Selway Falls Campground features pit toilets and established camping areas where pets are allowed alongside owners. This traditional Forest Service campground allows alcohol and provides picnic tables for visitors bringing dogs. Most of the pet-friendly camping options near Clearwater National Forest include basic amenities like fire rings and vault toilets, with many sites offering creek or riverside locations. Whitewater Campground, accessible via a steep road with switchbacks down into the Salmon River canyon, accommodates both tent and RV camping with pets. The campground is typically shared with horseback hunters during fall seasons. Sites in this region tend to be well-spaced, offering privacy for campers with active or vocal dogs.
Popular pet-friendly camping destinations in the area include Five Mile Campground and Newsome Campground, both operating seasonally. The roads to most pet-friendly sites are remote and may require driving on gravel for 45 minutes or longer. Some campgrounds like Big Creek in Payette National Forest provide firewood and picnic tables in a wilderness setting where dogs can explore surrounding trails. Alta Campground near Painted Rock Reservoir accepts pets year-round with drinking water available, though limited shade trees make summer camping potentially uncomfortable for dogs. Wildlife is abundant throughout the region, with campers regularly spotting elk, bighorn sheep, and otters along waterways, requiring proper pet control and awareness.
"Nice easy trail up or down the river from here. Lots of rafters and occasional jet boats on the river. Pit toilet is maintained by the USFS. No garbage service, pack it in pack it out."
"Lots of ATVs and side-by-sides on the road near the campground, but the campground itself was quiet and peaceful. The sites are all flat. Some are big-rig friendly."
Campground full next weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $25 / night
"Fun trails all around to explore and I've heard you can pan in the creek. It is reported the 2022 fire pretty well wiped out the area so camper beware..."
"kinda small but great place to set up a base camp for exploring the wilderness next to the camp"
from $10 / night
Campground full next weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $100 / night
"The roads are not busy but it is a bumpy long drive to this area with 45 mins on gravel roads."
"We found a place off the road next to a creek and away from the road. It was amazing."
GuideThis dispersed site was a large turn out on the road, enough room for two camps, on a large bend in the West Fork of the Bitterroot River, caught several cutthroat and rainbows 10-12”, site was great, free, shady and right next to woods and river. A couple nice stone fire pits had been formed, lots of room.
ScoutWe recently camped at Rombo campground, with friends, and had a wonderful time. The campground is quite small, perhaps 15 individual spots, which worked well for us, as I particularly like the more private and quieter locations. There was potable water spigots and bear proof garbage containers. The fire rings looked fairly new, with higher, larger rings and sturdy grates.
The camp host is very friendly and helpful. He cleans the pit toilets on a regular basis and does a great job. He travels through the campground regularly, with his little dog Jellybean, making sure that everyone is taking care of their campsites (no unattended fires, trash issues, parking issues, etc.)
Most sites had an easy access to the river and there were a few trails nearby to hike on. We heard heron calls in the evening, as well as seeing many smaller critters. The camp host warned us that bears had been visiting the campgrounds near the Painted Rock Reservoir, about 10 miles away, and could show up at our campground as well, so we were sure to pack all food items away.
The spaces for campers were not very large so I would say this is best suited for smaller campers or travel vans. We had a tear drop trailer, which was perfect for the site that we found. There are only a few sites that can be reserved online, the rest are on a first come basis. Our only complaint about our three days there, is that there was a crew across the river that was clearing deadfall and working with chainsaws. They started at about 5:45 each morning but had to quit at 2:00 pm. That put a damper on trying to sleep in and the noise was a bit irritating as it sounded like a dirt bike racetrack around the forest.
ScoutThis is a beautiful area with a nicely developed campground. It has seven spacious sites and access to a couple of outhouses. The lake and surrounding mountains are beautiful and the fishing is good. The drive in is long and treacherous for anything much bigger than a jeep. It is bumpy, steep and very narrow with sharp drop offs . Be prepared to remove trees from the roadway in multiple spots. The spot is gorgeous, but we wouldn't do the drive again.
Guidegreat prices and beautiful views!
TravelerNice spots almost all season long.
GuideOne of only a few big open flat spaces on the Magruder corridor. Beautiful vistas. Dispersed campsite. No cell service.
GuideSites are spread out. Plenty of privacy. Hard to see other sites at my site. I camped just before hunting season started. So there were a lot of hunters and horse packers starting to set up. Lots of ATVs and side-by-sides on the road near the campground, but the campground itself was quiet and peaceful. The sites are all flat. Some are big-rig friendly. However the Magruder corridor itself is a pretty rough road. I came from the west (high clearance recommended) which was a lot rougher than the east side.
LegendFound this spot on our way to hike the Baker, Middle, & Gem Lake Trail. There's just one proper dispersed site on this long switchback dirt road, but it's quite the spot if you can grab it! The views are amazing, but unfortunately it's right off the road at a switchback. There's only enough room for a standard vehicle or a camper van. Much of this road has no cell service, but this campsite did have a good AT&T signal. No amenities, so as always, clean up after yourself and keep Montana beautiful.
TravelerWe 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.
Pet-friendly camping options in the Clearwater National Forest area include both established campgrounds and dispersed sites with varying amenities. Most campsites require traveling remote gravel roads, with drive times often exceeding 45 minutes from main highways. The region sits within Idaho's rugged mountain terrain at elevations between 1,800-6,000 feet, creating significant temperature variations even during summer months.
Wildlife observation and safety: Exercise caution when camping with pets near Magruder Crossing Campground, where visitors regularly spot wildlife. According to Bill, "I camped just before hunting season started. So there were a lot of hunters and horse packers starting to set up. Lots of ATVs and side-by-sides on the road near the campground, but the campground itself was quiet and peaceful."
Fishing access: Many dog-friendly campsites provide direct water access for fishing. At Deep Creek, Marian J. reports, "We fished off the dock and was visited by a large otter!" Keep pets leashed near water areas to prevent wildlife disturbance.
Trail exploration: Several campgrounds connect to trail systems suitable for hiking with dogs. Christopher R. notes that Big Creek Campground is "kinda small but great place to set up a base camp for exploring the wilderness next to the camp." Leashes required on most trails.
Riverside locations: Many campers appreciate waterfront sites for cooling off during summer heat. At Selway Falls Campground, Megan K. found "a small hill and then a flat small field where we lounged and are apples and cheese while sucking up the sun."
Camp spacing and privacy: Forest Service campgrounds typically feature well-spaced sites that accommodate active dogs without disturbing neighbors. According to Bill, sites at Magruder Crossing Campground are "spread out. Plenty of privacy. Hard to see other sites at my site."
Extended stays: The remote nature of these campgrounds allows for longer camping periods without crowds. Gary E. spent "better than two weeks at Alta Campground while fishing the surrounding creeks, running our side by side up and down the mountain roads and soaking in the mineral pool of Horse Creek Hot Springs."
Road conditions: Access roads to dog-friendly campgrounds in this region can be challenging. Pat F. warns about Whitewater Campground: "The access is via a steep and narrow road with at least 15 switchbacks." High-clearance vehicles recommended for most locations.
Limited amenities: Most pet-friendly sites offer basic facilities only. Christopher R. describes Five Mile Campground as having "a bunch of sites and very spacious," but most locations lack showers or electrical hookups.
Seasonal considerations: Many campgrounds operate seasonally from June through October due to snow access issues. Jersey G. notes, "It is reported the 2022 fire pretty well wiped out the area so camper beware..." regarding Five Mile Campground, highlighting the importance of checking current conditions.
Heat management: Limited shade at some campgrounds can affect comfort with pets and children. Kat S. observes that Alta Campground can be "hot, there isnt alot of shade trees," making afternoon activities challenging during peak summer.
Ranger availability: Forest Service rangers regularly patrol established campgrounds and can provide guidance for dispersed camping with dogs. Megan K. shares that at Selway Falls, "The ranger here is in a motorcycle and stops by the formal campgrounds frequently. But he does leave the dispersed camping all around unattended."
Swimming spots: Identify safe water access points for supervised dog swimming. At Newsome Campground, Erica D. found "a place off the road next to a creek and away from the road. It was amazing," providing natural water play areas.
Site leveling: Many dog-friendly campgrounds feature uneven terrain requiring leveling blocks. Bill notes about Magruder Crossing Campground, "The sites are all flat. Some are big-rig friendly. However the Magruder corridor itself is a pretty rough road."
Length restrictions: Larger RVs face access challenges at some pet-friendly sites. Jersey G. explains Five Mile Campground has "two campgrounds across the road from each other. The newer one is a wide open area while the older one is not conducive to larger 5th wheels."
Campground amenities: Courtney R. appreciates that at Big Creek Campground, "fire rings, firewood and picnic tables are provided. Confinement area for pilots and for those wanting to hike into the FCRNRW which is 2 miles down the road. Portable water available and a CTX toilet."
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Clearwater National Forest?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Clearwater National Forest is Sabe Vista Point with a 5-star rating from 1 review.
What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near Clearwater National Forest?
TheDyrt.com has all 38 dog-friendly camping locations near Clearwater National Forest, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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