Turner Flat Campground
03 reviewsSt. Joe River Road (Forest Highway 50), Avery, Idaho
Turner Flat Campground
$6.00 - $6.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$6.00
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 campground charges a flat fee of $6 per day for all sites.
About this campground
Nestled along the pristine St. Joe Wild and Scenic River, Turner Flat Campground offers an intimate escape with just 11 thoughtfully positioned sites, including a spacious group camping area perfect for family reunions or outdoor gatherings. Each site comes equipped with its own picnic table and fire grille, creating the perfect setting for riverside dining and evening storytelling. The campground's clever design ensures everyone finds their perfect spot: equestrian adventurers will love the open, accessible sites near the entrance, while those seeking solitude can retreat to the secluded, forest-shrouded sites at the far end. Vault toilets and seasonal potable water complete the amenities, striking the ideal balance between comfort and wilderness immersion. From late spring through mid-July, the river becomes your playground, inviting you to float, fish, and explore its crystal-clear waters.
Turner Flat Campground is a versatile camping area along the St. Joe River, offering individual and group sites suitable for both tents and equestrian camping.
Historical SignificanceWhile Turner Flat Campground may not boast ancient ruins or historic markers, its location along the St. Joe Wild and Scenic River places it within one of Idaho's most cherished natural corridors. This pristine waterway has long served as a lifeline for both wildlife and humans, creating a living legacy of conservation and outdoor recreation that continues to draw nature lovers from across the region.
Weather and SeasonsTurner Flat transforms with the seasons, each offering its own distinct magic. Late spring and early summer bring the campground to life as snowmelt feeds the St. Joe River, creating perfect conditions for tubing adventures and prime fishing. These months offer warm days and cool nights ideal for camping. As autumn arrives, the mixed pine forest explodes in a tapestry of golds and reds, with crisp air that makes morning coffee by the fire especially satisfying. Winter draws a quiet curtain over the campground, as heavy snows and freezing temperatures make it inaccessible, allowing nature to rest and renew for another season of adventure.
ElevationPerched at 2,700 feet above sea level, Turner Flat occupies that sweet spot where mountain air stays refreshingly cool without the harsh extremes of higher elevations. This moderate elevation creates an ideal microclimate where mixed pine forests thrive, providing natural air conditioning in summer and a protective canopy that filters the mountain sunshine into dappled patterns across your campsite.
Natural Features and SceneryThe true star of Turner Flat is its stunning riverside setting, where the legendary St. Joe River winds through towering stands of mixed pine like a ribbon of liquid crystal. Morning mist rises from the water to mingle with the forest canopy, while eagles and osprey patrol the skies above. The lush understory bursts with native wildflowers in spring and summer, attracting hummingbirds and butterflies. Deer often emerge at dawn and dusk to drink from the river, and lucky visitors might spot moose browsing in the shallows. The interplay of rushing water, whispering pines, and abundant wildlife creates a natural symphony that serves as the perfect soundtrack to your camping adventure.
Geological RegionTurner Flat Campground sits within the spectacular Idaho Panhandle National Forest, a region where ancient geological forces have sculpted a landscape of remarkable beauty. The St. Joe Wild and Scenic River has carved its course through this terrain over millennia, creating the gentle valley where the campground now rests. Surrounded by mixed pine forests that include majestic ponderosa pines, Douglas firs, and western red cedars, the area showcases the incredible biodiversity of the Northern Rocky Mountains ecosystem. This protected watershed represents one of the last truly wild river systems in the lower 48 states, offering campers a chance to experience the untamed beauty of the American West.
Campsite details
AccessibilityThe campground is wheelchair-friendly, with handrails in at least one vault toilet stall.
Sites SizeSites are spacious, with some open sites suitable for equestrian use and more wooded sites toward the end for privacy.
Sites PrivacyThe sites nearest the entrance are open, while those deeper into the campground are wooded, offering more shade and privacy.
Total Campsites11 campsites
Recommended CampsitesOpen sites near the entrance are ideal for equestrian campers with portable corrals, while wooded sites toward the end of the campground provide shade and seclusion.
Best CampsitesNot explicitly stated; sites toward the wooded end may be preferred for privacy and shade.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Open 24 hours a day.
Check-out
Open 24 hours a day.
Stay Limit
Maximum stay is 14 consecutive days.
Groups
The group camping area accommodates up to 15 people.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutCampground layout includes spacious campsites spread along the river. Open sites near the entrance are suited for equestrian campers, with more shaded and wooded sites located toward the far end.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen week before Memorial Day through mid-September, weather permitting.
Reservation PlatformsNot applicable for this campground; reservations are not available.
Walk-in AvailabilityAll sites operate on a first-come, first-served basis.
Cancellation PolicyReservations cannot be made; all sites are first-come, first-served.
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
Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Visitors at Turner Flat Campground can engage in a variety of recreational activities. The St. Joe Wild and Scenic River offers opportunities for fishing, tubing, and floating, particularly from March through mid-July. Non-motorized boating and swimming are possible in the river. The area is also favored for its wildlife viewing, scenic viewing, and picnicking. Seasonal snow activities like sledding and tubing are available during winter.
Hiking
Day hikes are available near the campground, though no marked trailheads are within the site itself.Fishing
Fishing is readily accessible with cutthroat trout as a target species. The St. Joe River is an excellent fishing spot.Swimming
Swimming is available in the St. Joe River; however, there are no designated swimming areas provided by the Forest Service.Boating
The St. Joe Wild and Scenic River supports non-motorized boating. Kayaks and other small watercraft can be carried down for river access.Wildlife viewing
Common wildlife species can be observed around the campground, making it a popular spot for nature enthusiasts.Winter Activities
Sledding and tubing are noted as available winter activities.Water Sports
Kayaking and tubing are popular during the spring and early summer, with whitewater conditions optimal from March through early June.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Campfires are permitted; sites feature fire grilles. Additional rules about fire restrictions or bans are not mentioned.
Hazards
General hazardsPotential hazards include wildlife encounters typical of forest settings and river-related risks such as strong currents or cold water, especially during the spring season.
Active alertsNo active alerts were mentioned.
Weather forecast
94
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 14%
Very dry conditions, stay hydrated
Wind: 4.8 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 emergency services are located in Avery, Idaho, 8 miles away. Detailed facilities are not specified.
Good to know
Peak season datesMemorial Day to mid-July, coinciding with tubing/floating season on the river.
Trash and recyclingPack it In, Pack it Out policy applies, requiring campers to remove all their trash and recycling.
Proximity to water featuresThe campground is adjacent to the St. Joe Wild and Scenic River, providing access to fishing, tubing, and kayaking.
Common complaintsSome reviews mention uneven trails and varying access to the river across different sites.
HostNo campground host information provided.
Campground Map
St. Joe River Road (Forest Highway 50), Avery, Idaho
Driving directionsDrive 8 miles east of Avery, Idaho on the St. Joe River Road (Forest Highway 50). Turn right into the campground.
Access to the campground is via paved roads (Forest Highway 50). The terrain is manageable, and there are no significant navigation challenges reported.Nearby places
Avery (8 miles, approximately 15 minutes)
null for others
Nearby supplies
Closest supplies are available in Avery, Idaho, 8 miles away, including groceries, fuel, and limited camping supplies.
Camper Reviews
0.0
3 reviews
Turner Flat Campground has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews describe Turner Flat as a quaint and quiet campground with well-spaced sites offering privacy. Its proximity to the St. Joe River and clean facilities are commonly praised.
Review Summaries
Based on 3 reviews
What Campers Love
Clean vault toilets, spacious campsites, proximity to the St. Joe River, and the availability of potable water are highlighted as strengths by users.
Based on 3 reviewsCommon Concerns
Some users might find the Pack it In, Pack it Out policy inconvenient due to the lack of trash facilities.
Based on 3 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Campers recommend bringing all necessary supplies due to the lack of a camp store and ensuring ample trash bags for waste disposal under the Pack it In, Pack it Out policy.
Based on 3 reviewsSeasonal Insights
Spring and early summer are favored for water activities like tubing and fishing, while winter offers opportunities for sledding and tubing. Mid-summer to fall is quiet, making it ideal for...
Based on 3 reviewsShow more
Camper Quotes
1. 'Quaint, little campground. Camp sites are spread out, so you aren't on top of each other, and there are two outhouses for easy access.' - Chris Tennant (June 26, 2019)
2. 'I've little campground...
Based on 3 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Reviews suggest that wooded sites deeper into the campground offer better privacy and shade, while open sites near the entrance are preferable for equestrian campers.
Based on 3 reviewsAccessibility Features
The vault toilets are wheelchair accessible, making the campground friendly for users with mobility needs.
Based on 3 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
No specific reviews address pet policies or experiences with pets at this campground.
Based on 3 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025