Tin Can Flat Campground
4.797 reviews222 S. 7th, Suite #1, St. Maries, ID 83861
Tin Can Flat Campground
$12.00 - $15.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$15.00
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
Single Site fee is $15/night during peak season when water is available and $12/night during non-peak season when water is off. Additional vehicle fee is $5/night (maximum of 3 vehicles per site). Interagency Senior/Access Recreation Pass holders receive a 50% discount on Single Campsite fees. Payment is accepted via cash or check.
About this campground
Nestled along the pristine waters of the St. Joe River, Tin Can Flat Campground offers an intimate escape with just 11 thoughtfully spaced campsites. Towering Western cedars and majestic Grand firs create a natural cathedral overhead, while the gentle murmur of the river provides nature's soundtrack. Each site comes equipped with a picnic table and fire grill, perfect for evening gatherings under the stars. Fresh potable water flows from June through October, and well-maintained vault toilets ensure comfort during your stay. As stewards of this pristine wilderness, visitors embrace the 'Pack-it-In, Pack-it-Out' philosophy, helping preserve this riverside sanctuary for future adventurers.
Tin Can Flat Campground offers a mix of camping accommodations, primarily for tents and small groups. No RV-specific sites or glamping options are available.
Historical SignificanceWhile Tin Can Flat may not boast ancient ruins or historic landmarks, its significance lies in its role as a gateway to the untouched wilderness of the Idaho Panhandle. This humble campground continues a tradition of riverside camping that connects modern adventurers with the timeless rhythms of the St. Joe River and surrounding forest.
Weather and SeasonsExperience the full spectrum of Idaho's mountain climate at Tin Can Flat, where each season paints the landscape in different hues. Summer arrives with warm, golden days perfect for river activities, though afternoon thundershowers occasionally roll through to refresh the forest. Early fall brings crisp mornings and spectacular foliage as the deciduous understory transforms into a tapestry of gold and amber. Winter blankets the campground in snow, creating a wonderland for the hardy souls who venture here when temperatures dip to a bracing 20°F. Spring's arrival sees the forest burst back to life as temperatures climb toward pleasant 80°F summer highs, making late May through September the prime time for camping adventures.
ElevationPerched at 2,700 feet above sea level, Tin Can Flat occupies that sweet spot where mountain air stays refreshingly cool even during summer's peak. This elevation provides natural air conditioning, offering relief from valley heat while remaining accessible year-round. The moderate altitude means you'll breathe easier than at higher mountain camps while still enjoying those crisp, pine-scented mornings that make mountain camping so memorable.
Natural Features and SceneryStep into a living postcard where ancient Western cedars and stately Grand firs frame every view. The St. Joe River, affectionately known as the 'Shadowy St. Joe,' flows past the campground with a gentle persistence that has carved this valley over millennia. Morning mist often dances above the water, while shafts of sunlight filter through the dense conifer canopy, creating an ever-changing play of light and shadow. The understory bursts with ferns and wildflowers in season, while the distinctive vanilla scent of Ponderosa pine bark mingles with the fresh aroma of cedar. Whether you're sipping morning coffee by the river or stargazing from your campsite, the natural amphitheater of the Idaho Panhandle National Forests surrounds you with its quiet grandeur.
Geological RegionTin Can Flat rests within the rugged terrain of the Idaho Panhandle National Forests, where ancient geological forces have sculpted a landscape of river valleys and forested ridges. The St. Joe River corridor represents millions of years of patient erosion through the region's varied bedrock, creating the gentle valley that cradles the campground today. This corner of Idaho showcases the region's signature ecosystem, where moisture from Pacific storms nurtures a lush forest dominated by Western cedar, Grand fir, and their coniferous companions, creating one of the most biologically diverse temperate forests in the inland Northwest.
Campsite details
AccessibilityVault toilets are wheelchair-accessible, but no other specific accessibility features are mentioned.
Sites SizeSites have paved parking aprons and are of standard size.
Sites PrivacyThe sites offer excellent privacy due to generous spacing between them. 'Separation rather than vegetation provides excellent privacy,' according to one review.
Total Campsites11 campsites
Recommended CampsitesSites closer to the river may offer better views, but most lack direct access.
Best CampsitesNo specific site numbers are identified as best.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Check-in available 24 hours.
Check-out
Check-out available 24 hours.
Stay Limit
Maximum stay is 14 consecutive nights.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Each single site permits up to 2 vehicles. There is no mention of specific guest count.
Groups
No specific group camping accommodations are mentioned.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutThe campground consists of 11 individual sites stretching along the river.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen seasonally from the week before Memorial Day through mid-September, weather-dependent.
Reservation PlatformsReservations are not available; sites operate on a first-come, first-served basis.
Walk-in AvailabilityAll 11 sites are first-come, first-served with no reservation option. Availability may vary during peak season.
Cancellation PolicyCancellation policy not provided.
Amenities available
Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Recreational opportunities at Tin Can Flat Campground include fishing, wildlife viewing, and non-motorized boating on the St. Joe Wild and Scenic River. Seasonal whitewater rafting is available from March to early June. The campground is known for its peaceful atmosphere, making it an ideal spot for wildlife enthusiasts and anglers.
Fishing
Fishing is a highlight for many visitors, with opportunities to catch cutthroat trout and mountain whitefish. However, fishing is catch-and-release only. 'Good fishing right behind [the campground],' remarked one user.Boating
Non-motorized boating is supported. Seasonal whitewater rafting opportunities are available from March to early June.Wildlife viewing
Wildlife viewing is a popular activity. A visitor noted spotting a 'pileated woodpecker in the campground one morning.'Winter Activities
Winter activities such as sledding and tubing are mentioned, but limited details are provided.Water Sports
Popular water activities include whitewater rafting and kayaking, which are seasonal and typically occur between March and early June.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Fire grills are available at each site; specific rules about firewood collection or fire bans are not provided.
- Quiet hours are No quiet hours information is provided.
Hazards
General hazardsWildlife may pose risks, but no specific mention of hazards like bears, snakes, or water-related dangers. River conditions should be checked before floating activities.
Active alertsNo alerts or advisories are currently noted.
Weather forecast
93
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 14%
Very dry conditions, stay hydrated
Wind: 4.8 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
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
Nearest emergency services are available at the St. Joe Ranger District, St. Maries Office. Address: 222 S. 7th, Suite #1, St. Maries, ID 83861. Phone: (208) 245-2531.
Good to know
Peak season datesPeak season is June through October when water is available.
Trash and recyclingNo trash or recycling facilities; campers must pack out all their garbage.
Proximity to water featuresSituated along the St. Joe River with trails leading to the water.
Common complaintsUser reviews frequently mention lack of campground host, unclean bathrooms, and trash in campsites. However, privacy between sites and natural beauty were praised.
HostThere is no campground host available.
Campground Map
222 S. 7th, Suite #1, St. Maries, ID 83861
Driving directionsFrom Avery, ID, take FH 50 east 11.3 miles to campground sign. Turn right into campground.
The campground is accessible via St. Joe River Road (FH 50), 11.3 miles east of Avery. The road is described as paved and suitable for passenger vehicles. Seasonal access is dependent on weather conditions.Nearby places
St. Maries (~50 miles, 1-hour drive), Avery (11.3 miles, ~20-minute drive)
Nearby supplies
Closest supplies, including fuel and groceries, are likely found in Avery (~11.3 miles away) or St. Maries (~50 miles away). Specific details about availability of items are not provided.
Camper Reviews
4.8
7 reviews
Tin Can Flat Campground is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews highlight the campground's privacy, peacefulness, and proximity to the St. Joe River, although issues with cleanliness and lack of maintenance are commonly mentioned.
Review Summaries
Based on 7 reviews
What Campers Love
Privacy between sites, shade from trees, proximity to the St. Joe River, peaceful atmosphere, and excellent fishing opportunities.
Based on 7 reviewsCommon Concerns
Dirty vault toilets, lack of cleanliness in campsites (e.g., trash, dog poop), no campground host, and limited views of the river from most sites.
Based on 7 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Bring your own cleaning supplies to tidy up the campsite upon arrival. If you're fishing, keep in mind it's catch-and-release only. Be prepared for minimal cell service.
Based on 7 reviewsSeasonal Insights
Visitors in the spring and early summer often mention enjoying whitewater rafting and lush greenery. Fall visitors appreciate cooler weather and vibrant foliage, but issues with cleanliness seem...
Based on 7 reviewsShow more
Camper Quotes
1. 'Once we picked up the trash, it was a nice, peaceful place to camp.' 2. 'The location is beautiful - well-shaded on a great stretch of the St Joe.' 3. 'Awesome fishing access to the St. Joe and...
Based on 7 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Most campsites offer privacy due to spacing, but not all have views of the river. Some paths to the water are described as narrow and uneven.
Based on 7 reviewsAccessibility Features
No user reviews specifically addressing accessibility were found.
Based on 7 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
There are no specific mentions of pet policies, but a user reported finding dog poop at their site, indicating pets are likely allowed.
Based on 7 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025