Johnson Bar Campground
The group site is currently closed and opens May 12 for the 2026 season, operating through September 30. Individual campsites are open year-round as snow conditions allow. Reservations for the group site are available through Recreation.gov. No cell phone service is available; the nearest reception is 30 miles away in Kooskia.
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
Johnson Bar Group Site sits in a scenic open field along the Selway Wild and Scenic River Corridor in north-central Idaho. The campground features a reservable group site that can accommodate up to 100 people, along with seven individual campsites available on a first-come, first-served basis. Facilities include vault toilets, drinking water from a hand pump, picnic tables, a campfire circle, and two smaller fire rings. RV and trailer pads are available, and some areas are wheelchair accessible. The Selway River is renowned for destination fly fishing, offering catch-and-release opportunities for cutthroat and rainbow trout. Spring whitewater rafting is a popular activity, and the campground provides direct beach and boating access. The surrounding Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness offers numerous hiking and biking trails accessible from Selway River Road. The campground is located 4.5 miles east of Lowell on Forest Road 223, in an extremely remote area with no cell service for approximately 30 miles. The historic Fenn Ranger Station and scenic Selway Falls are nearby attractions.
Directions
From Kooskia, go east 22 miles on US 12 and south nearly 4 miles on Forest Road 223. Alternatively, the site is located 4.5 miles east of Lowell, ID on Forest Road 223 (Selway River Road), between the paved road and the river.
Amenities
| Water | Yes |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | — |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | — |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $40 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | — |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (208) 926-4258 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
Availability
Photos
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