Apgar Campground

For Idaho locals seeking a serene and truly scenic camping experience, Apgar Campground near Kooskia offers a delightful escape into the heart of the Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests. This isn't just a place to park your RV or pitch a tent; it's a rustic riverside sanctuary nestled between the majestic Lochsa River and the historic U.S. Highway 12. Apgar Campground provides a quiet, authentic outdoor adventure, surrounded by a lush forest of giant western red cedar and fir trees.

Known for its clean, large sites and direct river access, Apgar Campground is particularly favored by those who appreciate proximity to water for fishing, whitewater rafting, or simply enjoying the peaceful sounds of the river. While it maintains a rustic charm, it offers essential amenities that enhance comfort without detracting from the natural environment. Operating on a first-come, first-served basis, Apgar is a perfect destination for spontaneous weekend getaways or an extended stay for those looking to truly immerse themselves in Idaho's breathtaking wilderness. Visitors consistently praise its well-maintained facilities and its ideal location, making it a beloved spot for repeat visits year after year.

Apgar Campground is conveniently located near Kooskia, Idaho, with its address listed as Kooskia, ID 83539, USA. More specifically, it lies approximately 6 miles from Lowell, Idaho, and about 33 miles from Kooskia. Its strategic position is along the Lochsa River, nestled between the river itself and U.S. Highway 12. This places it directly on a primary route that connects Lewiston, Idaho, with the Lolo Pass and Montana, making it a popular stop for travelers passing through the region.

The accessibility of Apgar Campground is one of its notable advantages. Being directly off U.S. Highway 12 means it’s easily reachable by paved roads, accommodating tents, trailers, and RVs up to 22 feet in length. Despite its proximity to the highway, many sites, particularly site 4, are praised by visitors for not being "bothered by sound of the highway," offering a surprising level of tranquility. The campground's setting on a river terrace, filled with large cedar and fir trees, provides a naturally quiet and secluded feel. While cell service is generally not available in the immediate area, its direct access to Highway 12 ensures that emergency services or nearby towns like Lowell (which may have services like gas and pay phones) are just a few miles away. This balance of easy access and natural seclusion makes Apgar Campground a practical yet picturesque choice for Idaho campers.

• Campsites: Apgar Campground features 7 small, first-come, first-served campsites. These sites are designed to accommodate tents, trailers, and RVs up to 22 feet in length.
• Picnic Tables: Each campsite is equipped with a picnic table, providing a convenient surface for meal preparation and outdoor dining.
• Fire Rings and Grills: Campers will find fire rings and grills at each site, allowing for campfires, cooking, and outdoor enjoyment (subject to any local fire restrictions).
• Potable (Drinking) Water: A significant amenity, potable water is available at the campground, ensuring visitors have access to safe drinking water without needing to pack it all in.
• Vault Toilets: The campground provides vault toilets for visitor use. Reviewers consistently commend these facilities for being "unusually low odor and clean and well kept."
• Trash Collection: Trash collection services are available, with bear-wise dumpsters provided, making waste disposal convenient and promoting a clean environment.
• Pet-Friendly: Pets are allowed at the campground, provided they are kept on a leash and under control, aligning with typical forest service regulations.
• No Cell Service: It's important for visitors to note that cell service is generally not available in the area, offering a true opportunity to disconnect.
• No Hookups: As a rustic campground, there are no electric, water, or sewage hookups available at individual campsites for RVs.
• Fee-Based: A nightly fee of $14 per night is typically charged for campsites. Senior Pass holders may receive a discount.
• Open Season: The campground typically opens in early May (e.g., May 1st) and closes in late September (e.g., September 23rd).

• Direct Lochsa River Access: A primary highlight is the campground's immediate and direct access to the clear waters of the Lochsa River. This is perfect for fishing, swimming, tubing, or simply enjoying the tranquil riverside environment.
• Whitewater Rafting and Kayaking: The Lochsa River is renowned as one of the best whitewater rafting and kayaking rivers in Idaho, attracting enthusiasts from around the world. Apgar Campground serves as an excellent base for these thrilling activities.
• Excellent Fishing: The Lochsa River offers great fishing opportunities, including salmon, steelhead, and trout, making it a prime destination for anglers.
• Secluded Riverside Sites: Notably, sites like #4 are right on the river, offering large, clean spaces that are surprisingly quiet despite the proximity to the highway, providing a truly immersive natural experience.
• Natural "Wilderness Soaking-In Place": Visitors have discovered unique natural features, such as a "saddle rock" in the river where adults can sit comfortably without being swept downstream, offering a unique "wilderness soaking-in place."
• Giant Cedar Tree Forest: The campground is set within a beautiful forest of large western red cedar and fir trees, providing ample shade and a picturesque natural backdrop.
• Well-Maintained Facilities: The consistent praise for the cleanliness and low odor of the vault toilets indicates a commitment to visitor comfort even in a rustic setting.
• Meeting Place Convenience: Its location roughly halfway between destinations like Missoula, Montana, makes it a perfect, well-maintained meeting point for friends and family traveling from different areas.
• Wildlife Viewing: The forested and riverside environment offers opportunities for wildlife viewing, enhancing the natural experience.
• Hiking and Biking Opportunities: The area provides access to trails for hiking and road cycling along Highway 12, offering additional outdoor recreational activities.

Address: Kooskia, ID 83539, USA (General address for Apgar Campground on the Lochsa River)

Apgar Campground is located within the Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests and is managed by the USDA Forest Service, specifically the Lochsa-Powell Ranger District. For the most current and accurate information regarding campground conditions, opening/closing dates, fees, any fire restrictions, or specific inquiries, it is best to contact the relevant ranger district.

Lochsa-Powell Ranger District (Kooskia Office)

Phone: (208) 926-4274

You can also contact the Lolo Pass Visitor Center for general area information: (208) 942-3113. It is always recommended to call ahead before your trip to confirm current conditions, especially concerning road accessibility and any potential alerts.

For Idaho locals, Apgar Campground offers a superb combination of natural beauty, recreational opportunities, and convenient access, making it an ideal destination for a memorable outdoor experience. Nestled along the renowned Lochsa River within the Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests, it embodies the wild yet welcoming spirit of Idaho's landscapes.

Its primary appeal for locals is its direct and inviting access to the Lochsa River, a truly iconic waterway. Whether you're an avid angler seeking trout, a thrill-seeker eager to tackle some of Idaho's best whitewater, or simply someone who enjoys a refreshing dip in clear mountain waters, Apgar provides the perfect base. The unique "saddle rock" mentioned by a reviewer highlights the intimate connection you can forge with the river here.

Despite its rustic, first-come, first-served nature, the campground is consistently praised for its clean vault toilets and available potable water, offering essential comforts that make the experience more enjoyable without losing its wilderness charm. The large, well-maintained sites, especially those directly on the river, provide a surprising level of peace and quiet, allowing locals to truly disconnect and de-stress. Its location on Highway 12 also makes it a practical meeting spot for friends and family traveling from different parts of Idaho or even neighboring Montana. Apgar Campground is more than just a place to stay; it's a cherished local retreat where the beauty of the Lochsa River and the towering cedar forests create an unforgettable Idaho adventure, encouraging repeat visits for years to come.

Apgar Campground

Kooskia, ID 83539, USA