How much does camping cost at Ice Hole Campground?

Camping fees at Ice Hole Campground range from Free. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Fees are typically paid at the campground entrance.

Is Ice Hole Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Ice Hole Campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis. Arrive early, especially on weekends and holidays, to secure a spot.

What is the best time to visit Ice Hole Campground?

Ice Hole Campground is open Early June through late September. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Ice Hole Campground?

Ice Hole Campground does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

Can I have a campfire at Ice Hole Campground?

Fire policies at Ice Hole Campground: Fire pits with grills are available at campsites.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

How many campsites does Ice Hole Campground have?

Ice Hole Campground has 10 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Arrive early for the best site selection.

Are dogs allowed at Ice Hole Campground?

Yes, pets are allowed at Ice Hole Campground. Dogs must typically be kept on a leash (usually 6 feet or shorter) and under control at all times. Be sure to clean up after your pet and check for any breed or size restrictions.

What amenities are available at Ice Hole Campground?

Ice Hole Campground offers: Restrooms, Pets Allowed. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Ice Hole Campground?

Popular activities at Ice Hole Campground include Hiking, Fishing, Biking, Wildlife Viewing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Ice Hole Campground

5.00

10 reviews

Peace & QuietStargazing

Featured in:Spring Camping Idaho Fall Camping Idaho Forest Camping Idaho +6 more

Quick Facts

5,026 ft

Price

Free

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

10 campsites

Season

Mid-May - Mid-Septem...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Check Availability Set up an alert →Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

5,026 ft

Price

Free

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

10 campsites

Season

Mid-May - Mid-Septem...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Check Availability Set up an alert →Official Website

Get Directions

Ice 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

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What Campers Say

5.00

Top-Rated

Based on 10 reviews

8 Google reviews

Most mentioned

peaceful

"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.""

Read all reviews

Campground Map

Ice Hole Campground

44.8894, -115.4988

Nearby places

Yellow Pine is nearby.

Nearby supplies

The tiny community of Yellow Pine, located north of the campground, offers limited services.

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.

Best Time to Camp at Ice Hole Campground

Summer runs June through September with daytime highs in the 70s to mid-80s°F and nights dropping to the mid-30s to 50s°F. This is prime time for fishing, hiking, and wildlife watching. Access is most reliable then. Fall brings frost and the possibility of early snow. Winter means freezing temps and snow accumulation. Doable but demanding. Spring sees wildflowers as snowmelt recedes, though roads may stay soft into late May.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.5 / 5

Top 23% in ID

Open early June–late Sept; summer called an 'outdoor paradise' with warm days and cool nights.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: Early June through late September. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Mid-May - Mid-September
Current Alerts: null

About Ice Hole Campground

Ice Hole Campground sits in the South Fork Salmon River watershed along Johnson Creek, about 10 sites spread across a mountain meadow. Renovated in 2019, the campground added built-in grills and tent pads. It's remote. Accessed by dirt road. And fills quickly on summer weekends despite its small size.

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 Significance

Each August, Yellow Pine hosts a harmonica and music festival that draws visitors from across the West. The event has become a fixture in the regional calendar, filling the small mountain community with traditional Americana for a weekend.

Weather and SeasonsSummer runs June through September with daytime highs in the 70s to mid-80s°F and nights dropping to the mid-30s to 50s°F. This is prime time for fishing, hiking, and wildlife watching. Access is most reliable then. Fall brings frost and the possibility of early snow. Winter means freezing temps and snow accumulation. Doable but demanding. Spring sees wildflowers as snowmelt recedes, though roads may stay soft into late May.

Elevationnull

Natural Features and SceneryJohnson Creek flows through a meadow ringed by pine-clad peaks at 5,026 feet. The creek is clear enough for wading and supports trout. Meadow edges meet forest, creating habitat where elk, deer, moose, and black bears appear regularly. Bald eagles hunt along the creek corridor. The valley is lush compared to the surrounding ridges, a product of millennia of water carving through volcanic soils and ancient forest.

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.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

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 camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Site layoutSites have large parking spots that fit trailers, sand tent pads, and spacing that keeps things relatively quiet. The layout follows the meadow's natural contours.

AccessibilityNo accessibility features are described in the provided materials.

Site SizeUser Ryan Fish described the parking spots as large, accommodating trailers.

PrivacyPrivacy levels were not discussed in the materials.

Total Campsites10 campsites

Recommended Sitesnull

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

Fishing

Biking

Wildlife viewing

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPotential wildlife hazards include deer, elk, bear, moose, and bald eagles. Roads can be narrow and rough.

Active Alertsnull

No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

Fire PolicyFire pits with grills are available at campsites.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are null

Emergency Servicesnull

Trash & RecyclingTrash disposal and recycling are not mentioned in the source materials, leaving their availability unclear.

Water FeaturesThe campground is located near Johnson Creek, a tributary of the South Fork Salmon River.

Camp HostContact the Cascade Ranger District for specific inquiries.

Weather at Ice Hole Campground

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Reviews

From Booking Sources

5.0

10 reviews

Top-Rated

Ice Hole Campground is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% 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 10 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 10 reviews

Common Concerns

No complaints are mentioned in the user reviews.

Based on 10 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers might consider bringing potable water, as it is explicitly unavailable at the site.

Based on 10 reviews

Seasonal 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 10 reviews