Loristica Group Campground
05 reviewsP.O. BOX 507, MACKAY, ID 83251, USA
Loristica Group Campground
$30.00 - $30.00 / 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$30.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Group Standard Nonelectric site fee is $30 per night during peak season (June 14 - September 15, 2025). Additional fees like reservation fees may apply.
About this campground
Nestled in a sun-dappled meadow high in the Lost Creek Range of eastern Idaho, Loristica Group Campground offers an authentic wilderness retreat perfect for families and groups seeking adventure off the beaten path. This rustic reservation-only site serves as your gateway to miles of pristine hiking trails, scenic horseback routes, and thrilling off-road vehicle paths that wind through one of Idaho's most spectacular mountain landscapes.
Loristica Group Campground is designed for group camping, accommodating up to 100 people. It offers a rustic camping experience in a wooded meadow, with basic amenities such as vault toilets, fire rings, and picnic tables.
Historical SignificanceWhile the historical records of this remote mountain sanctuary remain unwritten, the land speaks its own ancient story through weathered peaks and wildlife trails that have existed for centuries.
Weather and SeasonsPerched at 8,100 feet, Loristica delivers a true mountain experience where crisp morning air gives way to warm afternoons and cool, star-filled evenings. Summer brings wildflower blooms and perfect hiking weather, though afternoon thunderstorms can roll through quickly. Fall paints the aspens gold while winter transforms the landscape into a snow-covered wonderland. The thin mountain air at this elevation means you'll feel the altitude, so take it easy on your first day and stay hydrated as you acclimate to the heights.
ElevationAt 8,100 feet above sea level, Loristica sits in Idaho's high country where the air is thin and the views stretch for miles. This lofty perch rewards visitors with sweeping vistas and refreshingly cool temperatures, though the altitude demands respect—you'll find yourself catching your breath more often as your body adjusts to having less oxygen with each inhale. The payoff? Crystal-clear night skies and panoramic mountain views that make every labored breath worthwhile.
Natural Features and SceneryStep into a living postcard where towering Douglas firs and lodgepole pines create a natural cathedral, their branches filtering sunlight into dancing patterns on the forest floor. Come autumn, groves of quaking aspen burst into golden flames against the evergreen backdrop. This diverse ecosystem attracts an impressive cast of wildlife—from majestic elk grazing in dawn meadows to black bears foraging for berries, cunning foxes darting through underbrush, and coyotes calling under moonlit skies. Lucky visitors might spot bighorn sheep navigating rocky outcrops near Big Creek, while mule deer appear like ghosts at forest edges. Seasonal creeks babble through the campground, their mountain-cold waters providing nature's soundtrack to your wilderness escape.
Geological RegionRising from the rugged Lost Creek Range in eastern Idaho, Loristica occupies a spectacular plateau at 8,100 feet where ancient geological forces have sculpted a landscape of dramatic contrasts. Here, volcanic history meets sedimentary storytelling, creating the perfect foundation for dense forests of Douglas fir, lodgepole pine, and aspen that cloak the mountainsides. This elevated sanctuary offers commanding views across Idaho's eastern ranges, where morning mists reveal layer upon layer of peaks stretching to the horizon—a testament to millions of years of Earth's patient artistry.
Campsite details
AccessibilityAccessibility features are not detailed explicitly in the source materials.
Sites SizeThe campground has seven individual campsites and can accommodate up to 100 people, suggesting a mix of medium to large group sites.
Sites PrivacyUser reviews indicate that the campground offers a mix of shaded and sunny areas for camping. Privacy details for individual sites are not explicitly stated.
Total Campsites7 campsites
Recommended CampsitesPark away from water features that may appear unexpectedly, such as creeks that may run beneath your campsite.
Best CampsitesSpecific site recommendations include campsite 001 based on user reviews.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
11:00 AM local time.
Check-out
12:00 PM local time.
Stay Limit
You may stay up to 14 nights during a visit at this campground.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Can accommodate up to 100 people at a time.
Groups
The group site can accommodate up to 100 people across seven individual sites, but additional details regarding vehicles or site layout are not provided.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutLoristica is a group campground with 7 individual campsites. Picnic tables and fire rings are positioned in a loop formation.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen June 14, 2025 - September 15, 2025.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made through Recreation.gov.
Walk-in AvailabilityInformation is null.
Cancellation PolicyChanges can be made for a $10 fee, and cancellations incur a $10 fee plus forfeiture of the first night's recreation use fee if within late cancellation window. Late cancellation for group sites applies starting from midnight 14 calendar days before check-in.
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
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Loristica Group Campground offers access to two trailheads within a mile: the Bear-Wet Creek Trail suitable for hiking, horseback riding, and off-road vehicles, and the Long Lost-Wet Creek Trail, a non-motorized trail leading to a high plateau with views of the Little Lost and Big Mountain Ranges. Wildlife viewing opportunities abound, including sightings of bighorn sheep, deer, elk, bears, foxes, and coyotes.
Hiking
Two nearby trailheads provide hiking opportunities. The Bear-Wet Creek Trail supports multiple uses and the Long Lost-Wet Creek Trail offers non-motorized access to spectacular views on a high plateau.Fishing
User reviews mention fishing opportunities near the campground, although specific details such as fish types or quality are not provided.Wildlife viewing
Visitors are encouraged to watch for bighorn sheep, deer, elk, bears, foxes, and coyotes in the area, especially along the trails.Winter Activities
Winter activities are not described in the source materials.Water Sports
Non-motorized water sports such as kayaking and paddleboarding are not mentioned.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- No vehicles are allowed in the meadow to protect the environment. Visitors are encouraged to source firewood locally and to burn it on-site.
- Quiet hours are Information is null.
Hazards
General hazardsPotential hazards include steep and rugged roads leading to the campground, erosion rills on trails, occasional aggressive mosquitoes, and wildlife such as bears.
Active alertsInformation is null.
Weather forecast
66
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Strong wind, exercise caution
Humidity: 43%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 9.9 mph
Strong wind, exercise caution
Overcast
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
Closest emergency service information is null.
Good to know
Peak season datesJune 14, 2025 - September 15, 2025.
Trash and recyclingTrash and recycling facilities are not mentioned in the authoritative sources or user reviews.
Proximity to water featuresCreeks may run underneath certain campsites, as observed by past visitors.
Common complaintsRecurring complaints include steep access roads with potholes and washboards and aggressive mosquitoes during summer months.
HostInformation is null.
Campground Map
P.O. BOX 507, MACKAY, ID 83251, USA
Driving directionsFrom Mackay, Idaho, travel 6.5 miles south on Highway 93. Turn left at the Forest Access/Pass Creek sign. Drive approximately 9 miles to Pass Creek Summit and turn left at the sign for Loristica. Proceed approximately 1 mile, then bear right at the sign to the campground gate.
The drive to the campground can be steep and includes occasional erosion, potholes, and washboards. While smaller RVs may access the campground, large motorhomes are not recommended due to road conditions.Nearby places
Mackay is located approximately 16-17 miles from the campground, with additional nearby towns potentially accessible but not specified.
Nearby supplies
"Not *too* far from a run into Mackay for anything you forgot at home," according to user reviews, suggesting Mackay is the closest location for supplies.
Camper Reviews
0.0
5 reviews
Loristica Group Campground has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
The campground is praised for its scenic beauty, seclusion, and suitability for groups, but reviews also highlight challenges such as difficult road access, aggressive mosquitoes, and water availability issues.
Review Summaries
Based on 5 reviews
What Campers Love
Users appreciate its natural beauty, spaciousness, and suitability for group camping. Specific quotes include: 'Beautiful secluded group use campground!' and 'Perfect for our group.'
Based on 5 reviewsCommon Concerns
Issues mentioned include aggressive mosquitoes, challenging road access, and variable water availability: 'Crazy aggressive mosquitoes,' 'Roads have occasional erosion, potholes, and washboards,' and...
Based on 5 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Tips include being prepared for steep and rough roads, carrying mosquito repellent, and carefully choosing where to camp to avoid water issues. One user advised avoiding large motorhomes due to...
Based on 5 reviewsShow more
Seasonal Insights
Summer months appear popular but bring challenges such as mosquitoes and water variability. Higher elevation causes quicker exhaustion during physical activities.
Based on 5 reviewsCamper Quotes
"Beautiful secluded group use campground!" - Chris Hegg. "Perfect for our group. Crazy aggressive mosquitoes, but we were tougher than them." - Bekki Pope. "Water comes and goes at this campground,...
Based on 5 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
One review specifically identified campsite 001 in loop LORGC and rated it 5 stars, highlighting its beauty.
Based on 5 reviewsAccessibility Features
Accessibility-specific reviews are not available.
Based on 5 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pet-related policies or reviews are not mentioned.
Based on 5 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025