How much does camping cost at Poverty Flat?

Camping fees at Poverty Flat range from $10/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Poverty Flat first-come first-served or reservation?

Poverty Flat 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 Poverty Flat before I book?

Yes! Poverty Flat has 5 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 Poverty Flat?

Poverty Flat is open April 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 Poverty Flat?

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

How many campsites does Poverty Flat have?

Poverty Flat has 10 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Poverty Flat?

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

What amenities are available at Poverty Flat?

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

Poverty Flat

3.80

10 reviews

Top 7%Spring

Quick Facts

4,242 ft

Price

$10/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

10 campsites

Season

April 15, 2025 - Oct...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Book on null Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

4,242 ft

Price

$10/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

10 campsites

Season

April 15, 2025 - Oct...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Book on null Official Website

Get Directions

Poverty Flat

$10.00 - $10.00 / night

Campsite Fees

SP Single: $10.00; Single: $10.00; Walk In Single: $10.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9 phone / $3 in person).

Hike and Bike Site Fee$10.00

Get Notified When Available

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

Free to start · paid plans add 2-min scans

256,000+ sites monitored · Email alerts to start; SMS and in-app with an account

Learn more about alerts →

Share this campground

Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

nullN/A

I manage this campground

Ask Camp Sage about Poverty Flat

Availability, what to pack, similar spots — ask anything and get an instant answer.

Campground Map

Poverty Flat

44.8247, -115.7024

Nearby places

McCall, 35 miles northeast

Cascade, 30 miles.

Driving directionsFrom McCall, go 30 miles northeast on Forest Road 48 (Lick Creek Road), then 13 miles south on FR 674 (South Fork Road). The South Fork corridor is about 30 miles from Cascade along the Warm Lake Highway. Usually by July, Lick Creek Pass (Road #48) is snow-free, providing a faster access from McCall (35 miles) to the South Fork corridor. Please follow posted speed limits and drive carefully, the South Fork Road is a paved, narrow, one-lane road with two-way traffic and many blind corners.

Weather at Poverty Flat

Best Time to Camp at Poverty Flat

Best season: summer. Summer offers the most reliable warm weather and full access to river-based activities — expect sunny days in the mid-60s to mid-80s°F and cool nights in the 40s to low 50s°F at 4,242 ft. Mid-July through September is when river flows settle, trails dry out, and boating, fishing, hiking, and biking are at their peak. Because Poverty Flat is small and first-come, first-served, you’ll find moderate weekend crowds but plenty of weekday solitude. Peak months: July, August, September, October Avoid: November, December, January, February

Best

Spring(Mar-May)

4.0 / 5

Top 7% in US

Sheds snow earlier than surrounding high country; popular and accessible in spring.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: April 15 to October 31. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: April 15, 2025 - October 31, 2025.

About Poverty Flat

Poverty Flat sits along the South Fork Salmon River in Payette National Forest at 4,242 feet, offering a handful of first-come, first-served sites for tents and RVs. The campground features paved standard and walk-in sites with vault toilets, potable water, and fire rings, drawing visitors for river access and nearby trails. A narrow, one-lane access road requires careful navigation but rewards campers with riverside forest camping during the summer season.

Poverty Flat Campground caters to a range of camping preferences with 10 campsites, including 4 walk-in tent sites and standard non-electric sites. It is suitable for both tent and self-contained RV camping. However, there are no group or cabin accommodations available.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: summer. Summer offers the most reliable warm weather and full access to river-based activities — expect sunny days in the mid-60s to mid-80s°F and cool nights in the 40s to low 50s°F at 4,242 ft. Mid-July through September is when river flows settle, trails dry out, and boating, fishing, hiking, and biking are at their peak. Because Poverty Flat is small and first-come, first-served, you’ll find moderate weekend crowds but plenty of weekday solitude. Peak months: July, August, September, October Avoid: November, December, January, February

Elevation4242 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryThe South Fork Salmon River runs directly past the campground, bordered by alpine forest. At 4,242 feet, Poverty Flat sheds snow earlier than surrounding high country, giving access to trails and river features while higher elevations remain closed. The terrain reflects Idaho's geology: rugged slopes, river-carved valleys, and forested ridges typical of the Payette's South Fork corridor.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Guests Allowed Per Site

Null

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsRecreation.gov mobile app, Scan and Pay feature.

Site SizeThe campground features 10 campsites, including 4 walk-in tent sites. The remaining sites are standard; sizes are not specified.

Total Campsites10 campsites

Recommended Sitesnull

Best Campsitesnull

Need help booking Poverty Flat?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

Find your booking window

Cancellation Alerts

Free alerts for this campground

Amenities available

Poverty Flat campground has limited but essential amenities to enhance the camping experience. Facilities include fire rings for cooking and warmth, hitching rails for equestrian needs, toilets, and drinking water. Visitors are advised to pack out all trash as no disposal services are provided. "Please pack out all your trash," emphasizes the official source. It is important to note that no electrical or water hookups are available at the site, making it more suitable for self-contained campers and tent users. User reviews highlight additional amenities like water pumps and paved surfaces, with Allison Braley stating it is an "inexpensive" and "worth a shot" campground.

Potable water

Fire rings

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

RV details

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

No Electric HookupsElectric hookups are not available at this campground. RV campers should arrive with a full battery and plan for off-grid power (generator hours/quiet rules permitting).

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.

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

Researching this campground? Ask anything — other campers and our team will weigh in. No visit required.

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

Rate Poverty Flat

Been here? Tap a star to start. Takes about a minute.

Sign-in required only if you want your name on it.

From Booking Sources

3.8

10 reviews

Mixed Reviews

Poverty Flat has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews for Poverty Flat offer a positive outlook on the campground, highlighting its natural beauty, accessibility, and essential amenities. Key themes include the scenic riverside location, well-maintained facilities, and recreational opportunities.

Review Summaries

Based on 10 reviews

What Campers Love

The campground is praised for its paved standard and walk-in sites, proximity to the South Fork Salmon River, and recreational activities such as hiking and fishing. User Trevor V noted: "It is a...

Based on 10 reviews

Common Concerns

No complaints were explicitly mentioned in the provided user reviews; however, the emphasis on packing out all trash and the lack of hookups may be drawbacks for some campers.

Based on 10 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Visitors are advised to download the Recreation.gov app before arriving due to limited cell service and to bring their own firewood and trash disposal bags. Additionally, checking out the nearby hot...

Based on 10 reviews

Seasonal Insights

As the area is among the first to be snow-free in spring, it is a popular destination during this season. No specific reviews addressed seasonal experiences, but its accessibility during snow-free...

Based on 10 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. Trevor V: "It is a beautiful campground right off the river with plenty of room for campers and tents alike." 2. Allison Braley: "Love this campground! Its about 13 miles down the southfork road....

Based on 10 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

Be the first to review this campground

Every adventure creates another. Share what you learned so the next camper feels a little more prepared heading out.

Poverty Flat

$10.00 - $10.00 / night

Campsite Fees

SP Single: $10.00; Single: $10.00; Walk In Single: $10.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9 phone / $3 in person).

Hike and Bike Site Fee$10.00