Pink House Recreation Site
4.6439 reviews91 Pink House Road, Orofino, ID 83544
Pink House Recreation Site
$10.00 - $18.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$10.00
Hookup Site Fee$18.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
$18/night for RV sites with full hookups, $10/night for tent camping. Additional vehicles cost $4/night. Holders of America the Beautiful Senior or Access Pass pay half price for the cardholder and their vehicle.
About this campground
Nestled along the banks of the legendary Clearwater River, just 5 miles west of Orofino, Pink House Recreation Site offers a serene escape into Idaho's natural beauty. At 980 feet elevation, this pristine campground has earned a stellar reputation among outdoor enthusiasts for its immaculate facilities and welcoming atmosphere. Whether you're casting a line into world-class fishing waters, floating down the river on a lazy summer afternoon, or simply relaxing at your campsite, Pink House delivers an authentic riverside experience. The attentive campground hosts and tranquil setting create the perfect basecamp for adventures ranging from invigorating swims at the sandy beach to peaceful wildlife watching at dawn.
The Pink House Recreation Site accommodates RV camping, tent camping, and group day use. It does not offer cabins or glamping options. The RV sites include full hookups with water, sewer, and 30-amp electricity, while tent sites are equipped with picnic tables, fire rings, and BBQ grills.
Historical SignificanceStep into living history at Pink House Recreation Site, where the echoes of Lewis and Clark's epic journey still resonate along the Clearwater River. This campground lies directly on the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail, the very route that carried the Corps of Discovery through Idaho over 200 years ago. The nearby Nez Perce National Historical Park adds another layer of cultural richness, honoring the indigenous peoples who have called this region home for millennia.
Weather and SeasonsExperience the full spectrum of Idaho's seasons at Pink House, where summer days bring warmth perfect for river activities, followed by refreshingly cool evenings ideal for campfire gatherings. Spring and fall offer the sweet spot for camping, with comfortable temperatures and stunning seasonal transitions painting the hillsides. Winter transforms the landscape into a crisp, snow-dusted wonderland, though the cold demands heartier camping preparations. Each season brings its own character to the Clearwater Valley, from gentle spring breezes to autumn's golden light.
ElevationPerched at a comfortable 980 feet above sea level, Pink House Recreation Site offers the perfect balance of accessibility and natural splendor. This moderate elevation along the Clearwater River creates an ideal microclimate where riverside cottonwoods thrive and mountain breezes temper summer heat, making it a year-round destination for outdoor recreation without the challenges of high-altitude camping.
Natural Features and SceneryThe Clearwater River serves as Pink House's stunning centerpiece, its crystalline waters living up to their name as they flow past your campsite. Towering native trees create a natural canopy, offering blessed shade during warm afternoons while framing views of the surrounding semi-arid hillsides that glow golden at sunset. A pristine sandy beach beckons year-round, providing direct river access for swimming, launching boats, or simply wiggling your toes in the sand while watching ospreys dive for fish.
Geological RegionPink House Recreation Site showcases the dramatic beauty of northern Idaho's unique landscape, where semi-arid hillsides meet the life-giving waters of the Clearwater River. This fascinating geological transition zone, carved by ancient floods and volcanic activity, creates a diverse ecosystem where desert plants mingle with riparian forests. As part of the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail corridor, this region tells a story millions of years in the making, from its volcanic origins to its role as a crucial waterway for both indigenous peoples and westward explorers.
Campsite details
AccessibilityThe site includes various accessibility features such as paved paths, accessible vault and flush toilets, RV sites with concrete spurs, and picnic tables with extended ends for wheelchair use. Additionally, the group pavilions and water hydrants are designed for accessibility.
Sites SizeThe sites accommodate RVs with full hookups and tents. RV sites are pull-through or back-in, and tent sites include flat and partially paved ground.
Sites PrivacyThe campground offers a mix of settings, with some sites closer to the river providing quieter, more scenic experiences. However, proximity to the highway may result in some noise at other sites.
Total Campsites18 campsites
Recommended CampsitesFor quieter experience, choose sites closer to the river.
Best CampsitesRV campsites #1 and #2 are accessible with concrete parking spurs, flush toilets nearby, and river views.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
No official check-in time specified.
Check-out
Check-out required by 11:00 AM.
Stay Limit
14 days within a 28-day period. Must move outside 25-mile radius after 14 days.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Each RV or tent site accommodates one camping unit.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutIncludes 15 RV sites (2 pull-through and 2 accessible back-in) and 3 tent sites. Asphalt loop connects all sites.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen year-round. First-come, first-served from June 21 to December 31.
Reservation PlatformsScan and Pay system via Recreation.gov mobile app.
Walk-in AvailabilityAll sites are first-come, first-served. Generally has availability if arriving early.
Cancellation PolicyNo refunds, modifications, or cancellations allowed. Payments are made using the Scan and Pay system.
Amenities available
Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Cell phone service
Flush toilets
Vault toilets
Electricity hookups
Water hookups
Sewer hookups
Activities you can enjoy
Pink House Recreation Site offers a range of recreational activities including fishing, tubing, boating, swimming, and wildlife watching. The Clearwater River provides world-class salmon and steelhead fisheries, and the sandy beach is accessible year-round. Tubing is particularly popular due to the river's mellow rapids. Other activities include picnicking and bird watching, with occasional sightings of river otters and eagles.
Fishing
The Clearwater River is home to world-renowned salmon and steelhead fisheries, attracting anglers from around the world. One user stated, "If you like Steelhead and Salmon fishing, it's world class," and another emphasized the proximity to great fishing spots, "Camping is awesome. Great holes for fishing very close."Swimming
Swimming is available at the large sandy beach, which is open year-round but closed to vehicles from June 1 to September 30 for safety reasons.Boating
The site features one of the most heavily used boat ramps upstream from Lewiston, Idaho, providing immediate access to the Clearwater River. Boating is popular among visitors, with activities such as tubing and jet boating mentioned.Wildlife viewing
Wildlife viewing opportunities include sightings of river otters and eagles. The scenic environment along the Clearwater River enhances the experience for nature enthusiasts.Beach activities
The site includes a large sandy beach for activities such as sunbathing and picnicking. This area is accessible year-round and offers a relaxing retreat close to the river.Winter Activities
No specific winter activities mentioned, but the campground is open year-round.Water Sports
Tubing and kayaking are popular activities due to the easy access to the Clearwater River and its mellow rapids.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Fire rings available at each site. No specific fire restrictions mentioned.
- Quiet hours are Not specified.
Hazards
General hazardsPossible hazards include river currents (tubing), wildlife encounters, and summer heat.
Active alertsVehicle beach access restriction from June 1 to September 30.
Weather forecast
99
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 12%
Very dry conditions, stay hydrated
Wind: 7.2 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Overcast
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
Closest hospital, Clearwater Valley Hospital, is in Orofino, ID (5 miles away). Local police and fire departments are accessible in Orofino.
Good to know
Peak season datesSummer months, particularly June 1 to September 30, coinciding with beach access restrictions for vehicles.
Trash and recyclingTwo dumpsters are available for waste disposal, but recycling is not explicitly mentioned.
Proximity to water featuresDirectly adjacent to the Clearwater River. Includes a sandy beach and a concrete boat ramp.
Common complaintsSome users reported unsanitary restroom conditions and road noise near the highway. No shower facilities available.
HostHosts Jim and Debra are praised for their friendliness and maintaining clean facilities.
Campground Map
91 Pink House Road, Orofino, ID 83544
Driving directionsApproximately 5 miles west of Orofino, ID off of Highway 12. Accessible by paved roads. Closest major turnoff is Pink House Road.
Access via paved roads, generally in good condition year-round. Vehicle access to the beach is restricted from June 1 to September 30.Nearby places
Orofino - 5 miles (approximately 10 minutes)
Greer - 10 miles (15 minutes)
Lewiston - 40 miles (50 minutes)
Nearby supplies
Orofino, ID provides basic services and shopping opportunities, 5 miles away.
Camper Reviews
4.6
39 reviews
Pink House Recreation Site is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews highlight the campground's cleanliness, scenic location, and excellent camp hosts. Positive aspects include the full hookups for RVs, proximity to the Clearwater River, and spacious sites. A recurring theme is the lack of showers, which some users noted as a drawback.
Review Summaries
Based on 39 reviews
What Campers Love
Positive reviews praise the campground's cleanliness, "super clean and quite," and the excellent camp hosts, "Jim and Debra provide a perfect camping experience." Many users appreciated the site's...
Based on 39 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
The most frequent complaint among users is the absence of shower facilities. Additionally, one user mentioned cleanliness issues in the bathrooms and another noted highway noise.
Based on 39 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Bring your own shower equipment. Arrive early as the campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis. Sites closer to the river tend to be quieter and more scenic.
Based on 39 reviewsSeasonal Insights
Reviews suggest that summer can get quite hot during the day, but nights are cooler. Highway noise is less noticeable for sites close to the river.
Based on 39 reviewsCamper Quotes
"Quiet, clean and the camp hosts are sweet!" - Sarah H.; "The Clearwater River Canyon is one the most beautiful places on earth!" - Mike P.; "Would be perfect if the restrooms had a shower" - Ashley...
Based on 39 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Sites closer to the river are praised for their quietness and scenic views. RV sites #1 and #2 are specifically noted as accessible.
Based on 39 reviewsAccessibility Features
Positive feedback on the accessible features, including the paved pathways, accessible toilets, and RV sites.
Based on 39 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pets are allowed at the campground, and reviews mentioned easy access to the river for dogs to run and play.
Based on 39 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025