Spruce Tree Campground
02 reviewsSpruce Tree Campground, Idaho Panhandle National Forests
Spruce Tree 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
Peak Season (Water ON): Single Site: $15/night (2 vehicles included/site). Additional Vehicle: $5/night. Non-Peak (Water OFF): $12/night. Interagency Senior/Access Recreation Passes provide a 50% discount to Single Campsites ONLY.
About this campground
Escape to the tranquil embrace of Spruce Tree Campground, where nine intimate campsites nestle along the pristine St. Joe River. This remote wilderness retreat offers the perfect balance of rustic comfort with seasonal hand-pumped potable water and vault toilets, while maintaining its wild character through a Pack it In Pack it Out policy. Whether you're casting a line into the crystal-clear waters, watching for glimpses of native wildlife, or setting off on the scenic St. Joe River Trail #48, this peaceful sanctuary provides an authentic backcountry experience far from the crowds.
Spruce Tree Campground is designed for tent and potentially small RV camping, with a focus on a rustic, nature-immersive experience. The campground emphasizes a more primitive style of camping, requiring visitors to bring and manage their own supplies.
Weather and SeasonsExperience the dynamic beauty of Idaho's wilderness as temperatures dance between crisp 30-degree mornings and sun-warmed 80-degree afternoons throughout the camping season. Summer brings perfect conditions with daytime temperatures settling into the comfortable low to mid-70s, ideal for riverside relaxation and trail exploration. Plan your visit carefully, as winter's grip typically holds fast until late May, and September's golden days quickly give way to early snowfall, creating narrow but spectacular windows for your wilderness adventure.
Natural Features and SceneryImmerse yourself in a landscape where towering evergreens create a living cathedral above your campsite and the legendary St. Joe Wild and Scenic River provides a constant soundtrack of rushing water. The surrounding old-growth forest shelters a rich ecosystem, while the river's pristine pools and riffles offer some of the finest wild trout fishing in the region. Morning mist rises from the water as eagles soar overhead, and evening light filters through the canopy, creating an ever-changing tableau of natural beauty.
Geological RegionDiscover your place within the magnificent Idaho Panhandle National Forests, where the celebrated St. Joe Wild and Scenic River has carved its path through millennia of geological history. This protected watershed supports thriving populations of native wild trout and represents one of the last truly undeveloped river corridors in the lower 48 states. The surrounding landscape tells the story of ancient forests, pristine waters, and the enduring wildness that defines this remarkable corner of the American West.
Campsite details
Total Campsites9 campsites
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Open 24 hours.
Stay Limit
No information provided on maximum stay.
Guests Allowed Per Site
3vehicles per site (additional fees apply). Exact guest information not provided.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutCampground features 9 campsites, some with closer proximity to the river.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen late May to late September.
Reservation PlatformsReservations may be made through https://store.usgs.gov/recreational-passes. Be prepared to pay with cash or check.
Walk-in AvailabilityNo specific walk-up availability mentioned. Sites may be reservable with prior reservations.
Cancellation PolicyNo specific cancellation policy details provided.
Amenities available
Potable water
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Spruce Tree Campground offers a variety of outdoor recreational opportunities, primarily focused on nature and wilderness experiences. The site is located near the St. Joe Wild and Scenic River and the St. Joe River Trail #48, making it ideal for fishing, hiking, and wildlife viewing. Picnicking is also an option, although designated picnic tables are not explicitly mentioned.
Hiking
Hiking enthusiasts will enjoy access to the St. Joe River Trail #48. Details on trail length, difficulty, or scenery are not provided in the source materials.Fishing
The campground is situated near 'wild trout waters,' making it a prime location for fishing in a river/stream setting. Specific details about fishing regulations or the types of fish available are not mentioned.Wildlife viewing
The 'wild' portion of the St. Joe Wild and Scenic River offers opportunities for wildlife viewing. Common species or specific viewing locations are not detailed in the materials.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Campfires allowed, likely subject to seasonal and local restrictions.
Hazards
General hazardsPotential wildlife encounters and challenging gravel road access.
Weather forecast
79
°F
Aug 26
Tuesday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 26%
Very dry conditions, stay hydrated
Wind: 4.5 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Clear sky
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
Nearest emergency services are in St. Maries, ID: St. Joe Ranger District - St. Maries Office, 222 S. 7th, Suite #1 St. Maries, ID 83861. Phone: (208) 245-2531.
Good to know
Peak season datesLate May to September.
Trash and recyclingThe campground operates under a 'Pack it In, Pack it Out' policy, meaning that trash and recycling facilities are not available. Campers must take all waste with them when they leave.
Proximity to water featuresCampground is adjacent to the St. Joe Wild and Scenic River and offers fishing opportunities.
Common complaints"Remote access at the end of a long gravel road" (from reviews). Also, limited sites with river views.
Campground Map
Spruce Tree Campground, Idaho Panhandle National Forests
Driving directionsAccess 1: From Avery, Idaho take the St. Joe River Road (Forest Highway 50) 39 miles east to Red Ives Road #218. Proceed 12 miles on Red Ives Road #218 to the campground entrance. Access 2: From St. Regis, Montana take the Little Joe Road (#282) to the Idaho border where it becomes the St. Joe River Road (Forest Highway 50) /Gold Creek Road (#388). Turn left onto Red Ives Road #218 and proceed 12 miles to the campground entrance.
The campground is located at the end of a long gravel road, which may be challenging for some vehicles. Seasonal accessibility is likely from late May to late September.Nearby places
Avery, ID: Approx. 39 miles, St. Regis, MT: Approx. 12 miles (to the border).
Nearby supplies
The nearest grocery, fuel, and camping supplies are likely in Avery, ID or St. Regis, MT. Specific distances are approximately 39 miles (Avery) and 12 miles (St. Regis, MT border).
Camper Reviews
0.0
2 reviews
Spruce Tree Campground has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews highlight the campground's remote, peaceful, and clean environment. The campground's location at the end of a long gravel road contributes to its seclusion and tranquility.
Review Summaries
Based on 2 reviews
What Campers Love
- Remote and peaceful setting
- Clean and well-maintained facilities
- Availability of vault toilets
- Proximity to nature activities like fishing and hiking
Based on 2 reviewsCommon Concerns
No complaints were explicitly mentioned in the reviews.
Based on 2 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
- Bring all necessary supplies, including waste disposal bags, as the campground follows a 'Pack it In, Pack it Out' policy.
- Visit during the open water season (June-September) for access to...
Based on 2 reviewsShow more
Seasonal Insights
Reviews indicate that the campground is very quiet, especially in the off-peak season. One user mentioned being the only camper in mid-June.
Based on 2 reviewsCamper Quotes
1. 'It's quiet and out of the way. We camped in mid-June and no one else was there. It's well kept and clean considering how far off the main road it is.' - Tracy Blankenship
2. 'Quite a lot of...
Based on 2 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
One user noted that at least one campsite appeared to have river access, although most do not.
Based on 2 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025