Powell Campground
Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests
Powell Campground provides direct access to the Lochsa Wild and Scenic River, one of Idaho's most scenic waterways. The Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness lies on the opposite side of the river. The campground is within walking distance of a small general store, fuel, lodging and a restaurant. The Powell Ranger Station is nearby as well, but all visitor services have moved to Lolo Pass Visitor Center.
The campground offers single-family sites for tent and RV camping. The sites in loop A offer electrical hookups (15 amp, 30 amp, and 50 amp.) Parking surfaces are paved throughout the campground. Additional sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Each site is equipped with a table and campfire ring with grill. Accessible vault toilets and drinking water (spigots are located in 5 sites throughout the campground and are not intended for hooking up to, the sites do not have water hookups) are provided throughout the campground. An accessible flush toilet is adjacent to the day use area. Firewood is not provided and it is often not available.
Need to Know
- A $2/day fee is charged for extra vehicles
- Click here for more information on the Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests
- Don't Move Firewood: Prevent the spread of tree-killing pests by obtaining firewood near your destination and burning it on-site. For more information visit dontmovefirewood.org.
- There is no cell phone service within the campground; the nearest town with reception is Lolo, MT 45 miles away.
Natural Features
Lochsa is a Nez Perce word meaning "rough water." The 70-mile river and its tributaries have no dams and the flow is unregulated from its headwaters near the Powell Ranger Station in the Bitterroots, to Lowell, where it joins the Selway River to form the Middle Fork of the Clearwater River. The Lochsa is one of the world's best for continuous whitewater.
The campground is situated in a dense forest in north-central Idaho at an elevation of 3,400 feet. It is across the river from the border of the 1.5-million acre Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness. Famed explorers Lewis and Clark passed through on their way to the Pacific Ocean in September of 1805.
Elk, deer, moose, bear, cougar and mountain goats make the steep canyon country their home.
Nearby Attractions
A variety of services are available in the rustic resort area near the campground including a general store, lodging, food and fuel. Fishing licenses are also available for purchase.
The nearest free dump station is 40 miles west on Highway 12, at the Wilderness Gateway Campground.
Recreation
The Lochsa River provides visitors with opportunities for fishing and other water-related recreation. Cutthroat and rainbow trout, Chinook salmon and steelhead swim in the clear waters. The Lochsa is world-famous for its exciting whitewater rafting opportunities. A permit is not necessary to float the river, but technical expertise is a must.
A variety of hiking and horseback riding trails are available in the wilderness area. The 1.5-mile Powell Complex Trail begins near the campground and leads west through cool, shady cedar and larch trees, making for a relaxing day trip. Hunting is also a popular activity in the rugged and primitive landscape.
Highway 12, also known as the Lewis and Clark Highway, winds along the narrow river canyon through evergreen trees and past large rock outcroppings. Visitors enjoy the scenic drive and historic sites along the way.
Rental Options
Learn more about gear rental options for your trip
Driving Directions
The campground is located 160 miles east of Lewiston, Idaho, and 60 miles southwest of Missoula, Montana. From Lowell, travel east on Highway 12 for about 65 miles, to milepost 162.
Available Campsites
- Site A022, Loop A, Type Standard Electric
- Site A025, Loop A, Type Standard Electric
- Site B001, Loop B, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site B006, Loop B, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site A012, Loop A, Type Standard Electric
- Site A013, Loop A, Type Standard Electric
- Site A030, Loop A, Type Standard Electric
- Site A017, Loop A, Type Standard Electric
- Site A023, Loop A, Type Standard Electric
- Site A019, Loop A, Type Standard Electric
- Site A031, Loop A, Type Standard Electric
- Site B008, Loop B, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site B002, Loop B, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site B003, Loop B, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site A015, Loop A, Type Standard Electric
- Site A034, Loop A, Type Standard Electric
- Site A027, Loop A, Type Standard Electric
- Site A033, Loop A, Type Standard Electric
- Site A020, Loop A, Type Standard Electric
- Site A028, Loop A, Type Standard Electric
- Site A032, Loop A, Type Standard Electric
- Site A021, Loop A, Type Standard Electric
- Site B009, Loop B, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site A029, Loop A, Type Standard Electric
- Site B004, Loop B, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site B010, Loop B, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site A016, Loop A, Type Standard Electric
- Site A014, Loop A, Type Standard Electric
- Site A024, Loop A, Type Standard Electric
- Site A026, Loop A, Type Standard Electric
- Site HOST, Loop B, Type Standard Electric
- Site A018, Loop A, Type Standard Electric
- Site B007, Loop B, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site B005, Loop B, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site B011, Loop B, Type Standard Nonelectric
