Heller Creek Campground
Closed — Closed for winter. Highway 50 above Avery and Red Ives Road are not plowed or maintained during winter months, making the campground inaccessible. Typical season runs late spring through fall depending on snow conditions and road access.
Winter Storm Warning issued March 13 at 11:51PM PDT until March 14 at 11:00AM PDT by NWS Spokane WA
* WHAT...Heavy snow. Additional snow accumulations between 1 and 3 inches valleys and 7 to 10 inches in the mountains. * WHERE...Mullan, Kellogg, Osburn, Dobson Pass, Wallace, Fernwood, Lookout Pass, St. Maries, Fourth Of July Pass, and Pinehurst. * WHEN...Until 11 AM PDT Saturday. * IMPACTS...Travel could be very difficult.
Avalanche Warning issued March 13 at 7:00AM PDT by NWS Spokane WA
AVWOTX BACKCOUNTRY AVALANCHE WARNING IMMEDIATE BROADCAST REQUESTED 07:00 PDT Fri Mar 13 2026 The Idaho Panhandle Avalanche Center in Sandpoint has issued a BACKCOUNTRY AVALANCHE WARNING for the following areas: NWS Missoula MT - MTZ001 (MTZ001) NWS Spokane WA - ID 079 (Shoshone County) * WHAT...An Avalanche Warning is in effect from Friday 7 AM PST to Saturday 7 AM PST. Very dangerous avalanche conditions developed Wednesday night from heavy snowfall and strong to extreme winds, and these hazardous conditions are lasting through Saturday due to continued heavy snowfall in specific locations and sustained winds strong enough to transport the abundant new snow. A person's weight or a rider on a machine can very easily trigger avalanches large enough to bury or kill them, and some slides will release naturally. * WHERE...The Bitterroot Mountains - Silver Valley and the East Cabinet Mountains above 4,000 feet. * WHEN...In effect from Fri 07:00 PDT to Sat 07:00 PDT. * IMPACTS...An atmospheric river and violent jet stream joined forces to deliver heavy snowfall and strong to extreme winds to the Inland Northwest. Winds are subsiding considerably on Friday, however the sustained moderate to heavy snowfall is being measured in multiple feet at higher elevations. The recent snow has formed dangerous slabs of snow and will likely cause a widespread cycle of natural avalanches large enough to bury, injure, or kill a person. * PRECAUTIONARY / PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...Very dangerous avalanche conditions exist in the mountains and widespread areas of unstable snow are expected. The largest slides may run long distances and can run into mature forests, valley floors, or flat terrain. Travel in or near avalanche terrain is not recommended and should be avoided during the period of significant instability. Consult http://www.idahopanhandleavalanche.org/ or www.avalanche.org for more detailed information. Similar avalanche danger may exist at locations outside the coverage area of this or any avalanche center.
About
Heller Creek Campground is a secluded 4-site primitive campground located deep in the Idaho Panhandle National Forests along the St. Joe Wild and Scenic River. Situated in a remote area near the Idaho-Montana border, this campground offers an authentic backcountry experience for those seeking solitude and wilderness adventure. The campground features basic amenities including vault toilets and fire rings, but no potable water is available, so visitors must bring their own. A pack it in, pack it out refuse policy is strictly enforced. Access requires navigating Forest Road 320 for 13 miles from the Red Ives Information Center, with the western approach not suitable for passenger cars. The campground is free to use and operates on a first-come, first-served basis. Attractions include exceptional fishing opportunities in wild cutthroat trout waters, access to the St. Joe Wild and Scenic River, hiking trails, and the historic Heller gravesite. The remote location provides opportunities for wildlife viewing and experiencing the pristine wilderness of the St. Joe River Region.
Directions
Access 1: From Avery, Idaho drive 29 miles east on the 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 (not suitable for passenger car travel) and proceed 13 miles to the campground entrance. Access 2: From Superior, Montana drive 33 miles west on Forest Road 320 (suitable for passenger car travel) to the campground entrance.
Nearby Campgrounds
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| 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 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
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