Spring Valley Reservoir offers drive-in camping near Deary, Idaho with tent and RV sites along the water. The reservoir attracts families with fishing opportunities and features picnic shelters, trash collection, and toilets. Located about 20 minutes from Moscow and near Troy, the campground sits at approximately 2,800 feet elevation in the Palouse region.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Spring Valley Reservoir accommodates anglers with dedicated docks and facilities. "Good place for fishing and day picnic," notes Saugat B. about Spring Valley Reservoir. The reservoir includes a fish cleaning station for convenient processing of your catch.
Wildlife observation: The surrounding area supports diverse bird populations that visitors can observe. "Decent bird watching here. I always see a Great Blue Heron and often eagles as well!" reports Celine K. The North Fork Clearwater River region near Isabella Landing Camp provides additional wildlife viewing opportunities, with Christopher R. noting it has "plenty of sites to see and wildlife to view."
Hiking trails: Multiple trails with varying difficulty surround the campgrounds. "The hiking trails are great with lots of options for easy hikes by the water or tougher ones up the mountain," shares Kyle G. about his experience at Hells Gate. Paths suitable for beginners and more experienced hikers traverse the forested areas around many regional campgrounds.
What campers like
River access: Camping along the Snake River provides water recreation options beyond fishing. "Great place to base for river adventures!" states Erin S. about Hells Gate State Park Campground. The riverside location allows for swimming and boating during summer months.
Hammocking spots: Several campgrounds feature trees placed ideally for hammock setup. At Spring Valley Reservoir, Zachary C. mentions "Fun places to go hammocking," while another visitor, Gabrielle L., confirms "Great trails and great places to put up your hammock."
Quiet overnight options: The region provides secluded spots for travelers passing through with horses. "I was so happy to find this place when looking for a place to stay overnight with my horse," writes Nichole W. about her experience at Triple H Mini Ranch. Isabella Landing offers similarly peaceful settings for overnight stays.
What you should know
Wind conditions: Spring Valley Reservoir experiences significant wind that can affect camping comfort. "Wind kicks up so high it's hard to make a campfire last," warns Rachel A. During summer afternoons, gusts can disrupt tents and outdoor activities.
Seasonal considerations: Late summer brings changes to water quality and cleanliness at some locations. "The water is clean and nice through most of the summer, but towards mid-August the trash can pile up a bit," advises Celine K. about Spring Valley Reservoir.
Wildlife hazards: When exploring trails, particularly at Hells Gate State Park Campground, remain alert for snake encounters. Celine K. recommends visitors "Watch for rattlesnakes in the area!" This safety concern requires appropriate footwear and vigilance on trails.
Tips for camping with families
Beginner-friendly options: Spring Valley Reservoir provides an accessible introduction to camping for families new to outdoor recreation. "Great for beginners... Our first camping trip in the books!" shares Gabrielle L. The established facilities reduce the challenge for those with limited camping experience.
Accessible features: Some locations offer inclusive features for all family members. "Very family friendly place and the trail is wheelchair accessible," notes Celine K. about Hells Gate State Park Campground, making it suitable for multi-generational groups.
Multi-species accommodation: Families traveling with both horses and dogs can find appropriate facilities. "The hosts checked on him and sent me updates through the evening while I was in town," explains Nichole W. about her horse's stay at Triple H Mini Ranch. Pet-friendly policies at most area campgrounds accommodate the entire family.
Tips from RVers
Hookup availability: RVers will find varying levels of services at different campgrounds. "I like how the RV sites have water and electricity unlike most campgrounds in the area," Hannah C. points out about Spring Valley Reservoir. This distinction matters for RVers planning extended stays.
Site dimensions: When selecting a campsite, consider the space constraints. Kyle G. notes that at Hells Gate, "Our spot was plenty long enough, but not as wide as I would have liked. There are two big trees on passenger side that prevent setting up a comfy patio." RVs requiring wider setups should reserve appropriate sites.
Leveling conditions: Most established campgrounds in the region feature level, paved sites. "All are pretty level and paved," confirms Kyle G. This reduces the need for extensive blocking and stabilizing equipment.
