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Established Camping

McKay's Bend Recreation Site

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Campers are Saying

McKay's Bend Recreation Site, near Lapwai, Idaho, is a welcoming campground that caters to both tent campers and RV travelers. With a friendly host who’s earned national recognition, you can expect a clean and well-maintained environment, making it a pleasant place to unwind.

The campground features essential amenities like drinking water, electric hookups, and picnic tables, ensuring you have what you need for a comfortable stay. Visitors have noted the easy access off Highway 12, with just enough distance to keep road noise to a minor hum. One camper mentioned, “Very nice no-reservation campground with a truly legendary host.”

For those who enjoy fishing, this area is particularly appealing, as it attracts many anglers. While the campground has limited tent sites, it offers ample RV spots, making it a popular choice for those traveling in larger vehicles. The scenic dirt road leading to the river adds to the charm, although some campers found the river access a bit lacking for lounging.

If you're looking to explore, you're in luck. The surrounding area offers beautiful landscapes and outdoor activities, perfect for a day of adventure. Whether you're here for a quick getaway or a longer stay, McKay's Bend provides a friendly atmosphere and essential comforts for a memorable camping experience.

General Overview

McKay’s Bend, which is jointly managed by the BLM and Idaho Fish and Game, is a developed recreation site located along the Clearwater River and Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail. This recreation site offers developed camping for RVs and tents, group facilities, a day use area, showers, flush toilets, and provides river access. Facilities Include: • 14 full hookup RV sites with water, electricity 50 AMP service, sewer, picnic tables, and fire rings • 2 large tent campsites with picnic tables and fire rings • Showers - 2 (only available to registered campground visitors) • Day use area with picnic tables and BBQ grills • Drinking water • Flush toilets - 2 • Parking area • NO RV dump station • Open year-round; first come, first served- no reservations can be made. • Dogs must be on a leash (6 feet or less) • Garbage disposal on site. Disposal of any household or industrial refuse or waste brought in from private or municipal property is prohibited and subject to fines. • Campground fees must be paid within 30 minutes after occupying site. • Group day use pavilion, exclusive use: $50 per day. To reserve, please call the BLM- Cottonwood Field Office at 208-962-3245.

Fee Info

• Camping $18 per night per camper for RV full hookups; tent camping $10 per night/$4 per extra vehicle not in tow per night. Camping only allowed at designated numbered campsites. Holders of America the Beautiful- National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Senior or Access Pass (formerly Golden Age/Golden Access Passport) provides Ѕ price of standard fee for card holder and their vehicle.

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Location

McKay's Bend Recreation Site is located in Idaho

Detail location of campground

Directions

18 miles east of Lewiston, Idaho at mile post 18.6 on U.S. Highway 12

Coordinates

46.49763717 N
116.728282 W

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The Dyrt Alerts

Get reservations at sold-out campgrounds.

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Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site

Stay Connected

  • WiFi
    Available
  • Verizon
    Unknown
  • AT&T
    Good
  • T-Mobile
    Good

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • RV Sites
  • Standard (Tent/RV)
  • Group

Features

For Campers

  • ADA Access
  • Trash
  • Picnic Table
  • Phone Service
  • Showers
  • Drinking Water
  • Electric Hookups
  • Toilets
  • Alcohol
  • Pets
  • Fires

For Vehicles

  • Sewer Hookups
  • Water Hookups
  • Pull-Through Sites
  • Big Rig Friendly

Reviews

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4.0

out of 5

5 Reviews

Reviewed Nov. 24, 2022

Clean and welcoming!

Very nice no-reservation campground with a truly legendary host. (He won a national award for his campground hosting!) Clean and well-maintained bathrooms. There is some road noise; the campground is very close to Route 12.

Site15
Month of VisitDecember
Reviewed Nov. 2, 2021

Beautiful location

Easy access off of Hwy 12 but far enough away so road noise was just a minor hum. Parked ClassB in site 15-no leveling required. Blacktop with concrete pad under picnic table.

Site15
Month of VisitDecember
Reviewed Oct. 31, 2020

Good area to hang out for a few hours.

We checked this area while scouting spots for our logging sports team.

There were very few tent site cams but a lot of RV areas.

When we scouted it out, it was totally full. Because there’s so few spots for what we wanted we decided our chances of getting a spot elsewhere on the first show was more likely.

Reviewed Oct. 10, 2020

Good for fishermen, mediocre for everyone else

We pulled into this site in early October with our RV, and unfortunately the site was full. But the amazing host, Norm (who's been the host there for 17 years!) let us park in a regular parking spot and dry camp. He even brought out an extension cord to get us electricity from a shed. 

Aside from that, the campground was mediocre. There is a patch of grass with a few fire pits for tent campers, and 12 or so RV sites. Showers were closed due to COVID. There's a dirt road that leads down to the river, which is scenic. But there's no particularly good spots to hang out on the river. 

Everything seems to cater to fishermen that frequent the area. Pickup trucks were pulling in and out of the campground from early in the morning to late at night, as people are heading fishing or returning. That wasn't great for us with young children playing around the RV and also woke us up early.

Month of VisitNovember
  • Review photo of McKay's Bend Recreation Site by Julian P., October 10, 2020
  • Review photo of McKay's Bend Recreation Site by Julian P., October 10, 2020
  • Review photo of McKay's Bend Recreation Site by Julian P., October 10, 2020
  • (6) View All

Frequently Asked Questions

  • How much does it cost to camp at McKay's Bend Recreation Site?

    Camping at McKay's Bend Recreation Site can cost between $10.00 and $18.00 depending on the site.

  • Does McKay's Bend Recreation Site have RV hookups?

    According to TheDyrt.com, McKay's Bend Recreation Site has water hookups and sewer hookups.

  • Are fires allowed at McKay's Bend Recreation Site?

    Yes, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, fires are allowed at McKay's Bend Recreation Site, although make sure to check current fire restrictions in the area.

  • Does McKay's Bend Recreation Site have wifi?

    No, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, McKay's Bend Recreation Site does not have wifi.

  • Is there cell phone reception at McKay's Bend Recreation Site?

    According to campers on TheDyrt.com, Verizon signal is unknown, AT&T is good, and T-Mobile is good.