Ice Hole Campground
02 reviewsIce Hole Campground
$0.00 - $0.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$0.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
About this campground
Tucked away in a pristine mountain meadow where solitude meets wilderness, Ice Hole Campground beckons with 10 intimate campsites that promise an authentic backcountry experience. Here, towering pines frame your mountain retreat while the melodic waters of Johnson Creek provide nature's soundtrack. This hidden gem offers the perfect escape for those seeking to trade city lights for starlit nights in one of Idaho's most peaceful settings.
Ice Hole Campground caters to tent campers and RV users, with newly renovated facilities as of 2019. "They have stands for camping stoves, tables and benches and sand areas for tents," noted user Ryan Fish.
Historical SignificanceEach August, the nearby Yellow Pine Music & Harmonica Festival fills the mountain air with toe-tapping rhythms and frontier spirit, drawing musicians and music lovers from across the West. This beloved annual celebration transforms the quiet mountain community into a vibrant gathering place where traditional Americana meets modern mountain culture.
Weather and SeasonsSummer transforms Ice Hole into an outdoor paradise from early June through late September, with warm days perfect for creek-side relaxation and cool nights ideal for campfire stories. As autumn arrives, crisp mountain air brings the possibility of early snow dustings and frost-kissed mornings. Winter visitors should come prepared for true mountain conditions, including freezing temperatures and snow accumulation, while spring rewards the adventurous with wildflower meadows emerging from winter's grasp.
Elevationnull
Natural Features and SceneryImagine waking to morning mist rising from Johnson Creek as it winds through emerald meadows, while ancient pines stand sentinel on the surrounding slopes. This remarkable ecosystem serves as a natural amphitheater where elk bugle at dawn, black bears forage for huckleberries, and majestic bald eagles soar overhead. Moose occasionally wander through the meadow at dusk, while deer graze peacefully in the early morning light, creating unforgettable wildlife viewing opportunities.
Geological RegionNestled where mountain meadow meets forest, Ice Hole Campground occupies a special place in the South Fork Salmon River watershed. Johnson Creek, a pristine tributary, has carved this gentle valley over millennia, creating a lush oasis amid the rugged pine-clad peaks. The surrounding landscape tells the geological story of ancient forests and patient waters shaping this mountain sanctuary.
Campsite details
AccessibilityNo accessibility features are described in the provided materials.
Sites SizeUser Ryan Fish described the parking spots as large, accommodating trailers.
Sites PrivacyPrivacy levels were not discussed in the materials.
Total Campsites10 campsites
Recommended Campsitesnull
Best Campsitesnull
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Null
Check-out
Null
Groups
Group camping is not mentioned in the source materials.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layout10 campsites within a remote and peaceful mountain setting.
Open and Closed SeasonMid-May - Mid-September
Amenities available
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Ice Hole Campground provides diverse recreational opportunities, making it ideal for campers who enjoy outdoor adventure. Activities include hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, fishing in Johnson Creek and the South Fork Salmon River, berry picking, and hunting in season. The campground is near trailheads leading into the Frank Church - River of No Return Wilderness, a renowned area for both motorized and non-motorized trails.
Hiking
The campground is near several trailheads into the Frank Church - River of No Return Wilderness. "Check on the Motor Vehicle Use Map (MVUM) for non-motorized and motorized trails," the authoritative source advises. Hiking enthusiasts can explore day hikes and wilderness trails in this scenic area.Fishing
Fishing is available in Johnson Creek and the South Fork Salmon River, as per the authoritative source. Specific fish species and fishing quality are not detailed.Biking
Mountain biking is stated as a popular activity in the area, with trails accessible nearby.Wildlife viewing
Wildlife viewing opportunities abound, with deer, elk, bear, moose, and bald eagles commonly spotted, as noted in the authoritative description.Winter Activities
No specific winter activities are mentioned in the source materials.Water Sports
Non-motorized water sports like kayaking, canoeing, or paddleboarding are not mentioned in the source materials.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Fire pits with grills are available at campsites.
- Quiet hours are null
Hazards
General hazardsPotential wildlife hazards include deer, elk, bear, moose, and bald eagles. Roads can be narrow and rough.
Active alertsnull
Weather forecast
80
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Strong wind, exercise caution
Humidity: 27%
Very dry conditions, stay hydrated
Wind: 11 mph
Strong wind, exercise caution
Overcast
7-Day Forecast
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Daily & Hourly Insights
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Temperature Trends
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Precipitation Trends
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Weather Summaries
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Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
null
Good to know
Peak season datesEarly June through late September
Trash and recyclingTrash disposal and recycling are not mentioned in the source materials, leaving their availability unclear.
Proximity to water featuresThe campground is located near Johnson Creek, a tributary of the South Fork Salmon River.
Common complaintsnull
HostContact the Cascade Ranger District for specific inquiries.
Campground Map
Driving directionsFrom Boise, Idaho, travel north on State Highway 55 approximately 80 miles to Cascade, Idaho. From Cascade, Idaho, travel north on State Highway 55 only a short distance to the turnoff at the Warm Lake Road (Forest Highway 22). Proceed along Forest Highway 22 northeast approximately 25 miles. When you arrive in the Warm Lake area, Forest Highway 22 becomes Forest Service (FS) road 579. Continue east along FS road 579 until it intersects with the FS road 413, approximately 10 miles. Turn north on FS road 413 and proceed approximately 20 miles to Ice Hole Campground.
The campground can be accessed by most vehicles, though the road is narrow and may be rough in spots.Nearby places
Yellow Pine is nearby.
Nearby supplies
The tiny community of Yellow Pine, located north of the campground, offers limited services.
Camper Reviews
0.0
2 reviews
Ice Hole Campground has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews are generally positive, highlighting renovations in 2019 and the campground's remote location. "Great campground, newly renovated in 2019," as user Ryan Fish describes, noting ample facilities for camping stoves and parking for trailers. Heather Bruce appreciates its "small campground off dirt road."
Review Summaries
Based on 2 reviews
What Campers Love
Users praise the campground's renovations in 2019, including built-in grills, large parking spots, and sand areas for tents. The remote and peaceful setting is mentioned as a highlight.
Based on 2 reviewsCommon Concerns
No complaints are mentioned in the user reviews.
Based on 2 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Campers might consider bringing potable water, as it is explicitly unavailable at the site.
Based on 2 reviewsSeasonal Insights
The campground's peak season is early June through late September, which aligns with the most favorable weather conditions for camping. Weather trends outside this timeframe are not discussed in user...
Based on 2 reviewsShow more
Camper Quotes
"Great campground, newly renovated in 2019." - Ryan Fish; "Love this small campground off dirt road." - Heather Bruce.
Based on 2 reviewsSite-Specific Reviews
Specific campsite numbers are not mentioned in user reviews.
Based on 2 reviewsAccessibility Features
Accessibility features are not addressed in user reviews or the authoritative description.
Based on 2 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
The authoritative source states that dogs must be on leash, but user reviews do not address pet-related experiences.
Based on 2 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025