Best Camping in Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests – Top Campgrounds & Ranger Districts in Idaho
Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests offer diverse camping across the Palouse, North Fork, Lochsa-Powell, Moose Creek, and Red River Ranger Districts. The Palouse Ranger District features scenic riverside campgrounds like Little Boulder, ideal for fishing and hiking. North Fork Ranger District has great camping near the North Fork Clearwater River, perfect for rafting and wildlife spotting. Lochsa-Powell Ranger District provides access to hot springs and backcountry sites along the Lewis and Clark Trail. Moose Creek and Red River Ranger Districts offer remote camping in Idaho’s rugged wilderness. Whether you prefer an easy-access campground or a backcountry adventure, there’s a perfect spot for you!
Elk Creek (Potlatch) Campground is located in the Palouse Ranger District, Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forest (1 hr 30 min northeast of Lewiston, ID) with an elevation of 2,836 feet. There are a total of 13 campsites. The campground is normally open from mid May to the beginning of October. 6 sites can accommodate RVs and trailers up to 40 feet. All sites are currently reservable. Reservations can be booked up to 6 months in advance. Prices start at $20.00 per night. Activities include biking, fishing, hiking trails.
Ohara Campground is located in the Moose Creek Ranger District, Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forest (2 hrs 4 min east of Lewiston, ID) with an elevation of 1,643 feet. There are a total of 31 campsites. The campground is normally open from mid May to mid September. Sites can accommodate RVs and trailers between 25 and 45 feet. All sites are currently reservable. Reservations can be booked up to 6 months in advance. Prices start at $14.00 per night. Activities include boating, fishing, hiking trails, floating sports.
Powell Campground is located in the Lochsa/Powell Ranger District, Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forest (1 hr 16 min southwest of Missoula, MT) with an elevation of 3,823 feet. There are a total of 35 campsites. The campground is normally open from mid May to the end of October. 34 sites can accommodate RVs and trailers between 25 and 200 feet. All sites are currently reservable. Reservations can be booked up to 6 months in advance. 23 sites have electric hookups. Fees range from $14.00 to $20.00. Some amenities include amphitheater, flush toilets. Activities include fishing, hiking trails.
Wilderness Gateway Campground is located in the Lochsa/Powell Ranger District, Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forest (2 hrs 1 min southwest of Missoula, MT) with an elevation of 2,164 feet. There are a total of 70 campsites. The campground is normally open from mid May to the end of October. 32 sites can accommodate RVs and trailers between 19 and 99 feet. All sites are currently reservable. Reservations can be booked up to 6 months in advance. Fees range from $14.00 to $280.00. Some amenities include dump station, amphitheater, flush toilets. Activities include biking, boating, fishing, hiking trails, floating sports.
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