Looking for the ultimate RV camping experience near Elk City? Finding a place to camp in Idaho with your RV is easier than ever. Whether you're looking for a quiet location in the woods or a happening campground near the attractions, The Dyrt makes it easy to find the perfect place to park your RV.
Swiftwater RV Park is a privately held campground on the banks of the Salmon River. We are only 17 miles from Hells Canyon National Recreation Area and welcome big rigs to vintage trailers and tent camping. We are veteran-owned and operated and live onsite to offer terrific customer service and the cleanliness you deserve in an RV park. Each campsite offers 20/30 or 50 amp service, including water and WiFi, and use of our ultra-clean restrooms & showers. From beautiful back-in sites facing the Salmon River to nice-sized pull-thrus (no need to un-hook your big-rig) – or for those camping in a tent – you’ll discover that Swiftwater is a true gem – whether you are looking to spend the night, a week, or a month.
$25 - $33 / night
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.
$45 - $50 / night
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.
GuideThe RV Landing at Carlson Ranch was a well-kept and clean RV park. Easily some of the nicest bathrooms and shower facilities I have experienced. The spots are a little tight but close to the Salmon River. Each site is separated by thick well-groomed grass. Our only complaint was the sprinklers. We like to stay up late however the sprinklers go off once around dinnertime and again around 11pm. The site hosts did warn us about the sprinklers but they did hamper some of the nightly activities. This is a great RV park on your journey through Idaho.
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.
Ranger
Great camping has dispersed camping areas for tents and another side for rvs with hookups a 60 acre reservoir with boat ramp great fishing. There is also a house you can rent for large groups. reservations can be made at the weippe discovery center
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.
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.
Traveler
We spent 2 nights here in late April so we nearly had the place to ourselves. Bill & Pam are very nice folks. Very laid back, helpful, and accommodating. We had a crew of 7 tents and 3 vehicles. We pretty much took over the Gazebo which had lighting, a big central fire pit, and lots of camp chairs.
The flush toilets each had a shower and there were several coin op washers and dryers.
The biggest surpprise was the WiFI was very good. Strong signal throughout the small RV / camping area. We essentially had only extended service with our Verizon cell service. One of the crew had AT&T with the same.
ScoutWe were hired as the park's camp hosts for the summer 2022 season and traveled over 2,000 miles for the job. We were extremely excited about the opportunity because it seemed like a dream job in a dream location. It is a family- owned and operated business and had all the indications of an excellent work opportunity. The agreement was 20hrs a week in exchange for our site. Our duties were the typical duties you see; cleaning the bathhouse, checking in guests, maintaining the sites, etc. We had the opportunity to earn additional wages on a case-by-case basis. Simple enough. We saw no red flags during our two phone interviews. However, over the next three months, things deteriorated rapidly. We found out some things the hard way (like, for example, the fact that they flew through 5 camp hosts during their first two years in operation- and the park is only three years old), and I'd like to spare anyone else from making the same mistakes we did.
So, let's get into the ugly.... It's a long read, but I promise I'm not being dramatic.
The owners' communication skills were almost non-existant. This created unnecessarily difficult situations on more than one occasion. Coupled with the fact that they frequently flip-flopped on the directions they gave their employees and waffled on the demands they made, working for them became increasingly frustrating and unrewarding. This became a massive sticking point because they claimed to excel in communication, when any employee could tell you that was a complete crock of (you know what).
They micro-managed unlike any employer I have ever seen (and I was active duty military for six years), which added to the stress. They also seemed to be completely out of touch with how long work around the park actually took. This is probably due to a combination of the facts that they were used to employing primarily family members (who would not mind selflessly working without having every hour of labor compensated) and that they had never actually done the work themselves. Things look very different from an air conditioned office than they do out in the heat. Appropriate attempts were made to handle issues through the proper channels, but at best they were ignored and at worst they were responded to with passive aggression. Apparently, as part-time employees, we were expected to read their minds, anticipate their needs, and go far above and beyond what any reasonable person would consider appropriate to communicate.
There were a thousand little cuts that added up to an insurmountable degree of inconvenience, but a few of the biggest were feeling that my time and labor were undervalued, that I could not leave the property on any day other than my off day (but could not expect to be compensated for the hours I was essentially held hostage there), that I had to walk an impossible balance between working enough hours but not working too many (a vague detail of our contract that we never did receive clarification on, no matter how many times we asked), a lack of clear communication, and feeling that we were looked down upon as "less than" them. And since we lived on the property, it was impossible to leave the work at work, and find any peace at home.
The kicker and final nail in the coffin of this whole thing was when, after leaving an honest review and feedback of the company through a public channel, one of the owners sent my spouse a nasty wall of text message, full of ageist inuendos and rude implications about the type of employment we would be best suited for. Apparently, when their behavior had the potential to make them look bad in a public space, the owners were all too eager to "communicate". The entire thing came off as tacky and unprofessional, and I regret giving them so much of our hard work and effort.
I'd like to give an honorable mention to some of the other, full-time employees, like our manager Chris who was very sweet (but very much not in control of anything). If it had been possible to only work for her, we would not have left. But the owners' personalities are toxic and overbearing and it was completely untenable. Since we left, the RV park ran an aggressive hiring campaign ad on Facebook, so there's a chance you may have seen it. Please save your sanity (and gas money) and do not entertain the opportunity.
Super fun fact that actually isn't fun at all- one of the owners is now the Idaho County State Senator....😊
Ranger
This large, wooded CG offers separate electric and no hookup loops, with a total of 91 spacious clean sites. The Lachsa River runs along the campground. Sites are $14 and $20 and are more than worth it!
Guide
Level pull through sites. A little close together if full. Water and Electric. Staff friendly and helpful. Only bathroom open was a bit of a walk. Bathrooms were a rustic motif, clean, Hot showers.
Traveler
Only 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.
Guide
We visited Lolo before bringing our trailer to camp and I'm glad we did! We would have damaged our trailer for sure!
GuideWe’re heading north from Boise and needed a place to crash for the night. This was convenient so we booked it and we’re happily surprised when we arrived. Friendly greeting from the owners & hosts, quiet and shaded spot right overlooking the Salmon River(we were in #18) with water and power hookup and a very clean bathroom, shower, washer & drier, ice, grill & outdoor area to hang out.
Very limited road boise and the shade trees were plentiful & lovely.
Wish we could have stayed a few more days….
TravelerGreat little campsite with the roar of the river.
Found it by accident a few years back. It sits above the Lochsa River, just north and west of the Wilderness Gateway Campground.
Both campgrounds are great, but this one is a little more rustic and provides easier access from the highway for camp trailers and stock trailers.
Have to look carefully because it is easy to miss: not well marked...
Guide
Just driving by and there it was. Waiting for me. By the river. Quiet. (Except for slight noise from 95). I was the first there for the evening so I got the prime spot with covered picnic table and level concrete pad. It is literally right off the highway. A very slight drive down to the campsites. Very much like staying at a rest area but the look and feel of BLM dispersed. I highly recommend if you need someplace to park your RV for the night and have a great evening by the river.
RangerMostly RVs at this campsite, 6 tent sites none were taken when we got there. Fairly clean bathrooms with showers. Across the road from Clearwater River. They did overcharge for laundry machines. Waiting to see if that gets corrected.
Guide
Nice clean campsites. Boat and vehicle access. Nice place during salmon and steelhead seasons.
Guide
Great free camping on the Salmon River. We stayed there one night and it was very nice picnicking along the Salmon. The campground has a single vault toilet that was very clean. The campground can accommodate large RVs as it's mostly a large gravel parking lot. We would definitely stay here again.
RangerGreat sites big enough to back a trailer in. Sites are close but feel secluded with trees and ferns. Running water was a bonus, after rafting for a week it felt luxurious!
Guide
Small campground right off the road, easy to drive in and make the loop to check out the sites. Small hill, but no issues towing our travel trailer out the next morning. There's a pretty stream alongside, plus a trail that seems to go back for a ways into the valley beyond. Not much road noise at night. A great spot on our way to Jackson.
Traveler
My husband and I were looking for a quick spot to camp and found this right off the highway, it was perfect for a last minute camping. There’s a few more spots off the highway. We loved that it was right on the river, too. Pretty easy access, but if you have a longer trailer than I would suggest going in the first turn out, because the second one is tight.
RangerThis place has huge spaces that will fit your 40 ft RV or just a small tent river access and much more
TravelerWe were riding the Idaho BDR (Backcountry Discovery Route) and needed a place to camp near Pierce. There aren't many options that are accessible for our Support Truck but found Deyo Reservoir as a welcome spot. The West sites are very open and close to each other and are what you see first. I kinda stumbled down to the East Campground which is more for Truck/Tent camping and is wooded and cooler (it was 95 degrees when we rode in). Typical for Idaho the sites were nicely spaced, well maintained (it is hosted) and the Vault Toilet was very clean.
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.
Guide
We stayed here one night while on a road trip in Idaho. The park and facilities are extremely clean and have good amenities, like laundry and showers. Sunsets are great from this location! On the highway, but not much road noise. The WiFi and cell service was not the best. I would’ve rated it a five, but the office was closed the entire time and there were no instructions left for us with the code to the clubhouse and laundry, which we wanted to use. My calls to inquire with some questions weren’t returned.
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.
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...
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.
Elk City, Idaho, offers a variety of RV camping options that cater to different needs and preferences, making it a great destination for outdoor enthusiasts.
Frequently Asked Questions
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According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular RV campground near Elk City, ID is Swiftwater RV Park with a 4.7-star rating from 3 reviews.
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