Johnson Bar Group Site

Star4.70
29 reviews
Fenn Ranger Station, 831 Selway Rd, KOOSKIA, ID 83539, USA
FishingSwimmingSummer Destination

Quick Facts

1,631 ft

Price

$40/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

1 campsites

Season

Open May 12 to Septe...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Opens Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests site

Official Website
Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026
Johnson Bar Group Site
$40.00 - $40.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Reservation fee is $40 per night during peak season (May through September). Additional fees may apply for reservations made online or via the...
Show more
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$40.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

Get Notified When Available

We'll monitor this campground and alert you the moment sites become available.

Free with account · Checks every 2 minutes

150,000+ sites monitored · Email, SMS, or in-app notifications

Share this campground
Recreation Dot Gov
Provider
208-926-4258
Help improve this page
See something outdated or incorrect? Let us know!

What Campers Say

4.70

Top-Rated

Based on 29 reviews

28 Google reviews

Most mentioned

sceneryquiethikingbeach

"User reviews praise Johnson Bar Group Site for its scenic location, access to recreational activities, and quiet atmosphere. Limited facilities are noted but considered suitable for the area's remote character."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

Fenn Ranger Station, 831 Selway Rd, KOOSKIA, ID 83539, USA

Johnson Bar Group Site

Fenn Ranger Station, 831 Selway Rd, KOOSKIA, ID 83539, USA

Driving directionsJohnson Bar Group Site is located 4.5 miles east of Lowell, ID on Forest Road 223 (Selway River Road). The group site is between the paved road and the river.
Accessible via paved Forest Road 223. No information on seasonal closures or challenging terrain.
Nearby places
Lowell, ID - 4.5 miles (~10 minutes)
Kooskia, ID - 30 miles (~45 minutes)
Nearby supplies
Kooskia, ID (~30 miles) is the closest town for groceries, camping supplies, and fuel.

Best Time to Camp at Johnson Bar Group Site

Summer unveils Johnson Bar in its full glory, with warm, sun-drenched days perfect for river activities and cool evenings ideal for campfire stories under star-studded skies. The dry conditions create excellent opportunities for outdoor adventures from dawn to dusk. Winter transforms this riverside retreat into a snow-dusted wonderland, where temperatures plunge and moderate snowfall blankets the landscape in pristine white, offering a completely different but equally captivating wilderness experience.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
5.0 / 5
Top 4% in ID

Open May 12–Sep 30; summer is peak with warm days, river activities, fishing and beach use.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
Not recommended

Site is closed Oct 1–May 11; fall (Oct+) is not supported.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.0 / 5

Site opens May 12, so late spring access exists but season is short compared with summer.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Closed Oct 1–May 11; winter season unavailable.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: May 12 - September 30.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open May 12 to September 30. Closed from October 1 to May 11.
  • Current Alerts: No active alerts mentioned.

About Johnson Bar Group Site

Nestled in a sweeping meadow where the pristine Selway River winds through untamed wilderness, Johnson Bar Group Site beckons groups seeking an authentic Idaho adventure. This spacious riverside haven transforms gatherings into unforgettable experiences, whether you're casting lines into crystal-clear waters, launching rafts for whitewater thrills, or setting off on foot or bike to explore the surrounding backcountry trails that weave through this remarkable landscape.
Johnson Bar Group Site caters primarily to group camping, with facilities designed to accommodate up to 100 people. Tent and RV camping are supported, but individual campsites are operated on a first-come, first-served basis and are not part of the group site reservation.
Advertisement

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers
Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in
11:00 AM
Check-out
12:00 PM
Stay Limit
You may stay up to 14 nights during a visit at this campground.

Amenities available

Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Group Sites

Activities you can enjoy

Johnson Bar Group Site provides an array of recreational opportunities that capitalize on its scenic location along the Selway River. Activities include fishing for cutthroat and rainbow trout, whitewater rafting, hiking into the Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness via nearby trailheads, and access to a small beach for swimming and boating.
HikingSeveral trailheads accessible from Selway River Road lead into the Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness area, offering opportunities for hiking and biking.
Fishing"The Selway River is a destination fly fishing experience for cutthroat and rainbow trout." User review mentions: "Caught several 12" native cut throat trout."
SwimmingThe site features a small beach along the Selway River, suitable for swimming. Safety measures are not explicitly described.
BikingBiking trails are accessible from Selway River Road and lead into the Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness, providing diverse terrain for biking enthusiasts.
BoatingJohnson Bar offers boating access along the scenic Selway River. Types of boats allowed or docking facilities are not specified.
Wildlife viewingThe campground is situated in the Selway Wild and Scenic River Corridor, renowned for its rugged natural beauty and diverse wildlife.
Advertisement

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsNo specific hazards mentioned beyond standard wilderness risks.
Active AlertsNo active alerts mentioned.
No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.

Weather at Johnson Bar Group Site

Reviews

4.7
29 reviews
Top-Rated
Top-Rated
Johnson Bar Group Site is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews praise Johnson Bar Group Site for its scenic location, access to recreational activities, and quiet atmosphere. Limited facilities are noted but considered suitable for the area's remote character.
Review Summaries
Based on 29 reviews

What Campers Love

Positive aspects include excellent fishing opportunities, proximity to hiking trails, beautiful scenery, and a quiet atmosphere. The site is particularly appreciated for its small beach and group...
Show more
Based on 29 reviews

Common Concerns

Complaints include limited facilities (e.g., no showers, only vault toilets) and occasional dryness affecting the scenery during certain periods.
Based on 29 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Users recommend bringing a floating tube/raft for the river, and a fishing lure such as a gold number 2 meps for catching trout. Additionally, visitors should plan for limited cell service and pack...
Show more
Based on 29 reviews

Seasonal Insights

The site appears to be most popular during warm months, with visitors highlighting fishing, beach activities, and hiking trails. Dryness and limited facilities are mentioned during late summer and...
Show more
Based on 29 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Caught several 12" native cut throat trout." "Stayed here for 2 nights and it was perfect. Limited facilities just a toilet and water. But the location is amazing." "Great camping. A little dry but...
Show more
Based on 29 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

No specific site numbers are mentioned, but the group site, accommodating up to 100 people, is praised for its suitability for large gatherings.
Based on 29 reviews

Accessibility Features

Reviews do not explicitly address accessibility features, but the group site is described as accessible for tents and RVs.
Based on 29 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

No user reviews specifically mentioning pets or pet-friendly policies were found.
Based on 29 reviews

0
0 review
1
2
3
4
5

Add your voice to the Outdoorithm community

Been to Johnson Bar Group Site? Your review helps fellow campers discover what makes this place special—and what to expect.


Last updated January 13, 2026
Advertisement

Nearby Campgrounds

Campgrounds you may also like

Popular campgrounds in Idaho

Campgrounds
Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests
Johnson Bar Group Site