Powell Campground

About

Powell Campground provides direct access to the Lochsa Wild and Scenic River, one of Idaho's most scenic waterways known for its world-class continuous whitewater. The campground is situated in a dense mixed-conifer forest in north-central Idaho at an elevation of 3,400 feet, directly across from the 1.5-million acre Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness. Famed explorers Lewis and Clark passed through this area on their way to the Pacific Ocean in September 1805. The campground features 34 sites across three paved loops set among mature conifers and shrubs providing ample shade. Loop A offers electric hookups with 15, 30, and 50-amp service, while Loop B provides non-electric sites. Each site includes a fire ring with grill and picnic table. Potable water is available from spigots throughout the campground. Vault toilets serve the camping loops, with an accessible flush toilet near the day-use area. The Lochsa River offers excellent fishing for cutthroat and rainbow trout, Chinook salmon, and steelhead. The Powell Complex Trail begins near the campground and leads 1.5 miles through cool cedar and larch forest. The campground is walking distance to Lochsa Lodge, which offers a restaurant, rental cabins, convenience store, and fuel. Note that there is no cell phone service at the campground; the nearest reception is in Lolo, Montana, 45 miles away.

Directions

From Lowell, Idaho, travel east on Highway 12 for about 65 miles to milepost 162. Turn onto Road 102 and continue half a mile to the campground. The campground is 160 miles east of Lewiston, Idaho, and 60 miles southwest of Missoula, Montana.