Old East Fork Camping Area
00 review500 N Mission St McCall, ID 83638
Old East Fork Camping Area
$0.00 - $2.00 / 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 reservation fee, dispersed camping area; some amenities may incur minimal cost (e.g., for vault restrooms).
About this campground
Nestled along the pristine waters of the East Fork of the South Fork of the Salmon River, Old East Fork Camping Area offers an authentic wilderness experience in the heart of Payette National Forest. This cherished dispersed camping destination transforms into a vibrant hub of musical celebration each summer when the renowned Yellow Pine Harmonica Festival fills the mountain air with blues and folk melodies from late July through early August. Here, campers can embrace the simplicity of backcountry living while enjoying the soothing soundtrack of the river's gentle flow.
Old East Fork Camping Area is primarily dispersed. It is minimally developed and provides only basic amenities.
Historical SignificanceOld East Fork has evolved into a cultural landmark within the outdoor community, particularly during the annual Yellow Pine Harmonica Festival. This beloved gathering, held each year in late July through early August, transforms the quiet camping area into a musical mecca where harmonica enthusiasts from across the region converge. The festival has woven itself into the fabric of local tradition, creating memories that echo through the forest long after the last note fades.
Weather and SeasonsExperience the dramatic seasonal transformation of Idaho's wilderness, where winter blankets the landscape in pristine snow and temperatures plunge into freezing territory. As spring melts into summer, the campground awakens to reveal its true charm—crystal-clear skies stretch endlessly above, while comfortable temperatures create perfect conditions for riverside relaxation and outdoor adventures. The moderate summer climate makes this an ideal basecamp for exploring the surrounding forest and cooling off in the river's refreshing waters.
ElevationTucked within the mountainous terrain of central Idaho, this riverside retreat sits at an elevation that offers the perfect balance of accessibility and mountain atmosphere.
Natural Features and SceneryJourney along winding gravel roads that lead you deeper into the forest, where towering pines and firs create a natural cathedral above your campsite. The East Fork of the South Fork of the Salmon River serves as your constant companion, its crystal-clear waters providing both a stunning backdrop and a natural soundtrack to your stay. Essential amenities blend seamlessly with the landscape—established fire rings invite evening gatherings under star-filled skies, while vault restrooms provide necessary comfort without disrupting the wilderness ambiance. The native surface roads add to the authentic backcountry experience while remaining navigable for most vehicles.
Geological RegionSituated within the magnificent expanse of Payette National Forest, this camping area claims a prime position along the East Fork of the South Fork of the Salmon River. This geological wonderland showcases the raw beauty of Idaho's central mountains, where ancient forests meet pristine waterways in a landscape carved by millennia of natural forces. The river corridor creates a unique microenvironment that supports diverse wildlife and offers campers an intimate connection with one of Idaho's most treasured water systems.
Campsite details
AccessibilityThere is no explicit mention of accessibility features for campers with disabilities.
Sites SizeThe size of campsites is not mentioned, but they are described as dispersed.
Sites PrivacyCampsite privacy is not explicitly described, but the dispersed nature of the campsites may provide some level of privacy.
Total Campsites2 campsites
Recommended CampsitesSites are accessed via gravel roads; bring appropriate vehicles and supplies.
Best CampsitesNo specific sites highlighted; dispersed setup.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
- Not applicable
- dispersed camping allows flexible arrival times.
Check-out
- Not applicable
- dispersed camping allows flexible departure times.
Stay Limit
No specific stay limit stated.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Not specified.
Groups
Group camping details are not provided.
Tents
Tents are not allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutDispersed camping area with no formal layout.
Open and Closed SeasonGenerally available year-round, but busy during the Yellow Pine Harmonica Festival in late July to early August.
Reservation PlatformsNo reservations required; dispersed camping.
Walk-in AvailabilityAll sites are first-come, first-served given dispersed camping setup.
Cancellation PolicyNot specified; likely not applicable given dispersed camping setup.
Amenities available
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Recreational opportunities at Old East Fork Camping Area include horseback riding, scenic driving, river and stream fishing, and non-motorized boating. Activities are primarily nature-oriented, fitting the dispersed and rustic character of the site.
Fishing
Fishing opportunities are available in the river and stream near the campsite.Boating
Non-motorized boating activities are supported, offering visitors a way to enjoy the water.Winter Activities
Winter activities are not mentioned in the provided source.Water Sports
In addition to boating, no other water sports are mentioned.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Fire rings available; use fire responsibly and follow forest fire regulations.
- Quiet hours are Not specified; dispersed camping often does not enforce quiet hours.
Hazards
General hazardsRoads are gravel and may be inaccessible during poor weather or heavy snow. Always check local conditions before traveling.
Active alertsKrassel Ranger District is temporarily closed; emergency services may be unavailable.
Weather forecast
81
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Light drizzle
Precipitation: 0.4%
Strong wind, exercise caution
Humidity: 25%
Very dry conditions, stay hydrated
Wind: 8.2 mph
Strong wind, exercise caution
Very Light Rain - (0.40% chance)
Slight drizzle possible
Light drizzle
7-Day Forecast
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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
Emergency Services
Krassel Ranger District, 500 N Mission St McCall, ID 83638. Phone: 208-634-0600 (temporarily closed).
Good to know
Peak season datesLate July to early August coinciding with the Yellow Pine Harmonica Festival.
Trash and recyclingThere is no information about trash and recycling facilities or services.
Proximity to water featuresLocated along the East Fork of the South Fork of the Salmon River.
Common complaintsSome reviews mention lack of amenities and accessibility challenges due to gravel roads. Others highlight the concentration of visitors during the festival.
HostNot applicable; no campground hosts mentioned.
Campground Map
500 N Mission St McCall, ID 83638
Driving directionsAccess from McCall would be via Lick Creek road and takes approximately 2 hours. Access can also be from the Warm Lake Highway outside of Cascade.
Sites are accessed by native surface roads (gravel).Nearby places
McCall (approx. 2 hours), Cascade (distance null)
Nearby supplies
Closest supplies null.
Camper Reviews
0.0
0 reviews
Old East Fork Camping Area has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
No user reviews have been provided.
Review Summaries
What Campers Love
No direct positive highlights or feedback from users are included in the materials.
Common Concerns
There are no complaints or issues raised in the source materials.
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Tips or recommendations from users are not available.
Seasonal Insights
No seasonal trends in reviews are noted.
Camper Quotes
No direct quotes from users are included in the source materials.
Site-Specific Reviews
There are no site-specific reviews or details about the best or worst campsites.
Accessibility Features
Reviews or comments on accessibility features for individuals with disabilities are unavailable.
Pet-Friendly Features
There are no reviews or comments specifically addressing pet policies or experiences for pet owners.
Last updated August 10, 2025