French Gulch Campground
01 reviewFrench Gulch Campground
$0.00 - $0.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$0.00
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
No fee is required to access or use French Gulch Campground.
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About this campground
Nestled in the heart of the Red River Ranger District, French Gulch Campground offers adventurers the perfect launching point for wilderness exploration. This intimate, thoughtfully designed campground provides generous spacing between sites and ample parking, creating a comfortable retreat after days spent discovering the surrounding wilderness. The gentle sounds of French Gulch Creek weave through the campground, while anglers will delight in the convenient public access to the renowned Red River, where native trout await patient casters.
French Gulch Campground is a primitive camping site designed primarily for tent camping and serving as a base for day trips into the Red River Ranger District.
Weather and SeasonsFrench Gulch experiences nature's full palette of seasons, each bringing its own character to this mountain retreat. Winter transforms the landscape into a pristine wonderland, though heavy snowfall may limit access during the coldest months. As spring arrives, the melting snow feeds the rushing creeks, while summer rewards visitors with azure skies and warm days perfect for hiking and fishing. The crisp autumn air brings stunning foliage displays as the forest prepares for its winter slumber.
ElevationPerched at 4,210 feet above sea level, French Gulch Campground offers the refreshing mountain air and cooler temperatures that make summer camping a pleasure. This elevation creates an ideal escape from valley heat, though visitors should pack layers as mountain nights can be surprisingly cool even in summer months. The altitude adds to the campground's appeal for those seeking authentic high-country experiences.
Natural Features and SceneryFrench Gulch Creek serves as the campground's natural centerpiece, its crystal-clear waters creating a soothing soundtrack for your stay. The surrounding Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests envelope visitors in a verdant embrace of towering conifers and diverse undergrowth. Just moments away, the Red River carves its path through the landscape, offering both scenic beauty and excellent fishing opportunities. This convergence of waterways and forest creates a diverse ecosystem where wildlife thrives and natural beauty abounds.
Geological RegionFrench Gulch Campground sits within the remarkable expanse of the Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests, where ancient geological forces have sculpted a landscape of dramatic valleys and rushing waterways. The campground takes its name from French Gulch Creek, which joins the nearby Red River in a confluence that has shaped both the terrain and the recreational opportunities that draw visitors to this special corner of Idaho's wilderness.
Campsite details
AccessibilityNo specific accessibility features are mentioned. Campers with disabilities may face challenges due to the lack of basic amenities.
Sites SizeThe campground has two campsites. Specific site dimensions are not mentioned, but the area is described as 'roomy' with plenty of parking available.
Total Campsites2 campsites
Recommended CampsitesChoose a site close to the creek for a better view and proximity to fishing access.
Reserving a campsite
Groups
No designated group camping options are mentioned.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutThe campground includes two campsites and ample parking space.
Open and Closed SeasonThe campground is open year-round, but snow may limit accessibility.
Walk-in AvailabilityAll access is first-come, first-served as reservations are not accepted.
Amenities available
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
The primary activity at French Gulch Campground is fishing, with easy public access to the Red River. Other recreational opportunities such as hiking or wildlife viewing are not mentioned.
Fishing
Fishing is the main attraction at this campground. French Gulch offers access to the Red River, which is suitable for river and stream fishing.Winter Activities
No winter recreational activities are mentioned, although the campground is open year-round.Water Sports
No non-motorized water sports are mentioned.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
Hazards
General hazardsSeasonal snow can significantly impact accessibility. No potable water or restrooms are available on-site.
Weather forecast
83
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 19%
Very dry conditions, stay hydrated
Wind: 6.8 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Overcast
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Daily & Hourly Insights
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Temperature Trends
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Precipitation Trends
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Weather Summaries
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Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Good to know
Trash and recyclingGarbage service is not provided. Campers are required to pack out all trash.
Proximity to water featuresFrench Gulch Creek flows through the campground, and public fishing access to the nearby Red River is available.
Common complaintsA user review notes: 'Not much of a campground.'
Campground Map
Driving directionsFrom State Highway 14, turn south on Red River-Dixie Road #222. Follow Road #222 approximately 11 miles to French Gulch campground on the left (east).
The campground is accessible via Red River-Dixie Road #222. Seasonal snow may impact year-round accessibility.Camper Reviews
0.0
1 reviews
French Gulch Campground has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
User feedback on French Gulch Campground is sparse, with limited input available. One user review by Brenda Boyer Knoll simply states, 'Not much of a campground,' without elaborating further.
Review Summaries
Based on 1 reviews
What Campers Love
No positive aspects are highlighted in the user reviews.
Based on 1 reviewsCommon Concerns
The only available user review describes the campground as 'not much of a campground,' possibly pointing to a very basic or underwhelming experience.
Based on 1 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
No user-provided tips or recommendations are available.
Based on 1 reviewsSeasonal Insights
The campground is open year-round, but access may be hindered by snow during winter months. Weather trends indicate that it can be quite cold in winter with significant snowfall.
Based on 1 reviewsCamper Quotes
'Not much of a campground.' - Brenda Boyer Knoll
Based on 1 reviewsSite-Specific Reviews
No specific details or reviews about particular campsites within the campground are provided.
Based on 1 reviewsAccessibility Features
No user reviews address accessibility features or experiences for campers with disabilities.
Based on 1 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
No reviews address the pet policy or experiences with pets at the campground.
Based on 1 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025