Anglers targeting steelhead and cutthroat trout find prime access to the Lochsa River at Powell Campground, a 34-site Forest Service facility along Highway 12 in Clearwater National Forest. The campground splits into two loops—Loop A offers electric hookups for $20 per night, while Loop B provides non-electric sites for $14. Large fir trees separate the spacious sites, creating natural privacy screens between neighbors.
River access proves challenging from most sites, though campers appreciate being able to cool off on hot days. Julian P. notes "River access isn't great, but it's nice to hang out on the ridge above the river." Sites closest to the water fill quickly, especially the 11 first-come, first-served spots that become available six days before arrival when reservations close.
The campground accommodates RVs up to 200 feet with level pull-through and back-in sites. Flush toilets and vault facilities serve both loops, while communal water spigots provide drinking water throughout the property. Firewood comes split and ready at each site. The adjacent Lochsa Lodge offers meals, a small market, pay showers for $5, and WiFi for those needing connectivity in this cell-service-free zone.
Access requires navigating Highway 12's winding mountain route, which some reviewers describe as rough. Annell N. recommends the nearby lodge, noting "Lochsa Lodge is within walking distance and very good." The dump station sits 35 miles away, making the lodge's amenities particularly valuable for extended stays.
Huckleberries grow throughout the campground during berry season, and deer, elk, and bear sightings occur regularly. For additional options, campers can explore places to camp near Pinesdale or check nearby White Sands Campground just 1.5 miles east.
Description
Overview
Powell Campground provides direct access to the Lochsa Wild and Scenic River, one of Idaho's most scenic waterways. The Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness lies on the opposite side of the river. The campground is within walking distance of a small general store, fuel, lodging and a restaurant. The Powell Ranger Station is nearby as well, but all visitor services have moved to Lolo Pass Visitor Center.
Recreation
The Lochsa River provides visitors with opportunities for fishing and other water-related recreation. Cutthroat and rainbow trout, Chinook salmon and steelhead swim in the clear waters. The Lochsa is world-famous for its exciting whitewater rafting opportunities. A permit is not necessary to float the river, but technical expertise is a must. A variety of hiking and horseback riding trails are available in the wilderness area. The 1.5-mile Powell Complex Trail begins near the campground and leads west through cool, shady cedar and larch trees, making for a relaxing day trip. Hunting is also a popular activity in the rugged and primitive landscape. Highway 12, also known as the Lewis and Clark Highway, winds along the narrow river canyon through evergreen trees and past large rock outcroppings. Visitors enjoy the scenic drive and historic sites along the way.
Facilities
The campground offers single-family sites for tent and RV camping. The sites in loop A offer electrical hookups (15 amp, 30 amp, and 50 amp.) Parking surfaces are paved throughout the campground. Additional sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Each site is equipped with a table and campfire ring with grill. Accessible vault toilets and drinking water (spigots are located in 5 sites throughout the campground and are not intended for hooking up to, the sites do not have water hookups) are provided throughout the campground. An accessible flush toilet is adjacent to the day use area. Firewood is not provided and it is often not available.
Natural Features
Lochsa is a Nez Perce word meaning "rough water." The 70-mile river and its tributaries have no dams and the flow is unregulated from its headwaters near the Powell Ranger Station in the Bitterroots, to Lowell, where it joins the Selway River to form the Middle Fork of the Clearwater River. The Lochsa is one of the world's best for continuous whitewater. The campground is situated in a dense forest in north-central Idaho at an elevation of 3,400 feet. It is across the river from the border of the 1.5-million acre Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness. Famed explorers Lewis and Clark passed through on their way to the Pacific Ocean in September of 1805. Elk, deer, moose, bear, cougar and mountain goats make the steep canyon country their home.
Contact Info
For facility specific information, please call (208) 942-3113.
Nearby Attractions
A variety of services are available in the rustic resort area near the campground including a general store, lodging, food and fuel. Fishing licenses are also available for purchase. The nearest free dump station is 40 miles west on Highway 12, at the Wilderness Gateway Campground.
RV Road Trip Guides
Location
Public CampgroundPowell Campground is located in Idaho
Directions
The campground is located 160 miles east of Lewiston, Idaho, and 60 miles southwest of Missoula, Montana. From Lowell, travel east on Highway 12 for about 65 miles, to milepost 162.
Coordinates
46.51226 N
114.7172188 W
Connectivity
T-MobileNo Coverage- VerizonNo Coverage
- AT&TNo CoverageVerified by 5 usersLast on 4/3/26
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo Coverage
- VerizonNo Coverage
- AT&TNo CoverageVerified by 5 usersLast on 4/3/26
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
- Boat-InSites accessible by watercraft.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Group
- Cabins
- Tent Cabin
Features
For Campers
- Market
- Trash
- Firewood Available
- Reservable
- WiFi
- Drinking Water
- Electric Hookups
- Toilets
- Alcohol
For Vehicles
- Sanitary Dump
- Pull-Through Sites
- Big Rig Friendly
Drive Time
- 1 hr 3 min from Missoula, MT
- 2 hrs 45 min from Helena, MT
- 3 hrs 3 min from Lewiston, ID
- 3 hrs 6 min from Coeur d'Alene, ID
