Best Campgrounds near Ahsahka, ID

Dworshak State Park dominates the camping landscape around Ahsahka, Idaho, with Freeman Creek Campground serving as its primary developed camping area. The park sits along the shores of Dworshak Reservoir, offering a mix of tent sites, RV spaces with and without hookups, cabins, and boat-in camping options. Nearby alternatives include Canyon Creek, which provides free primitive camping from April through November, and Dent Acres, which features full-hookup RV sites with pull-through access. Several mini-camps accessible only by boat dot the reservoir shoreline, providing secluded tent camping opportunities. The region's camping options generally cluster around water access points, with most developed sites concentrated within 15 miles of Ahsahka.

Road conditions vary significantly when accessing campgrounds in the area, with some routes presenting challenges for larger vehicles. As one camper noted, "Google Maps wrecked us with no warnings about the narrowest gravel road with an 11% incline. Towing a big 5th wheel was horrifying." Seasonal considerations affect both access and water levels, with the reservoir experiencing significant drawdowns in summer to support downstream fish populations. Most campgrounds operate from April through October, though some remain open year-round. Cell service is limited or nonexistent at many sites, particularly those deeper into forested areas. Wildlife viewing opportunities include black bears, deer, elk, and osprey, with campers advised to practice proper food storage.

Fishing ranks as the primary recreational activity for many campers visiting the area. According to one visitor, "Kokanee fishing is great from March to about late July. The spawn begins in August, so the fish move up the reservoir as the season progresses. Smallmouth bass fishing is great too—the Idaho state Smallmouth record was caught in this lake." Water-based recreation dominates during summer months, with boat-in camping sites filling quickly on weekends. Families appreciate the playgrounds and swimming areas at developed campgrounds, while those seeking solitude can find quieter experiences at primitive sites. The terrain around most campgrounds features significant elevation changes, with many sites situated on slopes offering views of the water but sometimes creating challenges for setting up camp.

Best Camping Sites Near Ahsahka, Idaho (140)

    1. Freeman Creek Campground — Dworshak State Park

    9 Reviews
    Ahsahka, ID
    5 miles
    Website

    "There is also access to the reservoir for boating, fishing or to mini-camp sites all along the reservoir. Kokanee fishing is great from March to about late July."

    "* Sweet little nature trails were pretty and easy for smaller children to walk through. 

    • Easy lake access is only in the park/play area."

    2. Dent Acres

    11 Reviews
    Ahsahka, ID
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (208) 476-9029

    $25 - $150 / night

    "And, your route would very likely be from south to north because the southerly route begins in Elk City, Idaho and is 85% gravel and at times pretty broken up."

    "Lits of stuff to do next to the lake take your boat and go fishing skiing and much more"

    3. Canyon Creek

    7 Reviews
    Orofino, ID
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (208) 476-1268

    "Stayed here many times and will go back again it is a great place to go and it's not far to travel to from orofino idaho for an inexpensive camp trip"

    "Beautiful secluded location. Very clean bathroom. I could make and receive phone calls but no internet service with Verizon"

    4. Pink House Recreation Site

    6 Reviews
    Ahsahka, ID
    1 mile
    Website
    +1 (208) 962-3245

    $10 - $18 / night

    5. Three Meadows Group Camp — Dworshak State Park

    3 Reviews
    Ahsahka, ID
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (208) 476-1268

    "Cool little guided nature trail for an evening walk with out little one to learn about animal tracks"

    6. Dam View - Dworshak Reservoir

    2 Reviews
    Ahsahka, ID
    1 mile
    Website
    +1 (208) 476-1255

    "This area has great views an the local fish hatchery is just around the corner. The cites are primitive but they do have toilets and places for RVs."

    7. Big Eddy Marina & Lodge — Dworshak State Park

    1 Review
    Ahsahka, ID
    2 miles
    Website
    +1 (208) 373-4100

    "This is a backpacking trail. The first half mile is difficult but then the trail levels out and is easy for many miles. There’s free dispersed camping sites starting after 4.5 miles down the trail."

    8. Mini camp 4.7

    1 Review
    Ahsahka, ID
    2 miles

    $10 / night

    "Approx. 4 1/4mi from Big Eddy and 4 7/8mi from Freeman Creek, this spot sits perfectly off the Bid Eddy trail."

    9. Mini Camp 4.8

    1 Review
    Ahsahka, ID
    2 miles

    $10 / night

    "Another private off-shoot from the Big Eddy trail, mini camp 4.8 is first come first served and a highly sought after spot."

    10. Clearwater Crossing RV Park

    2 Reviews
    Orofino, ID
    2 miles
    Website
    +1 (208) 476-4800

    "Downtown is within walking distance. City park nearby. Management is super nice. Restrooms very clean"

Show More
Showing results 1-10 of 140 campgrounds

2025 Detourist Giveaway

Presented byToyota Trucks

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win


Recent Reviews near Ahsahka, ID

321 Reviews of 140 Ahsahka Campgrounds


  • HThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 27, 2025

    Pink House Recreation Site

    Full Means Full

    This is quite a popular spot b/c of boat launch area. Compact camping adjacent to day-use area. Fills early & no overnight parking allowed outside on CG.

  • SThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 19, 2025

    Robinson County Park

    Awesome little spot!

    Such a nice place! It’s a little tight to get into with a bigger rig, we have a 32ft class A, but overall it’s really nice. 5 spots with 20/30/50 amps and only $25 every 24 hours. Very quiet, nice park with expansive grassy area. Would definitely come back, it’s a really niche spot.

  • Rich J.
    Sep. 13, 2025

    Winchester Lake State Park Campground

    Great

    We stayed in the campground with hookups.....Camas loop. Generally large, separated sites with picnic tables and firepits. Forest setting throughout. There are a few sites that aren't great, but the longer length ones are best. Facilities are clean. Lots of trails, picnic areas, and boat docks. Didn't fish, but lots of people were.

  • Devon C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 9, 2025

    Elk River

    ELK RIVER IDAHO

    Many free dispersed camping site for several miles. There is also low cost Campgrounds available as well. There is a small local store nearby. Dump site on edge of town with trash available. Many recreational activities too.

  • SThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 24, 2025

    Three Rivers Resort & Campground

    Great overnight stay

    We needed an rv spot for the night on our way to McCall Idaho. Booking was straightforward, Checking easy and was As Described. The hamburgers at the restaurant were perfect for our tastebuds after a long day on the road. Lack of black water Capability was not an issue in our case and if needed there was a dump station on site. Ongoing renovation was apparent and good to see.

  • WThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 23, 2025

    McKay's Bend Recreation Site

    Great Park especially for the Price

    Full hookups bathroom and showers. In a canyon on river. Number 8 has river view but not much shade. Other sites with much shade.

  • mike L.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 17, 2025

    McKay's Bend Recreation Site

    Easy to camp here

    This campground is just off Highway 12 in Western Idaho and very convenient. It’s a little close to the road but the traffic seems to be pretty quiet at 8:30 at night. It’s right by the river, which is very nice and it seems like there is good fishing in this river so that may be a plus. I do recommend this campground.

  • D
    Aug. 8, 2025

    McKay's Bend Recreation Site

    Norm is a great host

    Beautiful, well kept grounds. If you have a seniors America The Beautiful pass, $9 gets you full hookups, showers and toilets. Short drive to town. Norm (host) is awesome and full of knowledge. Nice fishing river on the Northern side of the camp. Will come back.

  • Lorraine C.
    Aug. 2, 2025

    Deyo Reservoir

    nice but the other people were up loud till 2 am, is there a 10 pm quiet?

    dont we will stay there again because of this


Guide to Ahsahka

Dworshak Reservoir camping options near Ahsahka feature sites at elevations ranging from 1,600 to 2,000 feet above sea level, with summer temperatures typically reaching 85-95°F. The reservoir spans 53 miles with over 100 designated camping areas including both developed campgrounds and primitive boat-in sites, offering varied terrain from forested slopes to shoreline settings.

What to do

Fishing for smallmouth bass: Canyon Creek provides access to some of the reservoir's best fishing spots. "Local had wondered how we found his special fishing spot. Was a place to swim, but we did not get in," notes one camper who rated their experience five stars.

Water recreation in summer: When water levels are high, Freeman Creek Campground offers excellent swimming opportunities. "We book a group camp site every year and have a camping reunion! The kids love it and the grown up worry less at such a family appropriate park," shares a regular visitor.

Wildlife viewing year-round: Hiking trails around Mini Camp 4.8 offer chances to spot native wildlife. "Friendly little birds visited us regularly and excellent fishing off any of the sides you are surrounded by," reports a camper who hiked in and stayed multiple nights.

What campers like

Clean facilities: Many campers appreciate the well-maintained bathrooms at Dent Acres. "I was really impressed with how clean the bathrooms were. You can also find a great playground, horseshoes, picnic shelters, and an open field for games," writes one visitor.

Secluded spots: For those seeking quiet, the mini-camps provide isolation. "Trees provide a bit of wind coverage though we enjoyed perfect 80s in the day and warm 50s temps in the night," notes a visitor to Mini Camp 4.7.

Varied accommodation options: The range of sleeping arrangements appeals to many. "Our group stayed in the cabin, but hoping to come back for tent camping in warmer months," writes a visitor to Freeman Creek Campground, even when water levels were low.

What you should know

Road conditions vary significantly: Many campgrounds require navigating steep or narrow roads. "Very quiet, overlooking the lake. Clean vault toilets. Boat ramp. 4 miles of rough gravel road with tight turns," reports a visitor to Canyon Creek.

Reservoir water levels fluctuate dramatically: The water level drops throughout summer, affecting boat launches and swimming. "No one is here on a beautiful October long weekend Saturday. I can see why. The reservoir level is way down! Just getting to the water is a challenge."

Cell service limitations: Pink House Recreation Site offers better connectivity than most areas. "Beautiful secluded location. Very clean bathroom. I could make and receive phone calls but no internet service with Verizon," notes a recent visitor.

Tips for camping with families

Playgrounds and swimming areas: Family-friendly amenities make some sites more suitable for children. "They have a nice pavilion for large picnics. There is day use boat trailer parking and an upper lot of those camping overnight," notes a visitor to Dent Acres.

Nature trails for kids: Educational opportunities exist around several campgrounds. "Cool little guided nature trail for an evening walk with out little one to learn about animal tracks," shares a camper who stayed at Three Meadows Group Camp.

Primitive cabins for easier family trips: Some sites offer simple cabins as an alternative to tenting. "They have ONE handicapped cabin and 3 regular! Bathrooms are pit style but kept very clean!" reports a visitor to Three Meadows Group Camp.

Tips from RVers

Hookup availability: Full service sites exist at several campgrounds. "Early summer and full. Had full hookups and the quality of all the facilities are great, modern and functional," notes a Dent Acres visitor who stayed for ten days.

Navigation challenges: RVers should research routes carefully. "June 14 - 27, 2019 Beautiful park. Senior lifetime pass rate $10 which includes water, sewer and electric. Park has dump station. Winding roads to get there but so worth it! There are a lot of campsites that are uneven and can scrape if not careful."

Parking considerations: Some of the best places to camp near Ahsahka, Idaho have limited parking. "This is quite a popular spot b/c of boat launch area. Compact camping adjacent to day-use area. Fills early & no overnight parking allowed outside on CG," warns a visitor to Pink House Recreation Site.

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Ahsahka, ID?

According to TheDyrt.com, Ahsahka, ID offers a wide range of camping options, with 140 campgrounds and RV parks near Ahsahka, ID and 9 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Ahsahka, ID?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Ahsahka, ID is Freeman Creek Campground — Dworshak State Park with a 4.3-star rating from 9 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Ahsahka, ID?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 9 free dispersed camping spots near Ahsahka, ID.