Glamping accommodations near Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests provide access to over 4 million acres of diverse wilderness landscapes. The region spans elevations from 1,500 to 8,900 feet, creating varied camping environments with temperature differences of up to 20°F between valley campgrounds and higher elevation sites. Camping options throughout the area offer direct access to both the Lochsa and Selway Rivers, with seasonal considerations affecting accessibility from late spring through early fall.
What to do
Smallmouth bass fishing: Freeman Creek Campground offers excellent fishing opportunities at Dworshak Reservoir. "Smallmouth bass fishing is great! The Idaho state Smallmouth record was caught in this lake," notes Cody B., who has visited during multiple seasons.
Kayaking and paddleboarding: Rentals are available at some locations for water recreation, with calm areas suitable for beginners. "We launched the kayaks and enjoyed the water ourselves- paddled to the opposite shore and found a remote unoccupied camp," shares Dawn G. about her experience at Freeman Creek.
Wildlife viewing: The national forests contain diverse wildlife habitat. "If you are lucky you may see a black bear feeding on blackberries, deer are numerous, elk frequent the lake, and one of my favorites is to watch Osprey dive in the lake for fish," reports a regular visitor to the area.
River relaxation: Powell Campground sites offer proximity to the Lochsa River. "The access to the river is kind of not the best, but it's nice to be able to cool down on a hot day," notes codie C., mentioning that some riverside spots fill quickly during peak season.
What campers like
Spacious, private sites: Campers appreciate the layout at many campgrounds. "The campground is large and thus the areas seem nicely spaced apart, never felt crowded, even though there are over 100 sites," writes Dawn G. about her stay at Freeman Creek Campground.
Electrical hookups: Some national forest campgrounds offer unexpected amenities. Julian P. notes about Powell Campground: "The first loop has electricity, the second doesn't. River access isn't great, but it's nice to hang out on the ridge above the river."
Huckleberry gathering: Seasonal berry picking adds to the camping experience. "Huckleberries litter the campground, if you're lucky enough to have an eye out for them," shares codie C. about the natural treats available during late summer stays at Three Rivers Resort.
Camp hosts: Attentive staff enhance the experience at established sites. "The camp host kept the area clean and was available if needed," notes Betsy A., who found Powell Campground to be "a best kept secret" during her June visit.
What you should know
Road conditions: Some campgrounds require navigating challenging roads. "Google maps wrecked us- I selected 'quickest route' and had NO warnings that we would be driving up the narrowest gravel road with a 11% incline," cautions Agnes B. about accessing Freeman Creek.
Reservation timing: Plan ahead for stays during peak times. "Reservations close 6 days prior, and then flip over to first come, first serve," explains codie C. about Powell Campground, adding that Thursday arrivals often find non-reservable spots already taken.
Limited facilities: Some amenities close seasonally. "Bathroom and water had already been closed for season," notes Greg G. about his fall stay at Powell Campground, highlighting the importance of checking facility status before arrival.
Cell service limitations: Connectivity is sparse throughout the region. "NO CELL SERVICE. You just have to be present with one another," states Agnes B. about her family's experience, though some locations offer WiFi at nearby lodges or stores.
Tips for camping with families
Group camping options: Freeman Creek Campground offers designated areas for larger gatherings. "We book a group camp site every year and have a camping reunion! The kids love it and the grown ups worry less at such a family appropriate park," shares Ashley C.
Nature trails: Look for short hiking options suitable for younger explorers. "Sweet little nature trails were pretty and easy for smaller children to walk through," recommends Agnes B., who visited with children of various ages.
Tadpole hunting: Water areas provide simple entertainment for children. Agnes B. notes that despite some facilities being "a bit more run down," her family "still enjoyed the water and had a ton of fun finding tadpoles" during their summer visit.
Bug scarcity: Some areas have surprisingly few insects during certain seasons. "When we went in June, there were next to no mosquitos! My poor teenager usually gets eaten alive anywhere we go and he left unscathed!" reports one parent about their summer camping experience.
Tips from RVers
Electric sites: Powell Campground offers powered sites in specific loops. "July 8-9, 2019 Beautiful campground. Smells like Christmas. Site A016 had electric. There is water at the Rangers Station to fill fresh water tank. $10 per night with lifetime senior pass," reports Annell N.
Dump station locations: Plan ahead for waste disposal needs. "The dump station was 35 miles away," notes Annell N., highlighting the importance of planning tank capacity for longer stays.
Site selection strategy: Choose sites carefully based on your specific rig and needs. "At first when we rolled into our spot I thought I was going to be in huge trouble- drive through spot with a wicked drop off on the right side with the fire pit and picnic table at the bottom," shares Agnes B., who recommends selecting "meadow" sites for easier setup.
Campground pricing: Budget accordingly for different site types. "$14.00 without electricity. $20 with power," reports Johnathan I. about Powell Campground, noting the difference in cost based on hookup availability.
