WINDY SADDLE
Windy Saddle is a trailhead facility, not a developed campground. It is open year-round as a four-season staging area for backcountry access. No fee required. Dispersed camping may be permitted in accordance with Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests regulations, but there are no designated campsites at this location.
About
Windy Saddle Trailhead is a remote backcountry access point in the Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests, situated high in Idaho County. The trailhead serves primarily as a staging area for wilderness exploration rather than a developed campground, providing access to Archer Trail #529 which leads into rugged backcountry terrain. The site is equipped with basic facilities including two hitch rails for horses and a vault toilet, making it suitable for equestrian users launching multi-day backcountry trips. No potable water is available, so all visitors must pack in their own supplies. The location supports four-season recreation including backpacking, day hiking, big game hunting in fall, and snowmobiling in winter. Access requires navigating a series of forest roads: from State Highway 14, turn south onto Red River-Dixie Road #222, continue past Red River Ranger Station to Nezperce Trail Road #468, follow Road #468 east for 20 miles to Elk Mountain Road #285, then turn north and travel 15.5 miles to Windy Saddle.
Directions
From State Highway 14, turn south onto Red River-Dixie Road #222. Follow Road #222 past Red River Ranger Station to its junction with Nezperce Trail Road #468. Turn east onto Road #468 and follow it for 20 miles to its junction with Elk Mountain Road #285. Turn north on Road #285 and follow it for 15.5 miles to Windy Saddle.
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | — |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | — |
| 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 | — |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
Useful Links
| USFS Windy Saddle Trailhead |
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