Flint Creek Campground

Closed — Closed for winter due to snow. American River Road is typically closed from late fall through spring. The campground generally opens when the road becomes passable in late spring or early summer.

About

Flint Creek Campground, designated as American River Campground on Forest Service maps, is a primitive trailhead campground situated along Flint Creek in the Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests. Located 6.6 miles north of Elk City via American River Road, this dispersed site serves as the primary access point for Flint Creek Trail #510, making it popular with backpackers and horse packers heading into the backcountry. The campground provides basic amenities including camp pads, metal fire rings, a vault toilet, stock loading ramp, hitching rails, and a meat pole for hunters. Flint Creek flows adjacent to the camping area, providing a water source that must be treated or filtered before use. The setting is nestled in tall timber with a rustic, undeveloped character typical of remote Forest Service sites. This is a fee-free campground operated on a first-come, first-served basis with no reservations or developed services. Visitors should be prepared for primitive conditions and pack out all trash. The remote location and elevation make it subject to seasonal road closures during winter months, typically limiting access from late fall through spring when snow closes American River Road.

Directions

From Highway 14 in Elk City, turn north on American River Road in the center of town. Pass the school and Elk City Ranger Station on the right. Continue north on American River Road (County Road 1859/Forest Road 443) for 6.6 miles to the campground.

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