Area (located at the junction of U.S. Highway 93 and State Highway 75); the Cottonwood Campground Recreation Site (located approximately 15 miles north of Challis); and the Morgan Bar Campground (located approximately six miles north of Salmon) are now open. 

Warm weather and spring runoff in April and early May resulted in flooding and the accumulation of debris at the recreation sites, making them unsafe and unsuitable for public use.  All three sites are popular picnicking and camping areas and provide easy access to the Salmon River.

“Even though these recreation sites are open, please remember to pay attention to changing water conditions along rivers or creeks,” said James Townley, outdoor recreation planner for the BLM Salmon Field Office.  “Planning ahead and being safe are really important at this time of year.”

The BLM manages many recreation sites including day-use areas and campgrounds on our public lands.  Please check with your local BLM office before visiting these areas this spring to ensure the area you want to visit is ready for use.   

For more information on this closure or for general information, please contact the BLM in Challis at 208-879-6200 or in Salmon at 208-756-5400.


The BLM manages more than 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.