Cayuse Landing Camp
Access via Forest Road 581 typically opens late June or early July depending on snowpack. Fire danger in the Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests is currently low. A forest-wide order limits maximum camping stay at any single location.
Air Quality Alert issued August 10 at 4:38PM MDT by NWS Missoula MT
AQAMSO WHAT: Air Quality Advisory because of degraded air quality due to wildfire smoke. Air Quality Index is forecast to be Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups. WHERE... Clearwater and Idaho Counties outside of reservation boundar WHEN: Extended until 3:00PM 8/12/2026 IMPACTS: Members of sensitive groups may experience health effects. The general public is less likely to be affected. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS: Air pollutants can cause breathing difficult for children, the elderly, as well as persons with respiratory problems. Those individuals who are sensitive to increased particulate matter or smoke are encouraged to avoid prolonged or strenuous outdoor activity during this advisory. Open burning is prohibited by air quality rule. It is also recommended that all other individuals limit prolonged or strenuous activity outdoors. ISSUED BY THE IDAHO DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY, AIR QUALITY GROUP. FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT DEQ's Lewiston Regional Office at (208) 799- 4370
About
Cayuse Landing Camp occupies a remote location in the North Fork Clearwater drainage of north-central Idaho at approximately 3,500 feet elevation. The area sits adjacent to the Cayuse Creek USFS airstrip, one of several backcountry strips serving tributaries of the Clearwater River. Limited camping is available next to the creek along a primitive road that parallels the landing field. This is true backcountry dispersed camping with no developed facilities. Campers should be fully self-sufficient and prepared for primitive conditions. The area is known for excellent fishing opportunities in Cayuse Creek and the North Fork Clearwater River, targeting native westslope cutthroat trout and bull trout. Private land exists on the upstream end of the landing field, and campers must respect property boundaries. Access is via Forest Road 581, which typically opens toward the end of June or beginning of July depending on snowpack. The airstrip itself is recommended only for experienced backcountry pilots due to high terrain, density altitude considerations, and tree obstructions at both runway ends.
Directions
Access via Forest Road 581 from the North Fork Clearwater River corridor. Road 581 typically opens toward the end of June or beginning of July. Use the primitive road that parallels the landing field next to the creek rather than driving on the airstrip itself.
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | — |
| Toilets | No |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | — |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $0 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (208) 935-2513 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
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