Best Campgrounds near Orofino, ID

Campgrounds near Orofino, Idaho include several options along the Dworshak Reservoir and Clearwater River. Freeman Creek Campground in Dworshak State Park provides tent sites, RV spaces, and small primitive cabins with lake access. Canyon Creek offers more rustic camping with tent and RV sites near the water. The region includes a mix of developed campgrounds with hookups like Dent Acres and Pink House Recreation Site, as well as boat-in mini-camps accessed via the reservoir. Several facilities accommodate both tent and RV campers, with varying levels of amenities from basic to full-service.

Many campgrounds in the Orofino area operate seasonally, with most open from early April through late November. The roads to certain campgrounds can present challenges for larger vehicles. As one visitor noted, "Once we started the decline it was mercifully paved but signage posted stated '2 road lane can be used as single lane' as it becomes the Lombard St for recreational vehicles!" Access to some sites requires navigating steep grades or narrow roads, particularly those near Dworshak Reservoir. Cell service is limited or nonexistent at many campgrounds, with several reviews mentioning no connectivity at Freeman Creek. Summer temperatures can be hot, making shaded sites and water access particularly valuable during peak months.

Waterfront access represents a significant draw for campers in the Orofino area. The Dworshak Reservoir provides opportunities for boating, fishing, and swimming, with Kokanee salmon and smallmouth bass being popular catches. A reviewer mentioned, "Kokanee fishing is great from March to about late July. The spawn begins in August, so the fish move up the reservoir as the season progresses." Wildlife viewing adds to the camping experience, with opportunities to spot deer, elk, osprey, and occasionally black bears. Developed campgrounds generally offer amenities like picnic tables, fire rings, and toilets, while some provide showers and hookups. Campgrounds with water access tend to fill quickly during summer weekends, particularly those with boat launches or swimming areas.

Best Camping Sites Near Orofino, Idaho (147)

    1. Freeman Creek Campground — Dworshak State Park

    9 Reviews
    Ahsahka, ID
    6 miles
    Website

    "There is also access to the reservoir for boating, fishing or to mini-camp sites all along the reservoir. Kokanee fishing is great from March to about late July."

    • Sweet little nature trails were pretty and easy for smaller children to walk through. 
    • Easy lake access is only in the park/play area."

    2. Dent Acres

    11 Reviews
    Ahsahka, ID
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (208) 476-9029

    $25 - $150 / night

    "And, your route would very likely be from south to north because the southerly route begins in Elk City, Idaho and is 85% gravel and at times pretty broken up."

    "Lits of stuff to do next to the lake take your boat and go fishing skiing and much more"

    3. Canyon Creek

    7 Reviews
    Orofino, ID
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (208) 476-1268

    "Stayed here many times and will go back again it is a great place to go and it's not far to travel to from orofino idaho for an inexpensive camp trip"

    "Beautiful secluded location. Very clean bathroom. I could make and receive phone calls but no internet service with Verizon"

    4. Pink House Recreation Site

    5 Reviews
    Ahsahka, ID
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (208) 962-3245

    $10 - $18 / night

    5. Dam View - Dworshak Reservoir

    2 Reviews
    Ahsahka, ID
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (208) 476-1255

    "This area has great views an the local fish hatchery is just around the corner.

    The cites are primitive but they do have toilets and places for RVs."

    6. Three Meadows Group Camp — Dworshak State Park

    3 Reviews
    Ahsahka, ID
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (208) 476-1268

    "Cool little guided nature trail for an evening walk with out little one to learn about animal tracks"

    7. Deyo Reservoir

    7 Reviews
    Weippe, ID
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (208) 435-4406

    $10 - $20 / night

    "We were riding the Idaho BDR (Backcountry Discovery Route) and needed a place to camp near Pierce.  "

    "We stayed in number #11 at the back near the trail path! We caught lots of bluegill, trout but no bass!"

    8. Big Eddy Marina & Lodge — Dworshak State Park

    1 Review
    Ahsahka, ID
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (208) 373-4100

    "This is a backpacking trail. The first half mile is difficult but then the trail levels out and is easy for many miles. There’s free dispersed camping sites starting after 4.5 miles down the trail."

    9. Mini camp 4.7

    1 Review
    Ahsahka, ID
    4 miles

    $10 / night

    "Approx. 4 1/4mi from Big Eddy and 4 7/8mi from Freeman Creek, this spot sits perfectly off the Bid Eddy trail."

    10. Mini Camp 4.8

    1 Review
    Ahsahka, ID
    4 miles

    $10 / night

    "Another private off-shoot from the Big Eddy trail, mini camp 4.8 is first come first served and a highly sought after spot."

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Recent Reviews near Orofino, ID

316 Reviews of 147 Orofino Campgrounds


  • Devon C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 9, 2025

    Elk River

    ELK RIVER IDAHO

    Many free dispersed camping site for several miles. There is also low cost Campgrounds available as well. There is a small local store nearby. Dump site on edge of town with trash available. Many recreational activities too.

  • SThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 24, 2025

    Three Rivers Resort & Campground

    Great overnight stay

    We needed an rv spot for the night on our way to McCall Idaho. Booking was straightforward, Checking easy and was As Described. The hamburgers at the restaurant were perfect for our tastebuds after a long day on the road. Lack of black water Capability was not an issue in our case and if needed there was a dump station on site. Ongoing renovation was apparent and good to see.

  • WThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 23, 2025

    McKay's Bend Recreation Site

    Great Park especially for the Price

    Full hookups bathroom and showers. In a canyon on river. Number 8 has river view but not much shade. Other sites with much shade.

  • mike L.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 17, 2025

    McKay's Bend Recreation Site

    Easy to camp here

    This campground is just off Highway 12 in Western Idaho and very convenient. It’s a little close to the road but the traffic seems to be pretty quiet at 8:30 at night. It’s right by the river, which is very nice and it seems like there is good fishing in this river so that may be a plus. I do recommend this campground.

  • D
    Aug. 8, 2025

    McKay's Bend Recreation Site

    Norm is a great host

    Beautiful, well kept grounds. If you have a seniors America The Beautiful pass, $9 gets you full hookups, showers and toilets. Short drive to town. Norm (host) is awesome and full of knowledge. Nice fishing river on the Northern side of the camp. Will come back.

  • Lorraine C.
    Aug. 2, 2025

    Deyo Reservoir

    nice but the other people were up loud till 2 am, is there a 10 pm quiet?

    dont we will stay there again because of this

  • Stacey G.
    Jul. 30, 2025

    Dam View - Dworshak Reservoir

    Enjoyed paved level site

    Spent a couple of days. The visitor center was full of history.

  • mThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 26, 2025

    Robinson County Park

    Electric only Nice spot Had to work it to get out 35’ Brinkley in the largest spot partly clearance from treas and fence posts limiting back and fill efforts

    Fairly pricate on a Saturday. Only a couple spots, but no competition. Drive in was a bit concerning with a 13’4” height. Routed through neighborhood in addition to power line height concerns. I’m am a bit paranoid, but that aside, there were some lower lines that made us use the whole road to pick our line.

  • B
    Jul. 22, 2025

    Ohara Bar Campground

    Great spot on the River

    Came in on a Tuesday night, still several spots available and found one on the river. Quiet, clean and very pretty. Campground is over the bridge, across the river if you are coming from the ranger station


Guide to Orofino

Camping near Orofino, Idaho, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and outdoor activities. Whether you're looking for a quiet spot by the water or a place to set up your RV, there are plenty of options to explore.

What to do:

  • Fishing: Many campers enjoy fishing in the area. One visitor at Deyo Reservoir mentioned, "We caught lots of bluegill, trout but no bass!" This spot is great for families looking to reel in some fish.
  • Hiking: Trails abound in the region. A reviewer at Freeman Creek Campground — Dworshak State Park noted, "Sweet little nature trails were pretty and easy for smaller children to walk through."
  • Boating: If you have a boat, Dent Acres is a solid choice. One camper said, "This campground has some nice campsites with trees... This is a campground for people with boats!"

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate cleanliness. A visitor at Winchester Lake State Park Campground said, "Clean campground and decent space between neighbors."
  • Quiet Atmosphere: Many enjoy the peacefulness of the sites. A reviewer at Canyon Creek shared, "Super quiet, you feel like you’re alone from the rest of the world."
  • Scenic Views: The beauty of the area is a big draw. One camper at Emerald Creek Campground remarked, "Really beautiful campsites and very clean."

What you should know:

  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, like Little Boulder Campground, have few amenities. A visitor noted, "This campground is not open year-round... I came here to do some late fall camping and it was closed."
  • Road Conditions: The roads can be tricky. A camper at Canyon Creek mentioned, "4 miles of rough gravel road with tight turns."
  • Wildlife: Be prepared for wildlife encounters. A reviewer at Moose Creek Reservoir Access said, "The sites have varying amounts of privacy so you can find a spot that suits your preferences."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Kid-Friendly Activities: Look for campgrounds with easy access to water and trails. A family at Freeman Creek Campground enjoyed the "easy lake access... the play area was pleasant."
  • Safety First: Always keep an eye on kids near water. A camper at Deyo Reservoir noted, "There is a small beach near the launch ramp!"
  • Pack Snacks: Having snacks on hand can make a big difference. A visitor at Pink House Recreation Site mentioned, "Great place to camp if you're looking to boat on the Clearwater river."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Hookups: Make sure your campground has the right hookups for your RV. A reviewer at Dent Acres said, "All campsites are pull through, and have RV hookups."
  • Plan for Space: Some sites can be tight. A camper at Spring Valley Reservoir mentioned, "Sites are on top of each other apart from a few scattered around the res."
  • Book Ahead: Reservations can be a good idea, especially during peak season. A visitor at Canyon Creek noted, "It is a great place to go and it's not far to travel to from Orofino Idaho for an inexpensive camp trip."

Camping near Orofino, Idaho, has something for everyone, from families to RV enthusiasts. Just remember to plan ahead and enjoy the great outdoors!

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there primitive camping available around Orofino, Idaho?

Yes, primitive camping is available in the Orofino area. Wild Goose Campground offers a beautiful, more rustic experience off Highway 12 with sites near the river. It's one of the few campgrounds between Orofino and Kooskia. Wilderness Gateway provides a more secluded experience along a scenic river route from Orofino, with basic amenities like flush toilets and drinking water. For those seeking boat-in primitive options, Dworshak Reservoir offers Mini Camp sites that are accessible primarily by water. These primitive sites typically have fewer amenities but offer a more immersive natural experience away from crowds.

Where are the best campgrounds near Orofino, Idaho?

The Orofino area offers several excellent camping options. Freeman Creek Campground — Dworshak State Park provides diverse camping experiences with tent sites, RV spots, and primitive cabins, plus access to the reservoir for boating and fishing. Canyon Creek is another popular choice, offering an inexpensive camping option close to Orofino. Other notable campgrounds include Dent Acres on Dworshak Reservoir and Winchester Lake State Park for those willing to travel a bit further. Most campgrounds in the area feature basic amenities like toilets and water access, with the Dworshak sites providing excellent water recreation opportunities.

What RV parks are available in Orofino, Idaho?

Orofino and the surrounding area offer several RV-friendly options. Hells Canyon Resort is a well-maintained facility with full hookups, clean amenities including a pool, laundry, and bathrooms, plus it's conveniently located near town while still offering a peaceful setting. McKay's Bend Recreation Site provides 15 RV sites with full hookups, clean shower rooms and restrooms, and is located just off Highway 12. For those willing to travel a bit further, Three Rivers Resort & Campground offers RV spots with hookups along the Lochsa River. Most RV parks in the area are open seasonally during spring through fall.