Poverty Flat
Poverty Flat
$10.00 - $10.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Campsites cost $10 per night for both walk-in tent sites and standard non-electric sites.
Standard Site Fee$10.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$10.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Total Campsite Fees$20.00
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Recreation Dot Gov
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About this campground
Discover your riverside retreat at Poverty Flat Campground, where the melodic waters of the South Fork Salmon River create nature's perfect soundtrack. This intimate, paved campground welcomes adventurers with 10 thoughtfully spaced sites, including 4 secluded walk-in tent spots perfect for those seeking a more immersive wilderness experience. Operating on a first-come, first-served basis, this hidden gem invites spontaneous escapes—simply arrive, claim your spot, and use the convenient Recreation.gov app's Scan and Pay system to complete your stay.
Poverty Flat Campground caters to a range of camping preferences with 10 campsites, including 4 walk-in tent sites and standard non-electric sites. It is suitable for both tent and self-contained RV camping. However, there are no group or cabin accommodations available.
Historical Significancenull
Weather and SeasonsWhile winter's grip holds tight to nearby Lick Creek Pass until July, Poverty Flat awakens earlier to spring's gentle touch. From mid-July through October, the campground truly shines, offering pristine camping conditions under clear mountain skies. Spring visitors are rewarded with moderate temperatures and accessible trails, making it an ideal basecamp for early-season explorations when higher elevations remain snow-locked.
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Natural Features and SceneryEmbrace the raw beauty of Idaho's backcountry at Poverty Flat, where towering alpine forests frame your riverside sanctuary. The South Fork Salmon River flows past your doorstep, its crystal-clear waters reflecting the rugged peaks that define this corner of the Payette National Forest. As one of the area's first snow-free destinations each spring, the campground offers front-row seats to nature's annual awakening—watch wildflowers paint the meadows while snowmelt streams cascade down distant mountainsides.
Geological RegionCarved into the heart of the Payette National Forest, Poverty Flat occupies a privileged position along the South Fork Salmon River corridor. This dramatic landscape showcases Idaho's geological artistry, where ancient forces sculpted rugged terrain into today's alpine wonderland. Thanks to its strategic location, the campground emerges from winter's blanket earlier than its high-country neighbors, offering eager campers an early-season gateway to the region's spectacular backcountry.
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Campsite details
Sites SizeThe campground features 10 campsites, including 4 walk-in tent sites. The remaining sites are standard; sizes are not specified.
Total Campsites10 campsites
Recommended Campsitesnull
Best Campsitesnull
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
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Check-out
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Guests Allowed Per Site
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Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutIncludes 10 campsites, 4 of which are walk-in tent sites.
Open and Closed SeasonApril 15, 2025 - October 31, 2025.
Reservation PlatformsRecreation.gov mobile app, Scan and Pay feature.
Walk-in AvailabilityAll campsites are first-come, first-served.
Cancellation PolicyNo refunds, modifications, or cancellations are allowed with the Scan and Pay system.
Amenities available
Potable water
Fire rings
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Poverty Flat offers a range of outdoor recreational activities catering to hikers, anglers, equestrians, mountain bikers, and water sport enthusiasts. As the trailhead for a vast trail system, visitors can explore numerous loop hikes of varying lengths and difficulties. The South Fork Salmon River serves as a popular fishing destination, but users must note that it is catch-and-release only. Floating enthusiasts can also use the campground as a take-out point from Goat Creek. Nearby attractions, such as hot springs, provide additional leisure opportunities.
Hiking
The campground is the trailhead for an extensive trail system, offering loop hikes of varying lengths and levels of difficulty. Trails are open to hikers, equestrians, mountain bikers, and trail bikes.Fishing
Fishing is permitted in the South Fork Salmon River. However, it is catch-and-release only, as highlighted by user Trevor V: "If you want to eat fish, bring your own, because it is catch and release up here." The river is popular for its fishing opportunities.Biking
Mountain biking is allowed on the trail system connected to the campground, offering challenging terrains and scenic routes.Boating
The campground serves as a take-out point for those floating the South Fork Salmon River from Goat Creek. Specifics about boating types or docking facilities are not available.Advertisement
Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Campfires are permitted within designated fire rings only.
- Quiet hours are null
Hazards
General hazardsNarrow road access with blind corners may pose a hazard while driving. Wildlife encounters possible due to the remote forest location.
Active alertsnull
Weather forecast
38
°F
Nov 25
Tuesday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Strong wind, exercise caution
Humidity: 38%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 10.8 mph
Strong wind, exercise caution
Clear sky
7 day forecast
Weather History
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
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Good to know
Peak season datesApril 15, 2025 - October 31, 2025.
Trash and recyclingVisitors must pack out all their trash as no disposal services are available. This pack-in/pack-out policy is strictly enforced.
Proximity to water featuresAdjacent to the South Fork Salmon River, a notable fishing destination.
Common complaintsNarrow, one-lane road leading to the campground could make access difficult—a concern mentioned by official sources.
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Campground Map
Driving directionsFrom McCall, go 30 miles northeast on Forest Road 48 (Lick Creek Road), then 13 miles south on FR 674 (South Fork Road). The South Fork corridor is about 30 miles from Cascade along the Warm Lake Highway. Usually by July, Lick Creek Pass (Road #48) is snow-free, providing a faster access from McCall (35 miles) to the South Fork corridor. Please follow posted speed limits and drive carefully, the South Fork Road is a paved, narrow, one-lane road with two-way traffic and many blind corners.
The South Fork Road is paved but narrow with two-way traffic and many blind corners. The southern-most 7 miles are on the Boise National Forest. Snow can block access until July.Nearby places
McCall, 35 miles northeast
Cascade, 30 miles.
Nearby supplies
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Camper Reviews
0.0
2 reviews
Poverty Flat has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews for Poverty Flat offer a positive outlook on the campground, highlighting its natural beauty, accessibility, and essential amenities. Key themes include the scenic riverside location, well-maintained facilities, and recreational opportunities.
Review Summaries
Based on 2 reviews
What Campers Love
The campground is praised for its paved standard and walk-in sites, proximity to the South Fork Salmon River, and recreational activities such as hiking and fishing. User Trevor V noted: "It is a...
Based on 2 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
No complaints were explicitly mentioned in the provided user reviews; however, the emphasis on packing out all trash and the lack of hookups may be drawbacks for some campers.
Based on 2 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Visitors are advised to download the Recreation.gov app before arriving due to limited cell service and to bring their own firewood and trash disposal bags. Additionally, checking out the nearby hot...
Based on 2 reviewsShow more
Seasonal Insights
As the area is among the first to be snow-free in spring, it is a popular destination during this season. No specific reviews addressed seasonal experiences, but its accessibility during snow-free...
Based on 2 reviewsShow more
Camper Quotes
1. Trevor V: "It is a beautiful campground right off the river with plenty of room for campers and tents alike." 2. Allison Braley: "Love this campground! Its about 13 miles down the southfork road....
Based on 2 reviewsShow more
Last updated November 24, 2025
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