Kelly Forks Cabin

Star3.77
24 reviews
Clearwater National Forest 12740 Highway 12, Orofino, ID 83544, USA
Fishing

Quick Facts

6,000 ft

Price

$65/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

1 campsites

Season

Open June 13 to Sept...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

ElectricShowers

Opens Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests site

Official Website
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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
Kelly Forks Cabin
$65.00 - $65.00 / night
Campsite Fees
$65 per night during peak season (June 13 to September 30). Rates do not include discounts, taxes, or incremental charges.
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

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Provider
208-476-4541
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What Campers Say

3.77

Mixed Reviews

Based on 24 reviews

Most mentioned

viewsclean

"User reviews for Kelly Forks Cabin are mixed, with some praising its cleanliness, location, and recreational opportunities, while others highlight issues such as heating problems and road closures."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

Clearwater National Forest 12740 Highway 12, Orofino, ID 83544, USA

Kelly Forks Cabin

Clearwater National Forest 12740 Highway 12, Orofino, ID 83544, USA

Driving directionsKelly Forks cabin is approximately 45 miles northeast of Pierce, Idaho. The last 35 miles are gravel roads which may have potholes, rocks, and debris. Seasonal conditions permitting, it can also be approached from I90 via Superior, MT. This route includes a high mountain pass (Hoodoo Pass) that is often impassable from late October to mid-July due to snow. Visitors are strongly advised to consult maps and the forest website before traveling.
Access is challenging due to gravel roads, large potholes, debris, and seasonal closures at Hoodoo Pass. Routes may be impassable in spring and winter. Consult maps and conditions before travel.
Nearby places
Pierce, ID (45 miles, ~1.5 hours)
Superior, MT (~50 miles, ~2 hours, depending on conditions)
Nearby supplies
Supplies can be obtained in Pierce, Idaho, 45 miles away. No supplies available near the cabin.

Best Time to Camp at Kelly Forks Cabin

Experience the full spectrum of mountain weather at Kelly Forks, where warm summer days reach a pleasant 84°F, perfect for creek-side adventures and evening stargazing. Spring arrives with dramatic flair, bringing refreshing rains and the occasional reminder of nature's power through debris slides. When winter transforms the landscape into a pristine wonderland, deep snows close access roads, allowing the cabin to rest beneath a blanket of white until the cycle begins anew.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.5 / 5

Open June 13–Sept 30; warm summer days (up to ~84°F) and peak season reviews are generally positive.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Seasonal fall colors highlighted; site is open into early fall (through Sept 30) for color viewing.

Spring(Mar-May)
Not recommended

Open season starts June 13; spring access limited and weather described as dramatic before opening.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Closed outside June 13–Sept 30; winter road closures and access issues reported in reviews.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: June 13 to September 30.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open June 13 to September 30.
  • Current Alerts: Road closures and debris slides in spring are common. Hoodoo Pass is impassable October to mid-July.

About Kelly Forks Cabin

Nestled in a sun-dappled clearing within an active forest service work center, Kelly Forks Cabin beckons adventurers seeking the perfect blend of rustic charm and modern comfort. This lovingly restored three-room sanctuary has captured the hearts of outdoor enthusiasts who return year after year, making it one of the most coveted retreats in the region during its open season.
The Kelly Forks Cabin offers a unique camping experience centered around cabin lodging within a forest service work center.
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Best Campsites

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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
Flexible arrival times provided upon payment. Key provided via combination lock.
Check-out
  • Check-out policy requires cleaning and inspection
  • specific time not stated.
Stay Limit
  • Maximum consecutive stay: 6 nights
  • Maximum total stay per year: 6 nights

Amenities available

Showers
Potable water
Electricity hookups
Flush toilets
Fire rings
Picnic tables

Activities you can enjoy

A range of recreational activities is available in the area, including fishing, hiking, wildlife viewing, and birding. "There are several fishing 'holes' and hiking trails located within easy walking distance of the cabin with many more a short drive in any direction." Activities such as horseback riding, rafting, and mountain biking are also possible within the broader recreation area.
HikingMultiple hiking trails of varying difficulty are accessible within walking distance and a short drive of the cabin. "Secluded backpacking/equestrian trails into the high mountain backcountry...draw visitors from around the world."
FishingKelly Forks Cabin is located near Kelly Creek and North Fork Clearwater River, known worldwide for West Slope Cutthroat Trout fishing. "The area is known worldwide as a blue-ribbon fishery for West Slope Cutthroat Trout."
SwimmingSwimming is possible in the crystal-clear waters near the cabin; however, specific details about designated swimming areas are not provided.
BikingMountain biking routes and OHV trail systems are accessible within the broader recreation area.
BoatingWhitewater rafting and leisurely floats are mentioned as possible activities within the recreation area.
Wildlife viewingA wide variety of wildlife can be observed, including elk, moose, black bear, and mountain goats. "Seasonal changes can be particularly enjoyable from the swift moving whitewater in the spring to the extraordinary fall colors pursued by the crisp white snow line."
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsGravel roads may be rough and debris-filled. Seasonal hazards include snow closures, spring debris slides, and wildlife encounters.
Active AlertsRoad closures and debris slides in spring are common. Hoodoo Pass is impassable October to mid-July.

Weather at Kelly Forks Cabin

Reviews

3.8
24 reviews
Mixed Reviews
Mixed Reviews
Kelly Forks Cabin has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews for Kelly Forks Cabin are mixed, with some praising its cleanliness, location, and recreational opportunities, while others highlight issues such as heating problems and road closures.
Review Summaries
Based on 24 reviews

What Campers Love

Positive reviews emphasize the cabin's charm, cleanliness, and proximity to excellent fishing spots. "Fishing was good," one user noted, while another review mentioned "Wonderful weekend with the...
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Based on 24 reviews

Common Concerns

Common complaints include heating issues, cabin wear and tear, and inadequate cookware. One user stated, "The main heater would not run for more than two or three minutes," while another observed,...
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Based on 24 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Recommendations from users include bringing extra camp chairs for the porch, replacing teflon cookware with steel, and ensuring all lights are functioning. "Another camp chair or two on front porch...
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Based on 24 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Reviews indicate peak season experiences are generally positive, but winter conditions and road closures can pose challenges.
Based on 24 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Wonderful weekend with the family!" "Ashley...offered her residence for us to take a shower when we didn't have hot water." "The cabin was clean."
Based on 24 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

The cabin is the sole lodging unit at Kelly Forks; some users suggest implementing a lottery system for fairer reservation access.
Based on 24 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessibility reviews are not available for this location.
Based on 24 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Guests are required to pick up after their pets and clean the cabin before check-out. No user feedback specifically addresses pet experiences.
Based on 24 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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