North Fork Campground
4.5010 reviewsJuniper Mountain Road, Murphy, ID, 83650, USA
Quick Facts
Price
$8/night
Booking
First-Come
Sites
Varies
Season
Year-round
Cell
Unknown
Pets
Allowed
RV Friendly
Get DirectionsQuick Facts
Price
$8/night
Booking
First-Come
Sites
Varies
Season
Year-round
Cell
Unknown
Pets
Allowed
RV Friendly
Get DirectionsNorth Fork Campground
$8.00 - $8.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Camping reservation fees may incur additional charges depending on the method of reservation, with online reservations costing $8. However,...
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Standard Site Fee$0.00
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
Total Campsite Fees$0.00
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Recreation Dot Gov
Provider208-896-5912BLM_ID_OwyheeOffice@blm.gov
What Campers Say
4.50
Recommended
Based on 10 reviews
24 Google reviews
Most mentioned
viewscleansites
Some mention
dusty
"User reviews generally praise the North Fork Campground for its natural beauty, cleanliness, and remote location. The average general sentiment is 4.5, while campground-specific reviews rate it at 4.1. Many users appreciate the scenic river access and well-maintained facilities."
Fees & Passes at North Fork Campground
$8/night
Campsite fees
Stay Limit: 14 days
Cancellation: Reservations are not required at this site, but general cancellation policies for fees, including a ...
Prices verified December 7, 2025
Prices may vary by season and site type. Always confirm current rates on the official BLM Idaho - Owyhee Office website.
Best Time to Camp at North Fork Campground
Under expansive desert skies that remain crystal clear 96% of the time, North Fork Campground basks in the high desert's signature climate. Summer days warm to a comfortable 86°F before cooling to crisp 57°F evenings perfect for campfire gatherings. The dry air creates ideal conditions for stargazing and ensures that rain rarely interrupts outdoor adventures. Late spring through early summer emerges as the sweet spot for camping, when wildflowers dot the canyon rim and temperatures invite both daytime exploration and comfortable nights under the stars.
Spring (Mar-May)
Wildflowers bloom, mild temperatures, fewer crowds. Great for hiking and photography.
Best
Summer (Jun-Aug)
Peak season with warm days. Most facilities open. Reserve ahead.
Fall (Sep-Nov)
Beautiful fall colors, cooler temps, quieter campgrounds. Ideal for peaceful trips.
Winter (Dec-Feb)
Off-season, limited services. Check for closures before visiting.
Planning Tips
About North Fork Campground
Tucked away in the dramatic Owyhee River Canyon, North Fork Campground offers an intimate escape into one of Oregon's hidden wilderness gems. This semi-developed sanctuary combines the comforts of modern camping with the raw beauty of a federally designated wilderness area. As local camper Monica Martin enthusiastically shares, 'My favorite place to take my boys camping!' - a sentiment that captures the special blend of accessibility and adventure that makes North Fork a beloved destination for families and wilderness seekers alike.
North Fork Campground offers semi-developed sites suitable for tent and RV camping. Group camping, glamping, and cabins are not mentioned.
Historical SignificanceIn March 2009, this remarkable landscape earned federal wilderness designation, forever protecting its rugged character and ensuring future generations can experience the Owyhee's untamed spirit. This recognition places North Fork among Oregon's most pristine natural areas, where the landscape remains much as it has for millennia - a testament to the enduring power of wild places in our modern world.
Weather and SeasonsUnder expansive desert skies that remain crystal clear 96% of the time, North Fork Campground basks in the high desert's signature climate. Summer days warm to a comfortable 86°F before cooling to crisp 57°F evenings perfect for campfire gatherings. The dry air creates ideal conditions for stargazing and ensures that rain rarely interrupts outdoor adventures. Late spring through early summer emerges as the sweet spot for camping, when wildflowers dot the canyon rim and temperatures invite both daytime exploration and comfortable nights under the stars.
ElevationNestled deep within the Owyhee River Canyon, the campground occupies a unique position where towering canyon walls create a natural amphitheater. This canyon setting provides both shelter from desert winds and a spectacular backdrop for camping adventures, with the North Fork of the Owyhee River carving its ancient path through the dramatic landscape.
Natural Features and ScenerySoaring canyon walls frame every view at North Fork, creating what visitor Carol Louise Moore describes as 'great views of the surrounding high canyon walls.' The campground itself maintains a pristine appearance, with Dawn Bird praising the 'beautiful area with clean restrooms and well-kept camping areas.' This careful balance between preservation and accessibility allows visitors to immerse themselves in the wilderness experience while enjoying essential amenities. The North Fork of the Owyhee River winds through the canyon bottom, its seasonal flows supporting ribbons of green vegetation that contrast beautifully with the amber and rust-colored rock formations.
Geological RegionThe North Fork Campground sits within one of the American West's most spectacular geological showcases - the Owyhee River Canyon. This ancient landscape tells a story written in stone, where volcanic activity and millions of years of erosion have sculpted towering canyon walls and dramatic rock formations. Protected as wilderness since 2009, this geological wonderland preserves not just scenic beauty but an entire ecosystem adapted to the unique conditions created by the canyon's sheltering walls and the life-giving waters of the North Fork Owyhee River.
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Campsite details
AccessibilityThe campground is described as 'family-friendly and handicap accessible' by a user review. Specific details about accessibility features (such as ADA-compliant paths or restrooms) are not provided.
Sites PrivacySome user reviews mention that sites are close together, which may reduce privacy. For example, one user reported, 'Some sites are too close to each other.' However, the campground's remote location and scenic surroundings provide a sense of seclusion overall.
Total Campsites0 campsites
Recommended Campsites"Some spots had tables and fire rings," noted Stacy Gulley. Sites near the river are highly recommended for scenic views and quiet surroundings.
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Reserving a campsite
Stay Limit
14 days
Groups
There is no information provided about group camping sites.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Walk-in AvailabilityThis campground operates on a walk-up basis, and all sites are first-come, first-served.
Cancellation PolicyReservations are not required at this site, but general cancellation policies for fees, including a $10 cancellation fee and forfeiting one night's fee for late cancellations, apply to other areas.
Amenities available
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
The campground is located in a scenic wilderness area and offers opportunities for hiking, picnicking, and exploring the North Fork of the Owyhee River Canyon. Some users mention specific activities like riding 4-wheelers and wildlife observation. However, fishing opportunities are limited due to restricted water access.
Hiking
Hiking is a popular activity in the area. User reviews describe the trails as offering 'awesome scenery.' Specific trails, difficulty levels, or lengths are not detailed.Fishing
Fishing is possible but not ideal, as stated by a user: 'If you're looking to fish...good luck. Not much fishing access to the water.'Wildlife viewing
Reviewers noted seeing wildlife in the area but did not specify species.Advertisement
Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Campfires are allowed in provided grills only. Carol Louise Moore emphasizes using designated grills.
Hazards
General hazardsPotential hazards include dusty roads and proximity of some campsites to one another. Seasonal concerns include flies in the fall and Mormon crickets in late July. Cow pies may be present in the campground per Don Chase.
Weather at North Fork Campground
51
°F
Dec 7
Sunday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Very strong wind, outdoor activities may be affected
Humidity: 42%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 13.2 mph
Very strong wind, outdoor activities may be affected
Overcast
Weather History
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Emergency Services
Emergency services are not explicitly listed. Murphy, ID or other nearby towns may provide emergency services, but the exact proximity is unclear.
Good to know
Trash and recyclingCampers are required to pack out their own trash, as there are no on-site facilities for trash or recycling.
Proximity to water featuresThe campground is "right on the river" as highlighted by Stacy Gulley and other reviewers. "Good luck fishing," advised Tonya Evans, noting limited fishing access.
Common complaintsSome visitors have noted the presence of flies during fall and Mormon crickets during summer, as well as the proximity of sites to the dusty road and each other. Don Chase mentioned cow pies as a drawback.
Campground Map
Juniper Mountain Road, Murphy, ID, 83650, USA
Driving directionsAbout 27 miles southeast of Jordan Valley, Oregon, along the Owyhee Uplands Backcountry Byway where the road crosses the North Fork of the Owyhee River.
Road access is along the Owyhee Uplands Backcountry Byway, which is a remote and rural road. Accessibility may be challenging during certain weather conditions or seasons due to potential flooding or rough terrain.Nearby supplies
Campers are advised to pack out trash and bring their own water, as there are no potable water sources or nearby supply locations explicitly mentioned.
Reviews from booking and map sources
4.5
10 reviews
North Fork Campground is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews generally praise the North Fork Campground for its natural beauty, cleanliness, and remote location. The average general sentiment is 4.5, while campground-specific reviews rate it at 4.1. Many users appreciate the scenic river access and well-maintained facilities.
Review Summaries
Based on 10 reviews
What Campers Love
Highlights from user reviews include the campground's cleanliness ('Bathrooms were well-stocked with toilet paper and were clean and dry'), scenic beauty ('Great view of the surrounding high canyon...
Based on 10 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Common complaints include the proximity of some sites to a dusty road, limited privacy between sites, flies during the fall, and cow pies in the camping area. One reviewer also mentioned a restricted...
Based on 10 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Campers are advised to bring their own water, as there is no potable water on-site. Using the grills provided is recommended for fires, and visitors planning to explore nearby areas like Three Forks...
Based on 10 reviewsShow more
Seasonal Insights
Fall may bring an increased presence of flies, while late July was noted for an abundance of Mormon crickets. Seasonal flooding can impact some trails. Summer is typically dry but may lack privacy...
Based on 10 reviewsShow more
Camper Quotes
1. 'Great place to camp, right on the water. Bathrooms available, some spots had tables and fire rings.' - Stacy Gulley
2. 'Bathrooms were well-stocked with toilet paper and were clean and dry.' -...
Based on 10 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Some sites are noted as being too close to the dusty road or too close to each other. Sites closer to the river are praised for their access and scenic views.
Based on 10 reviewsAccessibility Features
Described as 'family-friendly and handicap accessible' by a user. However, the lack of detailed descriptions about ADA-compliant paths or facilities leaves the accessibility features somewhat...
Based on 10 reviewsShow more
Pet-Friendly Features
The campground is dog-friendly, with one review specifically mentioning that bringing pets is common and acceptable.
Based on 10 reviewsCamper Reviews by Outdoorithm campers
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Last updated December 7, 2025
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