Penn Basin Campground
00 reviewPenn Basin Campground, Landmark, Idaho
Penn Basin 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
No mention of specific fees in the provided content.
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About this campground
Escape to Penn Basin Campground, where six intimate campsites await in the serene wilderness near Landmark, Idaho. Tucked away in a remote mountain haven surrounded by towering pines, this hidden gem offers the perfect retreat for those seeking solitude and natural beauty. While the narrow access road winds through the forest with occasional rough patches, most vehicles can navigate the journey to reach this peaceful sanctuary. Plan your visit between early June and late September when the mountain meadows burst with life and the weather invites outdoor adventures.
Penn Basin Campground caters to various camping preferences, including primitive, tent, and RV camping. Group camping and luxury glamping are not featured.
Historical SignificanceJust down the mountain, the historic community of Yellow Pine has been welcoming visitors since 1902, maintaining its authentic frontier charm for over a century. Each August, this tiny mountain town transforms into a vibrant cultural hub during the renowned Yellow Pine Music & Harmonica Festival, where the sounds of blues, folk, and traditional music echo through the pines, drawing musicians and music lovers from across the region.
Weather and SeasonsPenn Basin's mountain climate offers a dramatic seasonal transformation that shapes each camping experience. Early season adventurers may wake to frost-kissed mornings and occasional snow dustings, while summer visitors bask in comfortable temperatures reaching the pleasant 70s. As spring transitions to summer, winter's lingering snowfall gives way to refreshing mountain rains before settling into long stretches of pristine camping weather. The sweet spot for most campers falls during those glorious weeks when warm days, cool nights, and minimal precipitation create the perfect outdoor conditions.
ElevationNestled at a mountain elevation where the air is crisp and the stars shine brilliantly, Penn Basin offers that perfect high-country camping experience.
Natural Features and SceneryPenn Basin Campground rests in an enchanting mountain meadow where Johnson Creek meanders through wildflower-dotted grasslands before joining the legendary South Fork Salmon River. This pristine setting serves as nature's amphitheater, where morning mist rises from the creek, and evening light paints the surrounding pine-clad slopes in golden hues. Wildlife enthusiasts will find themselves in paradise—majestic elk graze in the meadows at dawn, black bears forage along forest edges, and occasionally, a moose might appear near the creek. Look skyward to witness bald eagles riding the mountain thermals, their white heads gleaming against the blue. Come summer, the meadow explodes in a painter's palette of wildflowers, creating a living carpet of color.
Geological RegionSituated in Idaho's rugged central mountains, Penn Basin occupies a stunning alpine meadow carved by centuries of natural forces. The campground lies cradled between pine-forested slopes that rise dramatically from Johnson Creek's fertile valley. This tributary of the renowned South Fork Salmon River has sculpted a landscape where dense coniferous forests meet open meadowlands, creating diverse habitats and breathtaking vistas that exemplify Idaho's untamed backcountry beauty.
Campsite details
AccessibilityAccessibility features are not mentioned in the provided sources.
Sites SizeThere are six campsites available, but specific size details are not provided.
Sites PrivacyThe campground is described as peaceful and remote, with campsites situated near mountain slopes and dense pine forest. Privacy levels are not explicitly detailed.
Total Campsites6 campsites
Reserving a campsite
Groups
Group camping sites are not mentioned.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutNo detailed layout described, but the campground contains 6 individual campsites.
Open and Closed SeasonBeginning of June to Mid-September
Reservation PlatformsNo reservation platforms mentioned.
Walk-in AvailabilityThe content does not specify whether walk-up sites are available.
Cancellation PolicyNo cancellation policy information is provided.
Amenities available
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Penn Basin Campground provides a range of recreational activities focused on enjoying the natural surroundings. Popular activities include hiking, mountain biking, equestrian riding, fishing, berry picking, and hunting during appropriate seasons.
Hiking
Hiking trails are accessible in the area. The Motor Vehicle Use Map (MVUM) should be consulted for both motorized and non-motorized trails. Specific difficulty levels and trail lengths are not detailed.Fishing
Fishing opportunities are available at the South Fork Salmon River and Johnson Creek. There is no mention of the types of fish or quality of fishing.Biking
Mountain biking is popular, though specific trail details such as terrain or skill levels are not provided.Wildlife viewing
Wildlife viewing opportunities are plentiful, with common sightings of deer, elk, bear, moose, and bald eagles. Wildflowers also enhance the experience.Winter Activities
Winter activities are not explicitly mentioned.Water Sports
Non-motorized water sports such as kayaking, canoeing, or paddleboarding are not referenced in the materials.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Each campsite includes a fire ring and grill, indicating that campfires are permitted.
Hazards
General hazardsPotential for wildlife encounters, including bear and moose.
Weather forecast
71
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Strong wind, exercise caution
Humidity: 41%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 9.8 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
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
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Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
Cascade Ranger District for site-specific questions
Good to know
Peak season datesEarly June through late September
Trash and recyclingThere is no mention of trash and recycling facilities; campers should plan accordingly.
Proximity to water featuresClose proximity to Johnson Creek, a tributary of the South Fork Salmon River.
Common complaintsNo specific complaints noted in the provided content.
HostContact the Cascade Ranger District for site-specific questions.
Campground Map
Penn Basin Campground, Landmark, Idaho
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). Take Forest Highway 22 northeast approximately 25 miles. When you arrive within the Warm Lake area, Forest Highway 22 becomes Forest Service (FS) Road 579. Continue east on the FS Road 579 until it intersects with the FS Road 413, approximately 10 miles. Turn south at the intersection of FS Roads 413 and 579. Proceed approximately 3 miles to the Penn Basin Campground.
The campground is accessible by most vehicles, although the road is narrow and may be rough in spots.Nearby places
Yellow Pine - 28 miles north
Nearby supplies
Limited services available in Yellow Pine, approximately 28 miles north.
Camper Reviews
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0 reviews
Penn Basin Campground has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
No user reviews or ratings are provided in the source materials.
Review Summaries
What Campers Love
Positive aspects cannot be summarized due to the lack of user reviews.
Common Concerns
Complaints are not mentioned in the source materials.
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Tips and recommendations from users are not available.
Seasonal Insights
Seasonal trends in user reviews cannot be analyzed due to the absence of reviews.
Camper Quotes
No direct user quotes are available.
Site-Specific Reviews
There are no site-specific reviews provided.
Accessibility Features
Accessibility reviews are not available.
Pet-Friendly Features
There are no reviews related to pet policies or experiences.
Last updated August 10, 2025