Camping near Clarkia, Idaho sits at elevations ranging from 2,800 to 3,200 feet in the northern panhandle region. Situated within the St. Joe National Forest, this area receives approximately 30 inches of precipitation annually, creating lush forested conditions for campers. Most campsites near Clarkia remain accessible from late May through mid-October, with forest roads typically closing during winter months.
What to do
Garnet hunting opportunities: At Emerald Creek Campground, visitors can search for Idaho's state gem in nearby creek beds. "It is also lots of fun to go look for garnets in the creek! Idaho's state gem! The garnet area was closed when we went (erosion), but garnet sand was visible farther down the creek along the road," notes camper Celine K.
Hiking trails: Multiple trail networks provide options for day hikes from campsites. At Giant White Pine Campground, campers find "awesome trails nearby for all levels," according to Rachel A. This campground connects to "a network of trails for hiking and biking originating from the campground."
Fishing access: Creek and reservoir fishing opportunities abound within 30 minutes of Clarkia. At Moose Creek Reservoir Access, "there is easy access to the water where many people fish, swim, and canoe/kayak. There are lots of docks stationed around the water," reports Hannah C. The small waterways throughout the region support various fish species including trout.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Many campers appreciate the thoughtful site layouts. At Little Boulder Campground, "they've done a good job of spacing the spots out and keeping plenty of trees and foliage in between for privacy," mentions Mike E. The campground features "private spots tucked up in the trees. All of the sites circle a meadow."
Clean facilities: Despite remote locations, campgrounds maintain well-kept amenities. Little Boulder Campground stands out as "the restrooms here are some of the cleanest of the campgrounds in the area," according to Megan K. Similarly, Marble Creek Campground receives praise for its accessible facilities.
Natural sounds: The sound of flowing water enhances the camping experience at several locations. At Moose Creek Reservoir Access, "in the morning there is a beautiful fog that comes off the water. The sites have varying amount of privacy so you can find a spot that suits your preferences," notes Megan K.
What you should know
Seasonal closures: Most forest roads and campgrounds close during winter months. Megan K. notes about Little Boulder Campground: "This camp site is not open year round but I'm not exactly sure when it closes. I came here to do some late fall camping and it was closed."
Security measures: Some campgrounds implement security protocols. At Elk Creek Campground, campers should note gate restrictions. According to Mike E. at Little Boulder Campground, "they lock the gate to the campground at 10:00 p.m. and don't open it until the morning unless you contact the campground host. Not sure why. Probably just for security."
Pack it in, pack it out: Many campgrounds have limited waste facilities. At Moose Creek Reservoir, Hannah C. appreciates that "they have trash facilities that are bear proof," but notes this isn't universal. Emerald Creek requires careful waste management: "This is a pack in pack out camp site... There is no potable water, no outhouses, and no trashcans! Please preserve this places beauty and pick up after yourselves."
Tips for camping with families
Educational opportunities: The region offers learning experiences for children. At Cedar Creek Campground, families can explore nearby attractions: "There are some good fishing areas nearby that my friends love messing around, but they have yet to catch fish at this location," shares Megan K. The creek beds and forest trails provide nature study opportunities.
Noise considerations: Road proximity affects some campgrounds. At Giant White Pine Campground, families should consider that it's "right off the highway, so traffic noise consistently. The trails are nice, but you don't come across water very often. Better for bikes and atv's," notes Tanny M.
Family-friendly layouts: Some campgrounds feature creative site designs ideal for families. One camper mentioned about Emerald Creek: "Care and creativity were used when building the sites; ours had tent sites on 2 levels, and another had little stairs carved into the dirt."
Tips from RVers
Size limitations: Most campgrounds accommodate smaller RVs only. At City of Bovill RV Park, RVers find "all the amenities you hope a RV Park has," according to Megan K., including full hookups, but parking areas at forest campgrounds have length restrictions.
All-season options: For year-round RV camping, City of Bovill RV Park offers "an all season RV Park. There's a nice patch of grass in the center during warm months. Sometimes we have a hard time finding all season parks," reports Megan K.
Surface conditions: RV campers should note varying pad surfaces. Giant White Pine provides sites with compact surfaces, while Timber Creek RV Park features "terrain is gravel and grass making it better than others where there's a place you can kick off your shoes and feel the grass between your toes."
