Looking for the best options for RV camping near Clearwater National Forest? Find the best information on RV campsites and dispersed camping near Clearwater National Forest, including sites, reviews, and tips for getting the most out of your RVing experience. The Dyrt can help you find the perfect RV campsites that are scenic and easy to access.
Deep Creek Campground features 3 campsites complete with picnic tables, fire rings, and a vault toilet. Site will accept RV's or trailers to 30 feet. Stock can be kept in this campground.
Situated along the stunning Selway River, the Boyd Creek Campground contains five camp/RV sites, picnic areas and a restroom. Hikers will enjoy taking a trek up the East Boyd Glover Roundtop National Recreation Trail via one of two trailheads accessing it in the vicinity. Anglers will enjoy fishing in the Selway. The Campground will accomodate 30-ft. RV's.
The Selway Campground has 7 campsites along Meadow Creek. Boat put-in below the Selway Falls to float to Lowell. The wild and scenic section of the Selway contains Class IV rapids and runs from Paradise Campground to Selway Falls. The Campground will accomodate RV's less than 30-ft. length.
Slate Creek Campground is located right near Painted Rocks lake and has 7 sites complete with picinic tables and fire rings, and a vault toilet. Campground can accommodate RV's or trailers to 25 feet.
Sam Billings Memorial Campground is located off of the West Fork Rd and consists of 12 campsites complete with picnic tables, and fire rings. There is also a large area ideal for group activities. Other facilites include vault toilets. Campground can accommodate RV's or trailers to 30 feet.
Located along the breathtaking Wild and Scenic Lochsa River, about fifteen minutes east of Lowell, ID, families, campers, anglers, kayakers, floaters and boaters may enjoy this five unit, two acre, free-use campground and Lochsa river/boat access site. A changing room and a single vault restroom is also provided. The Campground will accomodate 40-ft. RV's.
Magruder Crossing Campground features 6 campsites on the Selway River, and a vault toilet. Site will accept RV's or trailers to 30'. Stock can be kept in this campground. This was the crossing on a route established for commerce between Lewiston and Virginia City, MT during the gold rush. To the north of the campground, an earlier route, Southern Nez Perce Trail, crosses the road.
Wendover Campground is situated on stretch of land along the Wild and Scenic Lochsa River off the Northwest Passage Scenic Byway and All American Road (US Highway 12) at mile post 158.2. __With 27 campsites all positioned within a mature, moss covered pine forest and centered around a small stream, this campground offers a serene spot for camping, picnicking, fishing, hiking, nature viewing and most importantly, relaxing. __Hosts are provided when campground is open.__The Campground will accomodate RV's up to 40-ft.
Paradise Campground is located near the Paradise Boating Site which is one of the most popular launching sites on the Selway River. The campground consists of 11 sites complete with picnic tables, and fire rings. Other facilities include 3 vault toilets, hitching rails, and feed bunks. __Campground can accommodate RV's or trailers to 25 feet.
Slims Camp has picnic areas, toilet and an RV/Trailer pad. Very difficult for persons with disabilities. This site is off the main road, has fishing access and access to Meadow Creek National Recreation Trail. Stock facilities available for equestrians.
Scout
We had the place to ourselves. Great small campground if you want to get away from everything.
Legend
There aren’t too many campgrounds between Orofino and Kooskia, Idaho except for a few RV parks. We finally found a beautiful campground off highway 12 or the scenic Lolo Highway. It was small but had quite a few open sites so we snagged one close to the river and bathroom. The highway noise was noticeable but not bad at night. Our picnic table had a view of the Clearwater river (yes, it is very clear and has salmon.). There were steps down to the rocky shore of the river. We net a couple from elsewhere in Udaho who always choose this campground.
Traveler
I would not recommend end of July/ August. Temps 100 and no breeze. Plenty to see if traveling in vehicle like bighorn sheep, whitetail deer and bald eagles. Recommend a visit to the firefighter memorial at Indian river FS training camp.
TravelerGreat little campsite. There are actually 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.
I camped at the older one with my little 1960 Rolls Royal camper. 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...
TravelerGreat little campground, until the fire went through. Most of it survived, but fire damage is present adjacent to the road and along the trails.
It can sometimes be crowded with ATV and motorbikes, but most the time they are courteous and polite.
I enjoyed panning in the creeks around the area because there are neat dark red and purple garnet to be had. Only found a speck or two of gold, so I am glad I was looking for garnet and not gold.
Traveled from N. Idaho and Montana to here multiple times over the year - definitely worth the trip, especially since they paved the road.
Traveler
Stayed one night 10/13/22. Pulled in at dark, just right off of the 12 in Kooskia, ID. About 5/6 campgrounds, 2 were occupied (quiet neighbors), but with enough trees to feel there was privacy. Vault toilet and Lochsa river access(rock bar), no garbage services this time of year. Saw a black bear (juvenile) on the way in but didn’t see/hear anything else from the bear that night or the next morning. Soft ground, and flat even spaces. Fire ring and picnic table as well. Free made it the perfect price, given that a lot of the state campsites were closed (locked gate) this time. Looked as though some campsites backed to the highway, we chose a middle site and weren’t too disturbed by the highway. (Tent camped on a road trip to the Midwest)
Traveler
36 miles from Grangeville, and its got some elevation and it can get cold at night if in a tent. But the days are gorgeous there are alot of ORVs during the weekend but during the week its quiet. We found a place off the road next to a creek and away from the road. It was amazing.
Guide
Spend a night. No cost although that will change next weekend. They’ll start charging $10.
ScoutIn expensive, clean and quiet. Great for 1 night. Well maintained.
Traveler
Very well maintained location with many great riverside camp spots. There is a beach with a good fishing spot. No firewood is for sale here and the site has been thoroughly picked over for wood so bring your own, if you'd like a fire.
Traveler
The past negative reviews sound more like an angry family to me. I pulled in (camping alone my first time) and had a warm welcoming. Once I got my tent set up I decided I wanted to set up sleeping in my car and my current spot didn’t allow vehicles. I waited around to see if it was filling up for the night and then asked if how much it would be to pull into an RV spot to sleep in the car. She let me switch free of charge! She was amazing.
GuideWild Goose Campground is a small area right on the river. We stopped for one night and had a nice stay. It is right off of the highway so there is road noise.
ScoutBest camp hosts I've ever seen! Quiet, mostly shady, not too crowded.
Ranger
I attended my buddies 30th birthday and it was a really nice place to hang out.
The terrain is complex and exciting to explore with canyons and great viewing points.
There were a lot of people out fishing so I imagine it’s good for a fishing getaway but we did not fish.
My favorite part of this campsite is that is can easily fit many tents without being so close that your friends snoring is overly bothersome (but still could be heard).
I’m not sure if you can hunt out in this area but I did spot a baby dear and got a zoomed in photo before it got spooked.
GuideSo, I’m not sure why “resort” is in the title, this certainly not a resort in the traditional sense. But, this is a great place to stop if headed up the Lochsa River and has something for everyone.
The “resort” has riverfront cabins, double occupancy motel rooms, A frame cabins, RV spots with hookups and a large tent camping area for motorcyclists, bicyclists and hikers. The mix of campers makes thing interesting. Add to this that the river raft guides take out at this location and this is a busy and fun place to spend a night. It has been very busy every time I have stopped, often full of RV’s with families spending a long weekend.
There is a small market, restaurant and bar, and an outdoor pool and hot tub. The market is well stocked with most of what you might have forgot to pack. They sell firewood as well. The bar offers typical burgers and bar fare and was lively enough even in peak Covid. This is Idaho after all, Covid seems like an afterthought in most of central and North Idaho.
The resort is located along a sweeping bend of the Lochsa river, which the highway follows on the opposite side. With the proximity of the highway, the RV’s in the campground, the cabins, etc, this is not a tranquil wilderness campground. It is however a great spot to spend the night while passing through.
I was on a motorcycle and there were probably 8-10 other riders tent camping. Several fires were going and folks were friendly and outgoing. There was no cell service for AT&T, but the market and bar had WiFi that you could access by sitting outside the front door.
I’ve stayed here 3 times and it will always be on my list when passing through this part of Idaho.
Scout
We spent better than two weeks at Alta 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. The campground is an excellent place to relax in the out of doors. A long with having sizable campsites and clean accommodations it's well kept, quiet and frankly a beautiful spot in the Bitterroots. We're looking forward to another stay next year. Thanks Forest Service, you've done well with this one.
TravelerNarrow road. Beautiful park! Great for enjoying the brisk mornings in the fall. I was only there for 1 night and it was pleasant 😊
Scout
Camped here over 4th of July weekend. Beautiful, quiet area, camps spots are spacious and well distanced. Dogs allowed, bathrooms were nice and clean, easy access to the river. For how popular it was, it was a nice quiet stay. Easy to reserve a camp spot. We easily fit 4 tents and 3 vehicles in the area. Plenty of space for 3 dogs as well. Firewood was easily found, campfire ring was already there.
TravelerBear Creek Pass Campground is semi-official dispersed camping at Bear Creek Pass, the location of two trail heads. I surveyed the site during a hike but did not stay over night.
There are two trail heads, about 1/2 mile apart. Between is a turn off for the“campground” which is little more than a pull out and a turn around. I didn’t see tent sites off the road. A little further on is a large parking area with vault toilet. A little beyond that a small parking area near the second trail head. Between these two is the one place that did look like a camp site. There was one fire ring and vegetation had been pressed down.
There are facilities for horses: several hitching posts and a loading ramp. These don’t look like they have been used for a while. We did see signs that horses were up here recently but the area is little impacted by horse use.
The area is in open pine forest with meadows. There is a stream flowing near by.
I would certainly sleep in my vehicle over night here or set up a tent. You can overnight here before starting on a hike from one of the trail heads. However, this site has little to recommend itself as a destination for an extended stay or overflow if nearby Schumaker is full.
Guide
Dope off grid, dusty, pretty, dusty, epic drive and views along salmon river to hidden gem Secesh river. Flat sites. Good spot for riding base.
Scout
I reserved this a month or so in advance, a big recommendation from me, it is around 3 miles to get to the beautiful and majestic Painted Rocks lake. Camp hosts were great, I think it was Rombo Sharon/Shannon and a great guy by her side for managing the ground. Bear containers, pit toilets, potable water is available at a close distance at every camp site. Wood is chopped at host site and given if you ask for it, Lots of room- I managed to comfortably fit three full size sedans and still have room in one camp area.
This area is next to a huge river that runs off of painted rock dam.
This campground is a must for thrillseekers, recreation types, and explorers coming to spend a weekend on the lake and the deep bitterroot mountains.
Highly recommend. Will be back.
Guide
Lake level was super low when we went, and smog from forest fires, but overall a superb campground. Easy access to old firetower trails for dirt biking/quads, great fishing and tons of wildlife. Every morning we saw elk and big horn sheep.
Each campsite is well spaced, with a firepit and grill cover.
Legend
This is the closest campground to Yellow Pine. It is right next to the cemetery. It sits right alongside a creek and has many trees. There is one pit toilet for all of the sites and no water. I was here on 4th of July weekend and there were still some sites left. I know it fills up for the harmonica festival due to its proximity to town.
Legend
This is a beautiful campground right on the Secesh River and right across the road from a trail that takes you on a hike along the river. I found wild huckleberries and strawberries on this hike in early July. This is a newer campground than the Secesh horse camp which is across the road. However, don't mistake it for Ponderosa State Park which is 2 hours away in McCall and has way more amenities. This site has water, a pit toilet, and ten sites.
LegendI really liked this campsite. It would be a great spot if you are planning on camping with horses as it has hitching rails. It is a historical site that has been used off and on for the past century. Wether come from McCall via Lick Creek Road, or fr the east down the Salmon River, it is beautiful! Be sure to hike the Secesh river trail which starts across the Secesh River from the campground. I found huckleberries and wild strawberries along the trail at the beginning of July. It cost $10 to park here.
RangerThe Selway is one of the most beautiful places in Idaho, and this campground is a good place to stay on your visit! There are plenty of sites (32) to stay at, however it can tend to get crowded, so I recommend reserving a spot ahead of time. The crowds are really the only downside to this site (if you prefer more quiet and privacy) but fortunately there are other sites along the river that are also great spots to camp. This campsites has plenty of amenities and many of the sites are pretty accessible. This is a great place for families, people with limited mobility, and the elderly to visit. There are vault toilets, potable water, and bear-proof dumpsters that serve the whole camp. Individual sites should all have tent spots, picnic tables, and a fire ring. The loop around the campsite is paved. Kids and families often ride their bikes around the loop. Like much of central Idaho, the wildlife includes black bears and rattlesnakes, so remember to be cautious and aware of our wilder friends! The area offers a great variety of recreation opportunities. Slower areas of the river offer great swimming, and the Lower Selway makes a great day trip on kayaks or rafts. There is lots of biking, hiking, and horseback riding along the river and through the mountains. Selway Falls are beautiful and a really fun stop.
Scout
Beautiful
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According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular RV campground near Clearwater National Forest is Deep Creek with a 4-star rating from 1 review.
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