Looking for tent camping near Clearwater National Forest? Find the best tent camping sites near Clearwater National Forest. From remote to easy-to-reach, these Clearwater National Forest campsites are perfect for tent campers.
This remote campground and boating site rests on the north shore of the Salmon River. Access is via a rough road with many tight switchbacks, not recommended for vehicles towing trailers. The facilities include campsites, a toilet, two stock feed bunks, a boat dock (sand) and large parking area. No tables or fire grates are available.
This is a remote area which offers a lot of recreation opportunities. It is located on the Salmon River and is a boating access point. You can swim and picnic here and take in some of the great fishing in the local area. Bring your OHV and take a road ride.
Salmon Base Camp Trailhead has adequate parking for both cars and trailers. It offers access to trail #27, #19, the Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness and the Frank Church Wilderness. Facilities include a wooden outhouse, stock ramp, and hitching rails.
Locally known as Orogrande #1 and 2, this campground occupies both sides of the road, one on the bank of Crooked River. It includes a toilet, fire rings and at least three camp pads. The non-river side is a good spot for one family or small group. The river side is an open, grassy campsite.
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.
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.
Visitors will travel the scenic Magruder Road Corridor to reach 14 Mile Trailhead, which offers a starting point for hikers and pack trains to reach the Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness via Trail 501-the Cache Creek Trail and Trail 580-the Boston Mountain Trail. Along with 2 camp pads, an unloading ramp, hitch rails, stock feeders and a restroom, visitors can also enjoy three interpretive panels with descriptions of Frank Church and information on the Frank Church-River of No Return Wilderness.
This remote campground and boating site rests on the north shore of the Salmon River. Access is via a rough road with many tight switchbacks, not recommended for vehicles towing trailers. The facilities include campsites, a toilet, two stock feed bunks, a boat dock (sand) and large parking area. No tables or fire grates are available.
Guide
Work outing so a great place for a large group with multiple options for tent camping. Great fishing and hiking.
TravelerBeautiful campground with hot showers and flush toilets. Hookups for RV's and trailers. Tent camping. Nice lake close by with boat, wave runner, pontoon boat rentals. Reserve in advance!
Guide
So, 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.
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)
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.
TravelerOnly 2 slots available seasonally for overnighters with 3 available for boaters, It is up against the highway with minimal sheltering from the road noise but the river is noisier, not a complaint. Site 3 is the best for overnighters with rv's or tents, site 2 is the other overnight spot but up against the hwy. The campground is sheltered with tall fir, cedar and decidiuous growth. It is not a boatramp site but rough access to the river for rafts and kayaks. There is a his/her pit toilet and his/her changing areas. Each site appears to have a good fire pit with cooking grate.
Ranger
The 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.
RangerThis place has huge spaces that will fit your 40 ft RV or just a small tent river access and much more
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.
ScoutCamped 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.
TravelerWe used to pull horse trailers in there all the time - 20 years ago
We won’t be pulling anything in there again. Gained some plumbing experience due to large “pot holes” that can swallow trailer tires whole.
Forest service has forgotten about the road and let it fall into dismal shape. Would be best if traveled without a trailer and with 4x4.
Campsites are there but grasses have overgrown most of the site.
Assume that road is in poor shape and sites are best for tents.
TravelerThe 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.
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.
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.
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
The access is via a steep and narrow road with at least 15 switchbacks. The campground appears to be used by horseback hunters in the fall. I have stayed here twice and shared the campground one time with another couple. 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.
Scout
Good for families camping together who want to be close so the littles can play. Not great if you’re seeking quiet. Sites are in extremely tight proximity to each other and it’s right off a very busy highway. Facilities were clean and playground was well maintained. The traffic noise chased us away early.
GuideGrandad campground is kind of small. I have seen a few camp trailers here, but there are no hookups, no electricity, more primitive camping with a men's and women's pit toilet. There is boat access which can give great access to the Little North Fork and North Fork Clearwater River. Gets kind of crowded around the summer holidays. Also provides a great place to access forest land for hunting.
RangerAwesome camp for taking your boat out on the lake to ski fish or just a cruise on the lake
Guide
It is a long gravel road to get there but worth the trip! It’s beautiful! We fished off the dock and was visited by a large otter!
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 camping area. A number of places available through the forested meadow to camp.
The creek behind the campground is fun to play in. Only thing is due to the valley and tall timber, it does not get much sun. 5-Mile back up the road provides much more sunshine, if one likes sunshine.
It is reported the fire of 2022 pretty much burnt up this campground. Haven't been there to see, so camper beware...It may be many decades before it starts to return to its former glory... :-(
Guide
Pulled off the road to get some sleep. Nice $4 warm shower and slightly over priced $20 camp site. Not my favorite stop but it's quick easy and reliable. There are a couple of restaurants within walking distance.
RangerWe visited this lookout on a wilderness Excursion.
While we did not stay here we had a great time.
We always make it a point to visit the lookouts in any areas where we are visiting. The lookout was originally built to be a lookout tower for wildfires.
As such the building is very high and has stunning views.
LegendVisited here beginning of September 2017. Here terrible Forrest fires right now so visibility was awful and there really wasn't much to do. The vault toilet was far from he actual camp sites. Definitely I beautiful place but with the smoke it was actually pretty awful. I can imagine with no smoke would have been a lot nicer. In the morning we didn't even cook breakfast just left asap.
Ranger
kinda small but great place to set up a base camp for exploring the wilderness next to the camp
GuideBig Creek Canpground is small but 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.
Tent camping near Clearwater National Forest in Idaho offers a chance to immerse yourself in nature, with various campgrounds providing unique experiences for outdoor enthusiasts.
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