How much does camping cost at Spruce Tree Campground?

Camping fees at Spruce Tree Campground range from $12-$15/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Spruce Tree Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Spruce Tree Campground accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

Can I see photos of campsites at Spruce Tree Campground before I book?

Yes! Spruce Tree Campground has 2 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 Spruce Tree Campground?

Spruce Tree Campground is open Late May to 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 Spruce Tree Campground?

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

Can I have a campfire at Spruce Tree Campground?

Fire policies at Spruce Tree Campground: Campfires allowed, likely subject to seasonal and local restrictions.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

How many campsites does Spruce Tree Campground have?

Spruce Tree Campground has 9 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Spruce Tree Campground?

Pets are not allowed at Spruce Tree Campground. This policy helps protect local wildlife and other campers. Consider nearby pet-friendly campgrounds if traveling with animals.

What amenities are available at Spruce Tree Campground?

Spruce Tree Campground offers: Restrooms, Potable Water. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Spruce Tree Campground?

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

Spruce Tree Campground

3.64

11 reviews

Spruce Tree Campground, Idaho Panhandle National Forests

Top 22% in IDSummer

Peace & Quiet

Featured in:Mountain Camping Idaho

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

Check Availability Official Website

Get Directions

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

Check Availability Official Website

Get Directions

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...

Standard Site Fee$15.00

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USFS

Provider

(208) 245-2531

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

Spruce Tree Campground, Idaho Panhandle National Forests

Spruce Tree Campground

Spruce Tree Campground, Idaho Panhandle National Forests

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).

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.

Weather at Spruce Tree Campground

Best Time to Camp at Spruce Tree Campground

Summer delivers the most reliable conditions. Daytime highs settle into the low to mid-70s, with cool mornings in the 40s and 50s. Winter snowpack lingers until late May, and September can bring early snow, so the practical season is short. By mid-summer, river flows drop and clear, creating better conditions for trout fishing. The campground stays pleasantly quiet on weekdays but fills on weekends.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.5 / 5

Top 22% in ID

Most reliable season; highs in low–mid 70s and full services (May–Sept open).

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

Spruce Tree Campground sits at the end of a long gravel road along the St. Joe Wild and Scenic River, offering nine tent sites in a genuinely remote setting. The campground has vault toilets and hand-pumped potable water from June through September, but follows a Pack it In Pack it Out policy for all other waste. It's a quiet spot midweek, though the small site count means weekends and holidays fill up.

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.

Weather and SeasonsSummer delivers the most reliable conditions. Daytime highs settle into the low to mid-70s, with cool mornings in the 40s and 50s. Winter snowpack lingers until late May, and September can bring early snow, so the practical season is short. By mid-summer, river flows drop and clear, creating better conditions for trout fishing. The campground stays pleasantly quiet on weekdays but fills on weekends.

Natural Features and SceneryThe campground occupies a forested corridor at 3,773 feet where evergreens frame the St. Joe River. The river runs clear through pools and riffles that hold native wild trout, and the surrounding old-growth forest creates a dense canopy overhead. Eagles hunt along the water. Morning mist is common. Only some sites have direct river views, but the sound of moving water reaches all nine.

Geological RegionDiscover your place within the magnificent Idaho Panhandle National Forests, where the celebrated St. Joe Wild and Scenic River has carved its path through millennia of geological history. This protected watershed supports thriving populations of native wild trout and represents one of the last truly undeveloped river corridors in the lower 48 states. The surrounding landscape tells the story of ancient forests, pristine waters, and the enduring wildness that defines this remarkable corner of the American West.

Scenic ViewsSome sites offer access to river views, but most are forested and do not provide direct water views.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in

Open 24 hours.

Stay Limit

No information provided on maximum stay.

Guests Allowed Per Site

3vehicles per site (additional fees apply). Exact guest information not provided.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutNine sites spread through the forest, with only some offering closer proximity to the river.

Reservation PlatformsReservations may be made through https://store.usgs.gov/recreational-passes. Be prepared to pay with cash or check.

Walk-in AvailabilityNo specific walk-up availability mentioned. Sites may be reservable with prior reservations.

Cancellation PolicyNo specific cancellation policy details provided.

Total Campsites9 campsites

Need help booking Spruce Tree Campground?

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When to Book

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Cancellation Alerts

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Amenities available

Spruce Tree Campground offers a range of basic amenities suitable for campers seeking a rustic experience. There are nine individual camp units, providing a more secluded and intimate setting compared to larger campgrounds. Vault toilets and potable water are available on-site, although water is accessible only from June through September via a hand pump. Visitors are required to adhere to the 'Pack it In, Pack it Out' refuse policy as there are no trash collection facilities. User reviews consistently describe the campground as clean and well-maintained, with one reviewer noting, 'It's well kept and clean considering how far off the main road it is.'

Potable water

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

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.

Hiking

Fishing

Wildlife viewing

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPotential wildlife encounters and challenging gravel road access.

Fire PolicyCampfires allowed, likely subject to seasonal and local restrictions.

Emergency ServicesNearest emergency services are in St. Maries, ID: St. Joe Ranger District - St. Maries Office, 222 S. 7th, Suite #1 St. Maries, ID 83861. Phone: (208) 245-2531.

Trash & RecyclingThe campground operates under a 'Pack it In, Pack it Out' policy, meaning that trash and recycling facilities are not available. Campers must take all waste with them when they leave.

Water FeaturesCampground is adjacent to the St. Joe Wild and Scenic River and offers fishing opportunities.

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

Researching this campground? Ask anything — other campers and our team will weigh in. No visit required.

Tips from campers

Short heads-ups about the road in, gear quirks, timing, and more. You don't have to have been here to share what you know.

Reviews

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From Booking Sources

3.6

11 reviews

Mixed Reviews

Spruce Tree Campground has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% 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

Site-Specific Reviews

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

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...

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...

Based on 11 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

Be the first to review this campground

Every adventure creates another. Share what you learned so the next camper feels a little more prepared heading out.

Go if

Fly fishers and trail hikers who want a genuinely quiet base camp. St. Joe River Trail #48 starts nearby, wild trout pools are right outside camp, and at $15/night with only nine sites, solitude is easy to find midweek.

Skip if

Car campers who need electrical hookups, cell service, or trash pickup won't find any of those here. The gravel road in is long and rough, supplies are 12-39 miles away, and no-shows mean losing your reservation with no guarantee of a refund policy on record.

Nearby Campgrounds

Spruce Tree Campground

Quick Facts

Quick Facts

Get Notified When Available

Plan a trip to Spruce Tree Campground

Campground Map

Weather at Spruce Tree Campground

Best Time to Camp at Spruce Tree Campground

Planning Tips

About Spruce Tree Campground

Best Campsites

Reserving a campsite

Need help booking Spruce Tree Campground?

Amenities available

Activities you can enjoy

Policies & Safety

Trip Planning Tools

Reviews

What Campers Love

Common Concerns

Site-Specific Reviews

Go if

Skip if

Overview

Plan a trip to Spruce Tree Campground

Best Time to Camp at Spruce Tree Campground

Planning Tips

Best Campsites

Reserving a campsite

Need help booking Spruce Tree Campground?

Amenities available

Activities you can enjoy

Policies & Safety

Trip Planning Tools

Reviews

What Campers Love

Common Concerns

Site-Specific Reviews