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Dispersed Camping

Clark Fork Drift Yard

CAMPER SUMMARY PRESENTED BYFord

Clark Fork Drift Yard in Idaho offers a camping experience surrounded by forested terrain and the Clark Fork River. Temperatures range from lows in the 20s Fahrenheit during winter to highs in the 80s during summer. Nearby attractions include Lake Pend Oreille and the Cabinet Mountains, providing opportunities for hiking and water activities.

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Location

Clark Fork Drift Yard is located in Idaho

Detail location of campground

Coordinates

48.17368832 N
116.2322995 W

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Connectivity

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Drive Time

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Connectivity

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    T-Mobile
    No Coverage
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    VerizonLTE
    Some Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T5G
    Excellent Coverage

Access

  • Drive-In
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Features

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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.


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Reviews

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3.5

out of 5

4 Reviews

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

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.