How much does camping cost at Penn Basin Campground?

Camping fees at Penn Basin Campground range from Free. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Fees are typically paid at the campground entrance.

Is Penn Basin Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Penn Basin Campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis. The content does not specify whether walk-up sites are available.

Can I see photos of campsites at Penn Basin Campground before I book?

Yes! Penn Basin Campground has 1 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit Penn Basin Campground?

Penn Basin Campground is open Early June through late September. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Penn Basin Campground?

Penn Basin Campground does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

Can I have a campfire at Penn Basin Campground?

Fire policies at Penn Basin Campground: Each campsite includes a fire ring and grill, indicating that campfires are permitted.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

How many campsites does Penn Basin Campground have?

Penn Basin Campground has 6 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Arrive early for the best site selection.

Are dogs allowed at Penn Basin Campground?

Yes, pets are allowed at Penn Basin Campground. Dogs must typically be kept on a leash (usually 6 feet or shorter) and under control at all times. Be sure to clean up after your pet and check for any breed or size restrictions.

What amenities are available at Penn Basin Campground?

Penn Basin Campground offers: Restrooms, Pets Allowed. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Penn Basin Campground?

Popular activities at Penn Basin Campground include Hiking, Fishing, Biking, Wildlife Viewing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Penn Basin Campground

3.25

8 reviews

Penn Basin Campground, Landmark, Idaho

Featured in:Pet-Friendly Campgrounds Idaho

Quick Facts

6,703 ft

Price

Free

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

6 campsites

Season

Beginning of June to...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Check Availability Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

6,703 ft

Price

Free

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

6 campsites

Season

Beginning of June to...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Check Availability Official Website

Get Directions

Penn Basin Campground

$0.00 - $0.00 / night

Campsite Fees

No mention of specific fees in the provided content.

No paid fee categories listed.

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I manage this campground

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Campground Map

Penn Basin Campground, Landmark, Idaho

Penn Basin Campground

Penn Basin Campground, Landmark, Idaho

Nearby places

Yellow Pine - 28 miles north

Nearby supplies

Limited services available in Yellow Pine, approximately 28 miles north.

Driving directionsFrom Boise, Idaho, travel north on State Highway 55 approximately 80 miles to Cascade, Idaho. From Cascade, Idaho, travel north on State Highway 55 only a short distance to the turnoff at the Warm Lake Road (Forest Highway 22). Take Forest Highway 22 northeast approximately 25 miles. When you arrive within the Warm Lake area, Forest Highway 22 becomes Forest Service (FS) Road 579. Continue east on the FS Road 579 until it intersects with the FS Road 413, approximately 10 miles. Turn south at the intersection of FS Roads 413 and 579. Proceed approximately 3 miles to the Penn Basin Campground.

The campground is accessible by most vehicles, although the road is narrow and may be rough in spots.

Weather at Penn Basin Campground

Best Time to Camp at Penn Basin Campground

Summer brings mid-60s to low 70s during the day with nights dropping into the 30s and 40s. Bring warm layers for evenings. Early season means frost and occasional snow dustings, while late spring sees mountain rains before conditions settle. The best window runs early to mid-summer when wildflowers peak and long daylight stretches late. September starts to cool fast. Even on busy summer weekends, six sites keeps crowds minimal.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Open June–Sept; mild summer days, wildflowers and active wildlife make summer the primary season.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: Early June through late September. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Beginning of June to Mid-September

About Penn Basin Campground

Penn Basin Campground sits in Boise National Forest near Landmark, Idaho, with six primitive sites scattered across an alpine meadow at 6,703 feet. The campground occupies a remote Johnson Creek valley where pine forest meets open grassland. Most vehicles can handle the access road, though rough patches require attention. Open early June through late September.

Penn Basin Campground caters to various camping preferences, including primitive, tent, and RV camping. Group camping and luxury glamping are not featured.

Historical Significance

Yellow Pine, a community dating to 1902, sits down the mountain. Each August it hosts the Yellow Pine Music & Harmonica Festival, drawing musicians and visitors for blues, folk, and traditional music.

Weather and SeasonsSummer brings mid-60s to low 70s during the day with nights dropping into the 30s and 40s. Bring warm layers for evenings. Early season means frost and occasional snow dustings, while late spring sees mountain rains before conditions settle. The best window runs early to mid-summer when wildflowers peak and long daylight stretches late. September starts to cool fast. Even on busy summer weekends, six sites keeps crowds minimal.

ElevationNestled at a mountain elevation where the air is crisp and the stars shine brilliantly, Penn Basin offers that perfect high-country camping experience.

Natural Features and SceneryThe campground sprawls across a high mountain meadow where Johnson Creek winds through before joining the South Fork Salmon River. Dense coniferous forests climb the slopes on all sides, creating a valley basin. In early to mid-summer, wildflowers cover the open meadow. Elk graze at dawn, black bears forage along forest edges, and bald eagles ride thermals overhead. The combination of meadow and forest produces varied terrain and long sightlines toward the surrounding peaks.

Geological RegionSituated in Idaho's rugged central mountains, Penn Basin occupies a stunning alpine meadow carved by centuries of natural forces. The campground lies cradled between pine-forested slopes that rise dramatically from Johnson Creek's fertile valley. This tributary of the renowned South Fork Salmon River has sculpted a landscape where dense coniferous forests meet open meadowlands, creating diverse habitats and breathtaking vistas that exemplify Idaho's untamed backcountry beauty.

Scenic ViewsScenic views of Johnson Creek, mountain meadow landscapes, and dense pine forests.

Lodging & AccommodationsThere is no hotel-style lodging available at this remote campground.

Programs & ActivitiesThe Yellow Pine Music & Harmonica Festival held annually in August is the nearest cultural event, approximately 28 miles away.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Groups

Group camping sites are not mentioned.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Site layoutSix sites spread near the meadow's edge where it meets pine forest. Spacing and specific terrain not detailed in available data.

Reservation PlatformsNo reservation platforms mentioned.

Walk-in AvailabilityThe content does not specify whether walk-up sites are available.

Cancellation PolicyNo cancellation policy information is provided.

AccessibilityAccessibility features are not mentioned in the provided sources.

Site SizeThere are six campsites available, but specific size details are not provided.

PrivacyThe campground is described as peaceful and remote, with campsites situated near mountain slopes and dense pine forest. Privacy levels are not explicitly detailed.

Total Campsites6 campsites

Amenities available

Potable water is not available at this site.

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

RV details

Activities you can enjoy

Penn Basin Campground provides a range of recreational activities focused on enjoying the natural surroundings. Popular activities include hiking, mountain biking, equestrian riding, fishing, berry picking, and hunting during appropriate seasons.

Hiking

Fishing

Biking

Wildlife viewing

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPotential for wildlife encounters, including bear and moose.

No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

Fire PolicyEach campsite includes a fire ring and grill, indicating that campfires are permitted.

Emergency ServicesCascade Ranger District for site-specific questions

Trash & RecyclingThere is no mention of trash and recycling facilities; campers should plan accordingly.

Water FeaturesClose proximity to Johnson Creek, a tributary of the South Fork Salmon River.

Camp HostContact the Cascade Ranger District for site-specific questions.

Cell CoverageCell phone service availability is not mentioned in the sources.

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Questions & answers

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Tips from campers

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Reviews

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From Booking Sources

3.3

8 reviews

Mixed Reviews

Penn Basin Campground has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews

No user reviews or ratings are provided in the source materials.

Review Summaries

Based on 8 reviews

What Campers Love

Positive aspects cannot be summarized due to the lack of user reviews.

Based on 8 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

There are no site-specific reviews provided.

Based on 8 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Tips and recommendations from users are not available.

Based on 8 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Seasonal trends in user reviews cannot be analyzed due to the absence of reviews.

Based on 8 reviews

Camper Quotes

No direct user quotes are available.

Based on 8 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessibility reviews are not available.

Based on 8 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

There are no reviews related to pet policies or experiences.

Based on 8 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

Be the first to review this campground

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Go if

First-come campers who pack all their water and want a high alpine meadow largely to themselves. Wildflower peak in early to mid-July is the prime window, and six sites means even summer weekends stay quiet.

Skip if

No potable water on-site and supplies are 28 miles north in Yellow Pine, so anyone unprepared to haul everything in will have a rough time. Cell coverage is unknown, and the access road has rough patches that demand a capable vehicle.

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