Covering the northern panhandle of Idaho from the border with Montana to the fertile uplands of the Palose in the west, the Nez Perce National Forest comprises over two million acres of mountainous woodlands. Bounded by other National Forest land, this large acreage of spring-fed streams and quiet valleys promises RVers a chance to get lost and forget about life beyond the glow of campfire light.
Four wilderness areas are held in this National Forest, meaning over half of its range is not accessible to motorized vehicles. This is a landscape ideally suited for those wishing solitude in nature and a chance to leave their camper behind to see wildlife and landscapes seemingly untouched by modern day. Named after the Nez Perce Indians who still call the area home, this forest is at once historic and a precious resource, providing a habitat for a multitude of animal species from timber wolves to elk and peregrine falcons to mountain goats.
Now managed with the Clearwater National Forest, the Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forest contains 68 campgrounds, 11 of which are suitable for most RVs. However, many of the additional smaller campgrounds located throughout the forests will fit a smaller campervan or truck camper. We’ll highlight three that should not be missed to help you plan your next excursion.
Consisting of a large part designated Wilderness Areas, the Nez Perce National Forest is not the easiest place to see in a vehicle. Only a few major secondary roads venture into the Bitterroot Mountains. These are in good repair, but can experience some rough spots as well as steep grades and curves as they navigate the vertical terrain.
Off the secondary roads, gravel forest access roads traverse the rugged valleys and mountain flanks. These roads may be very steep with drop-offs and narrow laneways. Use caution when venturing down them as mud and potholes can make the ride bumpy. There are few places to turn around, so it is best to only head into the wilds in a smaller rig, preferably with four wheel drive.
No roads access the wilderness areas, but trailheads and campgrounds will place you within a few miles of the borders to venture into these remote areas. Always come prepared for an outdoor excursion and travel with proper gear for the conditions.
Many of the campgrounds are open in the winter, however roads may not be plowed. Only try to access campgrounds located in the backcountry in vehicles designed for traveling in snow, such as four-wheel drive vehicles with snow tires and chains or a snowmobile.
Located off of Route 12, which is also known as the Northwest Passage Scenic Byway-All American Road, the Powell Campground is the only Forest Service campground in the combined Nez Perce - Clearwater National Forest to offer electric hookups. Between that and the location adjacent to the surging waters of the Lochsa River, this spot is known for its fantastic views, as well as a great place to host a picnic reunion.
Open mid-May to late October, the campground contains 33 paved campsites located on two loops. Rigs and trailers as long as 40 feet can comfortably fit in many of the spots. Half of the 23 sites of Loop A have electric hookup, and many of them are also adjacent to the river. All campsites are reservable and come with picnic tables and fire rings. Within the campground there is one flush toilet and four other latrine style facilities. Water spigots are available throughout the campground as well. There are no water or sewer hookups and no dump stations. The nearest dump facility is located at the Wilderness Gateway Campground.
Head out from your campervan to walk to the nearby historic Powell Ranger Station and then over to the Lochsa Lodge to pick up supplies or to have dinner before heading back for some fishing or floating on the river.
Tucked next to the South Fork of the Clearwater River and a stone’s throw from the well maintained gravel Route 14, Leggett Creek Campground offers five RV-friendly campsites. This may sound like a small, out of the way place to visit, but with fantastic fishing spots on both the Clearwater and Leggett Creek, this might just be the spot for your rig that you’ve been dreaming of.
The campground is first-come, first-served for its five naturally surfaced spots. With spacious campsites, you can bring along a larger RV. And even better, this campground has no fees but does have a 14-day limit on stay length.
Considering the cost, this campground does not come with much in the way of facilities. The sites contain fire rings but no tables. There is a latrine style toilet but no trash or hookups for water, sewer, or electric. The only drinking water is surface water from the streams and must be treated prior to use. Be sure when heading out to this quiet little spot that you arrive with your holding tanks empty, water tank topped off, and your fishing pole ready.
If you’ve dreamed of dropping a fly into a surging mountain stream and landing a monster fish, the Nez Perce National Forest should be on your list of places to go in your rig. Wild waters and wilderness areas abound in this mountainous forest. Steelhead, salmon, and trout, as well as other fish species, can be found in the cold waters such as the Clearwater and Salmon Rivers, which are known for the spectacular fishing as well as fabulous views.
From mountain biking the rugged Bitterroot range to road cycling, the Nez Perce National Forest offers numerous trails and awe inspiring views. For road cycling enthusiasts, check out the Kooskooskia Meadows Trailhead, which is one of the forest’s most obscure trails and offers not only a bit of solitude but some of the most stunning scenery. If you prefer mountain biking, there are 20 areas to select from. Don’t overlook Meadowcreek Trail #726. Only the first three miles are open to mountain bikes but travel through an area of ferns, moss, and cedar trees that will make you think you made a wrong turn and wound up in the rainforest.
The Salmon River, which is known for its fantastic rafting, plummets through the Nez Perce National Forest. This beautiful river requires a permit in order to run the rapids. If you miss out on the permit lottery, check out the local outfitters can take you on this adventure or recommend other places to drop in a raft, canoe, or tube.
Located on a small splinter of the National Forest to the west of the main area, this little pocket of forest is in the fertile uplands of the Palose in Idaho. The Giant White Pine Campground gets its name from a 600-year-old white pine that lived in the area until disease required it to be cut down, but the remains are on display.
Open mid-May to late October, this campground has 14 first-come, first-served paved campsites. The maximum RV size for this camping spot is 30 feet. There are latrine style toilets and a water spigot in the campground as well as trash cans. However, no water, electric, or sewer hookups are available. The nearest dump facilities are near Princeton, over 20 miles away, so it is best to come with your water topped up and holding tanks empty.
Pick up a fee envelope from the kiosk located at the campground entrance before finding a place to tuck in your rig. The individual sites have picnic tables and fire rings. A walking trail leads through the forest, and there are several more hiking trails easily accessible from the campground to enjoy the lush forest and its wildlife.
With much of the Nez Perce off-limits to motorized vehicles, one of the best ways to experience its majestic and rugged quiet is in the winter on cross-country skis. Eleven routes are open to skiers every winter and vary between easy, groomed trails to more adventurous routes where you might need to forge your own path. The Fish Creek Recreation Area contains loops of one to seven miles of packed trails and is a great place to start out to experience the winter beauty of the Nez Perce National Forest.
With over two million access of mountainous forests and four designated Wilderness Areas, the Nez Perce National Forest contains numerous opportunities to stretch your legs while leaving your rig at the trailhead. There are dozens of day hikes to multi-day backpacking treks to pick from. Most day hikes leave from campgrounds or parking areas adjacent to the main roadways. For an easy hike that skirts the edge of the Rocky Bluff Wilderness, check out the trailhead leaving from the Rocky Bluff Campground.
Large sections of the Nez Perce National Forest are open to hunting during appropriate seasons and with valid licenses. Big game hunters flock for a chance to bag an elk, moose, or deer. Some areas of the National Forest are closed to non-native hunters, so be sure to know where you are heading and that it is open for use. With numerous designated Wilderness Areas, many sections are also closed to any motorized vehicle, so be prepared to retrieve any game on foot.
