Shadowy St. Joe Campground
4.1312 reviewsShadowy St. Joe Campground, 10 miles east of St. Maries, Idaho on St. Joe River Road
Shadowy St. Joe Campground
$20.00 - $25.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$20.00
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
Overnight use is $20 per night for single sites, which includes two vehicles per site. An additional vehicle costs $5 per night (limit of three vehicles per site). Interagency Senior/Access Recreation Passes provide a 50% discount on the single campsite fee occupied by the pass holder. Reservation fees may apply for reservable sites. A boat launch fee of $5 is charged to maintain the docks each season.
About this campground
Nestled along the tranquil St. Joe River, Shadowy St. Joe Campground offers 14 thoughtfully designed, fully accessible campsites where modern comfort meets natural beauty. Each site comes equipped with electrical hookups, picnic tables, and fire rings, perfect for evening gatherings under the stars. Thanks to a major 2023 renovation funded by the Great American Outdoors Act and Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation, visitors now enjoy brand-new accessible facilities, including upgraded restrooms, fresh picnic areas, and improved fire rings. The campground's amenities feature potable piped water throughout, convenient vault toilets, a scenic boat launch for river adventures, and a spacious group picnic shelter ideal for family reunions or group gatherings.
The campground primarily caters to tent and RV campers, offering both reservable and first-come, first-served sites. Group picnics are supported via a large shelter.
Historical SignificanceIn 2023, Shadowy St. Joe Campground underwent a remarkable transformation through the Great American Outdoors Act, marking a new chapter in its story. This significant investment modernized the entire camping experience while honoring the site's natural character, ensuring that future generations can enjoy this riverside retreat with enhanced accessibility and contemporary amenities that blend seamlessly with the surrounding wilderness.
Weather and SeasonsExperience the dramatic beauty of changing seasons at Shadowy St. Joe, where each time of year paints the landscape in different colors. Winter transforms the campground into a snow-dusted wonderland with crisp, freezing temperatures perfect for cozy campfire evenings. As summer arrives, the campground becomes an outdoor paradise with comfortable mid-70s temperatures and endless blue skies that invite you to explore the river, hike nearby trails, or simply relax in the shade of towering trees.
ElevationPerched at a comfortable 2,100 feet above sea level, the campground offers the perfect balance of mountain freshness and river valley tranquility. This gentle elevation provides stunning views of the placid St. Joe River while maintaining easy access and comfortable conditions for campers of all ages and abilities.
Natural Features and SceneryWake up to the gentle murmur of the St. Joe River flowing past your campsite on the scenic north bank, where wide, calm waters reflect the sky like nature's mirror. Towering deciduous trees, including a magnificent sentinel birch that serves as the campground's natural landmark, create a living canopy overhead. The carefully maintained grass beneath provides a soft, emerald carpet that invites barefoot morning walks and afternoon picnics in this lush riverside sanctuary.
Geological RegionDiscover your perfect basecamp in the heart of the Idaho Panhandle National Forest, where the campground claims prime real estate on the north bank of the legendary St. Joe River. Here, the river spreads wide and peaceful, creating a serene water corridor flanked by stately deciduous forests. The surrounding landscape showcases the region's characteristic blend of river valley tranquility and forest majesty, with manicured grounds that provide a gentle transition between wilderness and comfort.
Campsite details
AccessibilityThe campground was redesigned in 2023 to include fully accessible facilities, making it suitable for mobility-impaired campers. Specific features include wheelchair-accessible vault toilets and easy access to the river via a dock and boat ramp.
Sites SizeCampsites are described as spacious, with ample room for multiple tents and flat, grassy areas suitable for lawn games.
Sites PrivacySite privacy is moderate. User reviews highlight that sites are 'reasonably spaced' but do not offer significant seclusion.
Total Campsites13 campsites
Recommended CampsitesChoose sites near the river for scenic views and shade. Open grassy areas are ideal for group recreation.
Best CampsitesSites overlooking the river are considered the most desirable.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Check-in time not explicitly stated.
Check-out
Check-out time not explicitly stated.
Stay Limit
Maximum stay of 14 consecutive days.
Guests Allowed Per Site
- Each single site allows up to two vehicles
- additional vehicle limits not explicitly detailed.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layout14 campsites laid out with a mix of reservable and first-come, first-served options.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen mid-May through mid-September, weather dependent.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made at www.recreation.gov for seven reservable sites. Seven sites are first come, first served.
Walk-in AvailabilitySeven of the 14 campsites are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Cancellation PolicyCancellation policy not provided.
Amenities available
Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Electricity hookups
Activities you can enjoy
Shadowy St. Joe Campground offers a variety of activities, particularly suited for water-based recreation, wildlife viewing, and group picnics.
Fishing
Fishing opportunities are available in the St. Joe River, with species like Cutthroat and Rainbow trout commonly found. The river is accessible via the on-site boat launch.Swimming
The river provides opportunities for swimming and floating on tubes. One reviewer noted that the dock and boat ramp are ideal for mobility-impaired campers to access the water.Boating
Boating is a major activity at this campground, with both motorized and non-motorized options supported. A well-maintained boat launch is available.Wildlife viewing
The campground offers wildlife viewing opportunities and is noted for its scenic riverside location, which is ideal for observing local fauna.Winter Activities
Sledding and tubing are listed as possible winter activities, although specific details are not provided.Water Sports
In addition to boating, canoeing is specifically mentioned as a potential activity on the St. Joe River.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Campfires are allowed within designated fire rings. Guests must bring their own firewood.
- Quiet hours are Not explicitly stated.
Hazards
General hazardsVault toilets have been reported as unclean during summer months, particularly during high occupancy periods.
Weather forecast
79
°F
Aug 26
Tuesday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 17%
Very dry conditions, stay hydrated
Wind: 6.2 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Clear sky
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
Emergency services are located in St. Maries, including a waste station available for RVs at Ed's R&R Service Station.
Good to know
Peak season datesMid-May to mid-September.
Trash and recyclingThe campground provides refuse receptacles. Details about recycling facilities and pickup schedules are not provided.
Proximity to water featuresDirectly adjacent to the St. Joe River, offering access to a boat launch and dock.
Common complaintsRecurring issues include unclean vault toilets, noise from generators, lack of enforcement of fees, and loud conditions during peak summer months.
HostCampground hosts are reported as friendly and helpful, ensuring well-maintained sites. However, host presence may vary by season.
Campground Map
Shadowy St. Joe Campground, 10 miles east of St. Maries, Idaho on St. Joe River Road
Driving directionsIn St. Maries, ID, take State Rt. 3 north (to Kellogg) 0.6 miles to 'Y' intersection (St. Joe River Rd. - Rt. FH 50). Bear right onto Rt. FH 50 and go 10.8 miles to campground sign. Turn right into campground.
Access is via paved roads that are not seasonally closed. The directions suggest straightforward navigation without major challenges.Nearby places
St. Maries (10 miles, approximately 15-20 minutes)
Nearby supplies
St. Maries offers supplies including fuel, groceries, and camping gear. Local businesses such as Ed's R&R Service Station provide additional amenities.
Camper Reviews
4.1
12 reviews
Shadowy St. Joe Campground is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
Reviews of Shadowy St. Joe Campground are mixed, with positive feedback highlighting its riverside location, spacious sites, and boating facilities. Negative reviews focus on cleanliness issues, especially during peak seasons, and a lack of nearby hiking trails.
Review Summaries
Based on 12 reviews
What Campers Love
Users appreciated the 'spacious, flat, grassy' campsites and the 'well-maintained boat launch.' Several reviewers described it as a 'beautiful' and 'peaceful' location, ideal for families and groups....
Based on 12 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Cleanliness of vault toilets during peak seasons, generator noise, absence of a camp host at times, and lack of hiking trails were common complaints. One reviewer criticized the $20 nightly fee as...
Based on 12 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Bring your own firewood for campfires. Visit during weekdays for a quieter experience. The campground is best for water-based activities, so consider bringing a boat or kayak.
Based on 12 reviewsSeasonal Insights
The campground tends to be quieter and cleaner during the off-season (e.g., June 2021) compared to peak summer months, where cleanliness and noise issues were reported. Winter activities like...
Based on 12 reviewsShow more
Camper Quotes
1. 'Scenic campground right on the river. Campsites themselves are fairly spacious with large, flat, grassy areas.' - Elizabeth Wood
2. 'Quiet during the week, very nice camp host. Large sites....
Based on 12 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Users highlighted the spacious and flat campsites, but no specific site numbers were mentioned.
Based on 12 reviewsAccessibility Features
One reviewer noted, 'Easy access to the river for mobility-impaired campers. The dock and boat ramp are perfect... allowing access for those of us with walkers.'
Based on 12 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025