SUMMER SALE 50% off The Dyrt PRO — just $2.49/moGet now
SALE: PRO just $2.49/mo
The Dyrt – find campgrounds for tents, RVs, cabins, glamping and more.
Open in App
Map showing campground location near Clark Fork, Idaho
Camper submitted image from Clark Fork Drift YardView 6 Photos
NatureMap showing campground location near Clark Fork, Idaho

Clark Fork Drift Yard

5 ReviewsAdd Review
SUMMARY PRESENTED BYT-Mobile

Where the Clark Fork River empties into Lake Pend Oreille, this dispersed area managed by the Idaho Department of Fish and Game sits along the eastern shore of one of Idaho's largest lakes. It is free and first-come, first-served. The site is close to the highway, and road noise is noticeable, as is a nearby rail line, though multiple visitors report neither is disruptive enough to be a deal-breaker. Campers interested in camping near Clark Fork will find this one of the more water-accessible options in the area.

The setup here is open and exposed, more gravel lot than developed campground. There are a few distinct sections, which gives arriving campers some separation from others. Amenities are minimal: a pit toilet, at least one rock fire ring, and two boat launches, one with a dock and one without. The location draws anglers and boaters, and activity at the launches tends to start early in the morning. Vicki D. notes it gets "quiet after the boats get off the lake." The log jam area has been noted as a useful spot for bird watching.

Mosquitoes and lake insects are common in summer, so bug protection is worth packing. Early-season visitors should be aware that flooding is a reported risk before summer. Nearby alternatives include Island View Trailer Resort and Beyond Hope Resort to the northwest, both of which offer more developed facilities. This spot works best as an overnight stop or day-use area rather than a multi-night base camp.

Suggest an Edit

RV Road Trip Guides

The Great Northern Road Trip

The Great Northern Road Trip

The Great Northern Road Trip Segment: Glacier National Park to Seattle

Glacier National Park to Seattle: 4 Day Road Trip

Build Your Trip

Plan a TripAdd

Map & DirectionsClark Fork Drift Yard is located in Idaho near Clark Fork

Detail location of campground
Dispersed Camping

Coordinates

48.17368832 N
116.2322995 W

Open in Google Maps

Connectivity

Presented byT-MobileT-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoorsLearn More
  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    VerizonLTE
    Good Coverage
    Verified by 15 users
    Last on 7/26/26
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T5G
    Excellent Coverage

Connectivity

Presented byT-MobileT-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoorsLearn More
  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    VerizonLTE
    Good Coverage
    Verified by 15 users
    Last on 7/26/26
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T5G
    Excellent Coverage

Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site

Features

Have you camped here? Help us improve this campground page.

Add a Feature

DISPERSED CAMPING

Enjoy dispersed camping on government land and leave no trace. Pack in and pack out. No (or limited) services at this camping area. Permit may be required.

PERMIT might be REQUIRED

We curate permit requirements across the US for our PRO members. Try PRO to see if Clark Fork Drift Yard needs a permit.

Try PRO for Free

Drive Time

2026 Explorer Giveaway

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win

Idaho Contest

Enter to Win

Reviews5 Camper Reviews - Clark Fork Drift Yard

Add Review

5 Stars

4 Stars

3 Stars

2 Stars

1 Star

0%
60%
20%
20%
0%

3.5

out of 5

5 Reviews

This free, first-come spot functions more like a parking area than a traditional campground, with basic boat launch facilities. Campers commonly noted the open layout and highway proximity, though some appreciated the mountain views and peaceful lake setting.

SUMMARY PRESENTED BYT-Mobile
Reviewed Jul. 8, 2026

Relaxing

We found this place very relaxing. We stayed right along the water. There is a train near by, but we really didn’t notice the noise.

Month of VisitJuly
Reviewed Feb. 7, 2024

Outhouse could use cleaning

Met some really nice folks at the boat launch. Quiet after the boats get off the lake. They start showing up early for fishing but we don’t mind that

Siteit is mostly parking lot. near the grass because we have doggie s
Month of VisitJuly
Reviewed Jul. 21, 2022

Great View

Love looking at the mountains. It’s close to get back on HWY, there is noise but not horrible. Only 2 other campers when we came through but there’s a few open sections to have some space in between. Porta potty is well kept. Boat launch with dock and another without. At least one rock fire pit available. There are lots of cicadas to listen to in the brush, some mosquitoes and other lake bugs flying around, so be ready.

SiteClosest to the water
Month of VisitJuly
  • Review photo of Clark Fork Drift Yard by Emilee B., July 21, 2022
  • Review photo of Clark Fork Drift Yard by Emilee B., July 21, 2022
  • Review photo of Clark Fork Drift Yard by Emilee B., July 21, 2022
Reviewed Nov. 8, 2021

Good place to boat, not to camp

There is a pit toilet and a boat ramp here. Camping is ‘t great, there is no privacy and it is very open! If you are here early enough in the year, there is a risk of flooding. The log jam is a good spot to bird watch. This is a good spot for recreating but not overnight camping!

Month of VisitMay
Reviewed Sep. 2, 2021

Basic gravel parking lot overnight

This is a parking lot on a gravel road very close to the highway along Lake Pend Oreille's eastern shore. There is a boat launch. It is where the Clark Fork River empties into the Lake. It is managed by the Pend Oreille Wildlife Management Area office - the "Panhandle" office. It is free and first come, first served.  Good for an overnight stay or day use, but NOT a full on campground at all.

Month of VisitSeptember
  • Review photo of Clark Fork Drift Yard by Mike E., September 2, 2021
Showing results 1-5 of 5 reviews

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Clark Fork Drift Yard located and how do I access it?

Clark Fork Drift Yard is located where the Clark Fork River empties into Lake Pend Oreille along the eastern shore in Idaho. The site is positioned close to the highway, making it easily accessible. You can reach it via a gravel road that connects to the main highway. The area is managed by the Pend Oreille Wildlife Management Area's Panhandle office. The location offers mountain views and is convenient for travelers looking to quickly get back on the highway.

Are there camping facilities at Clark Fork Drift Yard?

Clark Fork Drift Yard offers basic camping facilities in an open area with limited privacy. The site includes a pit toilet/porta potty that is generally well-maintained. There's at least one rock fire pit on site for campers to use. The camping area is essentially a parking lot style setup with few amenities. Be aware that early in the season there is risk of flooding. The area is free for overnight stays, though it's more suited for those seeking convenient access to the water rather than a secluded camping experience.

Is there a boat ramp available at Clark Fork Drift Yard?

Yes, Clark Fork Drift Yard features boat launch facilities. There are two boat ramps available - one with a dock and another without. The boat launch area is popular with anglers, particularly in the early morning hours. The ramps provide direct access to the Clark Fork River where it meets Lake Pend Oreille, making this a convenient spot for boating and fishing activities.

What activities can I do at Clark Fork Drift Yard besides boating?

Beyond boating, Clark Fork Drift Yard offers several outdoor activities. Bird watching is popular, particularly at the log jam area. The site provides excellent opportunities for fishing, with anglers arriving early in the morning. Mountain viewing is another highlight, with scenic vistas surrounding the area. The location is also good for wildlife observation as part of the Pend Oreille Wildlife Management Area. While the site itself is basic, its position at the confluence of the Clark Fork River and Lake Pend Oreille makes it an ideal base for water-based recreation and nature appreciation.

Keep Exploring