Poverty Flat

Star4.75
10 reviews

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
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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
Poverty Flat
$10.00 - $10.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Campsites cost $10 per night for both walk-in tent sites and standard non-electric sites.
Standard Site Fee$10.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$10.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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What Campers Say

4.75

Top-Rated

Based on 10 reviews

12 Google reviews

Most mentioned

hikingsites

"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."

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Campground Map

Poverty Flat

44.8247, -115.7024

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.
The South Fork Road is paved but narrow with two-way traffic and many blind corners. The southern-most 7 miles are on the Boise National Forest. Snow can block access until July.
Nearby places
McCall, 35 miles northeast
Cascade, 30 miles.
Nearby supplies
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Best Time to Camp at Poverty Flat

While winter's grip holds tight to nearby Lick Creek Pass until July, Poverty Flat awakens earlier to spring's gentle touch. From mid-July through October, the campground truly shines, offering pristine camping conditions under clear mountain skies. Spring visitors are rewarded with moderate temperatures and accessible trails, making it an ideal basecamp for early-season explorations when higher elevations remain snow-locked.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Peak season Jul–Oct; trails and water access make summer a prime time to visit.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
3.5 / 5

Open through Oct; fall likely offers quieter visits and accessible trails, though fewer specifics given.

Best
Spring(Mar-May)
4.0 / 5

Among first areas to be snow-free in spring; popular for early-season access and hiking.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Campground closed outside Apr 15–Oct 31; winter stays not supported.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: April 15, 2025 - October 31, 2025.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: April 15, 2025 - October 31, 2025.
  • Current Alerts: null

About Poverty Flat

Discover your riverside retreat at Poverty Flat Campground, where the melodic waters of the South Fork Salmon River create nature's perfect soundtrack. This intimate, paved campground welcomes adventurers with 10 thoughtfully spaced sites, including 4 secluded walk-in tent spots perfect for those seeking a more immersive wilderness experience. Operating on a first-come, first-served basis, this hidden gem invites spontaneous escapes—simply arrive, claim your spot, and use the convenient Recreation.gov app's Scan and Pay system to complete your stay.
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.
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Amenities available

Potable water
Fire rings
Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Poverty Flat offers a range of outdoor recreational activities catering to hikers, anglers, equestrians, mountain bikers, and water sport enthusiasts. As the trailhead for a vast trail system, visitors can explore numerous loop hikes of varying lengths and difficulties. The South Fork Salmon River serves as a popular fishing destination, but users must note that it is catch-and-release only. Floating enthusiasts can also use the campground as a take-out point from Goat Creek. Nearby attractions, such as hot springs, provide additional leisure opportunities.
HikingThe campground is the trailhead for an extensive trail system, offering loop hikes of varying lengths and levels of difficulty. Trails are open to hikers, equestrians, mountain bikers, and trail bikes.
FishingFishing is permitted in the South Fork Salmon River. However, it is catch-and-release only, as highlighted by user Trevor V: "If you want to eat fish, bring your own, because it is catch and release up here." The river is popular for its fishing opportunities.
BikingMountain biking is allowed on the trail system connected to the campground, offering challenging terrains and scenic routes.
BoatingThe campground serves as a take-out point for those floating the South Fork Salmon River from Goat Creek. Specifics about boating types or docking facilities are not available.
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsNarrow road access with blind corners may pose a hazard while driving. Wildlife encounters possible due to the remote forest location.
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Weather at Poverty Flat

Reviews

4.8
10 reviews
Top-Rated
Top-Rated
Poverty Flat is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% 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...
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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...
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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...
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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....
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Based on 10 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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