Map showing campground location near Elk River, Idaho

Camper submitted image from Grandad Recreation Area

Grandad Recreation Area

Operated by the US Army Corps of Engineers, this established campground provides ten sites arranged around an open gravel area that functions like a large parking lot. Sites near the water feature gravel surfaces with picnic tables and fire rings, while spots across the main area back up to trees with some grass coverage. The boat ramp sits nearby for water access.

Privacy remains limited given the open layout, though the campground typically sees fewer visitors than other Dworshak Reservoir locations. An outhouse serves the area and stays in good condition. Bass fishing proves productive here according to campers, with worms recommended as bait. For additional options, see campgrounds near Elk River. This setup works well for RV campers and boaters who prioritize water access over secluded sites.

Suggest an Edit

RV Road Trip Guides

The Great Northern Road Trip

Glacier National Park to Seattle: 4 Day Road Trip

Build Your Trip

Plan a TripAdd

Location

Public Campground

Grandad Recreation Area is located in Idaho

Coordinates

46.82403702 N
115.91313328 W

Open in Google Maps

Connectivity

T-Mobile
No Coverage
Verizon
No Coverage
AT&T
No Coverage

Connectivity

T-Mobile
No Coverage
Verizon
No Coverage
AT&T
No Coverage

Access

Drive-In
Park next to your site
Boat-In
Sites accessible by watercraft.

Site Types

Tent Sites
RV Sites

Features

For Campers

Picnic Table
Toilets
Alcohol
Pets
Fires

Contact

General Info

Drive Time

3 hrs 12 min from Lewiston, ID
4 hrs 3 min from Coeur d'Alene, ID
4 hrs 15 min from Spokane, WA
5 hrs 47 min from Missoula, MT

2026 Explorer Giveaway

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win

Enter to Win

Add Review

5 Stars

4 Stars

3 Stars

2 Stars

1 Star

4.0

out of 5

1 Review

Mandee B.

Traveler

Reviewed Aug. 8, 2020

Primitive

Open square area like big parking lot. Sports near water gravel with table and fire ring. Spots across lot have trees behind and some grass. Boat ramp nearby. Outhouse good condition. 10 sites total. Not a lot of privacy, but less people than other Dworshak sites. Good bass fishing. Bring worms.

SiteThey don’t have numbers. On water side

Month of VisitAugust

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Grandad Campground located in Idaho?

Grandad Recreation Area is located in Idaho near Dworshak Reservoir. The campground provides access to the reservoir's shoreline and includes a nearby boat ramp for water recreation. It's situated in a relatively open area with some waterfront sites and others backed by trees, making it a popular spot for fishing and boating activities in north-central Idaho.

Is Grandad Campground near Dworshak Reservoir?

Yes, Grandad Campground is located directly on Dworshak Reservoir. The campground features waterfront sites with easy access to the reservoir and includes a boat ramp nearby. This makes it an excellent choice for visitors looking to enjoy fishing, particularly bass fishing, and other water recreation activities on the reservoir.

How does Grandad Campground compare to Dent Acres?

Grandad Campground offers a more rustic, less crowded experience than Dent Acres. With only 10 sites total, Grandad is significantly smaller and provides basic amenities including outhouses in good condition, picnic tables, and fire rings. The campground features a mix of waterfront sites and spots with trees behind them. While there's less privacy than some other Dworshak locations, Grandad typically sees fewer visitors than Dent Acres. Bass fishing is excellent here, making it particularly appealing for anglers. The nearby boat ramp provides convenient water access for recreation.

Keep Exploring