How much does camping cost at Powell Campground?

Camping fees at Powell Campground range from $14-$20/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

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

Powell Campground accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

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

Yes! Powell Campground has 6 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 Powell Campground?

Powell Campground is open May 15 to October 31. 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 Powell Campground?

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

How many campsites does Powell Campground have?

Powell Campground has 34 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Powell Campground?

Yes, pets are allowed at Powell Campground. Dogs must typically be kept on a leash (usually 6 feet or shorter) and under control at all times. Be sure to clean up after your pet and check for any breed or size restrictions.

What amenities are available at Powell Campground?

Powell Campground offers: Restrooms, Potable Water, Electrical Hookups, Pets Allowed, Camp Store. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Powell Campground?

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

Powell Campground

4.47

240 reviews

162 HIGHWAY 12, POWELL, ID 83539, USA

Top 22%Summer

Scenic ViewsFishing

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

3,400 ft

Price

$14 - $20/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

34 campsites

Season

Open from May 15 to ...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Electric

Book on Recreation.gov Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

3,400 ft

Price

$14 - $20/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

34 campsites

Season

Open from May 15 to ...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Electric

Book on Recreation.gov Official Website

Get Directions

Powell Campground

$14.00 - $20.00 / night

Campsite Fees

STANDARD ELECTRIC: $20.00; STANDARD NONELECTRIC: $14.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9 phone / $3 in person).

No paid fee categories listed.

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

(208) 942-3113

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

162 HIGHWAY 12, POWELL, ID 83539, USA

Powell Campground

162 HIGHWAY 12, POWELL, ID 83539, USA

Nearby places

Lewiston, ID (160 miles)

Missoula, MT (60 miles)

Lowell, ID (65 miles)

Weather at Powell Campground

Best Time to Camp at Powell Campground

Best season: summer. Summer offers the most reliable access, warm days and cool nights (daytime highs typically in the mid-60s to upper-70s°F, nights in the low 40s–50s°F), and full river and trail access for boating, fishing, and hiking. Trailheads into the Selway‑Bitterroot Wilderness are snow‑free and the Lochsa River supports peak whitewater and float/backcountry boating from June through early September. Expect the busiest conditions in July and early August, but campground reservations are available May 15–Sep Peak months: July, August, June, September Avoid: November, December, January, February

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.5 / 5

Top 22% in US

Summer reviews are positive: hiking, fishing, wildlife; mosquitoes increase in warm months.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: May 15 to October 31. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open from May 15 to September 14 (reservable season) and from September 15 to October 31 (first-come, first-served season).

About Powell Campground

Powell Campground sits along the Lochsa River in the Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests near Powell, Idaho. Operated by Recreation.gov, this mid-sized campground offers well-spaced tent and RV sites with electric hookups, flush and vault toilets, and potable water. Campers come for river access, wildlife viewing, and trailheads into the Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness, with the Lochsa Lodge a short walk away.

Powell Campground provides options for tent camping, RV sites with electrical hookups, and non-electric sites. Sites are reservable or first-come, first-served. No cabins or glamping accommodations are mentioned.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: summer. Summer offers the most reliable access, warm days and cool nights (daytime highs typically in the mid-60s to upper-70s°F, nights in the low 40s–50s°F), and full river and trail access for boating, fishing, and hiking. Trailheads into the Selway‑Bitterroot Wilderness are snow‑free and the Lochsa River supports peak whitewater and float/backcountry boating from June through early September. Expect the busiest conditions in July and early August, but campground reservations are available May 15–Sep Peak months: July, August, June, September Avoid: November, December, January, February

Elevation3400 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryThe campground sits where dense coniferous forest meets the Lochsa River, with the Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness rising beyond. At 3,400 feet, the setting mixes towering evergreens with river access. Wildlife sightings are common according to reviews. The Lochsa itself is an undammed, fast-moving river that lives up to its Nez Perce name meaning "rough water." Views extend to surrounding peaks that catch late-day light.

Lodging & AccommodationsNearby Lochsa Lodge provides lodging that complements camping options at Powell Campground. It includes a restaurant, fuel station, and convenience store for campers who seek additional amenities.

Programs & ActivitiesA ranger talk was noted in user reviews, highlighting topics such as lichens and bear safety.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

You may stay up to 14 nights during a visit at this campground.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via Recreation.gov online, through the app, or contact center.

AccessibilityThe campground is paved with accessible vault toilets and a flush toilet near the day-use area. Sites are level and have easy back-in or pull-through options for RVs.

Site SizeSites are a mix of small, medium, and larger sizes with pull-through and back-in options. Loop A features larger sites, while Loop B tends to have smaller, non-electric sites.

PrivacySites are generally spaced well apart, providing a decent amount of privacy. However, some interior sites in Loop A are more closely packed.

Total Campsites34 campsites

Recommended SitesRecommended sites include those along the river for scenic views. Loop A offers electrical hookups useful for RV camping. Tent campers may prefer Loop B.

Need help booking Powell Campground?

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Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

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Cancellation Alerts

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Amenities available

Powell Campground offers a variety of amenities designed for both tent and RV camping. Sites in Loop A provide electrical hookups (15 amp, 30 amp, and 50 amp), while Loop B is non-electric. The campground is paved throughout and includes picnic tables, fire rings with grills, accessible vault toilets, and a flush toilet adjacent to the day-use area. Drinking water is available at five spigot locations, but there are no water hookups for individual sites. Firewood is not provided and is often unavailable. The nearby Lochsa Lodge offers additional facilities such as a restaurant, store, and payphone.

Potable water

Electricity hookups

Flush toilets

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Lodging and accommodations

I manage this campground

RV details

Activities you can enjoy

Powell Campground offers access to the Lochsa River for fishing and world-class whitewater rafting. Hiking opportunities range from the nearby Powell Complex Trail to longer expeditions in the Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness. Wildlife viewing is abundant, with elk, moose, deer, and mountain goats in the area. Hunting is also permitted. Reviews highlight nearby hot springs and scenic drives along Highway 12.

Hiking

Fishing

Wildlife viewing

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Planning your trip?Check out our 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 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.

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

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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

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From Booking Sources

4.5

240 reviews

Recommended

Powell Campground is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews

Powell Campground is widely praised for its scenic beauty, clean facilities, and proximity to the Lochsa River and Lodge. While many users commend the camp hosts for their friendliness, several reviews highlight issues with host behavior and site management. Lack of showers and soap are noted as drawbacks.

Review Summaries

Based on 240 reviews

Best sites at a glance

Pulled from per-site mentions in 240 reviews.

Site B010Loved
Site B010 was noted for being secluded and clean.
Site A025Loved
Site A025 is praised for privacy and proximity to the river.
Site A024Loved
Site A024 is mentioned multiple times as clean and well-maintained.
Site A016Mentioned
Site A016 is described as on a grade and challenging for tent setup.

What Campers Love

Many reviews praise the campground for being clean, quiet, and surrounded by natural beauty. Sites are well-spaced, and proximity to the Lochsa Lodge is a recurring positive aspect. Wildlife...

Based on 240 reviews

Common Concerns

Criticism is aimed at the campground hosts, who were described as rude or unhelpful by several campers. Other complaints include mosquito prevalence, no water hookups, and the lack of a dump station...

Based on 240 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring mosquito repellent, toilet paper, and soap. Prepare for no cell phone reception and be aware of campground rules regarding reservations and site usage. Consider visiting nearby hot springs and...

Based on 240 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer reviews are generally positive, with campers enjoying hiking, fishing, wildlife viewing, and the scenic beauty of the area. Mosquitoes are more common in warmer months. Winter activity...

Based on 240 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'Powell campground is a terrific place to rest, relax, fish, hike and explore.' - Kenneth Davis 2. 'Beautiful campground by the river, host was kind to me.' - Hardik Patel 3. 'Bathrooms clean,...

Based on 240 reviews