Idaho / Idaho County / Lolo Trail National Historic Landmark / Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests / Middle Fork Clearwater Wild And Scenic River

Powell Campground

Closed — Closed for the season. Opens mid-May and operates through October 31. Reservable through mid-September, then first-come, first-served through the end of October.

About

Powell Campground provides direct access to the Lochsa Wild and Scenic River, one of Idaho's premier waterways for whitewater rafting and fishing. The campground is situated in a dense forest of western red cedar, fir, and larch at an elevation of 3,400 feet in north-central Idaho. The Lochsa River, a Nez Perce word meaning "rough water," flows unregulated for 70 miles and is famous for continuous technical whitewater that attracts paddlers from around the world. The campground offers 39 sites across three paved loops. Loop A features electrical hookups (15, 30, and 50 amp) while Loops B and C offer standard non-electric sites. All sites include tables and fire rings with grills. The facility has both vault toilets and an accessible flush toilet near the day use area, with drinking water available at spigots throughout the campground. Across the Lochsa River lies the 1.5-million acre Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness, offering exceptional hiking and horseback riding opportunities. The 1.5-mile Powell Complex Trail begins near the campground and winds through cool, shady forests. The river supports populations of cutthroat and rainbow trout, plus runs of Chinook salmon and steelhead. The campground is within walking distance of Lochsa Lodge, which offers a restaurant, convenience store, fuel, and rental cabins. Highway 12, also known as the Lewis and Clark Highway, follows the historic route of the Corps of Discovery through this rugged landscape.

Directions

Located 160 miles east of Lewiston, Idaho, and 60 miles southwest of Missoula, Montana, on Highway 12. From Lowell, travel east on Highway 12 for about 65 miles to milepost 162.

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