Fly Flat Campground
04 reviewsFrom Avery, ID, take FH 50 east 29.2 miles Ranger Station (Forest Rt. 218) sign. Turn right at sign, crossing bridge, onto Rt. 218 and go 3.4 miles to campground sign. Turn right into campground.
Fly Flat Campground
$12.00 - $15.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$15.00
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
The fee structure is $15/night during peak season when water is available and $12/night during non-peak season when water is off. An additional $5 is charged for a third vehicle. Interagency Senior/Access Recreation Pass holders receive a 50% discount on single campsites (the discount does not apply to additional vehicles or other members of the party). Payments are accepted via cash or check.
About this campground
Nestled within a cathedral of towering mixed pines, Fly Flat Campground offers 14 intimate campsites where the wilderness whispers just beyond your tent flap. Fresh mountain water flows from spigots throughout the summer months (June through September), while clean vault toilets provide essential comfort in this backcountry setting. The campground serves as your gateway to adventure, with the renowned St. Joe Wild and Scenic River flowing nearby and the Fly Creek Trailhead beckoning hikers to explore deeper into the forest. Here, you'll discover the perfect balance between untamed nature and thoughtful amenities, all wrapped in the aromatic embrace of pine-scented air.
Fly Flat Campground is designed for traditional camping experiences with 14 designated sites. It caters to tent and combined-use camping, as no RV-specific amenities are provided.
Historical SignificanceJust 7 miles down the winding forest road, the historic Red Ives Work Center stands as a testament to the region's rich forestry heritage. This preserved facility now serves dual purposes as both a window into the past and a modern visitor center, where rangers share stories of the early forest workers who shaped these lands. Stop by to discover fascinating exhibits about the area's logging history, pick up trail maps, and learn about the generations of outdoor enthusiasts who have found solace in these ancient woods.
Weather and SeasonsFrom late May through mid-September, Fly Flat awakens from its winter slumber to welcome adventurers into its pine-sheltered embrace. Summer mornings arrive crisp and invigorating, often kissed by mountain coolness that calls for that extra layer around the campfire. As the sun climbs higher, the forest canopy filters golden light while temperatures warm to perfect hiking weather. The seasonal window depends on nature's whims, with early and late season visitors occasionally witnessing the dramatic weather shifts that remind us of the mountains' wild heart.
ElevationPerched at 3,500 feet above sea level, Fly Flat Campground offers a refreshing escape into the mountain air. At this elevation, you'll notice the satisfying coolness that provides relief from summer heat, though newcomers to altitude should take it easy their first day as bodies adjust to the thinner air. The elevation gifts the campground with spectacular night skies unmarred by light pollution, where stars seem close enough to touch and the Milky Way paints its brilliant path across the darkness.
Natural Features and SceneryThe campground rests in a natural amphitheater of mixed pines, where Douglas fir, ponderosa, and lodgepole create a living mosaic of greens. Though the campsites themselves are tucked within the forest's protective embrace, a short walk brings you to the banks of the legendary St. Joe River, its crystal waters dancing over smooth stones worn by centuries of flow. The dense canopy overhead creates a natural cathedral, filtering sunlight into ethereal beams while carpets of pine needles muffle footsteps. Wildlife thrives here—deer browse in early morning mist, varied bird songs provide nature's soundtrack, and if you're lucky, you might spot an elk moving silently through the shadows.
Geological RegionFly Flat Campground lies within the remarkable St. Joe Ranger District, where millions of years of geological forces have sculpted a landscape of forested ridges and river valleys. This corner of the northern Rockies showcases nature's patient artistry, with the St. Joe Wild and Scenic River having carved its course through ancient bedrock, creating the dramatic canyon country that defines the region. The surrounding mixed pine forests tell their own geological story, thriving in soils enriched by volcanic ash from prehistoric eruptions. Despite feeling wonderfully remote, the campground remains surprisingly accessible via well-maintained forest roads, offering that rare combination of wilderness immersion without the grueling approach.
Campsite details
AccessibilityNo wheelchair-friendly toilets are available, and accessibility features are not explicitly mentioned.
Sites SizeThe campsites are described as large and spacious in user reviews: 'The campground has big sites and provides a lot of privacy compared to some of the others around.'
Sites PrivacySites are reported to offer ample privacy due to the thick vegetation and trees: 'There are lots of trees and shrubs, so it’s a shady campground with lots of privacy.'
Total Campsites14 campsites
Recommended CampsitesUser reviews recommend the campground for its larger and well-spaced sites, offering privacy compared to other nearby campgrounds.
Reserving a campsite
Stay Limit
14 days
Guests Allowed Per Site
Each site includes up to 2 vehicles with a limit of 3 vehicles.
Tents
Tents are not allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutThe campground includes 14 campsites, each equipped with a table and most with grills (12 out of 14). The layout offers privacy due to the heavy vegetation and spacing between sites.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen from the week before Memorial Day weekend through mid-September, weather-dependent.
Walk-in AvailabilitySites are first-come, first-served, and may not be reservable.
Amenities available
Potable water
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Fly Flat Campground offers diverse recreational activities such as fishing, hiking, and wildlife viewing. Fishing is especially popular due to the nearby St. Joe Wild and Scenic River, known for its wild trout waters. The area also includes trailheads that support hiking and exploring the natural surroundings.
Hiking
The Peggy Peak (#629) and Mosquito Creek (#28) trails are nearby and offer hiking opportunities. Specific details about the difficulty levels or lengths are not provided.Fishing
The campground provides access to the St. Joe Wild and Scenic River, which is popular for catch-and-release fishing of cutthroat trout and mountain whitefish, as highlighted in the official sources.Boating
Non-motorized boating activities, such as kayaking and rafting, are supported by the St. Joe Wild and Scenic River. The river is noted for its whitewater conditions from March to early June.Wildlife viewing
The campground is located in a heavily wooded area, making it suitable for observing local wildlife. However, specific species are not detailed.Winter Activities
The area does not explicitly list any winter activities.Water Sports
Kayaking and rafting are popular water sports supported by the St. Joe Wild and Scenic River during specific seasons.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
Hazards
General hazardsNarrow and uneven paths to the river may pose a tripping hazard. The remote location and lack of cell phone service present additional risks in emergencies.
Active alertsNone reported.
Weather forecast
90
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
Humidity: 16%
Very dry conditions, stay hydrated
Wind: 1.4 mph
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
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
The nearest emergency services are found in Avery, ID, including a Forest Service RV waste station 0.7 miles east of Avery on Route FH 50. Specific hospital or police station information is not provided.
Good to know
Peak season datesJune-September, when water is available.
Trash and recyclingThe campground operates under a 'Pack it In, Pack it Out' policy, and no dedicated trash or recycling facilities are provided.
Proximity to water featuresLocated near the St. Joe Wild and Scenic River, although direct river views or easy access are limited.
Common complaintsLimited and challenging river access, as noted in user reviews: 'There is no river view and it’s difficult to get to the river - there are some paths, but they are narrow and uneven.' Other reviewers mention the single-lane access road as an inconvenience when encountering oncoming traffic.
Campground Map
From Avery, ID, take FH 50 east 29.2 miles Ranger Station (Forest Rt. 218) sign. Turn right at sign, crossing bridge, onto Rt. 218 and go 3.4 miles to campground sign. Turn right into campground.
Driving directionsAccess 1: From Avery, Idaho take the St. Joe River Road (Forest Highway 50) 29 miles east, turn right on the Red Ives Road # 218 (single lane with pullouts) and proceed 3 miles to the campground entrance. Access 2: From St. Regis, Montana take the Little Joe Road (#282) to the Idaho border where it becomes St. Joe River Road (Forest Highway 50)/ Gold Creek Road (#388) and continue down to the St. Joe River. Turn left on the Red Ives Road # 218 (single lane with pullouts) and proceed 3 miles to the campground entrance.
Road access can be challenging. The Red Ives Road # 218 is described as a single-lane road with pullouts, which may be difficult for navigating larger vehicles, particularly when encountering oncoming traffic. Seasonal accessibility and road conditions can vary.Nearby places
Avery, ID - approximately 29 miles.
Nearby supplies
Supplies, including fuel and groceries, can likely be found in Avery, ID, located 29 miles away from the campground.
Camper Reviews
0.0
4 reviews
Fly Flat Campground has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews for Fly Flat Campground highlight its spacious sites, shaded environment, and opportunities for outdoor activities like fishing and hiking. However, concerns about access roads and the lack of river views have been noted.
Review Summaries
Based on 4 reviews
What Campers Love
Positive reviews emphasize the spacious and private campsites, as well as the proximity to excellent fishing spots and hiking trails. One user wrote, 'It’s a great spot with lots of awesome fly...
Based on 4 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Complaints include the narrow, single-lane access road ('1 lane road going in and out, so if you are hauling a camper, not much fun when another camper/truck/vehicle is trying to squeeze by') and the...
Based on 4 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Campers recommend bringing cash or checks for payment and highlight the importance of being prepared to navigate narrow, single-lane roads when accessing the campground.
Based on 4 reviewsSeasonal Insights
Spring and summer are noted as the best seasons for visiting due to the availability of potable water and the suitability of the weather for outdoor activities such as fishing and hiking. Late fall...
Based on 4 reviewsShow more
Camper Quotes
1. 'Been coming here for the past 10 years! It's a great spot with lots of awesome fly fishing close by.'
2. 'Nice large campground with 14 sites, several bathrooms and potable water.'
3. 'The...
Based on 4 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Specific sites are not directly reviewed, but the campground as a whole is praised for its privacy and size.
Based on 4 reviewsAccessibility Features
No reviews directly address accessibility features, but the lack of wheelchair-friendly toilets suggests limited accessibility accommodations.
Based on 4 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
No specific information about pets or pet-friendly policies is mentioned in either reviews or official sources.
Based on 4 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025