Copper King Campground

Star4.35
19 reviews

Quick Facts

2,569 ft

Price

Free

Booking

First-Come

Sites

5 campsites

Season

May 23 - November 15...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Opens Lolo National Forest site

Official Website
Get Directions
Copper King Campground
$0.00 - $0.00 / night
Campsite Fees
No fee required for any site. "No Fees are required for this site."
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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USFS
Provider
406-826-3821
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What Campers Say

4.35

Recommended

Based on 19 reviews

16 Google reviews

Most mentioned

quiet

Some mention

small

"User reviews highlight Copper King Campground as a small, peaceful place with basic amenities. Common praises include the free camping and site proximity to the Thompson River."

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Campground Map

Copper King Campground

47.6174, -115.1886

Driving directionsFrom the town of Thompson Falls, travel east on state highway 200. Turn left (north) onto the paved Thompson River Road (do not take the graveled road).
The campground road is not suitable for long vehicles or trailers. "Access for large vehicles can be challenging." User reviews confirm that there is a hairpin turn making maneuvering long vehicles difficult.
Nearby places
Thompson Falls (distance and travel time unspecified)
Nearby supplies
Closest supplies information is not provided. However, Thompson Falls is likely the nearest town for groceries and essentials.

Best Time to Camp at Copper King Campground

From the crisp, snow-dusted mornings of late spring to the warm, golden afternoons of summer, Copper King Campground transforms with the seasons. Early season visitors in May through June should come prepared for cooler temperatures and possible freezing nights, while July and August reward campers with ideal conditions—warm days perfect for river activities and comfortable evenings around the campfire. The dramatic seasonal shifts create an ever-changing landscape that offers unique experiences throughout the camping season.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
3.0 / 5

Warm golden afternoons recommended, but reviews note prevalent bugs in June–July.

Best
Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Seasonal notes indicate pleasant fall conditions; fewer bugs and scenic foliage likely.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.5 / 5

Open late spring (from May 23); described as crisp, snow-dusted mornings and pleasant early season.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Campground closed Nov 15–May 23; winter season not applicable.

Planning Tips
  • Operating Season: May 23 - November 15, 2024
  • Current Alerts: "Water will not be available until mid June." Visitors are advised to confirm opening dates with the District office.

About Copper King Campground

Nestled in a tranquil river-bottom cedar forest along the banks of Thompson River, Copper King Campground offers a peaceful retreat for those seeking an authentic wilderness experience without the price tag. This intimate, free campground invites adventurers to immerse themselves in the cool shade of towering cedars, though its rustic charm and narrow approach roads make it best suited for smaller vehicles and those who appreciate a more primitive camping experience.
Copper King Campground features primitive accommodations with basic amenities. It is free and operates on a first-come, first-served basis.
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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
Open 24 hours/day
Check-out
Open 24 hours/day
Stay Limit
Stay limit is not specified

Amenities available

Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Copper King Campground provides limited activity options, including fishing in the adjacent Thompson River. User reviews also mention opportunities for mushroom picking.
FishingFishing is available in the Thompson River adjacent to the campground. User reviews confirm this and highlight its appeal.
Winter Activities
Water Sports
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & Alerts"Bring your bug repellent in June and July." Additional hazards include maneuvering difficulties for large vehicles due to a hairpin turn.
Active Alerts"Water will not be available until mid June." Visitors are advised to confirm opening dates with the District office.
No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

Weather at Copper King Campground

Reviews

4.4
19 reviews
Recommended
Recommended
Copper King Campground is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews highlight Copper King Campground as a small, peaceful place with basic amenities. Common praises include the free camping and site proximity to the Thompson River.
Review Summaries
Based on 19 reviews

What Campers Love

Users appreciate the quiet atmosphere, free camping, and proximity to the Thompson River. Site 5 is specifically praised for being larger and scenic. 'Beautiful campground!' and 'Nice little...
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Based on 19 reviews

Common Concerns

Concerns from users include the small size of most campsites, difficulty navigating for larger vehicles, and lack of potable water. One user noted, 'The road further up was closed so I was forced to...
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Based on 19 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Users recommend bringing bug repellent in June and July due to its location in a moist cedar forest. Several reviews encourage campers to respect the environment and keep sites clean. User SH...
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Based on 19 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Reviews suggest a pleasant experience during warmer months, with notes on bugs being prevalent in June and July. Winter usability is not discussed.
Based on 19 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'It’s a decent campground! The best site—and the one I got—is easily the last one: site 5.' 2. 'Great campground right by the Thompson River.' 3. 'Nice little campground in the woods.'
Based on 19 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site 5 is frequently mentioned as the preferred choice due to its size and proximity to the river. One user noted, 'There are 5 sites, but 3 of those are small and barely off the road. It’s a nice...
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Based on 19 reviews

Accessibility Features

No reviews address accessibility for campers with disabilities.
Based on 19 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pet policies and related features are not discussed in the available materials.
Based on 19 reviews

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Last updated January 5, 2026
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