Grangeville campgrounds sit between 1,500-3,500 feet elevation in north-central Idaho, where the Clearwater and Salmon Rivers create a diverse landscape for outdoor recreation. The region experiences warm summers with temperatures reaching the 80s and cold winters with occasional snowfall. Most campsites in the area remain accessible from late spring through fall, with limited winter availability at lower elevations.
What to do
River access: Hammer Creek Recreation Site offers excellent fishing spots along the Salmon River with boat launch facilities. One camper noted, "Nice clean campsites. Boat and vehicle access. Nice place during salmon and steelhead seasons."
Swimming spots: The Clearwater and Salmon Rivers provide swimming opportunities throughout the summer months when water levels are safe. At Salmon River Resort, visitors appreciate the "river access" with designated swimming areas safe for all ages.
Hiking trails: Several forest service roads near Fish Creek Campground lead to moderate hiking trails with wildlife viewing opportunities. A visitor mentioned the area has "paved campsites" that serve as good base camps for day hikes.
Scenic drives: Highway 95 between Grangeville and White Bird offers spectacular canyon views with pullouts for photography. According to one camper at Swiftwater RV Park, "We'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."
What campers like
Riverside locations: Many campgrounds feature direct river frontage with water access. A guest at Swiftwater RV Park appreciated that they had a "quiet and shaded spot right overlooking the Salmon River" where road noise was minimal.
Clean facilities: Well-maintained bathrooms and showers receive consistent praise. As one visitor to Bear Den RV Resort described, "The park and facilities are extremely clean and have good amenities, like laundry and showers."
Affordable options: Pealy Loop Recreation Site offers free camping with a 14-day limit, providing budget-friendly options. A camper shared, "It's an established campground, with maybe 4 or 5 sites, all open, spread out, right on the river. There's a picnic table and fire pit for each site."
Helpful staff: Multiple campgrounds feature on-site owners who assist guests. At River Junction RV Park, a visitor noted, "The owners are very very nice and helped us back in when we arrived after dark."
What you should know
Limited cell service: Many campgrounds have spotty coverage. One Bear Den visitor mentioned, "The WiFi and cell service was not the best," while at Pealy Loop Recreation Site, "Verizon was roaming and AT&T had great reception."
Weather considerations: Summer afternoons can reach 90+ degrees while nights cool significantly, requiring layered clothing. Spring brings high water levels in rivers, affecting fishing and swimming safety.
Reservation policies: Many campgrounds require advance booking during peak season (June-August). A camper at Hammer Creek Recreation Site advised arriving early as the $10 per night sites fill quickly during fishing seasons.
Highway proximity: Several campgrounds sit near main roads, creating varying noise levels. A visitor to Fish Creek Campground noted you could "hear traffic noise all night long. Good for a short stay but not an extended one."
Tips for camping with families
Best swimming areas: Hammer Creek provides safer swimming with a gradual entry point for children. As one visitor described, "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."
Kid-friendly amenities: Kamiah/Clearwater River KOA features a pool that receives positive reviews. A guest mentioned, "We had a wonderful time!! People are so friendly!! Nice shade trees all over, pool was great!"
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Morning and evening hours offer the best chances to spot deer, elk, and various bird species around campgrounds. Bring binoculars for distant viewing.
Dog friendly accommodations: Most campgrounds accommodate pets with standard leash requirements. Seubert RV Park & Guesthouse maintains "super clean and well kept" grounds suitable for families with dogs.
Tips from RVers
Access considerations: Several campgrounds accommodate large rigs with pull-through sites. A visitor to Bear Den RV Resort observed it was "Big rig friendly and mostly pull through sites."
Hookup availability: Seubert RV Park & Guesthouse provides water and electric connections at affordable rates. One camper praised the "easy to access pull-through sites, and very affordable!"
Dump station locations: River Junction RV Park offers on-site dump facilities included with your stay. A reviewer noted it's "Perfect for what it is" with "some pull through sites as well as back in sites."
Leveling requirements: Some riverside campgrounds require leveling blocks due to sloped terrain. Bring stabilizers for comfort during overnight stays.
