Is Kelly Forks Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Kelly Forks Campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis. Arrive early, especially on weekends and holidays, to secure a spot.

Are there showers at Kelly Forks Campground?

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

How many campsites does Kelly Forks Campground have?

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

Are dogs allowed at Kelly Forks Campground?

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

What amenities are available at Kelly Forks Campground?

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

What activities can I do at Kelly Forks Campground?

Popular activities at Kelly Forks Campground include Hiking. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Kelly Forks Campground

4.00

15 reviews

Top 19% in IDSummer

Fishing

Quick Facts

2,799 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

14 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

No Service

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Book Online Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

2,799 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

14 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

No Service

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Book Online Official Website

Get Directions

Kelly Forks Campground

No fees available

Campsite Fees

No campsite fee categories listed.

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Campground Map

Kelly Forks Campground

46.7171, -115.2547

Weather at Kelly Forks Campground

Best Time to Camp at Kelly Forks Campground

Best season: summer. Summer offers the warmest, most accessible conditions for everything Kelly Forks is known for — long, sunny days (highs typically in the mid-60s to mid-80s°F, nights in the mid-40s to low-50s°F) that make hiking Flat Mountain, fishing the North Fork Clearwater, and even short swims in Kelly Creek practical. Trails and roads are usually fully open and wildlife is active in mornings and evenings, though afternoons can see the busiest campground use in July–August. Expect crisp, clear mornings for视 Peak months: July, August, June, September Avoid: December, January, February

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.5 / 5

Top 19% in ID

Summer is described as the best season with warm days and peak access for fishing and hiking.

Planning Tips

About Kelly Forks Campground

Kelly Forks Campground sits in the forested foothills of Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests, where Kelly Creek meets the North Fork Clearwater River. This small Forest Service campground offers tent, RV, and primitive sites with vault toilets, potable water, and fire rings. Visitors come for fishing access, hiking Flat Mountain trails, and the heavily wooded setting that provides natural privacy between sites.

Kelly Forks Campground caters to both tent and RV camping. It offers 14 individual sites and a group camping area, though RV amenities like hookups are not available.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: summer. Summer offers the warmest, most accessible conditions for everything Kelly Forks is known for — long, sunny days (highs typically in the mid-60s to mid-80s°F, nights in the mid-40s to low-50s°F) that make hiking Flat Mountain, fishing the North Fork Clearwater, and even short swims in Kelly Creek practical. Trails and roads are usually fully open and wildlife is active in mornings and evenings, though afternoons can see the busiest campground use in July–August. Expect crisp, clear mornings for视 Peak months: July, August, June, September Avoid: December, January, February

Elevation2799 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryDense coniferous forest blankets steep mountainsides that funnel down to the meeting point of two clear mountain streams. The canopy filters light onto a shaded forest floor, and the constant sound of moving water defines the atmosphere. Elk, moose, and bobcats move through the area, with the best wildlife viewing in early morning and evening hours. The streamside location provides access to swimming holes where Kelly Creek has carved through bedrock over time.

Lodging & AccommodationsNo separate lodging or accommodations, such as cabins or lodges, are available within the campground.

Programs & ActivitiesNo cultural or educational programs are mentioned.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Groups

The campground features a group camping area that is non-reservable and operates on a first-come, first-served basis.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

AccessibilitySome sites and facilities are accessible, though specific details about accessibility features are not provided.

Site SizeThe campground offers standard-sized sites suitable for both tents and small RVs.

PrivacyThe campground is heavily wooded, offering natural privacy between sites. However, some users note that the sites may be close enough for noise from neighboring campers to be a concern.

Total Campsites14 campsites

Recommended SitesThe campground provides easy access to Kelly Creek and North Fork Clearwater River, with plenty of fishy water for anglers.

Amenities available

Kelly Forks Campground is a serene, heavily wooded campsite ideal for visitors seeking natural privacy and outdoor recreational activities. The campground features 14 individual sites and a group camping area. Located at the confluence of Kelly Creek and the North Fork Clearwater River, the site is well-maintained and includes basic facilities like vault toilets and potable water. It is a great spot for anglers, as Kelly Forks is known for its Blue Ribbon cutthroat trout stream. The area is non-reservable and serves on a first-come, first-served basis, making it a great destination for spontaneous trips.

Potable water

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

RV details

Things to do at Kelly Forks Campground

Kelly Forks Campground is ideal for a variety of outdoor activities including hiking, fishing, swimming, and wildlife viewing. The area is known for its proximity to trails and a Blue Ribbon trout stream, making it a hotspot for anglers and nature enthusiasts.

Hiking4.0/5

Direct access to a trail to Flat Mountain and several nearby trails for exploration.

Wildlife viewing4.0/5

Area abundant with elk, moose, bobcats and deer; wildlife viewing highlighted in description.

Signature experiences

Photography4.0/5Clear streams, forest canopy, steep slopes and wildlife create strong photography opportunities.

Not sure what to pack?Our complete camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.

No Flush ToiletsFlush toilets are not available at this campground. Vault toilets are provided.

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.

Trip Planning Tools

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Reviews

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From Booking Sources

4.0

15 reviews

Satisfactory

Kelly Forks Campground is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews highlight the campground's natural beauty, proximity to fishing opportunities, and quiet, wooded setting. However, some users mentioned that the sites are closely spaced, which could lead to noise from neighbors.

Review Summaries

Based on 15 reviews

What Campers Love

"The campground is heavily wooded, providing natural privacy." "The grounds and toilets are very well maintained." "Kelly Forks is perfect for accessing fishing spots on Kelly Creek and the North...

Based on 15 reviews

Common Concerns

Sites are close to each other, and noisy neighbors can detract from the serene environment.

Based on 15 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring your own firewood and drinking water, as these are not reliably available on-site. Arrive early to secure a spot, as the campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis.

Based on 15 reviews

Seasonal Insights

The campground sees most of its visitors during the summer months, when fishing and hiking are most popular. Seasonal weather conditions, such as heavy snow in winter, may limit access.

Based on 15 reviews

Camper Quotes

"This campground is one of my favorites anywhere," said one reviewer, highlighting the natural privacy and excellent maintenance. "Nice spot but the sites are close to each other," mentioned another...

Based on 15 reviews

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Kelly Forks Campground

No fees available

Campsite Fees

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