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Tent campgrounds around Elk River, Idaho provide primitive sites scattered in the Clearwater National Forest region. Campbell's Pond Access Area offers free tent sites with gravel roads, pit toilets, and a boat launch for small watercraft. Mini Camp sites along the Big Eddy Trail provide more secluded backcountry tent camping options accessible via boat or hiking trails.
Most tent sites feature basic amenities including fire rings and picnic tables, but limited services otherwise. Campbell's Pond sites have packed soil surfaces making them suitable for most tent setups, while the Mini Camp locations require more careful site selection. Vault toilets are available at most established campgrounds, though campers should bring their own toilet paper as supplies are unreliable. Several tent camping areas prohibit alcohol, while others have no restrictions. Pets are allowed at most sites including Campbell's Pond and the Mini Camp locations along Dworshak Reservoir.
Tent campers seeking solitude will find excellent options along the Big Eddy Trail, where several Mini Camp sites provide privacy and water access. One camper noted that Mini Camp 4.7 offers "trees providing wind coverage" and "excellent fishing off any of the sides you are surrounded by." Backpackers should prepare for challenging terrain, especially when carrying heavy packs to the more remote sites. The trail from Big Eddy Recreation Area starts with a "fairly vertical" section before leveling out through fern-covered forest floor. Tent sites at higher elevations typically feature evergreen needle ground cover that provides comfortable tent padding without rock clearing required. Campbell's Pond offers more accessible tent camping with "well cared for" sites according to visitor reviews, though the camping area is relatively small.
"Sometimes it’s hard to find sites where you can have a person in a wheelchair move around okay. These sites are good for that according to my cousin who has camped with out family in this area."
"Another private off-shoot from the Big Eddy trail, mini camp 4.8 is first come first served and a highly sought after spot."
from $10 / night
"Approx. 4 1/4mi from Big Eddy and 4 7/8mi from Freeman Creek, this spot sits perfectly off the Bid Eddy trail."
from $10 / night
"This is a backpacking trail. The first half mile is difficult but then the trail levels out and is easy for many miles. There’s free dispersed camping sites starting after 4.5 miles down the trail."
"Little wind coverage during the day though it’s very private with quite a distance off the Big Eddy trail to get down to the waterside spot."
from $10 / night
"Has many spaced out sites and ATV trails for riding. Campbells pond has three docks to fish from or you can fish from the bank all around great spot to camp"
"This is an easy 1mi hike from Big Eddy Recreation area on the Big Eddy trail."
from $10 / night
"I had no trouble finding just the right spot to set up my gear. This area is not open for winter camping. I have found few that are though."
"Super easy access from the road, clean sites though somewhat close to neighboring sites. Awesome trails nearby for all levels"
TravelerPoor cell service, no internet, pool closed 8 campsites, loud as right on hwy top dollar $45. Water will shut off any day due to winter temps. So you’re paying for a loud site, no amenities,but electric and turdwater seems high.
GuideThis campground is well maintained, overall quiet except for when logging trucks pass by. There is a boat ramp available, and deer come around the campground.
RangerKOA eastbound on US -12 enroute from Oregon to Missoula, MT. Located in the woods South of Kamiah, MT. Staff is minimal manned but they handle the customer service expertly. Bath/Shower rooms are perfectly cleaned and look newly remodeled. Plenty of sites; intermixed with 30/50 amp power,water and some without sewer.
TravelerVery nice owners! We came in late in pouring rain and she was still so helpful and nice. Very nice camp ground.
GuideIt appeared the camp host held the most shaded campsite for friends. They said the occupant was at work but no one ever occupied the site. Bathrooms were not very clean. The campsite did have full hook ups and it was only $18. There was a boat ramp. River was beautiful.
ScoutGreat spot for a quick overnight. Bull moose in the road just before the top. Well maintained roads and sites.
ScoutCampground was quite the distance to drive to but was nice and quiet with few other campers. The spaces are extra long for big trailers. Water access was a bit limited, but a few of the camp spots have great access to their own beach
ScoutClean, beautiful spacious the people that own the campground are friendly and helpful. It’s a great place to camp the real bonus is there’s food there so you don’t have to do any cooking. It’s delicious!
LegendDrove to this camp ground. It is a beautiful place, unfortunately its closed without reason. But it is what it is
Tent camping opportunities around Elk River, Idaho concentrate in the Clearwater National Forest within North Central Idaho. The region sits at elevations between 1,800 and 3,000 feet, creating moderate summer temperatures ideal for tent camping. Several primitive campgrounds connect to the Dworshak Reservoir, a 53-mile long body of water created by damming the North Fork of the Clearwater River.
Fishing from docks or shorelines: Campbells Pond Access Area features three fishing docks plus shoreline access around the entire pond perimeter. According to Christopher R., it's "a great spot to camp" with good trout fishing and a "newer boat launch for small type boats only."
Day hiking from basecamp: The Big Eddy Marina & Lodge trail system connects to multiple mini camps. "The first half mile is difficult but then the trail levels out and is easy for many miles," notes Megan K. "This was my favorite trip this year so far, as it was a good challenge with very rewarding views."
Educational visits: The Dworshak National Fish Hatchery makes an interesting side trip from area campgrounds. Megan K. reports, "The fish hatchery is a really fun educational stop. It's suitable for all ages. If you go at the right time of the year they have hands on activities for the whole family."
Privacy between sites: Mini Camp 3.5 features excellent site separation according to Rachel A.: "This spot has a long walkway out from the main trail offering tons of privacy. Great shallow ramp for a boat and easy access the a dip is the res or to get your water to filter."
Water access for swimming: While not beach-like, many sites offer water entry points. Megan K. notes about Big Eddy, "It is possible to get to the water (if you have a hydration filter pack), but it's not a beach like shore. I did swim, and the water gets very deep very quickly off the first two campsites."
Elevated views: Mini Camp 4.8 sits higher than surrounding sites for better visibility. "Perched a bit higher than the sites around it you'll find some wonderful views and privacy to set up your tent at the tree edge," explains Rachel A., adding it has "a nice long ramp to the water and plenty of space" making it "ideal for a larger group."
Trail difficulty ratings: The Big Eddy trail system presents challenges for backpackers. Rachel A. warns about Mini camp 4.7: "Don't let the short distance fool you, this hike will test you, especially with a heavy pack, but SO worth it!"
Limited facilities: Most sites feature only basic amenities. Cody B. describes Campbells Pond as having "tent sites are well cared for. Pit toilets are clean. It is quiet and pretty, but kind of a small area."
Road conditions: Access roads to some sites require careful driving. Christopher R. notes about Merrys Bay that there's a "Steep road leading down to camp but very beautiful place for a picnic."
Accessibility considerations: Some sites accommodate campers with mobility needs. Megan K. says about Partridge Creek Campground: "Sometimes it's hard to find sites where you can have a person in a wheelchair move around okay. These sites are good for that according to my cousin who has camped with our family in this area."
ATV recreation options: Families with ATVs will find designated riding areas at select campgrounds. Christopher R. mentions Campbells Pond "has many spaced out sites and ATV trails for riding."
Close-to-home alternatives: EC Rettig Campground works well for shorter trips. Christopher R. describes it as a "great place to camp if your not looking to go all the way out to the northfork of the Clearwater river but close enough to make a short drive there as well."
Tent-only designation: Most campgrounds near Elk River accommodate tents only due to limited access and rugged terrain. The Mini Camp sites along Dworshak Reservoir can only be reached by boat or hiking trails, preventing RV access entirely.
Surface conditions: Tent campers should note varying ground surfaces. Regarding Partridge Creek, Megan K. mentions "a lot of gravel on the roads" but that her "family's site had a lot of packed soil making most of the traveling simple as we only stayed on the site for one night to watch the stars."
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Elk River, ID?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Elk River, ID is Partridge Creek Campground with a 4-star rating from 1 review.
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