Tent camping near Clarkia, Idaho provides access to the densely forested public lands of the Panhandle National Forest at elevations ranging from 2,500 to 4,000 feet. Summer temperatures typically range from 50°F at night to 85°F during day, with afternoon thunderstorms common in July and August. Road conditions to backcountry sites often require high-clearance vehicles, particularly after rainfall when forest service roads become muddy and rutted.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: At Little North Fork Campground, anglers can catch cutthroat and rainbow trout in the clear mountain streams. "Not many places to camp, but great fishing for cutthroats and rainbows. Takes a while to drive in, but well worth it once you are there!" notes Cody B.
Wildlife viewing: The St. Joe National Forest surrounding Clarkia hosts diverse wildlife including moose, elk, and black bears. Campers at Lake Elsie Campground should be particularly cautious as one visitor warns, "Multiple bears went through the campground in the evening and came back at around 3am. Be careful with your food and be smart."
Water recreation: Several backcountry lakes and streams offer paddling opportunities within a 30-45 minute drive from Clarkia. "Awesome lake for kayaking and paddle boarding," shares Nathan M. about Lake Elsie, while Jessica C. adds, "We always catch lots of brooke and rainbow trout and wild life is everywhere!"
What campers like
Remote settings: The isolation of many Clarkia-area camping spots appeals to those seeking solitude. "This is one of my favorite camping spots. There is a beautiful alpine lake, which is obviously cold spring water. But, you can get away with taking a dip in the summer season!" reports Saphrenne R. about Lake Elsie Campground.
Trail access: The region offers extensive trail networks for hikers, mountain bikers, and ATV enthusiasts. "Tons of riding trails and a quiet campground," says Russell M. about Lake Elsie, while Rachel A. notes that Giant White Pine Campground has "awesome trails nearby for all levels."
Rock collecting: The streams around Marble Creek provide unique geological specimens. "Every camp has great access to the creek where you can search for all kinds of beautiful rocks and even go fishing," explains Jade F., who considers it "by far one of my favorite places to camp in the world."
What you should know
Road conditions: Many backcountry campsites require navigating challenging forest roads. Lake Elsie's access road is particularly demanding, with one camper describing it as "narrow, windy, and steep" requiring "at least 30 minutes to get up after you hit the gravel, and that's pushing it pretty hard."
Wildlife precautions: Bear activity is common throughout the region, particularly at Lake Elsie. Store food securely and never leave attractants out. One camper advises, "There is a moose that frequents the area so keep your trash in your car to avoid feeding the moose."
Variable facilities: Tingley Spring - BLM and similar backcountry sites require complete self-sufficiency. "Bring all your camping supplies, as there are not services like water, which is just how we like them!" explains Megan K., who recommends these sites for experienced backcountry campers.
Tips for camping with families
Accessibility considerations: Some Clarkia-area sites accommodate those with mobility challenges. "Sometimes it's hard to find sites where you can have a person in a wheelchair move around okay. These sites are good for that," notes Megan K. about Partridge Creek Campground, though she cautions about gravel roads.
Unique attractions: Families camping near Marble Creek can explore geological features. "Just miles from the camp, there is an old man-built cave that makes its way through the entire mountain. You can drop family members off, let them walk through the exciting damp, dark cave, and pick them up on the other side," describes Jade F.
Off-season visits: For quieter family camping experiences, avoid peak summer weekends at popular spots. Ivy K. notes about Lake Elsie: "It might get a bit crowded on summer weekends but multiple sites were vacant when we arrived on a Thursday afternoon in July."
Tips from RVers
Limited RV options: Most tent camping areas around Clarkia have minimal amenities for RVs and many access roads are unsuitable for trailers. "The road down is decent, kinda narrow at times. But, I've seen people tow trailers down to the lake before," shares Saphrenne R. about Lake Elsie, though most recommend against it.
Highway noise considerations: When bringing an RV, consider noise levels at accessible campgrounds. Gretchen B. observes about Giant White Pine Campground: "We checked out campground and the giant white pine but decided not to camp there due to its proximity to a busy road. Lots of logging trucks made it awfully noisy for tent camping. Might be OK in a RV."
Seasonal road closures: RV campers should note many forest roads around Clarkia become impassable outside summer months. "The road sometimes still has a good foot of snow until about Mid-June, so beware," cautions Saphrenne R. about access to Lake Elsie.
