Tent camping near Mullan, Idaho centers primarily within St. Joe National Forest, at elevations ranging from 2,800 to 4,500 feet. Most sites lack developed facilities, requiring self-sufficiency for water and waste management. The camping season typically runs from late May through September, with many remote locations inaccessible until snowmelt completes in mid-June.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Lake Elsie Campground offers productive fishing for both rainbow and brook trout. A camper reports, "We always catch lots of brooke and rainbow trout and wild life is everywhere! There is an outhouse bathroom but you are on you're own otherwise!" The high-elevation lake maintains cold water temperatures year-round.
ATV and dirt bike trails: The area surrounding Breakwater Campground provides extensive off-road vehicle trails. According to a recent visitor, "Great tent camping. Also, it's a great starting point to some really good dirt bike trails. Be prepared for no cell service. 0 amenities. it's just a place to pitch a tent and have a fire. And it cost nothing."
Hiking and exploration: Packsaddle Campground offers direct access to numerous hiking trails. A camper notes, "If you hike (or ride) on the local trails you find beautiful scenery." The trails connect to larger networks within St. Joe National Forest, providing opportunities for day hikes or longer backpacking routes.
What campers like
Solitude and quiet: Gold Rush Campground provides more secluded camping experiences than other nearby options. One visitor observed, "This camp is not heavily used so you could possibly get the place to yourself. Lots of shade great place to go get away." The canyon bottom location helps block noise from nearby roads.
Creek access: Many campers appreciate the proximity to water at Breakwater Campground, where "this campground stretches along a tributary of the CdA river, and there is great tent camping and fly fishing. Downside is that there is limited vehicle access to most spots."
Alpine lake settings: Lake Elsie attracts campers seeking pristine mountain lake environments. A camper shares, "This is one of the most spectacular campsites I have ever been to. It's off I-90, down a long (8ish mile) dirt road. ROAD IS NARROW, WINDY, AND STEEP. not at all trailer or big rig friendly. the site is free, and there are 11 first come first serve sites."
What you should know
Road conditions vary significantly: Access to Lake Elsie requires navigating challenging terrain. A camper advises, "The road up is rough, potholes, it does get better about halfway up. Expect at least 30 minutes to get up after you hit the gravel, and that's pushing it pretty hard."
Limited amenities: Most tent sites near Mullan have minimal facilities. At Little North Fork Campground, "Not many places to camp, but great fishing for cutthroats and rainbows. Takes a while to drive in, but well worth it once you are there!" Bring everything you need, including drinking water.
Seasonal considerations: Snow impacts accessibility well into spring. For Lake Elsie, "The road sometimes still has a good foot of snow until about Mid-June, so beware." Plan accordingly and check local conditions before departing.
Tips for camping with families
Consider proximity to activities: Telichpah Campground works well for families planning to bike the Hiawatha Trail. A visitor notes, "We wanted a place to tent camp as close to the Pearson, Idaho end of the Hiawatha Bike Trail as possible. This little (5 camping sites) primitive campground suited our needs perfectly."
Be prepared for wildlife encounters: Families should implement proper food storage practices, particularly at Lake Elsie where bear activity is common. "What a place! I saw no trash or broken glass, it was very clean. I got there after dark and left first thing in the morning, wish I had more time to explore."
Pack supplies thoroughly: The primitive nature of tent camping near Mullan requires bringing all essentials. At Telichpah, a camper observed, "It was clean, no frills, had a well-maintained vault toilet, and there was even a small creek for pleasant background sleeping sounds. Filled the bill perfectly for our needs."
Tips from RVers
Size restrictions limit RV access: Most campgrounds near Mullan accommodate tents and small vehicles only. For Marble Creek Campground, visitors report, "This is by far one of my favorite places to camp in the world. All along Marble Creek, you will find various sites. The Marble Creek Campground has a few sites and one outhouse facility nearby."
Consider dispersed options: RVers often find better parking at dispersed sites along forest roads rather than established campgrounds. Marble Creek offers some alternatives, where "Every camp has great access to the creek where you can search for all kinds of beautiful rocks and even go fishing."
