Heller Creek Campground
The campground typically operates late May through late September when Forest Road 320 is passable. Access depends on seasonal conditions and snowmelt. No current closures affect this area. No reservations required.
Red Flag Warning issued August 11 at 11:02AM PDT until August 12 at 11:00PM PDT by NWS Spokane WA
A weather system will move through the area on Wednesday, bringing scattered showers and thunderstorms to the region. These thunderstorms will mainly be focused along the eastern slopes of the Cascades and along the International Border. Lightning strikes will have the potential to start new wildfires, and gusty and erratic outflow winds could cause dangerous conditions around new and existing wildfires. The National Weather Service in Spokane has issued a Red Flag Warning for thunderstorms, which is in effect from 11 AM to 11 PM PDT Wednesday. * Affected Area: Northern and Central Idaho Panhandle (Zone 101), East Washington Central Cascades (Zone 696), East Portion of North Cascades National Park/Lake Chelan National Recreation Area (Zone 697), East Washington North Cascades (Zone 698), Okanogan Highlands and Kettle Mountains (Zone 699), Selkirk Mountains of Northeast Washington (Zone 700), Foothills of Northeast Washington (Zone 701), Colville Reservation (Zone 702), Okanogan Valley (Zone 703), Methow Valley (Zone 704), Foothills of Central Washington Cascades (Zone 705) and Waterville Plateau (Zone 706). * Thunderstorms: Scattered showers and thunderstorms will be possible late morning through late evening Wednesday. * Outflow Winds: Gusty and erratic outflow winds up to 40 mph will be possible. * Impacts: Lightning strikes will have the potential to start new fires, and gusty and erratic outflow winds could cause dangerous conditions around new and existing wildfires.
Air Quality Alert issued August 11 at 11:25AM PDT by NWS Spokane WA
An Air Quality Alert has been lifted by the Idaho Department of Environmental Quality for Benewah, Kootenai, and Shoshone counties.
Air Quality Alert issued August 11 at 11:25AM PDT by NWS Spokane WA
An Air Quality Alert has been lifted by the Idaho Department of Environmental Quality for Benewah, Kootenai, and Shoshone counties.
About
Heller Creek Campground sits at the eastern edge of Idaho Panhandle National Forests near the Idaho-Montana border, offering one of the most remote camping experiences in the region. The campground features just 4 primitive campsites along the St. Joe Wild and Scenic River, providing genuine backcountry solitude for campers willing to make the journey. Vault toilets are available, but there is no potable water, so campers must bring their own supply. Access requires navigating Forest Road 320, a narrow primitive road not suitable for passenger vehicles. High-clearance vehicles are required for the 13-mile drive from the Red Ives Information Center to the campground. The Wild portion of the St. Joe River upstream is accessible only by non-motorized travel, with Trail 48 following the river to the campground. The area is known for exceptional fishing in wild cutthroat trout waters, particularly the stretch between Broken Leg Creek and Heller Creek, where light use keeps fishing pressure low. The campground also serves as a base camp for big game hunting. The historic Heller gravesite nearby adds historical interest to this wilderness destination.
Directions
From Avery, Idaho: Drive 29 miles east on St. Joe River Road (Forest Highway 50), turn south on Red Ives Road (#218) and proceed 10 miles to the Red Ives Information Center. At the information center, turn east on Forest Road #320 and proceed 13 miles to the campground. Note: Forest Road 320 is not suitable for passenger car travel; high-clearance vehicles are required. Alternate access: From Superior, Montana drive 33 miles west on Forest Road #320 to the campground entrance.
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | — |
| Toilets | Yes |
| 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 | — |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (208) 245-2531 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
Useful Links
| Idaho Panhandle NF Alerts | |
| Red Ives Information Center |
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