Camping near Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests
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.
