Spruce Tree Campground

Star4.43
11 reviews
Spruce Tree Campground, Idaho Panhandle National Forests
Peace & Quiet

Quick Facts

3,773 ft

Price

$12 - $15/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

9 campsites

Season

Open late May to lat...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Opens St. Joe Ranger District - St. Maries Office site

Official Website
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Spruce Tree Campground
$12.00 - $15.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Peak Season (Water ON): Single Site: $15/night (2 vehicles included/site). Additional Vehicle: $5/night. Non-Peak (Water OFF): $12/night. Interagency...
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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

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USFS
Provider
(208) 245-2531
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What Campers Say

4.43

Recommended

Based on 11 reviews

9 Google reviews

Most mentioned

peacefulcleanhikingwell-maintained

"User reviews highlight the campground's remote, peaceful, and clean environment. The campground's location at the end of a long gravel road contributes to its seclusion and tranquility."

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Campground Map

Spruce Tree Campground, Idaho Panhandle National Forests

Spruce Tree Campground

Spruce Tree Campground, Idaho Panhandle National Forests

Driving directionsAccess 1: From Avery, Idaho take the St. Joe River Road (Forest Highway 50) 39 miles east to Red Ives Road #218. Proceed 12 miles on Red Ives Road #218 to the campground entrance. Access 2: From St. Regis, Montana take the Little Joe Road (#282) to the Idaho border where it becomes the St. Joe River Road (Forest Highway 50) /Gold Creek Road (#388). Turn left onto Red Ives Road #218 and proceed 12 miles to the campground entrance.
The campground is located at the end of a long gravel road, which may be challenging for some vehicles. Seasonal accessibility is likely from late May to late September.
Nearby places
Avery, ID: Approx. 39 miles, St. Regis, MT: Approx. 12 miles (to the border).
Nearby supplies
The nearest grocery, fuel, and camping supplies are likely in Avery, ID or St. Regis, MT. Specific distances are approximately 39 miles (Avery) and 12 miles (St. Regis, MT border).

Best Time to Camp at Spruce Tree Campground

Experience the dynamic beauty of Idaho's wilderness as temperatures dance between crisp 30-degree mornings and sun-warmed 80-degree afternoons throughout the camping season. Summer brings perfect conditions with daytime temperatures settling into the comfortable low to mid-70s, ideal for riverside relaxation and trail exploration. Plan your visit carefully, as winter's grip typically holds fast until late May, and September's golden days quickly give way to early snowfall, creating narrow but spectacular windows for your wilderness adventure.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Open late May–Sept; summer described as 'perfect conditions' with warm afternoons and cool mornings.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
3.5 / 5

Open into September with crisp mornings; quieter in off-peak but limited info on fall foliage or access.

Spring(Mar-May)
2.0 / 5

Opens late May, so early spring access is limited; seasonal conditions may be variable.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Campground closed outside late May–late September; winter use not supported.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: Late May to September.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open late May to late September.

About Spruce Tree Campground

Escape to the tranquil embrace of Spruce Tree Campground, where nine intimate campsites nestle along the pristine St. Joe River. This remote wilderness retreat offers the perfect balance of rustic comfort with seasonal hand-pumped potable water and vault toilets, while maintaining its wild character through a Pack it In Pack it Out policy. Whether you're casting a line into the crystal-clear waters, watching for glimpses of native wildlife, or setting off on the scenic St. Joe River Trail #48, this peaceful sanctuary provides an authentic backcountry experience far from the crowds.
Spruce Tree Campground is designed for tent and potentially small RV camping, with a focus on a rustic, nature-immersive experience. The campground emphasizes a more primitive style of camping, requiring visitors to bring and manage their own supplies.
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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
Open 24 hours.
Stay Limit
No information provided on maximum stay.

Amenities available

Potable water
Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Spruce Tree Campground offers a variety of outdoor recreational opportunities, primarily focused on nature and wilderness experiences. The site is located near the St. Joe Wild and Scenic River and the St. Joe River Trail #48, making it ideal for fishing, hiking, and wildlife viewing. Picnicking is also an option, although designated picnic tables are not explicitly mentioned.
HikingHiking enthusiasts will enjoy access to the St. Joe River Trail #48. Details on trail length, difficulty, or scenery are not provided in the source materials.
FishingThe campground is situated near 'wild trout waters,' making it a prime location for fishing in a river/stream setting. Specific details about fishing regulations or the types of fish available are not mentioned.
Wildlife viewingThe 'wild' portion of the St. Joe Wild and Scenic River offers opportunities for wildlife viewing. Common species or specific viewing locations are not detailed in the materials.
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPotential wildlife encounters and challenging gravel road access.

Weather at Spruce Tree Campground

Reviews

4.4
11 reviews
Recommended
Recommended
Spruce Tree Campground is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews highlight the campground's remote, peaceful, and clean environment. The campground's location at the end of a long gravel road contributes to its seclusion and tranquility.
Review Summaries
Based on 11 reviews

What Campers Love

- Remote and peaceful setting - Clean and well-maintained facilities - Availability of vault toilets - Proximity to nature activities like fishing and hiking
Based on 11 reviews

Common Concerns

No complaints were explicitly mentioned in the reviews.
Based on 11 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

- Bring all necessary supplies, including waste disposal bags, as the campground follows a 'Pack it In, Pack it Out' policy. - Visit during the open water season (June-September) for access to...
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Based on 11 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Reviews indicate that the campground is very quiet, especially in the off-peak season. One user mentioned being the only camper in mid-June.
Based on 11 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'It's quiet and out of the way. We camped in mid-June and no one else was there. It's well kept and clean considering how far off the main road it is.' - Tracy Blankenship 2. 'Quite a lot of...
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Based on 11 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

One user noted that at least one campsite appeared to have river access, although most do not.
Based on 11 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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