Pete Ott Camp
This is a primitive dispersed camping area with no developed facilities. Access roads are typically snow-covered into late spring or early summer. The area is generally accessible July through September. Campers must be self-sufficient.
Air Quality Alert issued August 7 at 11:56AM 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. WHERE... Clearwater and Idaho Counties outside of reservation boundaries. WHEN: Extended until 3:00PM 8/10/2026 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
Pete Ott Camp is situated in the backcountry of the Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests in Clearwater County, Idaho. This primitive camping area lies in the remote mountain terrain near Pete Ott Lake, a small alpine lake accessible via the Flat Mountain Trail system. The area is characterized by dense forest cover and rugged ridgelines typical of the Clearwater region. As a dispersed camping area rather than a developed campground, Pete Ott Camp has no established amenities such as toilets, potable water, or designated sites. Campers must be fully self-sufficient, bringing all water and supplies and packing out all trash. Access requires high-clearance vehicles due to rough forest roads, and the area is typically accessible from July through September depending on snow conditions. The Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests allows dispersed camping throughout most of the forest with a 14-day stay limit. Campers should follow Leave No Trace principles and check current fire restrictions before visiting.
Directions
From Orofino, Idaho, take Highway 12 to Greer, then Highway 11 to Pierce. Before entering Pierce, turn right onto Road 250 (French Mountain Road) and follow it to the Bungalow Ranger Station. Continue on Road 250 along the North Fork River, then turn onto Road 711 at Cold Springs Creek. Follow Road 711 to Road 5295, then switchback onto Road 5297, which leads to the Flat Mountain Trailhead.
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | — |
| Toilets | No |
| 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 |
Useful Links
| Nez Perce-Clearwater NF Camping |
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