Best Tent Camping near Clarkia, ID
Public lands surrounding Clarkia, Idaho offer several tent camping options within the St. Joe National Forest and nearby BLM lands. BLM Crater Lake Saddle and BLM Orphan Point Saddle provide primitive tent-only sites directly in Clarkia, both open from July to September. Marble Creek Campground in St. Maries and Giant White Pine Campground in Harvard are established tent campgrounds within 30-45 minutes of Clarkia, with Giant White Pine operating seasonally from May 20 to September 19.
Most tent campsites in the Clarkia area feature basic amenities on natural surfaces. Giant White Pine Campground provides picnic tables, toilets, and designated tent pads, though campers should bring their own drinking water and firewood. According to reviews, the 14 sites at Giant White Pine cost approximately $12 per night with a $2 fee for additional vehicles. Tent campers should note that fire restrictions often apply at BLM sites near Clarkia, where fires are typically not permitted. Tingley Spring, a hike-in tent site northeast of Clarkia, requires backpackers to carry all necessary supplies including water filtration equipment. Road conditions to many sites deteriorate after rain or snow, with some requiring high-clearance vehicles.
Tent camping experiences vary significantly across the region. One visitor noted that Giant White Pine Campground offers "clean sites" with "awesome trails nearby for all levels," though some campers mentioned consistent traffic noise from the nearby highway. Lake Elsie Campground, while not in Clarkia proper, provides a backcountry tent camping experience with approximately 11 first-come, first-served sites around a mountain lake. Campers reported the road to Lake Elsie as "narrow, windy, and steep," taking about 30 minutes on rough terrain. Primitive tent camping at Breakwater Campground offers free sites with no amenities beyond fire rings, making it suitable for self-sufficient tent campers seeking seclusion. Walk-in tent sites along the Big Eddy trail provide privacy and water access for those willing to hike with gear.