The Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests in Idaho provide secluded camping experiences along mountain lakes, creeks, and forested areas. Rocky Ridge Lake Campground offers spacious sites with a rustic log outhouse in a remote mountain setting, while Wilderness Gateway provides more developed facilities with drinking water, picnic tables, and trash service. Most campgrounds in the region are primitive with limited amenities, though several accommodate both tent and RV camping. The area features a mix of established campgrounds and dispersed camping opportunities along the historic Lolo Motorway and near bodies of water like Campbell's Pond and Washington Creek.
Road conditions vary significantly throughout the region, with many sites requiring high-clearance vehicles to access. The Lolo Motorway and routes to locations like Rocky Ridge Lake are not suitable for low-clearance vehicles. A visitor noted, "It is a beautiful place to go get away," though they cautioned about road conditions. Most camping areas are accessible from May through October, with higher elevations often snow-covered until early summer. Many sites are free or low-cost, though amenities are minimal. Vault toilets are common at established campgrounds, but drinking water is only available at select locations like Wilderness Gateway and Washington Creek Campground. Cell service is unreliable throughout much of the forest.
Campers consistently praise the region's natural beauty and opportunities for solitude. The North Fork of the Clearwater River provides excellent fishing access, with Washington Creek Campground offering riverside camping. "Small campground with potable water and pit toilets. River view or forest with ferns. Access to amazing beaches, fishing, hiking, etc. Our favorite place to camp on the N Fork!" wrote one visitor. Wildlife viewing is another highlight, with one camper reporting a moose feeding in Rocky Ridge Lake. Most campgrounds provide access to recreational activities like fishing, hiking, and ATV trails. Several sites feature picnic tables and fire rings, though firewood is not provided. The combination of mountain lakes, forest settings, and riverside locations creates diverse camping experiences throughout the region.
"There was a cow moose feeding in the lake when we were there. She would stomp around up to her neck in the lake, then eat the plants that would float to the surface."
"Great peaceful mountain lake setting with elk often on the hillside above located on the historic lolo motorway not suitable for low clearance vehicles but it is a beautiful place to go get away"
"I visit every year at least once. campground has very spacious sites about 7 sites has a rustic log outhouse and trails to hike"
$14 - $280 / night
"Great place for campers of all walks of life has trails to Stanley hot springs and has about everything you could ask for."
"The drive from Orofino was a long and winding road along the river and oh so beautiful. The campground was clean, had flush toilets and drinking water, plus a dump station."
"Nice quiet across the bridge so a little ways away from the road. Several spots to camp and accessible to bigger campers."
"The vault toilets were clean enough for the ladies not to mind the situation. Laying in the river, hiking, wildlife viewing, was great."
"Great location for all types of recreation has trailhead for ATV jeeps and also close to great fishing access."
"We come to this area every summer around the time of logging sport competitions, and we opted to stay here after a few years of staying closer to town with a not so great camping experience."
"Awesome little camp along Lolo creek great fishing access all around"
"Beautiful wide open with trees close and a small creek close by."
"this is close to a wildlife viewing area and it's not far from great fishing access on musselshell creek and lolo creek"
"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"
GuideThis little gem comes up quick and is tucked off of Highway 12. Handful of spots with a vault toilet and most the campsites are right on the river. There’s plenty of dead wood for fires and easy to drive my truck through.
GuideLove this place right on the Lochsa River. Small and peaceful. Pit toilet.
GuideWe visited here in mid June. This was a bit early and required some chainsaw use on FR500 trail. We were the only ones there except for a few day visitors. The lake and ridge above the lake are beautiful and definitely worth the trip. It’s a primitive campground with fire pit and picnic table. Plan to bring everything you need for your stay with you and pack out your garbage.
You can call the Lolo Pass Visitor Center at (208) 942-3113 to get updates on the status of the Lolo Motorway (FR500) before your trip.
TravelerEasy to get in. Off the road but there’s some trees between the spots and the road. The first two sites are closer to the river than the last two but all of them are awesome. Only big enough for tent camping or camper van.
Seems pretty busy. We got there on a Tuesday at 5pm and there was only one spot.
TravelerIt’s technically by a creek but you can’t even see it or access it in any way so you drive all the way in there but it’s just like any other pull off.
GuideAbout 3/4 campsites, some with space for groups. We stayed at the lower campsite that was huge and flat. One fire ring by the water with access to the river. Amazing site, the smaller ones are surrounded by trees so are a slightly private. Water is loud by lower sites but that was a pro not a con. Road is a little rough and jagged but any car can get down with patience. Probably harder or not possible for bigger vehicles.
Guidegreat prices and beautiful views!
LegendIt's a great stopping point on my way to Missoula. Right on the river. Good laundry and shower facilities. Cute town within walking distance.
Sites are super close. You're right on the river. Very scenic. People are friendly. It's definitely not remote forest camping, but for what it is, it serves its purpose!
Happened upon the county fair which was a lot of fun!
TravelerNice spots almost all season long.
Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests campgrounds span across central Idaho's rugged terrain, ranging from 1,500 to 7,500 feet in elevation. Most backcountry sites remain inaccessible until June due to lingering snowpack on forest roads. Temperatures fluctuate dramatically, with summer days reaching 85°F while nighttime temperatures can drop below 40°F even in July.
Fishing opportunities: Washington Creek Campground provides direct access to the North Fork of the Clearwater River. "Fishing was great. Solitude was the best. 10 days was our stay at $10 per night, no hook ups," notes Donald C. The river contains cutthroat trout, rainbow trout, and bull trout, though catch-and-release regulations apply to specific species.
Hot springs access: Wilderness Gateway Campground serves as a basecamp for hot springs exploration. "We spent a week here this last summer. Awesome place for hikes and hot springs. Also dog friendly Everywhere we went," says Barbara F. The trailhead to Stanley Hot Springs starts from this campground and requires a 5-mile hike with 1,500 feet of elevation gain.
ATV trail systems: Clark Mountain/Orogrande Trailhead offers multiple trail options for off-road vehicles. "Great location for all types of recreation has trailhead for ATV jeeps and also close to great fishing access," reports Christopher R. The trail system connects to over 200 miles of designated ATV routes throughout the forest.
Riverside campsites: Lolo Creek Campground provides streamside camping with easy water access. "This is a bit from Orofino but it's far enough away to where you really feel like your out there in nature... There's a nice little creek nearby which really makes this spot a cute and comfy area," explains Megan K. Sites nearest the creek fill quickly during summer weekends.
Wildlife viewing: Rocky Ridge Lake attracts diverse wildlife throughout the summer months. "There was a cow moose feeding in the lake when we were there. She would stomp around up to her neck in the lake, then eat the plants that would float to the surface," shares Pat F. Early morning and evening hours provide optimal wildlife observation opportunities.
Forest isolation: Campsites throughout the forests provide substantial privacy compared to more developed recreation areas. "Great peaceful mountain lake setting with elk often on the hillside above located on the historic lolo motorway," writes Christopher R. about Rocky Ridge Lake Campground. Most dispersed sites maintain at least 100 feet between neighboring campers.
Road conditions: Many forest roads require appropriate vehicles, especially after rain. "We visited Lolo before bringing our trailer to camp and I'm glad we did! We would have damaged our trailer for sure!" warns Marian J. about Lolo Creek Campground. Most forest access roads remain unmaintained gravel with occasional washouts.
Water availability: Water systems operate seasonally and sometimes face maintenance issues. "Water was shut off when we were there June 2024; unknown when it will be back on," reports Katherine B. regarding Washington Creek Campground. During peak season, potable water is typically available at Wilderness Gateway and a limited number of other established sites.
Cell coverage: No reliable cell service exists throughout most of the forest area. Plan communications accordingly and bring paper maps. Some campgrounds nearest to Highway 12 may get limited reception at higher elevations within the campground.
Camping regulations: Most dispersed camping follows a 14-day stay limit. Pack out all trash as most areas have no garbage service. Fire restrictions frequently go into effect during late summer months.
Beginner-friendly fishing: Campbell's Pond Access Area offers accessible fishing from multiple docks. "Has good trout fishing. Newer boat launch for small type boats only," notes Bridget L. The pond is regularly stocked with rainbow trout and features three fishing docks that work well for young anglers.
River safety: Fast-moving water requires caution, especially with children. "There are stairs by one of the vault toilets to walk down to the water but be careful, it is cold and fast!" cautions Katherine B. about Washington Creek Campground. Water temperatures rarely exceed 55°F even during summer months.
Weather preparation: Bring layers regardless of season. Summer thunderstorms develop quickly, and temperature swings of 30+ degrees between day and night are common. Higher elevation campgrounds can experience overnight frost even in July.
Site selection: Wilderness Gateway offers dedicated RV camping areas with more level parking. "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," explains Gretchen B. The campground includes a sanitary dump station and can accommodate larger rigs in specific loops.
Dry camping considerations: Most forest campgrounds have no hookups but offer vault toilets. "Boondocking or dry camping was the tone. The vault toilets were clean enough for the ladies not to mind the situation," shares Donald C. about Washington Creek. Generator hours typically restrict use to 8am-8pm at established campgrounds.
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests?
According to TheDyrt.com, Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests offers a wide range of camping options, with 171 campgrounds and RV parks near Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests and 12 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests is Rocky Ridge Lake Campground with a 5-star rating from 4 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 12 free dispersed camping spots near Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests.
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