Johnson Bar Group Site
4.716 reviewsFenn Ranger Station, 831 Selway Rd, KOOSKIA, ID 83539, USA
Johnson Bar Group Site
$40.00 - $40.00 / 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$40.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Reservation fee is $40 per night during peak season (May through September). Additional fees may apply for reservations made online or via the contact center.
About this campground
Nestled in a sweeping meadow where the pristine Selway River winds through untamed wilderness, Johnson Bar Group Site beckons groups seeking an authentic Idaho adventure. This spacious riverside haven transforms gatherings into unforgettable experiences, whether you're casting lines into crystal-clear waters, launching rafts for whitewater thrills, or setting off on foot or bike to explore the surrounding backcountry trails that weave through this remarkable landscape.
Johnson Bar Group Site caters primarily to group camping, with facilities designed to accommodate up to 100 people. Tent and RV camping are supported, but individual campsites are operated on a first-come, first-served basis and are not part of the group site reservation.
Historical SignificanceHistory whispers through the pines near Johnson Bar, where the nearby Fenn Ranger Station stands as a testament to the region's rich heritage. This architectural treasure, proudly listed on the National Register of Historic Places, offers visitors a glimpse into the early days of forest stewardship and the rugged individuals who first protected these wild lands for future generations to cherish.
Weather and SeasonsSummer unveils Johnson Bar in its full glory, with warm, sun-drenched days perfect for river activities and cool evenings ideal for campfire stories under star-studded skies. The dry conditions create excellent opportunities for outdoor adventures from dawn to dusk. Winter transforms this riverside retreat into a snow-dusted wonderland, where temperatures plunge and moderate snowfall blankets the landscape in pristine white, offering a completely different but equally captivating wilderness experience.
ElevationTucked into the river valley's embrace, Johnson Bar offers a comfortable base camp for exploring the varied elevations of the surrounding wilderness, from riverside paths to mountain vistas.
Natural Features and SceneryThe legendary Selway Wild and Scenic River Corridor unfolds around Johnson Bar like nature's masterpiece, where ancient cedar groves give way to unexpected desert landscapes in a stunning display of ecological diversity. This rugged paradise pulses with life—elk bugle in autumn meadows, eagles soar above the river's rapids, and the landscape shifts from verdant forest to dramatic canyon walls, creating an ever-changing backdrop for your wilderness escape.
Geological RegionDeep in north central Idaho's untamed heart, Johnson Bar sits amidst a geological wonderland where jagged peaks pierce the sky and profound canyons carve through the earth. This remote wilderness sanctuary within the Selway Wild and Scenic River Corridor showcases nature's raw power through its dramatic topography—dense forests cascade down mountainsides, pristine rivers thunder through ancient gorges, and the landscape tells a million-year story written in stone and forest.
Campsite details
AccessibilityThe group site is accessible and can accommodate up to 100 people, including space for tents and RVs.
Sites SizeThe group site can host large gatherings of up to 100 people with ample space for tents and RVs.
Sites PrivacyThe campground is situated in a large, open field, which offers limited privacy.
Total Campsites1 campsites
Recommended CampsitesBring a floating tube/raft to enjoy the small rapids. Consider portable toilets for large groups.
Best CampsitesThe group site is the only reservable site; additional individual campsites are first-come, first-served.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
11:00 AM
Check-out
12:00 PM
Stay Limit
You may stay up to 14 nights during a visit at this campground.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Maximum of 100 guests for the group site.
Groups
The accessible group site accommodates up to 100 people with ample space for tents and RVs. Groups of 25 or more are required to rent portable toilets.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutLarge, open field layout with individual campsites on either side of the group site.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen May 12 to September 30. Closed from October 1 to May 11.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made through Recreation.gov website or app.
Walk-in AvailabilityIndividual campsites on either side of the group site are first-come, first-served.
Cancellation PolicyCancellations are allowed with a $10 fee. Late cancellations (within 14 days of arrival) will forfeit the first night's fee. Changes to reservation dates outside the original stay dates also incur a $10 fee.
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
Johnson Bar Group Site provides an array of recreational opportunities that capitalize on its scenic location along the Selway River. Activities include fishing for cutthroat and rainbow trout, whitewater rafting, hiking into the Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness via nearby trailheads, and access to a small beach for swimming and boating.
Hiking
Several trailheads accessible from Selway River Road lead into the Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness area, offering opportunities for hiking and biking.Fishing
"The Selway River is a destination fly fishing experience for cutthroat and rainbow trout." User review mentions: "Caught several 12" native cut throat trout."Swimming
The site features a small beach along the Selway River, suitable for swimming. Safety measures are not explicitly described.Biking
Biking trails are accessible from Selway River Road and lead into the Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness, providing diverse terrain for biking enthusiasts.Boating
Johnson Bar offers boating access along the scenic Selway River. Types of boats allowed or docking facilities are not specified.Wildlife viewing
The campground is situated in the Selway Wild and Scenic River Corridor, renowned for its rugged natural beauty and diverse wildlife.Beach activities
Beach activities such as sunbathing and swimming are possible at the small beach along the Selway River.Winter Activities
Winter activities are not explicitly mentioned. Given the area's remote and rugged terrain, access may be limited during winter months.Water Sports
Water sports like rafting and boating are available along the Selway River.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Follow guidelines to prevent the spread of pests by burning local firewood only.
- Quiet hours are No specific quiet hours mentioned.
Hazards
General hazardsNo specific hazards mentioned beyond standard wilderness risks.
Active alertsNo active alerts mentioned.
Weather forecast
96
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Mainly clear
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 16%
Very dry conditions, stay hydrated
Wind: 7 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Mainly clear
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
Fenn Ranger Station nearby; no further details on hospitals or police stations mentioned.
Good to know
Peak season datesMay 12 - September 30.
Trash and recyclingTrash collection is available, but recycling facilities are not mentioned.
Proximity to water featuresBeach and boating access to the Selway River.
Common complaintsLimited facilities—only vault toilets and drinking water available during peak season.
HostNo campground host information available.
Campground Map
Fenn Ranger Station, 831 Selway Rd, KOOSKIA, ID 83539, USA
Driving directionsJohnson Bar Group Site is located 4.5 miles east of Lowell, ID on Forest Road 223 (Selway River Road). The group site is between the paved road and the river.
Accessible via paved Forest Road 223. No information on seasonal closures or challenging terrain.Nearby places
Lowell, ID - 4.5 miles (~10 minutes)
Kooskia, ID - 30 miles (~45 minutes)
Nearby supplies
Kooskia, ID (~30 miles) is the closest town for groceries, camping supplies, and fuel.
Camper Reviews
4.7
6 reviews
Johnson Bar Group Site is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews praise Johnson Bar Group Site for its scenic location, access to recreational activities, and quiet atmosphere. Limited facilities are noted but considered suitable for the area's remote character.
Review Summaries
Based on 6 reviews
What Campers Love
Positive aspects include excellent fishing opportunities, proximity to hiking trails, beautiful scenery, and a quiet atmosphere. The site is particularly appreciated for its small beach and group...
Based on 6 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Complaints include limited facilities (e.g., no showers, only vault toilets) and occasional dryness affecting the scenery during certain periods.
Based on 6 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Users recommend bringing a floating tube/raft for the river, and a fishing lure such as a gold number 2 meps for catching trout. Additionally, visitors should plan for limited cell service and pack...
Based on 6 reviewsShow more
Seasonal Insights
The site appears to be most popular during warm months, with visitors highlighting fishing, beach activities, and hiking trails. Dryness and limited facilities are mentioned during late summer and...
Based on 6 reviewsShow more
Camper Quotes
"Caught several 12" native cut throat trout." "Stayed here for 2 nights and it was perfect. Limited facilities just a toilet and water. But the location is amazing." "Great camping. A little dry but...
Based on 6 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
No specific site numbers are mentioned, but the group site, accommodating up to 100 people, is praised for its suitability for large gatherings.
Based on 6 reviewsAccessibility Features
Reviews do not explicitly address accessibility features, but the group site is described as accessible for tents and RVs.
Based on 6 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
No user reviews specifically mentioning pets or pet-friendly policies were found.
Based on 6 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025