How much does camping cost at Powell Campground?

Camping fees at Powell Campground range from $14-$20/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Powell Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Powell Campground accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

Can I see photos of campsites at Powell Campground before I book?

Yes! Powell Campground has 6 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit Powell Campground?

Powell Campground is open May 15, 2025 - September 14, 2025. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Powell Campground?

Powell Campground does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

Can I have a campfire at Powell Campground?

Fire policies at Powell Campground: Campfires are allowed in designated rings. Firewood must be locally sourced to prevent pest spread.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

How many campsites does Powell Campground have?

Powell Campground has 34 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Powell Campground?

Yes, pets are allowed at Powell Campground. Dogs must typically be kept on a leash (usually 6 feet or shorter) and under control at all times. Be sure to clean up after your pet and check for any breed or size restrictions.

What amenities are available at Powell Campground?

Powell Campground offers: Restrooms, Potable Water, Electrical Hookups, Pets Allowed, Camp Store. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Powell Campground?

Popular activities at Powell Campground include Hiking, Fishing, Boating, Wildlife Viewing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Powell Campground

4.50

240 reviews

162 HIGHWAY 12, POWELL, ID 83539, USA

Quick Facts

3,400 ft

Price

$14 - $20/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

34 campsites

Season

Open from May 15 to ...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyElectric

Opens Recreation.gov site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

April 2026

Compare availability across multiple campgrounds

Quick Facts

3,400 ft

Price

$14 - $20/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

34 campsites

Season

Open from May 15 to ...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyElectric

Opens Recreation.gov site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

April 2026

Compare availability across multiple campgrounds

Powell Campground

$14.00 - $20.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Peak season rates: Standard Electric sites cost $20/night, while Standard Nonelectric sites cost $14/night. First-come, first-served season rates...

Standard Site Fee$14.00

Hookup Site Fee$20.00

Premium Site Fee$0.00

Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00

Group Site Fee$0.00

Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

Get Notified When Available

We'll monitor this campground and alert you the moment sites become available.

Free with account · Checks every 2 minutes

150,000+ sites monitored · Email, SMS, or in-app notifications

Share this campground

Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

(208) 942-3113

Help improve this page

See something outdated or incorrect? Let us know!

What Campers Say

4.50

Recommended

Based on 240 reviews

41 Google reviews

Most mentioned

viewsquietcleanhiking

"Powell Campground is widely praised for its scenic beauty, clean facilities, and proximity to the Lochsa River and Lodge. While many users commend the camp hosts for their friendliness, several reviews highlight issues with host behavior and site management. Lack of showers and soap are noted as drawbacks."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

162 HIGHWAY 12, POWELL, ID 83539, USA

Powell Campground

162 HIGHWAY 12, POWELL, ID 83539, USA

Nearby places

Lewiston, ID (160 miles)

Missoula, MT (60 miles)

Lowell, ID (65 miles)

Nearby supplies

Within walking distance to a general store, fuel, lodging, and a restaurant. The nearest free dump station is 40 miles west on Highway 12 at the Wilderness Gateway Campground.

Best Time to Camp at Powell Campground

Experience the full drama of Idaho's mountain seasons at Powell Campground. Winter transforms the landscape into a snow-laden wonderland, perfect for those seeking solitude and crisp mountain air. As summer arrives, the campground comes alive under brilliant blue skies and comfortable temperatures that invite endless outdoor adventures. Pack your bug spray for the warmer months when mosquitoes join the ecosystem, but don't let them deter you from experiencing magical evenings by the campfire as temperatures cool and stars emerge in the crystal-clear mountain sky.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.5 / 5

Summer reviews are positive for hiking, fishing and wildlife viewing; mosquitoes increase in warm months.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: May 15, 2025 - September 14, 2025. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open from May 15 to September 14 (reservable season) and from September 15 to October 31 (first-come, first-served season).

About Powell Campground

Nestled along the rushing waters of the Lochsa Wild and Scenic River, Powell Campground offers an authentic wilderness escape with the majestic Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness as your backdrop. Whether you're settling into a secluded tent site or parking your RV on the paved pads, you'll find yourself immersed in nature's tranquility. Each thoughtfully spaced site provides a private retreat among towering evergreens, while modern vault toilets ensure comfort without compromising the pristine environment. Wake to the sound of the river and end your days watching alpenglow paint the surrounding peaks.

Powell Campground provides options for tent camping, RV sites with electrical hookups, and non-electric sites. Sites are reservable or first-come, first-served. No cabins or glamping accommodations are mentioned.

Historical Significance

Your journey to Powell Campground follows the legendary Lewis and Clark Highway (Highway 12), retracing the footsteps of America's most famous explorers who traversed this rugged corridor in September 1805. The thundering Lochsa River that serenades your campsite earned its name from the Nez Perce people, who aptly called these waters 'rough water' - a testament to the untamed spirit that still defines this landscape today. Every bend in the river and vista from your campsite connects you to centuries of adventure seekers who have been drawn to this spectacular wilderness.

Weather and SeasonsExperience the full drama of Idaho's mountain seasons at Powell Campground. Winter transforms the landscape into a snow-laden wonderland, perfect for those seeking solitude and crisp mountain air. As summer arrives, the campground comes alive under brilliant blue skies and comfortable temperatures that invite endless outdoor adventures. Pack your bug spray for the warmer months when mosquitoes join the ecosystem, but don't let them deter you from experiencing magical evenings by the campfire as temperatures cool and stars emerge in the crystal-clear mountain sky.

ElevationPerched at 3,400 feet above sea level, Powell Campground offers a refreshing mountain retreat where the air is crisp and the views stretch endlessly. This elevated position creates a natural air conditioning system during summer months and provides stunning vantage points for watching weather patterns roll through the valley. The altitude enhances every sunset and sunrise, turning ordinary moments into extraordinary memories against the backdrop of Idaho's rugged peaks.

Natural Features and SceneryImmerse yourself in a cathedral of towering evergreens where ancient forests meet the untamed Lochsa River. This pristine ecosystem at 3,400 feet elevation serves as a living gallery of Idaho's most magnificent wildlife - from majestic elk bugling in autumn meadows to elusive mountain goats navigating rocky crags. Black bears forage in berry patches, while deer graze in dappled sunlight and the occasional moose wades through marshy areas. Mountain lions prowl these rugged terrains, maintaining the wild character of this unregulated river corridor where nature still reigns supreme.

Geological RegionPowell Campground sits at the heart of north-central Idaho's most dramatic landscapes, where the Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests showcase millions of years of geological artistry. At 3,400 feet elevation, the campground occupies a sweet spot where dense coniferous forests cascade down to meet the Lochsa Wild and Scenic River. This remarkable location serves as your gateway to the legendary Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness, one of the nation's premier protected areas where granite peaks, deep river canyons, and endless forests create an outdoor enthusiast's paradise.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in

Check-in begins at 2 PM.

Check-out

Check-out is by 12 PM.

Stay Limit

You may stay up to 14 nights during a visit at this campground.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutCampground is organized into two loops: Loop A (electric sites) and Loop B (nonelectric sites). Sites are well-spaced for privacy.

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via Recreation.gov online, through the app, or contact center.

Walk-in AvailabilityApproximately half of the sites are first-come, first-served. Fill patterns vary based on season, with higher demand during summer months.

Cancellation PolicyCancellations can be made anytime before the arrival date, subject to a $10 cancellation fee, reservation fees, and potential late penalties. Late cancellations (midnight one calendar day before check-in) will subtract the first night's recreation fee from any refund.

AccessibilityThe campground is paved with accessible vault toilets and a flush toilet near the day-use area. Sites are level and have easy back-in or pull-through options for RVs.

Site SizeSites are a mix of small, medium, and larger sizes with pull-through and back-in options. Loop A features larger sites, while Loop B tends to have smaller, non-electric sites.

PrivacySites are generally spaced well apart, providing a decent amount of privacy. However, some interior sites in Loop A are more closely packed.

Total Campsites34 campsites

Recommended SitesRecommended sites include those along the river for scenic views. Loop A offers electrical hookups useful for RV camping. Tent campers may prefer Loop B.

Need help booking Powell Campground?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

Find your booking window

Cancellation Alerts

Free alerts for this campground

Amenities available

Potable water

Electricity hookups

Flush toilets

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Lodging and accommodations

Activities you can enjoy

Powell Campground offers access to the Lochsa River for fishing and world-class whitewater rafting. Hiking opportunities range from the nearby Powell Complex Trail to longer expeditions in the Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness. Wildlife viewing is abundant, with elk, moose, deer, and mountain goats in the area. Hunting is also permitted. Reviews highlight nearby hot springs and scenic drives along Highway 12.

Hiking

Fishing

Boating

Wildlife viewing

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsMosquitoes are prevalent during summer. Wildlife such as bears and cougars present risks; proper food storage is recommended.

No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.

Fire PolicyCampfires are allowed in designated rings. Firewood must be locally sourced to prevent pest spread.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m.

Emergency ServicesPowell Ranger Station is nearby, but visitor services have moved to Lolo Pass Visitor Center. No detailed emergency services information provided.

Trash & RecyclingTrash dumpsters are available on-site, but recycling facilities are not mentioned.

Water FeaturesDirectly adjacent to the Lochsa River. Fishing opportunities are abundant, with species like cutthroat trout and Chinook salmon.

Camp HostHosts are present but reviews indicate mixed experiences regarding friendliness and effectiveness. Some seasons lacked hosting services.

Weather at Powell Campground

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Reviews

From Booking Sources

4.5

240 reviews

Recommended

Powell Campground is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews

Powell Campground is widely praised for its scenic beauty, clean facilities, and proximity to the Lochsa River and Lodge. While many users commend the camp hosts for their friendliness, several reviews highlight issues with host behavior and site management. Lack of showers and soap are noted as drawbacks.

Review Summaries

Based on 240 reviews

What Campers Love

Many reviews praise the campground for being clean, quiet, and surrounded by natural beauty. Sites are well-spaced, and proximity to the Lochsa Lodge is a recurring positive aspect. Wildlife...

Based on 240 reviews

Common Concerns

Criticism is aimed at the campground hosts, who were described as rude or unhelpful by several campers. Other complaints include mosquito prevalence, no water hookups, and the lack of a dump station...

Based on 240 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring mosquito repellent, toilet paper, and soap. Prepare for no cell phone reception and be aware of campground rules regarding reservations and site usage. Consider visiting nearby hot springs and...

Based on 240 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer reviews are generally positive, with campers enjoying hiking, fishing, wildlife viewing, and the scenic beauty of the area. Mosquitoes are more common in warmer months. Winter activity...

Based on 240 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'Powell campground is a terrific place to rest, relax, fish, hike and explore.' - Kenneth Davis 2. 'Beautiful campground by the river, host was kind to me.' - Hardik Patel 3. 'Bathrooms clean,...

Based on 240 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site B010 was noted for being secluded and clean. Site A025 is praised for privacy and proximity to the river. Site A016 is described as on a grade and challenging for tent setup. Site A024 is...

Based on 240 reviews