Telichpah Campground
03 reviewsNorth Fork St. Joe River Rd (Forest Route 456), Avery, Idaho
Telichpah Campground
$5.00 - $10.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$10.00
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
Standard site fee is $10/night, which includes 2 vehicles. An additional vehicle fee of $5 applies (maximum of 3 vehicles per site). Interagency Senior/Access Recreation Passes provide a 50% discount on single campsite fees occupied by the pass holder. Payment is accepted by cash or check.
About this campground
Escape to the tranquil wilderness of Telichpah Campground, where five intimate camp units nestle among towering pines along the North Fork St. Joe River. This rustic retreat embraces a back-to-nature philosophy with vault toilets and a Pack it In, Pack it Out approach that helps preserve the pristine forest environment. While you'll need to bring your own water and leave the trailer at home, you'll be rewarded with direct access to prime fishing waters and the extensive Nelson Peak National Recreation Trail System that beckons hikers and adventurers into the surrounding wilderness.
Telichpah Campground caters primarily to tent campers and offers semi-primitive camping experiences.
Historical SignificanceStep back in time as Telichpah Campground serves as your gateway to the legendary Hiawatha Rail Trail, a remarkable journey through railroad history. Follow the path of the historic "Milwaukee Road" as you traverse 9 mysterious tunnels carved through solid mountain rock and cross 7 breathtaking high steel trestles that once carried trains across deep mountain valleys. Along the way, interpretive signs reveal fascinating stories of the railroad workers, engineers, and communities that brought this engineering marvel to life in the early 20th century.
Weather and SeasonsExperience the dramatic seasonal transitions of the northern Idaho mountains, where spring arrives with a dusting of snow and crisp, freezing mornings that gradually give way to wildflower blooms. Summer transforms the landscape into a hiker's paradise, with comfortable daytime temperatures ranging from the 50s to 80s, while evenings cool down perfectly for campfire stories and stargazing. Early season visitors should come prepared for winter's lingering touch, as snow often blankets the ground through the first weeks of camping season before melting into the clear, sun-drenched days of late spring and summer.
ElevationPerched at 2,800 feet above sea level, Telichpah Campground offers a refreshing mountain escape where the air is crisp and clean. This moderate elevation creates an ideal climate for outdoor enthusiasts, providing relief from summer heat while opening up a world of mountain recreation opportunities. The altitude brings cooler temperatures that invigorate morning hikes and create perfect conditions for afternoon fishing, all while surrounding you with the distinctive flora and fauna of the mid-elevation forest ecosystem.
Natural Features and SceneryImmerse yourself in a cathedral of Lodgepole pines that stand like sentinels around Telichpah Campground, their straight trunks creating natural privacy screens between campsites. The sparse understory allows easy movement through the forest while maintaining an open, airy feel beneath the towering canopy. Positioned strategically above the North Fork St. Joe River, the campground offers glimpses of rushing waters through the trees and fills the air with the soothing sounds of moving water. This rugged forest setting provides the perfect backdrop for disconnecting from the modern world and reconnecting with nature's simple pleasures.
Geological RegionDiscover the raw beauty of the Idaho Panhandle National Forests, where Telichpah Campground sits within a dramatic landscape shaped by ancient geological forces. The surrounding rugged mountain terrain tells a story millions of years in the making, with steep ridges and deep river valleys carved by glaciers and waterways. The dominant Lodgepole pine forest thrives in this mountainous environment, while the nearby North Fork St. Joe River continues its age-old work of sculpting the valley floor. This diverse geological setting creates a playground for outdoor enthusiasts, from anglers seeking hidden pools to hikers exploring ridgeline vistas.
Campsite details
AccessibilityWheelchair-friendly vault toilets are available. However, the steep and narrow access roads may pose challenges for individuals with mobility impairments.
Sites SizeThe campground features small to medium-sized campsites suitable for tents.
Sites PrivacyWith little understory and no middlestory, privacy is considered 'only fair.'
Total Campsites14 campsites
Recommended CampsitesTent campers looking for privacy should avoid sites 1-5 near the Squaw Creek trailhead and consider sites 7-15 for proximity to the river.
Best CampsitesSites 7-15 offer easier access to the river.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Open 24 hours/day.
Check-out
Open 24 hours/day.
Stay Limit
Maximum stay is 14 days.
Guests Allowed Per Site
- Two vehicles included in site fee
- maximum of three vehicles per site.
Groups
Site 6 is a secluded group section suitable for larger parties.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutThree unnamed sections: Sites 1-5 near Squaw Creek Trailhead; Site 6 is a secluded group area; Sites 7-15 near the river.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen seasonally from the weekend before Memorial Day through mid-September, weather dependent.
Reservation PlatformsReservations are not accepted.
Walk-in AvailabilityAll 14 sites operate on a first-come, first-served basis.
Cancellation PolicyReservations are not accepted, so no cancellation policy applies.
Accomodation available
GroupGroup campsites are offered for larger parties such as families, schools, or organizations. These sites provide space and facilities to accommodate multiple people camping together.
Amenities available
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Telichpah Campground offers a variety of outdoor recreational activities centered around its scenic location near the North Fork St. Joe River.
Hiking
The Squaw Creek Trail #196 and access to the Nelson Peak National Recreation Trail System offer hiking opportunities ranging from 4 miles to multi-day adventures. The nearby Hiawatha Rail Trail, about 7 miles north, provides hiking and biking through tunnels and over steel trestles.Fishing
Fishing is permitted in the North Fork St. Joe River and nearby streams, with cutthroat trout being the primary species.Biking
Cyclists can explore the Hiawatha Rail Trail located 7 miles north, offering scenic routes through historic tunnels and trestles.Wildlife viewing
Wildlife viewing is listed as an activity, although specific species and optimal viewing areas are not detailed.Winter Activities
Winter activities are not specifically mentioned.Water Sports
No non-motorized water sports are stated as available.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Campfires permitted within designated fire rings.
- Quiet hours are None specified.
Hazards
General hazardsSteep and narrow access road poses a hazard for trailers. Vault toilets and lack of potable water may be inconvenient for some visitors.
Active alertsNone identified.
Weather forecast
94
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Partly cloudy
Precipitation: 0%
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
Humidity: 15%
Very dry conditions, stay hydrated
Wind: 2.3 mph
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
Partly cloudy
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
St. Joe Ranger District Office in Avery, Idaho
Good to know
Peak season datesWeekend before Memorial Day to mid-September.
Trash and recyclingPack it In, Pack it Out policy requires campers to take all refuse with them upon departure.
Proximity to water featuresThe campground is high above the North Fork St. Joe River, which is audible but not directly accessible from campsites.
Common complaintsUser reviews mention the lack of direct river access, limited tree cover, and challenges for tent campers seeking more privacy or scenic river views.
HostNo host services are mentioned.
Campground Map
North Fork St. Joe River Rd (Forest Route 456), Avery, Idaho
Driving directionsIn Avery, ID, at intersection of FH50 and Moon Pass Rd, take Moon Pass Rd north. Immediately turn right onto N.F. St. Joe River Rd (Forest Route 456) and go 4.6 miles to a one lane bridge (no campground sign). Turn left just before the bridge onto a steep, narrow, and dirt single-lane road and go 0.1 miles to a "Y" intersection. Bear right and go 0.5 miles into campground.
Forest Rt. 456 is an intermittently single-lane gravel roadway with three single lane reconstructed former railroad tunnels. The road leading to the campground is steep, narrow, and dirt, making access challenging for trailers and larger vehicles.Nearby places
Avery (6 miles, approximately 15 minutes drive)
Nearby supplies
Groceries, fuel, and camping supplies are available in Avery, Idaho, approximately 6 miles away.
Camper Reviews
0.0
3 reviews
Telichpah Campground has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews highlight the campground's semi-primitive setting and proximity to scenic and recreational attractions but note limitations such as lack of direct river access and minimal privacy.
Review Summaries
Based on 3 reviews
What Campers Love
Campground cleanliness and peaceful setting are frequently praised. One user stated, 'Great camping location! Close to a beautiful river. It’s very peaceful.' Another mentioned, 'Beautiful...
Based on 3 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Limited privacy due to sparse vegetation and lack of direct river access were recurring complaints. One user stated, 'We prefer camping in dense forests with a view of the river, so this place was...
Based on 3 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Bring sufficient water and plan for cash or check payments as no potable water is available on-site. Trailers are not recommended due to narrow roads.
Based on 3 reviewsSeasonal Insights
Visitors have remarked on the usability of the campground during the open season from the weekend before Memorial Day through mid-September, emphasizing weather-dependent access.
Based on 3 reviewsCamper Quotes
- 'Great camping location! Close to a beautiful river. It’s very peaceful.' - 'Beautiful semi-primitive campground. Pit toilets, camp fire rings and some water in season.' - 'We prefer camping in...
Based on 3 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Site 6 is noted as a secluded group section, while sites 1 through 5 are near the Squaw Creek trailhead. Sites 7 through 15 offer proximity to the North Fork St. Joe River, which can be heard but not...
Based on 3 reviewsShow more
Accessibility Features
Vault toilets are wheelchair-friendly, but access roads may challenge mobility-impaired individuals.
Based on 3 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
No specific reviews related to pet policies are available.
Based on 3 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025