Pole Flat Campground

Star4.33
8 reviews

Quick Facts

6,142 ft

Price

$3 - $8/night

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

Varies

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly
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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
Pole Flat Campground
$3.00 - $8.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Recreation Use Fee ranges by location and activity. Fees for advanced reservations include $8 for online/app bookings, $9 through the contact center,...
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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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What Campers Say

4.33

Recommended

Based on 8 reviews

8 Google reviews

Most mentioned

viewsquiet

"The campground has a mixed reputation among visitors. It is described as less crowded and offers basic amenities. However, reviews suggest some drawbacks, such as closely spaced campsites and limited shade."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

Pole Flat Campground

44.3038, -114.7195

Driving directionsFrom Stanley: Drive 11 miles east on Highway 75 to the Sunbeam Dam overlook. Turn left onto forest road #013 for about 3 miles. Campground is on the right. From Challis: Drive 42 miles west on Highway 75 to the Sunbeam Dam overlook. Turn right onto forest road #013 for about 3 miles. Campground is on the right.
The campground is accessible via forest road #013, approximately 3 miles from Highway 75. It is located off the main road and requires navigating up a hill. Access is manageable for trailers and motorhomes up to 32 feet in length.
Nearby places
Stanley (11 miles, approximately 15-minute drive)
Challis (42 miles, approximately 60-minute drive)

Best Time to Camp at Pole Flat Campground

Experience the crisp mountain air of Idaho's high country, where temperatures dance between a brisk 32.4°F during the day and a chilly 16.1°F at night. The dry climate keeps humidity at bay, though moderate cloud cover and occasional snow flurries remind visitors of nature's ever-changing moods. Pack layers and prepare for the refreshing embrace of true alpine weather.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

High-country summer likely comfortable; site is less crowded and scenic in summer months.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
3.5 / 5

Fall likely pleasant and scenic though no specific fall-review trends are provided.

Spring(Mar-May)
2.5 / 5

Spring likely variable and chilly; no seasonal access or conditions detailed in sources.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
2.0 / 5

Cold night temps noted (~16.1°F) and 6,142 ft elevation; no winter services mentioned.

Planning Tips
  • Current Alerts: User reviews mention ongoing road construction, which may impact access.

About Pole Flat Campground

Perched on a hillside away from the hustle of the main road, Pole Flat Campground offers a peaceful retreat with sweeping views of the river valley and historic dredge ponds below. Each campsite comes thoughtfully equipped with a picnic table, designated tent pad, and fire ring complete with a cooking grill for those memorable outdoor meals. While the sites sit close together, creating a friendly atmosphere perfect for meeting fellow adventurers, the open layout allows for easy maneuvering of trailers and motorhomes up to 32 feet. Modern vault toilets and fresh drinking water ensure comfort during your stay. With a visitor rating of 4.2 for general experiences and 3.0 for camping, Pole Flat remains a hidden gem for those seeking a quieter basecamp in the Salmon-Challis wilderness.
Pole Flat Campground accommodates a mix of camping setups, suitable for trailers, motorhomes, and tent campers.
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Amenities available

Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

The campground's location near the river and dredge ponds offers potential for various outdoor activities. However, specific recreational opportunities are not extensively detailed.
Winter Activities
Water Sports
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Policies & Safety

Active AlertsUser reviews mention ongoing road construction, which may impact access.

Weather at Pole Flat Campground

Reviews

4.3
8 reviews
Recommended
Recommended
Pole Flat Campground is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews
The campground has a mixed reputation among visitors. It is described as less crowded and offers basic amenities. However, reviews suggest some drawbacks, such as closely spaced campsites and limited shade.
Review Summaries
Based on 8 reviews

What Campers Love

"The campground is away from the main road, offering a quieter atmosphere. It overlooks the river and dredge ponds, providing scenic views."
Based on 8 reviews

Common Concerns

One user noted that "the camp spaces are close together and not a lot of shade."
Based on 8 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers should be prepared to pack in their gear, although carts are reportedly available for assistance provided by camp hosts.
Based on 8 reviews

Seasonal Insights

No seasonal review trends are specifically discussed.
Based on 8 reviews

Camper Quotes

"The perk is that it’s near the lake and the lodge."
Based on 8 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Specific campsite numbers or reviews focused on individual sites are not mentioned.
Based on 8 reviews

Accessibility Features

No comments or reviews regarding accessibility are available.
Based on 8 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

No information about pet policies or experiences was provided.
Based on 8 reviews

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Last updated January 5, 2026
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