Best Tent Camping near Clearwater National Forest

Searching for the best camping near Clearwater National Forest, ID? Aside from great camping spots, you'll find hiking and many more outdoor experiences. Thinking of traveling with kids? You're in luck—Clearwater National Forest is surrounded by family-friendly activities. At The Dyrt, campers like you share their favorite spots, plus tips and photos. No matter where you're headed in Clearwater National Forest, you'll find the best spot for you and your camping crew.

Best Tent Sites Near Clearwater National Forest (85)

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Recent Tent Camping Photos near Clearwater National Forest

1 Photos of 85 Clearwater National Forest Campgrounds


Tent Camping Reviews near Clearwater National Forest

77 Reviews of 85 Clearwater National Forest Campgrounds


  • L
    Oct. 30, 2022

    Knife Edge Campground

    Beautiful spot

    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)

  • C
    Oct. 31, 2019

    Ohara Bar Campground

    Wild and scenic

    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.

  • Sadie P.The Dyrt PRO User
    Feb. 23, 2025

    Sam Billings Memorial Campground

    The best in SW Montana

    12 sites with good tables and fire rings. This is a well maintained NFS campground. 3 vault toilets that are kept clean. Sites #1 & #2 get the most sun, are the largest, and can accommodate any size RV. The remaining sites vary in size. #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. Toilets are located across from site 3, between 5/6, across from 12. #7 is low ground camping you walk down to with minimal shade and perfect for hot weather days.

    The exit is at site 12, one way travel thru the campground. Across the street from the exit is the entry to sites 1-4 horse camping. Small sites with table, fire ring, and enough room for a small tent. There are 3 large metal structures with 3 chains each for horses and 2 horizontal tie out bars. No room to park horse trailers on that pull thru. One trailer spot across from site 4 by the “stock water trail” sign, the rest can park 50 yards down the road at the trail head/turn around. There are 2 additional tie out areas here for horses and plenty of room for horse trailers and several other vehicles.

    Be sure to read the notice above the envelope box before you pay. 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.

    No cell service, only 1 mile to the paved road, Ranger station is only about 1/2 mile down that paved road. The Rangers are proactive in sharing any important information such as severe weather, bear activity, or any other notable activity.

    Details: Ranger station on the main road less than a mike from the entrance. They show up once a week Ravialli county sheriff is who to call on weekends and holidays, they will respond Be bear aware in season Equestrian specific campsites Trailhead next to the CG So much firewood laying around There are some karens that have been “coming here my whole life” and think they own the place; avoid Only three site requires walking access, the rest are drive right in to. Only a few sites so if its great weather or holiday show up mid week or even a week ahead if you can Free stays out of season, otherwise it’s a daily fee, pay at the entrance sign

  • TThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 9, 2020

    Bear Creek Pass Campground

    Semi-official dispersed camping at Bear Creek Pass

    Bear 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.

  • Lisa M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 20, 2025

    Secesh Campground — Payette National Forest

    Remote Camping on a flowing river

    This campground is right off Lick Creek road along the Secesh River. There are only 5 spots. First come first served $10 fee. There are picnic tables, fire rings and a clean vault toilet. Our site was Site 1 and we backed up to the river. This was a quick overnight stop for us. It was beautiful to listen to the river all night. There are horse hitching posts in this campground. We were the only campers but the camps are pretty spread out.

  • Courtney R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 1, 2018

    Big Creek — Payette National Forest

    Wilderness Convinience

    Big 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.

  • Annie C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 9, 2021

    Deadman Campground

    Will do for an overnight

    A wide spot along the road, this free BLM campground has 5 drive up campsites and 2 walk in. All have really nice covered picnic areas and pretty good fire pits. There are two vault toilets, one at either end of the campground. There is also a water pump by the boat ramp. The river is right next to the campground, with a few riffles that can be heard in the campground at night it is pretty quiet as travel on the main highway tapers off. You are about a dozen miles from the town of Challis with gas stations and grocery stores. There are ZERO trees in this campground, but you can probably swim in the river(just do it at low water levels so you don’t end up like the gold prospector the campground is named for).

  • Judy T.The Dyrt PRO User
    Dec. 2, 2023

    Wild Goose Campground

    Small campground along Highway 12 and the Clearwater River

    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.

  • Todd M.
    Oct. 4, 2020

    Three Rivers Resort & Campground

    Three Rivers Resort in Idaho

    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.


Guide to Clearwater National Forest

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.

Explore Scenic Trails and Waterways

  • At Whitewater Campground, enjoy easy access to trails along the Salmon River, perfect for hiking and fishing.
  • Deep Creek features beautiful crystal-clear waters, ideal for fishing and relaxing by the shore.
  • The trails near Orogrande Campground #1 and #2 offer a serene hiking experience through forested meadows.

Family-Friendly Amenities

  • Base Camp Campground is great for families, with a well-maintained playground and clean facilities, though it can be noisy due to its proximity to a busy highway.
  • Indian Creek Campground provides basic amenities like toilets, making it a reliable stop for families on the go.
  • Orogrande (1-4) offers a peaceful setting, perfect for families looking to enjoy nature without the distractions of modern amenities.

Unique Features and Experiences

  • French Gulch is open from May to October, providing a great spot for those looking to camp during the warmer months.
  • Raven Creek Campground is nestled in the Bitterroot National Forest, offering a tranquil escape for tent campers seeking solitude.
  • Mallard Creek Campground is surrounded by stunning natural beauty, making it a perfect choice for those who appreciate scenic views while camping.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Clearwater National Forest?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Clearwater National Forest is Whitewater Campground with a 4-star rating from 1 review.

What is the best site to find tent camping near Clearwater National Forest?

TheDyrt.com has all 85 tent camping locations near Clearwater National Forest, with real photos and reviews from campers.