Ohara
3.9652 reviewsFenn Ranger Station, 831 Selway Rd, Kooskia, ID 83539, USA
Ohara
$14.00 - $14.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$14.00
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
All standard nonelectric sites are $14 per night, applicable year-round, including during peak season (May 14 to September 17) and first-come, first-served periods.
About this campground
Welcome to O'Hara Campground, where 32 spacious campsites await beneath a canopy of ancient cedar trees along the pristine Selway River. As the largest campground on this legendary waterway, O'Hara serves as your gateway to endless outdoor adventures. Whether you're casting a line into crystal-clear waters, navigating thrilling whitewater rapids, or exploring miles of scenic trails by foot or bike, this verdant riverside retreat offers the perfect basecamp for your wilderness escape.
O'Hara Campground offers standard single-family sites, primarily for tent and RV camping. No group sites, cabins, or glamping options are available.
Historical SignificanceStep into living history along the Selway River Corridor, where generations of adventurers have found solace in these wild lands. Just nearby, the historic Fenn Ranger Station stands as a testament to the area's rich heritage, earning its place on the National Register of Historic Places. This culturally significant landscape tells the story of early forest rangers, indigenous peoples, and the enduring human connection to these protected wilderness areas.
Weather and SeasonsExperience the dramatic seasonal transformations of the Selway wilderness, where summer brings warm, sun-drenched days perfect for river activities and starlit nights around the campfire. As autumn arrives, crisp air and golden light create ideal hiking conditions. Winter transforms the landscape into a snow-covered wonderland, while spring's arrival brings rushing waters and wildflower blooms. During warmer months, stay alert for the area's native rattlesnakes, who share this spectacular habitat.
ElevationPerched within the dramatic topography of the Selway region's mountainous terrain, O'Hara Campground offers visitors a true mountain experience. The campground's position provides comfortable camping while giving easy access to both river-level activities and high-country adventures in the surrounding peaks.
Natural Features and SceneryImmerse yourself in the breathtaking beauty of the Selway Wild and Scenic River Corridor, where towering peaks rise from deep, forest-clad canyons. Your campsite sits amid this dramatic landscape of dense coniferous forests and rugged mountain vistas. Morning visitors often include curious deer grazing near the campsites, while playful squirrels and chipmunks provide endless entertainment. The diverse elevation changes create a tapestry of vegetation zones, from riverside willows to alpine meadows.
Geological RegionO'Hara Campground lies at the heart of the spectacular Selway Wild and Scenic River Corridor, protected within the vast Nez Perce National Forest. This geological wonderland showcases nature's artistry through soaring peaks, plunging canyons, and ancient forests. The dramatic elevation changes across this rugged landscape have created diverse ecological zones, from lush riverside groves to windswept ridgelines, making every hike a journey through multiple worlds.
Campsite details
AccessibilityMany sites are accessible, and paved parking spurs are available. Some user reviews note that the campground supports accessibility needs.
Sites Size"Many of the sites are spacious but some are tight for RVs or larger vehicles. Sites vary in size from small to moderately large."
Sites PrivacyCampsites are "secluded, with lush foliage providing privacy." Reviews consistently praise the sense of isolation and privacy offered by most sites.
Total Campsites32 campsites
Recommended CampsitesAvoid site 24 if using large RVs due to tight parking. Site 30 offers riverfront access.
Best CampsitesCampsites 13, 24, 27, and 30 are frequently praised for proximity to the river and scenic beauty.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
2:00 PM
Check-out
12:00 PM
Stay Limit
14 nights maximum during any visit to the campground.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Each single-family site is designed to accommodate typical family sizes.
Groups
Group sites are not available at this campground.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutMultiple loops with paved roads lead through heavily wooded sections. Sites are spaced for privacy.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen from May 14 to October 30. Sites are reservable from June 24 to September 17; first-come, first-served from September 18 to October 30.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made through Recreation.gov online or by app.
Walk-in AvailabilityAvailable from September 18 to October 30 during the first-come, first-served season. Earlier sites are reservable only.
Cancellation PolicyCancellations can be made any time before the scheduled arrival date. A $10 cancellation fee applies, and late cancellations forfeit the first night's use fee. Contact on-site personnel for changes after the check-in date.
Amenities available
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Dump station
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
O'Hara Campground offers ample recreational opportunities, including fishing, hiking, and wildlife viewing. The Selway River is ideal for fly fishing and rafting. The nearby Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness and Selway Falls provide additional attractions.
Hiking
Hiking trails can be accessed from Selway River Road, leading into the Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness. Trails vary in difficulty and are well-suited for nature exploration.Fishing
The campground is a "destination fly fishing experience" for cutthroat and rainbow trout. One reviewer noted catching "really nice Westslope Cutthroat" here.Biking
Several trails in the area are suitable for biking, and reviewers noted the enjoyment of biking upstream from the campground.Boating
Whitewater rafting on the Selway River is a key draw, noted as being well-known and popular.Wildlife viewing
Wildlife sightings include deer, chipmunks, and squirrels. The area is rich in biodiversity due to its location in the Selway Wild and Scenic River Corridor.Water Sports
Whitewater rafting and kayaking are available.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Campfires are allowed in provided fire rings.
- Quiet hours are Not explicitly stated in the source data.
Hazards
General hazardsRattlesnakes and tall grass pose risks during warmer months. No cell phone reception; nearest signal is in Kooskia. Overfilled dumpsters and occasional landslides have been reported.
Active alertsWater is unavailable at the campground for the 2024 season; alternative sources are at Cedar Flats (1.5 miles away). Rockslides have historically blocked access roads.
Weather forecast
93
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Mainly clear
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 16%
Very dry conditions, stay hydrated
Wind: 6.7 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 is nearby for ranger assistance. The nearest hospital, police station, and more comprehensive emergency services are located in Kooskia, ID, approximately 25 miles away.
Good to know
Peak season datesMay 14 to September 17 annually.
Trash and recyclingBear-resistant dumpsters are provided but have been criticized for not being emptied frequently enough, leading to overflow and litter issues. "Garbage receptacles not emptied and overflowing to the point of being strewn all over the area" was a common critique.
Proximity to water featuresLocated directly on the Selway River. Cedar Flats nearby offers water and a dump station.
Common complaintsComplaints about overflowing trash, water system issues, and lack of camp hosts have been common. Some users have noted noisy generators and limited parking space.
HostCamp hosts are occasionally available but absent during some seasons. User reviews indicate inconsistent host presence affecting maintenance.
Campground Map
Fenn Ranger Station, 831 Selway Rd, Kooskia, ID 83539, USA
Driving directionsThe campground is located 7 miles off U.S. Highway 12 at Lowell, Idaho, on Selway River Road 223. The road is paved all the way to the campground.
The road to the campground is paved, suitable for all vehicle types, and accessible year-round. There are no gravel segments, contrary to earlier claims in advertisements.Nearby places
Lowell (7 miles, approximately 15 minutes), Kooskia (25 miles, approximately 40 minutes)
Nearby supplies
Groceries and gas are available in Kooskia, ID (25 miles away). Cedar Flats, 1.5 miles from the campground on Selway Road, provides water and a dump station.
Camper Reviews
4.0
52 reviews
Ohara has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews
The campground is highly praised for its natural beauty, seclusion, and proximity to the Selway River. However, recurring issues include lack of water, maintenance problems, and trash overflow.
Review Summaries
Based on 52 reviews
What Campers Love
"Quiet and clean," "Secluded campsites in a lush forest among old-growth conifers," "Easy river access," and "Well-maintained and peaceful."
Based on 52 reviewsCommon Concerns
"No water available," "Garbage dumpsters overflowing," "No camp host to manage issues," and "General maintenance neglect."
Based on 52 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Visitors recommend bringing drinking water, as the water system is often out of service. They also suggest using bug spray due to abundant insects and arranging visits during quieter weekdays for a...
Based on 52 reviewsShow more
Seasonal Insights
Peak season (May to September) sees the most visitors. Late cancellations and reservations affected by rockslides are common complaints during the summer. Maintenance issues—such as lack of...
Based on 52 reviewsShow more
Camper Quotes
"With the proximity to the peaceful Selway, this was a first-class experience." - John Rummel, 2019. "No camp host, no toilet paper in the bathrooms." - Rich A., 2020. "Secluded campsites in a lush...
Based on 52 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Site #24 is described as tight for RVs, while sites #13 and #30 are praised for their proximity to the river. Other sites along the loops offer varied levels of privacy and access.
Based on 52 reviewsAccessibility Features
Many sites are accessible with paved parking spurs. Vault toilets are generally accessible, but maintenance issues may affect usability.
Based on 52 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
No specific reviews about pets or pet-related policies were found.
Based on 52 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025