How much does camping cost at Telichpah Campground?

Camping fees at Telichpah Campground range from $5-$10/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Fees are typically paid at the campground entrance.

Is Telichpah Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Telichpah Campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis. All 14 sites operate on a first-come, first-served basis.

Can I see photos of campsites at Telichpah Campground before I book?

Yes! Telichpah 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 Telichpah Campground?

Telichpah Campground is open Weekend before Memorial Day to mid-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 Telichpah Campground?

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

Can I have a campfire at Telichpah Campground?

Fire policies at Telichpah Campground: Campfires permitted within designated fire rings.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

How many campsites does Telichpah Campground have?

Telichpah Campground has 14 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Arrive early for the best site selection.

Are dogs allowed at Telichpah Campground?

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

What amenities are available at Telichpah Campground?

Telichpah Campground offers: Restrooms. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Telichpah Campground?

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

Telichpah Campground

3.27

11 reviews

North Fork St. Joe River Rd (Forest Route 456), Avery, Idaho

Quick Facts

2,800 ft

Price

$5 - $10/night

Booking

First-Come

Sites

14 campsites

Season

Open seasonally from...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Check Availability Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

2,800 ft

Price

$5 - $10/night

Booking

First-Come

Sites

14 campsites

Season

Open seasonally from...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Check Availability Official Website

Get Directions

Telichpah Campground

$5.00 - $10.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Overnight Use: Single Site: $10 per night (2 vehicles included per site) Additional Vehicle: $5 per night (3 vehicle limit per site) $10/ night...

Standard Site Fee$10.00

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I manage this campground

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Campground Map

North Fork St. Joe River Rd (Forest Route 456), Avery, Idaho

Telichpah Campground

North Fork St. Joe River Rd (Forest Route 456), Avery, Idaho

Nearby places

Avery (6 miles, approximately 15 minutes drive)

Nearby supplies

Groceries, fuel, and camping supplies are available in Avery, Idaho, approximately 6 miles away.

Driving directionsIn Avery, ID, at intersection of FH50 and Moon Pass Rd, take Moon Pass Rd north. Immediately turn right onto N.F. St. Joe River Rd (Forest Route 456) and go 4.6 miles to a one lane bridge (no campground sign). Turn left just before the bridge onto a steep, narrow, and dirt single-lane road and go 0.1 miles to a "Y" intersection. Bear right and go 0.5 miles into campground.

Forest Rt. 456 is an intermittently single-lane gravel roadway with three single lane reconstructed former railroad tunnels. The road leading to the campground is steep, narrow, and dirt, making access challenging for trailers and larger vehicles.

Weather at Telichpah Campground

Best Time to Camp at Telichpah Campground

Summer is the sweet spot: daytime highs in the mid-60s to high-70s, nights dropping into the 40s and 50s. July and August see the heaviest use, especially holiday weekends. Spring arrives late here, with snow often lingering into early season. The fishery and Nelson Peak trails hit their stride in summer when access is reliable and weather cooperates. Expect crisp mornings year-round at this elevation.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Summer is sweet spot with mild temps; campground open and most usable then (peak use).

Planning Tips

Peak Season: Weekend before Memorial Day to mid-September.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open seasonally from the weekend before Memorial Day through mid-September, weather dependent.

About Telichpah Campground

Telichpah Campground sits at 2,800 feet along the North Fork St. Joe River in Idaho Panhandle National Forests, about 15 miles from Avery. The 14-site campground runs $5-10 per night and operates on a pack-in, pack-out system with vault toilets but no potable water. Narrow access roads make trailers impractical, and privacy is only fair due to sparse understory between sites.

Telichpah Campground caters primarily to tent campers and offers semi-primitive camping experiences.

Weather and SeasonsSummer is the sweet spot: daytime highs in the mid-60s to high-70s, nights dropping into the 40s and 50s. July and August see the heaviest use, especially holiday weekends. Spring arrives late here, with snow often lingering into early season. The fishery and Nelson Peak trails hit their stride in summer when access is reliable and weather cooperates. Expect crisp mornings year-round at this elevation.

ElevationPerched at 2,800 feet above sea level, Telichpah Campground offers a refreshing mountain escape where the air is crisp and clean. This moderate elevation creates an ideal climate for outdoor enthusiasts, providing relief from summer heat while opening up a world of mountain recreation opportunities. The altitude brings cooler temperatures that invigorate morning hikes and create perfect conditions for afternoon fishing, all while surrounding you with the distinctive flora and fauna of the mid-elevation forest ecosystem.

Natural Features and SceneryLodgepole pines dominate the campground, creating an open forest with little understory or middle-story vegetation. The North Fork St. Joe River flows nearby, though direct river access is limited. Sites sit above the water rather than directly on it. Steep ridges and deep valleys define the surrounding terrain, carved over millennia by glaciers and the St. Joe River system. The sparse vegetation between trees allows glimpses of the river and fills the campground with the sound of moving water, but doesn't provide much visual screening.

Geological RegionDiscover the raw beauty of the Idaho Panhandle National Forests, where Telichpah Campground sits within a dramatic landscape shaped by ancient geological forces. The surrounding rugged mountain terrain tells a story millions of years in the making, with steep ridges and deep river valleys carved by glaciers and waterways. The dominant Lodgepole pine forest thrives in this mountainous environment, while the nearby North Fork St. Joe River continues its age-old work of sculpting the valley floor. This diverse geological setting creates a playground for outdoor enthusiasts, from anglers seeking hidden pools to hikers exploring ridgeline vistas.

Scenic ViewsThe campground is high above the river, which can be heard but not seen from most campsites unless you walk to the edge of the cliff.

Lodging & AccommodationsNo hotel-style lodging is available at Telichpah Campground.

Programs & ActivitiesNo cultural or educational programs are mentioned.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in

Open 24 hours/day.

Check-out

Open 24 hours/day.

Stay Limit

Maximum stay is 14 days.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Two vehicles included in site fee
maximum of three vehicles per site.

Groups

Site 6 is a secluded group section suitable for larger parties.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Site layoutThe campground splits into three sections: Sites 1-5 cluster near Squaw Creek Trailhead, Site 6 functions as a separate group area, and Sites 7-15 spread out closer to the river. Sites run small to medium, suited for tents rather than RVs. Spacing is tight, and the lack of understory means neighbors are visible.

Reservation PlatformsReservations are not accepted.

Walk-in AvailabilityAll 14 sites operate on a first-come, first-served basis.

Cancellation PolicyReservations are not accepted, so no cancellation policy applies.

AccessibilityWheelchair-friendly vault toilets are available. However, the steep and narrow access roads may pose challenges for individuals with mobility impairments.

Site SizeThe campground features small to medium-sized campsites suitable for tents.

PrivacyWith little understory and no middlestory, privacy is considered 'only fair.

Total Campsites14 campsites

Recommended SitesTent campers looking for privacy should avoid sites 1-5 near the Squaw Creek trailhead and consider sites 7-15 for proximity to the river.

Best CampsitesSites 7-15 sit closer to the river and offer easier water access than the lower-numbered sites.

Amenities available

There is no developed water.

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

Group Sites

I manage this campground

Activities you can enjoy

Telichpah Campground offers a variety of outdoor recreational activities centered around its scenic location near the North Fork St. Joe River.

Hiking

Fishing

Biking

Wildlife viewing

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsSteep and narrow access road poses a hazard for trailers. Vault toilets and lack of potable water may be inconvenient for some visitors.

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

No Flush ToiletsNo flush toilets are available. Only vault toilets are provided.

No Electric HookupsElectric hookups are not available at this campground. RV campers should arrive with a full battery and plan for off-grid power (generator hours/quiet rules permitting).

No Water HookupsSite-level water hookups are not available. RV campers should fill freshwater tanks before arrival; check the No Potable Water note above if applicable for drinking water.

No Dump StationThere is no dump station at this campground. Plan to use a dump station along your route or at a nearby facility before or after your stay.

Fire PolicyCampfires permitted within designated fire rings.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are None specified.

Emergency ServicesSt. Joe Ranger District Office in Avery, Idaho

Trash & RecyclingPack it In, Pack it Out policy requires campers to take all refuse with them upon departure.

Water FeaturesThe campground is high above the North Fork St. Joe River, which is audible but not directly accessible from campsites.

Camp HostNo host services are mentioned.

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

Rate Telichpah Campground

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From Booking Sources

3.3

11 reviews

Mixed Reviews

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

User reviews highlight the campground's semi-primitive setting and proximity to scenic and recreational attractions but note limitations such as lack of direct river access and minimal privacy.

Review Summaries

Based on 11 reviews

What Campers Love

Campground cleanliness and peaceful setting are frequently praised. One user stated, 'Great camping location! Close to a beautiful river. It’s very peaceful.' Another mentioned, 'Beautiful...

Based on 11 reviews

Common Concerns

Limited privacy due to sparse vegetation and lack of direct river access were recurring complaints. One user stated, 'We prefer camping in dense forests with a view of the river, so this place was...

Based on 11 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site 6 is noted as a secluded group section, while sites 1 through 5 are near the Squaw Creek trailhead. Sites 7 through 15 offer proximity to the North Fork St. Joe River, which can be heard but not...

Based on 11 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring sufficient water and plan for cash or check payments as no potable water is available on-site. Trailers are not recommended due to narrow roads.

Based on 11 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Visitors have remarked on the usability of the campground during the open season from the weekend before Memorial Day through mid-September, emphasizing weather-dependent access.

Based on 11 reviews

Camper Quotes

- 'Great camping location! Close to a beautiful river. It’s very peaceful.' - 'Beautiful semi-primitive campground. Pit toilets, camp fire rings and some water in season.' - 'We prefer camping in...

Based on 11 reviews

Accessibility Features

Vault toilets are wheelchair-friendly, but access roads may challenge mobility-impaired individuals.

Based on 11 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

Be the first to review this campground

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Go if

Hikers and cutthroat trout anglers who want a low-cost base camp for Squaw Creek Trail or the Nelson Peak system. Sites 7-15 put you closest to the river sounds; Sites 1-5 walk right to the Squaw Creek Trailhead. Bring your own water and cash.

Skip if

Dense forest and a tent pitched riverside is your ideal. The open lodgepole canopy leaves neighbors clearly visible, direct river access doesn't exist from camp, and trailers won't survive the narrow access road in.

Nearby Campgrounds

Telichpah Campground

Quick Facts

Quick Facts

Get Notified When Available

Plan a trip to Telichpah Campground

Campground Map

Weather at Telichpah Campground

Best Time to Camp at Telichpah Campground

Planning Tips

About Telichpah Campground

Best Campsites

Reserving a campsite

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

About the campground

Seasons & access

Directions

Plan a trip to Telichpah Campground

Best Time to Camp at Telichpah Campground

Planning Tips

Best Campsites

Reserving a campsite

Amenities available

Activities you can enjoy

Policies & Safety

Trip Planning Tools

Reviews

What Campers Love

Common Concerns

Site-Specific Reviews