Glamping close to Orofino, Idaho offers visitors access to the western edge of the Clearwater National Forest where elevations range from 1,000 to 4,000 feet above sea level. The region experiences distinct seasons with summer daytime temperatures reaching 85-95°F while winter temperatures typically range from 20-40°F. Camping options around Orofino blend forested mountain settings with riverside locations along the Clearwater and Snake Rivers.
What to do
Fishing at multiple lakes: Freeman Creek Campground offers excellent fishing opportunities at Dworshak Reservoir. "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. Smallmouth bass fishing is great!" notes camper Cody B.
Water recreation beyond motorized boating: At Chief Timothy Park, the location on an island creates unique water access. "Chief Timothy Park sits on a 282-acre island on Lower Granite Lake in the Snake River. The Park is known as the gateway to Hells Canyon Recreation Area, the deepest river gorge in North America," explains Craig S. Non-motorized watercraft rules at some locations create peaceful paddling environments.
Hiking for various skill levels: Trail networks surround most camping areas, with options ranging from shoreline paths to more rugged terrain. "Sweet little nature trails were pretty and easy for smaller children to walk through," reports Agnes B. about Freeman Creek Campground, while Chief Timothy offers "a trail all the way around the island for hiking/walking with great views!"
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Winchester Lake State Park Campground earns praise for its spacious layout. Nancy C. notes, "Our site was tucked into the pines creating a canopy of coolness in the midst of the oppressing heat of this record breaking year." Another camper adds that "most sites are wooded and private."
Convenient lake access: Proximity to water is a major draw for glamping close to Orofino. According to Dawn G. at Freeman Creek, "The park is large and thus the areas seem nicely spaced apart, never felt crowded, even though there are over 100 sites. There is lots of shoreline and plenty of water for everyone."
Seasonal advantages: Each season offers different experiences. Winchester Lake State Park visitors appreciate the cooler temperatures under tree cover. "There's a great day use area that has a large covered pavilion, playground and boat launch/pier. I don't fish, but loaner poles are available at the visitor center," reports Nancy C.
What you should know
Road access challenges: Some locations require careful driving. Agnes B. warns about Freeman Creek: "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! We have a diesel F350 but towing a big 5th wheel made it horrifying."
Connectivity limitations: Cell service varies significantly by location. Laird Park Campground has "no phone service here," according to Megan K., while at Winchester Lake State Park, Nancy C. reports "2 bars AT&T LTE." Some locations offer WiFi near central facilities.
Reservation requirements: Many campgrounds fill quickly during peak season. "We book a group camp site every year and have a camping reunion!" shares Ashley C. about Freeman Creek. At Three Rivers Resort, a visitor noted it "has been very busy every time I have stopped, often full of RV's with families spending a long weekend."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Pines RV Park features family-friendly amenities. "They offer so many games and extra amenities that you won't find at other camp grounds," notes Angie A. Other campers mention that "there was a playground on site" which keeps children entertained between outdoor adventures.
Swimming options: Many locations feature designated swimming areas. Chief Timothy Park has "a designated swimming area and a boat launch if you have a boat," according to Kristine R., while Three Rivers Resort includes "an outdoor pool and hot tub" for family enjoyment.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Children often enjoy spotting local fauna. At Winchester Lake, campers report seeing various wildlife. Nancy C. shares, "There are tons of thimbleberries bushes along the road to the boat launch and were just about ripe. They are so delicious!"
Tips from RVers
Hookup availability: Premier RV Resort at Granite Lake offers complete services. "Full hookups with lots of pull through spaces if needed. We fully utilized the bike path along the river each day for nice long rides into Idaho and back to Washington," reports Brad. The resort provides a comfortable base for exploring the broader region.
Site size considerations: Many RV sites accommodate larger rigs, but space varies by campground. At Winchester Lake, Brock W. reports "46 water and electric sites and 22 standard sites," while at Premier RV Resort, Jennifer R. appreciates that it's "tucked back off main roads which allowed for nice quiet sleep! Runs along side the river and has a great walking/biking trail."
Dump station locations: Not all campgrounds offer on-site dump stations. Jennifer R. notes at Winchester Lake, "Not full hookups but lots of fishing... We were there for two weeks and they did have electricity and water hookups just no dump so we showered and used the bathroom facilities which were very well kept! There is a dump station just in town at the gas station there."
