Fishing enthusiasts and water recreation fans will find Canyon Creek positioned on Dworshak Reservoir, accessible via four miles of rough gravel road with tight curves from Orofino. This US Army Corps of Engineers campground operates as a free facility from early April through late November, featuring vault toilets, picnic tables, and a boat ramp for reservoir access.
The forested sites overlook the water, though reservoir levels fluctuate seasonally and can make shoreline access challenging during certain periods. Campers consistently report minimal crowds, with some weekends seeing only one or two occupied sites. The campground maintains clean vault toilets and allows both RVs and tent camping, though the access road requires careful navigation for larger rigs.
Cell service varies by carrier, with some visitors reporting phone call capability but limited internet connectivity. Isaac C. notes campers feel "alone from the rest of the world" due to the remote location and low visitation. The site includes both drive-in and walk-in options, with campfires and alcohol permitted throughout the grounds.
For additional overnight options in the region, campers can explore campgrounds around Orofino or check nearby Dworshak State Park-Freeman Creek for different amenities and settings.
Description
Canyon Creek offers 17 primitive sites (no electricity or water) with fire rings, picnic tables and a tent pad in a wooded setting located on the reservoir. Canyon Creek has one boat launch with a dock, two restrooms, “Pack It In-Pack It Out” bags, and a trail. Swimming is allowed at the boat ramp. Canyon Creek is the perfect place to camp with well shaded sites. Canyon Creek is a “Pack It In-Pack It Out” area there are no dumpsters or garbage cans available for use. Please help keep the park clean by taking your trash with you when you leave.
Reservation Info
-First-come First-serve camping. Reserving sites for future use is not allowed.
-Camping length of stay at Canyon Creek is 14 days out of 30 days.
-Quiet hours are from 10 pm-6 am.
-Consider the 12% road grade when determining the drive in and out for RV’s.
-Canyon Creek is open from April 1-November 30.
RV Road Trip Guides
Location
Public CampgroundCanyon Creek is located in Idaho
Directions
It is 9.7 miles from downtown Orofino on Canyon Creek Rd. For a Google map click here. We used the Wells Bench Rd to Canyon Creek rd route, Googles route looks shorter.
Coordinates
46.5558613 N
116.23347428 W
Connectivity
T-MobileLTESome CoverageVerified by 6 usersLast on 3/26/26
VerizonNo Coverage- AT&TNo Coverage
Connectivity
- T-MobileLTESome CoverageVerified by 6 usersLast on 3/26/26
- VerizonNo Coverage
- AT&TNo Coverage
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Dispersed
- Cabins
Features
For Campers
- ADA Access
- Picnic Table
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Big Rig Friendly
FREE established camping
Enjoy camping on government land. Limited or no services at this camping area.
PERMIT might be REQUIRED
We curate permit requirements across the US for our PRO members. Try PRO to see if Canyon Creek needs a permit.
Drive Time
- 1 hr 25 min from Lewiston, ID
- 3 hrs 6 min from Spokane, WA
- 3 hrs 12 min from Walla Walla, WA
- 3 hrs 13 min from Coeur d'Alene, ID
