Idaho / Benewah County

Shadowy St. Joe Campground

Closed — Closed for the season. Typically operates from spring through fall. Seven sites reservable through Recreation.gov; seven sites first-come, first-served when open.

About

Shadowy St. Joe Campground is located at 2,100 feet elevation along a peaceful slack water section of the St. Joe River, accessible via Forest Highway 50. In 2023, the facility received a complete redesign funded by the Great American Outdoors Act and an Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation RV grant, resulting in all-new accessible infrastructure throughout. The campground offers 14 fully accessible campsites, each equipped with electrical hookups, picnic tables, and fire rings. Paved roadways and camping spurs accommodate RVs and trailers. Facilities include vault toilets, potable water from a hand pump, trash service, and ample parking. A group picnic shelter with seating for 40 people is available for day use. The boat ramp and docks provide direct river access for motorized and non-motorized boating, fishing, and swimming. Motorboats can travel upriver to St. Joe City. Campsites are situated in open, grassy areas with scattered fruit and ornamental shade trees rather than dense forest. The surrounding landscape includes private lands and open areas where elk herds are frequently spotted. The St. Joe River is a renowned fishing destination, and the lower river sections are popular for drift boating, canoeing, and tubing. Thirty miles upriver, the town of Avery marks the beginning of the Wild and Scenic River designation. St. Maries, 10.6 miles away, provides full services including a hospital, gas, food, and supplies.

Directions

From St. Maries, take Highway 3 north for 0.5 miles, turn right on St. Joe River Road and continue for 10.6 miles. Turn right into campground.

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