Best Tent Camping near Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests

Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests, ID is a great camping destination for adventurers of all types. Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests is an adventure-filled destination for those who love the outdoorsy camper lifestyle. But it's also great for those who prefer to spend time near the city, exploring and sightseeing. Find the best campgrounds near Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests, plus reviews and photos from other campers like you.

Best Tent Sites Near Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests (79)

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Recent Tent Camping Photos near Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests

4 Photos of 79 Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests Campgrounds


Tent Camping Reviews near Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests

235 Reviews of 79 Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests Campgrounds


  • L
    Oct. 30, 2022

    Knife Edge Campground

    Beautiful spot

    Stayed one night 10/13/22. Pulled in at dark, just right off of the 12 in Kooskia, ID. About 5/6 campgrounds, 2 were occupied (quiet neighbors), but with enough trees to feel there was privacy. Vault toilet and Lochsa river access(rock bar), no garbage services this time of year. Saw a black bear (juvenile) on the way in but didn’t see/hear anything else from the bear that night or the next morning. Soft ground, and flat even spaces. Fire ring and picnic table as well. Free made it the perfect price, given that a lot of the state campsites were closed (locked gate) this time. Looked as though some campsites backed to the highway, we chose a middle site and weren’t too disturbed by the highway. (Tent camped on a road trip to the Midwest)

  • Crystal C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 7, 2019

    Quartz Flat Campground

    Ranger Review: Acai Berry Liquid IV At Quartz Flat Campground

    CLICK HERE for FULL Ranger Review Video

    When traveling through Montana there is a portion of the state which suddenly opens up in such an inviting way as the National Forest and Mountains start to give you the first glimpse of the upcoming PNW environment.   Tall trees welcome you and on a cool fall day the crisp air produces  a beautiful fog over the mountains.

    Campground Review:

    As I entered into this section of the 2 million acre LOLO National Forest I initially pulled into a rest area to make lunch only to realize that the exit point for the rest area was actually also the shared entry point for the Quartz Flat Campground.

    The immediate sense of comfort abounded as large campsites became visible as I drove down the entry and the opening of the 2 loops welcomed me in with open arms.   Sites were well shaded and had ample ground to spread out and get comfortable for a stay from a day to 14 days at only $10 a night or $5 for those with the Senior Access pass.

    I was very surprised when I noticed that Loop C was designed for smaller RVs, Vans and Tent campers and Loop A was designed for larger units which required pull through entry.    There was attention to detail for any possible traveler, something which commonly is not considered in design of National Forest campsites.

    But far beyond the size this started to reveal to me that it was not your typical campsite on National Forest land for many other reasons.    There were both vault toilets and flush toilets at the location scattered throughout camp and drinking water spigots available at central points.

    For tent campers the forest bed offered a lush and soft pad for set up and with sites being quite large there was a tranquility which came from camping here.  All sites were equipped with fire rings and tables but a select few were the location of bear boxes.    After leaving Yellowstone where each site had a bear box this was bit confusing to me as to why there were limited bear boxes but this did not deter me.

    Additionally there is a dump station and trash collection at the Loop C entry point, very uncommon for these type of sites.   There also was a trail which began on the C Loop and traversed 1/2 a mile with information available at the main road with free brochures.

    Departing this loop, I thought I had seen it all, but boy was I wrong!!  There was an entire other campground on the opposite side of the highway, accessible by a tunnel which passed under the highway itself.  This campground near mirrored that of the A & C Loops however appeared a bit closer to the highway.

    TIPS:

    • If you are visiting this campground make sure you bring everything with you, there is no store nearby for a quick stop.

    • Check dates of closure for this campground.   When I arrived there were signs posted at the pay kiosk of closure beginning September 16th.    

    For More Information About LOLO National Forest CLICK HERE

    Product Review:

    Upon occasion I am given the opportunity as a Dyrt Ranger to try out some amazing new products along my adventures.   For this trip I was able to try out the Acai Berry Liquid IV, a unique product which offers hydration multiplication for those who are needing a little pick me up.

    How Does It Work?

    Hydration multipliers work in a very interesting way.   Through adding a concentrated amount of electrolytes to your regular water they are able to make a single water hydrate your body as much as 3 waters of the same size.     The CTT technology used by Liquid IV is unique to the brand  and allows glucose and sodium to move differently in the body.  

    In simple terms, if you don't drink enough water regularly, if you add Liquid IV to your intake, it allows your body to feel like it actually is getting enough water.

    How Do I Use It?

    Use is simple!! Servings are prepackaged and can be added to water of any temperature.    Simply tear the top, scissors not needed, and pour then shake!  I personally like adding it to hot tea in addition to plain water for a little punch of flavor.

    How Does It Taste?

    The Acai Berry flavor is a light flavor additive which allows you a subtle punch of flavor,   Unlike many drink additives it does not have a chalky taste and when it is fully dissolved you have no textural discrepancy from a standard water.   It just tastes like something other than water...lol

    Does It Really Work?

    I have been trying Liquid IV for a few weeks and have noticed a definite difference when using it versos not using it.    The product allows your body to not feel the signs of fatigue on a strenuous hike and allows you to stay hydrated, preventing muscle cramps, profuse sweating and heat related fatigue.

    When using on a standard day of light activity your body just feels more energized, despite not being an energy supplement.    

    I would recommend using this product for your day to day, especially if you struggle with consuming the recommended amount of water regularly.   For those who participate in strenuous athletic activity this is a game changer much better than Gatorade or Powerade.

  • Katherine B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 11, 2024

    Isabella Landing Camp

    Simple but pretty

    More of a primitive type of campground, although there are vault toilets. Plenty of spaces along the river; however there is a river take out that may be used to back trailers up to, so the flat spots across from it may not be ideal.

  • C
    Oct. 31, 2019

    Ohara Bar Campground

    Wild and scenic

    The Selway is one of the most beautiful places in Idaho, and this campground is a good place to stay on your visit! There are plenty of sites (32) to stay at, however it can tend to get crowded, so I recommend reserving a spot ahead of time. The crowds are really the only downside to this site (if you prefer more quiet and privacy) but fortunately there are other sites along the river that are also great spots to camp. This campsites has plenty of amenities and many of the sites are pretty accessible. This is a great place for families, people with limited mobility, and the elderly to visit. There are vault toilets, potable water, and bear-proof dumpsters that serve the whole camp. Individual sites should all have tent spots, picnic tables, and a fire ring. The loop around the campsite is paved. Kids and families often ride their bikes around the loop. Like much of central Idaho, the wildlife includes black bears and rattlesnakes, so remember to be cautious and aware of our wilder friends! The area offers a great variety of recreation opportunities. Slower areas of the river offer great swimming, and the Lower Selway makes a great day trip on kayaks or rafts. There is lots of biking, hiking, and horseback riding along the river and through the mountains. Selway Falls are beautiful and a really fun stop.

  • Rachel A.
    Jul. 6, 2020

    Mini camp 5.0

    Absolutely lovely

    Views are spectacular. Little wind coverage during the day though it’s very private with quite a distance off the Big Eddy trail to get down to the waterside spot. Vaulted toilet, fire ring and a picnic table make for some comfy accommodations. Marker on trail (approximately 5 1/4mi hiking north from Bid Eddy or 3 7/8mi hiking south from Freeman Creek)

  • Shaun W.
    Aug. 18, 2017

    Weitas Creek Campground

    Needs a Titdy up.

    it is free witch is amazing thank you. But it would like a tidy up. Only 2 of the sites are in my opinion any good one ones to the left and right of the bridge. I dear not go in the vault toilets. Great location for fishing access. Did get little busy before dark and not many trees so you had dust going threw your camp but it was free.

  • Rachel A.
    Jul. 6, 2020

    Mini Camp 3.5

    Sweet little spot

    This is an easy 1mi hike from Big Eddy Recreation area on the Big Eddy trail. Ok, correction, challenging out of the gate with a fairly vertical start but levels out quickly and you’re suddenly submerged in the trees and lush ferns. This spot has a long walkway out from the main trail offering tons of privacy. Great shallow ramp for a boat and easy access the a dip is the res or to get your water to filter. Fire ring, picnic table and vault toilets make for a comfortable stay. The closest site to this is another 3ish miles north. Waters are spectacular shades of blue and the trees in the sunset are hard to beat!

  • MThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 8, 2024

    Deyo Reservoir

    Small but beautiful lake campground

    We were riding the Idaho BDR (Backcountry Discovery Route) and needed a place to camp near Pierce.  There aren't many options that are accessible for our Support Truck but found Deyo Reservoir as a welcome spot.   The West sites are very open and close to each other and are what you see first.  I kinda stumbled down to the East Campground which is more for Truck/Tent camping and is wooded and cooler (it was 95 degrees when we rode in).  Typical for Idaho the sites were nicely spaced, well maintained (it is hosted) and the Vault Toilet was very clean.

  • Donald C.
    Sep. 1, 2020

    Washington Creek Campground

    Rustic

    This site was haven sent. Large spacious, on the Clearwater river. Fishing was great. Solitude was the best. 10 days was our stay at $10 per night, no hook ups. Boondocking or dry camping was the tone. The vault toilets were clean enough for the ladies not to mind the situation. Laying in the river, hiking, wildlife viewing, was great.


Guide to Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests

Nestled in the heart of Idaho, Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests offers a variety of tent camping options that cater to outdoor enthusiasts looking for adventure and tranquility.

Tent campers should check out Campbells Pond Access Area

  • Campbells Pond Access Area features well-maintained tent sites and clean pit toilets, making it a comfortable choice for a night under the stars.
  • This spot is perfect for those who enjoy fishing, with good trout fishing opportunities available nearby.
  • The area is known for its quiet ambiance and scenic beauty, ideal for a peaceful getaway.

Tent campers like these nearby activities

  • At the highly rated Weitas Butte Lookout, visitors can enjoy breathtaking views and a serene camping experience at a historic fire lookout tower.
  • The Musselshell Meadows area is close to wildlife viewing spots and offers excellent fishing access on Musselshell Creek.
  • For those interested in ATV trails, Pete Forks Campground provides a great base for exploring the Lolo Motorway.

Some prices for tent camping range from $0 to $20

  • Camping at Apgar Campground is free, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious campers.
  • The Fourth of July Trailhead offers a low-cost camping experience with access to fantastic trail riding for horse enthusiasts.
  • For a unique experience, the Liz Butte Cabin provides a rustic cabin stay, though the road access can be rugged, adding to the adventure.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests is Rocky Ridge with a 5-star rating from 1 review.

What is the best site to find tent camping near Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests?

TheDyrt.com has all 79 tent camping locations near Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests, with real photos and reviews from campers.