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Map showing campground location near Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests, Idaho
Camper submitted image from Knife Edge CampgroundView 11 Photos
CampingMap showing campground location near Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests, Idaho

Knife Edge Campground

5 ReviewsAdd Review
SUMMARY PRESENTED BYT-Mobile

Rafters and kayakers heading the Lochsa River corridor have used Knife Edge Campground as a practical put-in and overnight base, with rough but workable river access for non-motorized watercraft. Anglers and wildlife watchers will also find the site useful. One visitor spotted a juvenile black bear on the approach road, and the river itself runs close enough that its sound carries through the night.

The campground sits directly off US Highway 12 within Clearwater National Forest, with five or six wooded sites shaded by tall fir, cedar, and deciduous growth. Sites vary in their relationship to the road. Some back up against the highway and pick up road noise, while a middle site or the pull-through site 5 near the river provide more buffer. Spaces are flat, with soft ground and enough tree cover between sites to give a reasonable sense of separation. Each site has a fire ring with a cooking grate and a picnic table.

Seasonally, the campground limits overnight use to two sites, with three additional spots reserved for boaters. Lauren notes "Vault toilet and Lochsa river access (rock bar), no garbage services this time of year," which is worth factoring in for fall visits. The vault toilet includes separate his-and-her facilities with changing areas. No fee is charged. Nearby, Glade Creek Campground and Apgar Campground provide additional options along the same corridor. Cell service is limited, so download any maps or information before arriving.

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Map & DirectionsKnife Edge Campground is located in Idaho near Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests

Detail location of campground
Public Campground

Directions

Travel 11.6 miles east on highway 12 from Lowell, ID.  Site will be on the right.

Coordinates

46.22700057 N
115.47400097 W

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Connectivity

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Connectivity

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  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    Verizon
    No Coverage
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    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

  • Trash
  • Picnic Table
  • Toilets
  • Alcohol
  • Pets
  • Fires

For Vehicles

  • Pull-Through Sites

Drive Time

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Reviews5 Camper Reviews - Knife Edge Campground

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4.5

out of 5

5 Reviews

Guests frequently mentioned the spacious, wooded sites that accommodate RVs and tents equally well. Most reviews indicate basic but solid amenities with free camping as a major draw. Highway noise affects some sites, though many found the natural setting provided adequate privacy.

SUMMARY PRESENTED BYT-Mobile
Reviewed Jul. 4, 2025

Idyllic location for a tiny public campground

Situated on the Lochsa River, right off US 12, a tiny US Forest Service campground: 5 or 6 wooded sites, firerings and picnic tables at each site.  Early spring closure of all but two sites to accomodate boaters at the river access point, also part of the campground.  Pull-through site 5 provides a perfect location next to the river.  First come, first serve, and free.

Site5
Month of VisitJune
  • Review photo of Knife Edge Campground by Patrick M., July 4, 2025
  • Review photo of Knife Edge Campground by Patrick M., July 4, 2025
  • Review photo of Knife Edge Campground by Patrick M., July 4, 2025
  • (4) View All
Reviewed Oct. 30, 2022

Beautiful spot

Stayed one night 10/13/22. Pulled in at dark, just right off of the 12 in Kooskia, ID. About 5/6 campgrounds, 2 were occupied (quiet neighbors), but with enough trees to feel there was privacy. Vault toilet and Lochsa river access(rock bar), no garbage services this time of year. Saw a black bear (juvenile) on the way in but didn’t see/hear anything else from the bear that night or the next morning. Soft ground, and flat even spaces. Fire ring and picnic table as well. Free made it the perfect price, given that a lot of the state campsites were closed (locked gate) this time. Looked as though some campsites backed to the highway, we chose a middle site and weren’t too disturbed by the highway. (Tent camped on a road trip to the Midwest)

Month of VisitOctober
  • Review photo of Knife Edge Campground by Lauren , October 30, 2022
  • Review photo of Knife Edge Campground by Lauren , October 30, 2022
Reviewed Jun. 7, 2018

5 slot campground at river access. Take-out point for boaters.

Only 2 slots available seasonally for overnighters with 3 available for boaters, It is up against the highway with minimal sheltering from the road noise but the river is noisier, not a complaint. Site 3 is the best for overnighters with rv's or tents, site 2 is the other overnight spot but up against the hwy. The campground is sheltered with tall fir, cedar and decidiuous growth. It is not a boatramp site but rough access to the river for rafts and kayaks. There is a his/her pit toilet and his/her changing areas. Each site appears to have a good fire pit with cooking grate.

Site3
Month of VisitJune
  • Review photo of Knife Edge Campground by Dean R., June 7, 2018
  • Review photo of Knife Edge Campground by Dean R., June 7, 2018
  • Review photo of Knife Edge Campground by Dean R., June 7, 2018
  • (5) View All
Showing results 1-5 of 5 reviews

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Knife Edge Campground located in Idaho?

Knife Edge Campground is located right off US Highway 12 near Kooskia, Idaho. It sits along the scenic Lochsa River in north-central Idaho. This small US Forest Service campground is positioned in a wooded area that provides some natural privacy while maintaining easy highway access. The campground's riverside location makes it a popular spot for visitors looking to enjoy the natural beauty of Idaho's river country.

What amenities are available at Knife Edge Campground?

Knife Edge Campground offers basic amenities including fire rings and picnic tables at each site. The campground has vault toilets and direct access to the Lochsa River. There are 5-6 wooded campsites total, though early in the spring some sites are reserved for boaters using the river access point. No garbage services are available during certain times of the year. The campground can accommodate both tents and RVs up to 40 feet, with at least one pull-through site (site 5) available.

How far is Knife Edge Campground from Kamiah, Idaho?

Knife Edge Campground is located near Kooskia, Idaho, which is approximately 7-10 miles from Kamiah. The campground sits along Highway 12, making it easily accessible for travelers coming from Kamiah. The short drive between these locations follows the river corridor and typically takes about 10-15 minutes depending on driving conditions and exact starting point within Kamiah.

How does Knife Edge Campground compare to other nearby campgrounds like Lochsa or Wilderness Gateway?

Knife Edge Campground is significantly smaller than nearby alternatives, offering just 5-6 sites compared to the larger facilities at Lochsa or Wilderness Gateway. While all share the beautiful forested setting along the river system, Knife Edge provides a more intimate experience with fewer amenities. Knife Edge sits directly off Highway 12, which means more road noise than more secluded alternatives, though the sound of the Lochsa River helps mask this. Wildlife viewing opportunities exist at all locations, with bear sightings reported at Knife Edge. For those seeking basic facilities and river access with fewer crowds, Knife Edge is ideal, while those wanting more developed facilities might prefer the alternatives.

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