Pole Flat Campground
01 reviewPole Flat Campground
$3.00 - $8.00 / 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
Recreation Use Fee ranges by location and activity. Fees for advanced reservations include $8 for online/app bookings, $9 through the contact center, and $3 for in-person transactions.
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About this campground
Perched on a hillside away from the hustle of the main road, Pole Flat Campground offers a peaceful retreat with sweeping views of the river valley and historic dredge ponds below. Each campsite comes thoughtfully equipped with a picnic table, designated tent pad, and fire ring complete with a cooking grill for those memorable outdoor meals. While the sites sit close together, creating a friendly atmosphere perfect for meeting fellow adventurers, the open layout allows for easy maneuvering of trailers and motorhomes up to 32 feet. Modern vault toilets and fresh drinking water ensure comfort during your stay. With a visitor rating of 4.2 for general experiences and 3.0 for camping, Pole Flat remains a hidden gem for those seeking a quieter basecamp in the Salmon-Challis wilderness.
Pole Flat Campground accommodates a mix of camping setups, suitable for trailers, motorhomes, and tent campers.
Weather and SeasonsExperience the crisp mountain air of Idaho's high country, where temperatures dance between a brisk 32.4°F during the day and a chilly 16.1°F at night. The dry climate keeps humidity at bay, though moderate cloud cover and occasional snow flurries remind visitors of nature's ever-changing moods. Pack layers and prepare for the refreshing embrace of true alpine weather.
Natural Features and SceneryFrom your hillside vantage point, wake up to panoramic views of the winding river below and the intriguing dredge ponds that tell stories of the region's mining past. The surrounding landscape showcases the rugged beauty of the Salmon-Challis National Forest, where hardy alpine wildflowers dot the slopes and mountain peaks frame every horizon. This dramatic terrain creates an unforgettable backdrop for your outdoor adventures.
Geological RegionNestled within the vast expanse of Salmon-Challis National Forest, Pole Flat sits in a remarkable geological wonderland where ancient rivers carved deep valleys through mountainous terrain. The visible dredge ponds serve as reminders of the area's gold mining heritage, while the surrounding hills support a diverse ecosystem of alpine flora and fauna adapted to this challenging environment. This unique combination of natural and human history makes the region a fascinating destination for geology enthusiasts and nature lovers alike.
Campsite details
AccessibilityNo data provided on specific accessibility features for individuals with disabilities.
Sites SizeSuitable for trailers and motorhomes up to 32 feet in length.
Sites PrivacyNo specific details about the level of privacy between campsites are mentioned.
Total Campsites0 campsites
Reserving a campsite
Groups
Group sites are not specifically mentioned.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutCampsites are close together, as mentioned in user reviews.
Reservation PlatformsNot applicable; reservations cannot be made for this campground.
Walk-in AvailabilityThe campground operates on a walk-up basis, without an option for advance reservations.
Cancellation PolicyReservations aren't possible for this campground. Recreation.gov policies apply to other locations: cancellation fees vary by reservation type and timing, with a general $10 cancellation fee and forfeiture of the first night's fees for late cancellations.
Amenities available
Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
The campground's location near the river and dredge ponds offers potential for various outdoor activities. However, specific recreational opportunities are not extensively detailed.
Winter Activities
No details are provided about winter-specific recreational activities.Water Sports
No mention of non-motorized water sports like kayaking or paddleboarding is included.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
Hazards
Active alertsUser reviews mention ongoing road construction, which may impact access.
Weather forecast
76
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 33%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 7 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Overcast
7-Day Forecast
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Daily & Hourly Insights
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Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
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Weather Summaries
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Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Good to know
Trash and recyclingNo details about trash and recycling facilities are provided.
Proximity to water featuresThe campground is situated near the river and dredge ponds.
Common complaintsUser reviews highlight complaints about close proximity of campsites and limited shade.
HostUser reviews mention camp hosts providing carts to assist campers in transporting gear to their campsites.
Campground Map
Driving directionsFrom Stanley: Drive 11 miles east on Highway 75 to the Sunbeam Dam overlook. Turn left onto forest road #013 for about 3 miles. Campground is on the right. From Challis: Drive 42 miles west on Highway 75 to the Sunbeam Dam overlook. Turn right onto forest road #013 for about 3 miles. Campground is on the right.
The campground is accessible via forest road #013, approximately 3 miles from Highway 75. It is located off the main road and requires navigating up a hill. Access is manageable for trailers and motorhomes up to 32 feet in length.Nearby places
Stanley (11 miles, approximately 15-minute drive)
Challis (42 miles, approximately 60-minute drive)
Camper Reviews
0.0
1 reviews
Pole Flat Campground has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
The campground has a mixed reputation among visitors. It is described as less crowded and offers basic amenities. However, reviews suggest some drawbacks, such as closely spaced campsites and limited shade.
Review Summaries
Based on 1 reviews
What Campers Love
"The campground is away from the main road, offering a quieter atmosphere. It overlooks the river and dredge ponds, providing scenic views."
Based on 1 reviewsCommon Concerns
One user noted that "the camp spaces are close together and not a lot of shade."
Based on 1 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Campers should be prepared to pack in their gear, although carts are reportedly available for assistance provided by camp hosts.
Based on 1 reviewsSeasonal Insights
No seasonal review trends are specifically discussed.
Based on 1 reviewsCamper Quotes
"The perk is that it’s near the lake and the lodge."
Based on 1 reviewsSite-Specific Reviews
Specific campsite numbers or reviews focused on individual sites are not mentioned.
Based on 1 reviewsAccessibility Features
No comments or reviews regarding accessibility are available.
Based on 1 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
No information about pet policies or experiences was provided.
Based on 1 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025