Tin Can Flat Campground

Star4.79
21 reviews
222 S. 7th, Suite #1, St. Maries, ID 83861

Quick Facts

2,700 ft

Price

$12 - $15/night

Booking

First-Come

Sites

11 campsites

Season

Open seasonally from...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Check Policy

Opens St. Joe Ranger District site

Official Website
Get Directions
Tin Can Flat Campground
$12.00 - $15.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Single Site fee is $15/night during peak season when water is available and $12/night during non-peak season when water is off. Additional vehicle...
Show more
Standard Site Fee$15.00
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

Get Notified When Available

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

Free with account · Checks every 2 minutes

150,000+ sites monitored · Email, SMS, or in-app notifications

Share this campground
USFS
Provider
(208) 245-2531
Help improve this page
See something outdated or incorrect? Let us know!

What Campers Say

4.79

Top-Rated

Based on 21 reviews

19 Google reviews

Most mentioned

privacypeacefulshadesites

"User reviews highlight the campground's privacy, peacefulness, and proximity to the St. Joe River, although issues with cleanliness and lack of maintenance are commonly mentioned."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

222 S. 7th, Suite #1, St. Maries, ID 83861

Tin Can Flat Campground

222 S. 7th, Suite #1, St. Maries, ID 83861

Driving directionsFrom Avery, ID, take FH 50 east 11.3 miles to campground sign. Turn right into campground.
The campground is accessible via St. Joe River Road (FH 50), 11.3 miles east of Avery. The road is described as paved and suitable for passenger vehicles. Seasonal access is dependent on weather conditions.
Nearby places
St. Maries (~50 miles, 1-hour drive), Avery (11.3 miles, ~20-minute drive)
Nearby supplies
Closest supplies, including fuel and groceries, are likely found in Avery (~11.3 miles away) or St. Maries (~50 miles away). Specific details about availability of items are not provided.

Best Time to Camp at Tin Can Flat Campground

Experience the full spectrum of Idaho's mountain climate at Tin Can Flat, where each season paints the landscape in different hues. Summer arrives with warm, golden days perfect for river activities, though afternoon thundershowers occasionally roll through to refresh the forest. Early fall brings crisp mornings and spectacular foliage as the deciduous understory transforms into a tapestry of gold and amber. Winter blankets the campground in snow, creating a wonderland for the hardy souls who venture here when temperatures dip to a bracing 20°F. Spring's arrival sees the forest burst back to life as temperatures climb toward pleasant 80°F summer highs, making late May through September the prime time for camping adventures.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Warm summer days ideal for river activities; peak season June–Oct.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
3.5 / 5

Cooler weather and vibrant foliage appreciated; cleanliness complaints persist.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.0 / 5

Whitewater rafting season Mar–Jun noted, but campground opens only the week before Memorial Day.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Campground closed in winter; season runs week before Memorial Day–mid-September.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: Peak season is June through October when water is available.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open seasonally from the week before Memorial Day through mid-September, weather-dependent.
  • Current Alerts: No alerts or advisories are currently noted.

About Tin Can Flat Campground

Nestled along the pristine waters of the St. Joe River, Tin Can Flat Campground offers an intimate escape with just 11 thoughtfully spaced campsites. Towering Western cedars and majestic Grand firs create a natural cathedral overhead, while the gentle murmur of the river provides nature's soundtrack. Each site comes equipped with a picnic table and fire grill, perfect for evening gatherings under the stars. Fresh potable water flows from June through October, and well-maintained vault toilets ensure comfort during your stay. As stewards of this pristine wilderness, visitors embrace the 'Pack-it-In, Pack-it-Out' philosophy, helping preserve this riverside sanctuary for future adventurers.
Tin Can Flat Campground offers a mix of camping accommodations, primarily for tents and small groups. No RV-specific sites or glamping options are available.
Advertisement

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers
Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in
Check-in available 24 hours.
Check-out
Check-out available 24 hours.
Stay Limit
Maximum stay is 14 consecutive nights.

Amenities available

Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Recreational opportunities at Tin Can Flat Campground include fishing, wildlife viewing, and non-motorized boating on the St. Joe Wild and Scenic River. Seasonal whitewater rafting is available from March to early June. The campground is known for its peaceful atmosphere, making it an ideal spot for wildlife enthusiasts and anglers.
FishingFishing is a highlight for many visitors, with opportunities to catch cutthroat trout and mountain whitefish. However, fishing is catch-and-release only. 'Good fishing right behind [the campground],' remarked one user.
BoatingNon-motorized boating is supported. Seasonal whitewater rafting opportunities are available from March to early June.
Wildlife viewingWildlife viewing is a popular activity. A visitor noted spotting a 'pileated woodpecker in the campground one morning.'
Winter Activities
Water Sports
Advertisement

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsWildlife may pose risks, but no specific mention of hazards like bears, snakes, or water-related dangers. River conditions should be checked before floating activities.
Active AlertsNo alerts or advisories are currently noted.
No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.

Weather at Tin Can Flat Campground

Reviews

4.8
21 reviews
Top-Rated
Top-Rated
Tin Can Flat Campground is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews highlight the campground's privacy, peacefulness, and proximity to the St. Joe River, although issues with cleanliness and lack of maintenance are commonly mentioned.
Review Summaries
Based on 21 reviews

What Campers Love

Privacy between sites, shade from trees, proximity to the St. Joe River, peaceful atmosphere, and excellent fishing opportunities.
Based on 21 reviews

Common Concerns

Dirty vault toilets, lack of cleanliness in campsites (e.g., trash, dog poop), no campground host, and limited views of the river from most sites.
Based on 21 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring your own cleaning supplies to tidy up the campsite upon arrival. If you're fishing, keep in mind it's catch-and-release only. Be prepared for minimal cell service.
Based on 21 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Visitors in the spring and early summer often mention enjoying whitewater rafting and lush greenery. Fall visitors appreciate cooler weather and vibrant foliage, but issues with cleanliness seem...
Show more
Based on 21 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'Once we picked up the trash, it was a nice, peaceful place to camp.' 2. 'The location is beautiful - well-shaded on a great stretch of the St Joe.' 3. 'Awesome fishing access to the St. Joe and...
Show more
Based on 21 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Most campsites offer privacy due to spacing, but not all have views of the river. Some paths to the water are described as narrow and uneven.
Based on 21 reviews

Accessibility Features

No user reviews specifically addressing accessibility were found.
Based on 21 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

There are no specific mentions of pet policies, but a user reported finding dog poop at their site, indicating pets are likely allowed.
Based on 21 reviews

0
0 review
1
2
3
4
5

Add your voice to the Outdoorithm community

Been to Tin Can Flat Campground? Your review helps fellow campers discover what makes this place special—and what to expect.


Last updated January 5, 2026
Advertisement

Nearby Campgrounds

Campgrounds you may also like

Campgrounds
Tin Can Flat Campground