Clearwater National Forest campgrounds occupy elevations ranging from 1,800 to 4,000 feet across the Bitterroot Mountains of north-central Idaho. Most forest campgrounds operate seasonally from May through September, with weather conditions determining exact opening dates. Winter camping options remain limited due to snow accumulation and unplowed access roads.
What to do
River activities: At Deep Creek, visitors can fish from the small dock where one camper reported "we fished off the dock and was visited by a large otter!" The crystal-clear water provides excellent visibility for spotting fish.
Sunbathing spots: Selway Falls Campground features a small field perfect for relaxation. According to a visitor, "To the left of the campground entrance there is a small hill and then a flat small field where we lounged and are apples and cheese while sucking up the sun."
Hiking access: Sam Billings Memorial Campground connects directly to trailheads. A camper notes, "Trailhead next to the CG" and mentions the campground's ideal location for geologists: "It was a really nice central area to work out of and it had all we needed from a long day in the field."
Wildlife viewing: The Lochsa River corridor provides opportunities for wildlife spotting. A camper at Knife Edge Campground reported, "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."
What campers like
Riverside locations: Campgrounds along the rivers offer natural sound barriers from road noise. At Boyd Creek Campground, a visitor noted, "Listening to the river was amazing" and "The river was very fast flowing and would not make a good swimming area."
Spacious sites: The campgrounds feature well-separated sites providing privacy. At Magruder Crossing Campground, a camper observed, "Sites are spread out. Plenty of privacy. Hard to see other sites at my site."
Natural amenities: Abundant firewood exists in certain locations. A Sam Billings Memorial camper mentioned, "So much firewood laying around" in their detailed review of the facilities.
River access points: Knife Edge Campground provides non-motorized boat access. A visitor described it as having "rough access to the river for rafts and kayaks" with "his/her changing areas" available for boaters.
What you should know
Seasonal closures: Most campgrounds have limited availability during colder months. At Knife Edge Campground, there is an "Early spring closure of all but two sites to accommodate boaters at the river access point."
Road conditions: Access requires traveling on unpaved roads that can be challenging. Getting to Selway Falls Campground requires "a bumpy long drive to this area with 45 mins on gravel roads."
Ranger presence: Forest Service personnel regularly monitor established campgrounds. A visitor at Selway Falls noted, "The ranger here is in a motorcycle and stops by the formal campgrounds frequently. But he does leave the dispersed camping all around unattended."
Bear awareness: The region requires proper food storage and waste management. A Knife Edge Campground visitor encountered a "juvenile black bear" near the campground entrance, underscoring the importance of bear safety protocols.
Tips for camping with families
Best sites for groups: Certain locations accommodate larger family gatherings. At Sam Billings Memorial Campground, "Site #2 can easily hold 5 full size trucks side by side, or three medium size trailers/5th wheels with their tow vehicles. It also has 3 large tables, plenty of open ground for tents, and is ideal for large groups and families."
Fishing opportunities: Children can easily access fishing spots at several campgrounds. Deep Creek offers "beautiful crystal clear water" with dock fishing available for younger anglers.
Horse-friendly options: Families with horses have dedicated facilities at some locations. Sam Billings features "sites 1-4 horse camping" with "3 large metal structures with 3 chains each for horses and 2 horizontal tie out bars."
Off-season pricing: Budget-conscious families should consider shoulder season visits. According to a Sam Billings camper, "From weather dependent dates chosen by the Rangers there is no cost from late Oct to late May. Otherwise it is $10 per night, $5 with golden or access passes."
Tips from RVers
Site selection for size: Larger rigs require careful site selection. Sam Billings Memorial Campground has designated spaces where "Sites #1 & #2 are the largest, and can accommodate any size RV."
Pull-through availability: Some campgrounds offer easier access options. Knife Edge Campground features "pull-through site 5" which "provides a perfect location next to the river."
RV maneuverability: Not all campgrounds easily accommodate larger vehicles. While Magruder Crossing has some big-rig friendly sites, a visitor warns that "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."
Pricing considerations: Slate Creek Campground offers budget-friendly overnight stays. A visitor described it as "Inexpensive, clean and quiet. Great for 1 night. Well maintained."
