Spruce Tree Campground
Currently closed due to extensive blowdown and hazard trees within the campground. The closure went into effect May 23, 2026 under Forest Order #01-04-04-26-003 and remains in effect until hazard mitigation is completed. The site is accessible for pack stock use but closed to camping and Trail 48 Trailhead parking.
Air Quality Alert issued August 8 at 12:57PM PDT by NWS Spokane WA
An Air Quality Alert has been issued by the following agencies: Idaho Department of Environmental Quality in Coeur d'Alene ...AIR QUALITY ADVISORY FROM THE IDAHO DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY FOR Boundary, Bonner, Kootenai, Shoshone, and Benewah Counties... * WHAT...Air Quality Advisory because of degraded air quality due to wildfire smoke. Air Quality Index is forecast to be Unhealthy. * WHERE...Boundary, Bonner, Kootenai, Shoshone, and Benewah Counties... * WHEN...Next update 11 AM August 9th. * IMPACTS...Some members of the general public may experience health effects; members of sensitive groups may experience more serious health effects.
About
Spruce Tree Campground is a primitive 9-unit campground nestled along the St. Joe Wild and Scenic River in the Idaho Panhandle National Forests. The campground marks the beginning of the wild and scenic designated portion of the river, making it a destination for anglers pursuing wild trout in remote waters. Potable water is available via hand pump typically from June through September when water systems are operational. The campground serves as the primary trailhead for St. Joe River Trail #48, a 20.8-mile single-track trail that parallels the river downstream to the mouth of Heller Creek. This trail offers outstanding scenery and wildlife viewing opportunities. The area is managed under a pack-it-in, pack-it-out refuse policy, so campers must be prepared to carry out all trash. Horses and pack animals are not permitted at the campground; stock users should proceed to Line Creek Stock Camp instead.
Directions
From Avery, Idaho: Take St. Joe River Road (Forest Highway 50) east 39 miles to Red Ives Road #218, then continue 12 miles to the campground. From St. Regis, Montana: Take Little Joe Road (#282) to the Idaho border where it becomes Gold Creek Road (#388), turn left onto St. Joe River Road (Forest Highway 50), then proceed to Red Ives Road #218 and continue 12 miles to the campground.
Amenities
| Water | Yes |
| Fires Allowed | — |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | — |
| Wifi | — |
| Pets Allowed | — |
| Showers | — |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | — |
| Price | $12 - $15 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | — |
| Pull Through Sites | — |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (208) 245-2531 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
Useful Links
| USFS Spruce Tree Campground | |
| Idaho Panhandle NF Alerts |
Community Posts
No posts yet. Be the first to share your experience!