Best Campgrounds near Grangeville, ID

Campgrounds around Grangeville, Idaho range from developed facilities to primitive sites across the Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forest region. Bear Den RV Resort offers cabin accommodations alongside RV and tent camping options with full hookups, while Fish Creek Campground provides a more rustic experience with picnic tables and vault toilets approximately 7 miles southeast of town. The public lands surrounding Grangeville feature a mix of established campgrounds with basic amenities and dispersed camping areas that serve as gateways to wilderness recreation.

Road conditions and camping access in the Grangeville area vary significantly with elevation and seasonal weather patterns. Many forest service roads leading to remote camping areas require high-clearance vehicles, particularly after spring runoff or heavy rainfall events. The region typically sees peak camping season from May through October, with Fish Creek Campground officially operating from May 15 to October 30. Winter camping opportunities are limited by snow accumulation and reduced maintenance on forest roads. Several campgrounds near rivers provide water access but may experience seasonal changes in water levels. One camper noted, "36 miles from Grangeville, and it's got some elevation and it can get cold at night if in a tent. But the days are gorgeous."

Campers frequently mention riverside settings as a highlight of the Grangeville camping experience. The South Fork of the Clearwater River and nearby streams offer fishing opportunities and scenic views from several established camping areas. Wilderness-oriented visitors appreciate the relative solitude of sites farther from town, while those seeking amenities gravitate toward developed campgrounds with drinking water and toilet facilities. Pine Bar Recreation Site and other locations along waterways receive consistently positive reviews for their natural settings. Wildlife viewing opportunities include deer and elk, particularly in less developed areas. Many campsites throughout the region feature fire rings and picnic tables, though some primitive locations may lack these amenities. Cell service is inconsistent across the region, with better connectivity at campgrounds closer to highways.

Best Camping Sites Near Grangeville, Idaho (187)

    1. Bear Den RV Resort

    2 Reviews
    Grangeville, ID
    1 mile
    Website
    +1 (208) 983-0140

    "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!"

    "Campground is located a mile outside of town. Friendly staff and nicely maintained campground. There are a few small trees but mostly in the sun. Sites are close together."

    2. Fish Creek Campground

    1 Review
    Grangeville, ID
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (208) 983-1963

    $12 / night

    "Our only complaints were you could hear dogs barking all night long due to it being close to a residential area. The other complaint was the amount of traffic noise you could hear all night long."

    3. Castle Creek

    1 Review
    Grangeville, ID
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (208) 983-1963

    "The surroundings are just as illustrious as the group site I stayed at.

    There’s a reasonable amount of privacy but you can see your neighbors depending where you camp."

    4. South Fork Group Site 5 - Nez Perce Nf (ID)

    1 Review
    Grangeville, ID
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (208) 983-1950

    $25 / night

    5. Hammer Creek Recreation Site

    4 Reviews
    White Bird, ID
    15 miles
    Website

    "Spots are big (although pretty close to each other), and there isn't a lot of shade."

    "We walked down to the river and hung out, brought our chairs and some wine. The river was nice and our toddler liked playing in the small amount of sand there was. We had our dog too. $10 per night."

    6. Pine Bar Recreation Site

    1 Review
    White Bird, ID
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (208) 962-3245

    7. Pine Bar

    1 Review
    White Bird, ID
    11 miles
    Website

    "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. "

    8. Meadow Creek Campground

    1 Review
    Grangeville, ID
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (208) 983-1963

    9. South Fork

    1 Review
    Grangeville, ID
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (208) 983-1963

    10. Swiftwater RV Park

    3 Reviews
    White Bird, ID
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (208) 839-2700

    "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."

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Recent Reviews near Grangeville, ID

222 Reviews of 187 Grangeville Campgrounds


  • Rich J.
    Sep. 13, 2025

    Winchester Lake State Park Campground

    Great

    We stayed in the campground with hookups.....Camas loop. Generally large, separated sites with picnic tables and firepits. Forest setting throughout. There are a few sites that aren't great, but the longer length ones are best. Facilities are clean. Lots of trails, picnic areas, and boat docks. Didn't fish, but lots of people were.

  • Amanda P.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 26, 2025

    Hells Canyon Overlook Near Saddle Creek - Dispersed Site

    A wonderful escape

    Tons of changes in terrain but the drive is not for the faint of heart. Be ready to share space with free roaming mountain cattle. Other than a forest service vehicle and maybe 2 others it was just us up there! We came by way of Imanha.

  • SThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 24, 2025

    Three Rivers Resort & Campground

    Great overnight stay

    We needed an rv spot for the night on our way to McCall Idaho. Booking was straightforward, Checking easy and was As Described. The hamburgers at the restaurant were perfect for our tastebuds after a long day on the road. Lack of black water Capability was not an issue in our case and if needed there was a dump station on site. Ongoing renovation was apparent and good to see.

  • WThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 23, 2025

    McKay's Bend Recreation Site

    Great Park especially for the Price

    Full hookups bathroom and showers. In a canyon on river. Number 8 has river view but not much shade. Other sites with much shade.

  • mike L.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 17, 2025

    McKay's Bend Recreation Site

    Easy to camp here

    This campground is just off Highway 12 in Western Idaho and very convenient. It’s a little close to the road but the traffic seems to be pretty quiet at 8:30 at night. It’s right by the river, which is very nice and it seems like there is good fishing in this river so that may be a plus. I do recommend this campground.

  • D
    Aug. 8, 2025

    McKay's Bend Recreation Site

    Norm is a great host

    Beautiful, well kept grounds. If you have a seniors America The Beautiful pass, $9 gets you full hookups, showers and toilets. Short drive to town. Norm (host) is awesome and full of knowledge. Nice fishing river on the Northern side of the camp. Will come back.

  • Z
    Aug. 7, 2025

    Papoose Campground

    Small simple level ground

    Looks like a newer camp area right off the gravel road. Just a leveled packed gravel pad. Big enough for two separate groups or one larger group. Beautiful up in the mountains. No amenities. No water found anywhere close.

  • Lorraine C.
    Aug. 2, 2025

    Deyo Reservoir

    nice but the other people were up loud till 2 am, is there a 10 pm quiet?

    dont we will stay there again because of this

  • BThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 30, 2025

    Canyon Pines RV Resort

    Nice spot

    Very relaxing and quiet spot. If you have a smaller camper, find a spot next to the river!


Guide to Grangeville

Camping near Grangeville, Idaho, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and outdoor activities. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventure-filled getaway, this area has something for everyone.

What to do:

  • Fishing: Many campers enjoy fishing in the nearby lakes and rivers. One visitor at Winchester Lake State Park Campground said, "Great fishing spot. Stayed in C64."
  • Hiking: Explore the trails around the campgrounds. A reviewer at Ohara Bar Campground mentioned, "There are plenty of sites to stay at, however it can tend to get crowded, so I recommend reserving a spot ahead of time."
  • Boating: Enjoy electric motor boating at Winchester Lake State Park Campground. One camper noted, "Good hiking and fishing. Electric motor boating allowed."

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms. A visitor at Hammer Creek Recreation Site said, "Super clean FLUSH toilets yay!"
  • Spacious Sites: Many campgrounds offer plenty of space between sites. A reviewer at Deyo Reservoir mentioned, "The sites were nicely spaced, well maintained."
  • Natural Beauty: Campers love the scenic views. One visitor at Canyon Creek shared, "My site was gorgeous, looking out over the lake!"

What you should know:

  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds have few amenities. A camper at Shorts Bar Recreation Site noted, "They haven't put money into this place since inception."
  • Road Conditions: Be prepared for rough roads leading to some sites. A visitor at Lolo Creek Campground warned, "We would have damaged our trailer for sure!"
  • Wildlife Awareness: Keep an eye out for wildlife. A reviewer at Ohara Bar Campground mentioned, "Like much of central Idaho, the wildlife includes black bears and rattlesnakes."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for sites with amenities for kids. A camper at Freeman Creek Campground said, "There is a play area with jungle gym equipment for kids."
  • Plan Activities: Make sure to have activities for all ages. A visitor at Deyo Reservoir mentioned, "We caught lots of bluegill, trout but no bass!"
  • Safety First: Always supervise children near water. A camper at Riverside RV Park noted, "The river is several feet down with no fence so not the best space if you have young kids."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Size: Make sure your RV fits the site. A reviewer at Dent Acres mentioned, "You need to drive to the water and there is very little rocky coastline to fish!"
  • Look for Full Hookups: Many RVers prefer sites with full hookups. A camper at Riverside RV Park said, "Most sites have full hook up with cable TV and Wi-Fi available."
  • Book Ahead: Popular sites fill up quickly. A visitor at Wilderness Gateway advised, "I recommend reserving a spot ahead of time."

Camping near Grangeville, Idaho, offers a great mix of outdoor fun and relaxation. Whether you're fishing, hiking, or just enjoying the scenery, there's something for everyone in this beautiful area.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where are the best campgrounds near Grangeville, Idaho?

The Grangeville area offers excellent camping options within a short drive. Nez Perce National Forest Newsome Campground is about 36 miles from Grangeville with beautiful creekside sites at higher elevation, providing a peaceful weekday experience (though weekends bring more ORV activity). Ruby Meadows Trailhead offers a scenic forest setting with creek access for those who enjoy gold panning. Other noteworthy options include Fish Creek Campground with toilet facilities and big-rig accessibility, and Castle Creek for a more rustic experience. The region's campgrounds generally provide access to abundant outdoor recreation including hiking, fishing, and wildlife viewing in the beautiful Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests.

What RV parks are available in Grangeville, Idaho?

Grangeville and the surrounding area offer several RV accommodation options. Bear Den RV Resort provides clean facilities with amenities like laundry and showers, plus great sunset views. It's conveniently located along the highway but maintains minimal road noise. Three Rivers Resort & Campground offers full-hookup RV spots along with other accommodation options for travelers heading up the Lochsa River. Both locations provide good bases for exploring the region. For those willing to drive a bit further, Winchester Lake State Park offers somewhat level RV sites nestled under pine trees, providing natural shade during hot summer months. Most RV parks in the area are seasonal operations, typically closing during the winter months due to harsh weather conditions.

Is tent camping available year-round in Grangeville, Idaho?

Tent camping near Grangeville is primarily seasonal due to Idaho's mountainous climate. Winchester Lake State Park Campground offers tent sites under a canopy of pines that provide cooling shade during summer, but the park has limited winter accessibility. McKay's Bend Recreation Site provides riverside tent camping with convenient highway access, though it's primarily a warm-weather destination. Most Forest Service and public campgrounds in the area typically open from late spring (May) through early fall (September/October), depending on snow conditions. Winter tent camping is possible but challenging due to cold temperatures, snow accumulation, and limited site maintenance. If attempting winter camping, focus on lower-elevation sites and bring appropriate cold-weather gear, as nighttime temperatures can drop significantly even during summer at higher elevations.