Boyd Creek Campground

For Idahoans craving a genuine escape into the wild heart of their state, Boyd Creek Campground offers an unparalleled backcountry experience. Tucked away in the pristine Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests, this hidden gem along the stunning Selway River is a testament to Idaho's untouched natural beauty. It's the kind of place where the roaring river and whispering pines are your constant companions, and the abundant wildlife reminds you that you are truly immersed in nature's domain.

Boyd Creek Campground is not your typical amenity-rich RV park; instead, it provides a more rustic, authentic camping adventure. Designed primarily for tent campers and self-contained RVs, it features a limited number of well-positioned sites that prioritize privacy and a deep connection to the surrounding wilderness. Visitors consistently laud the breathtaking scenery and the incredible fishing opportunities that await just steps from their campsite. If you're looking to unplug, cast a line in a world-class river, and simply breathe in the crisp Idaho air, Boyd Creek Campground promises an unforgettable experience that will hold a special place in your heart.

It's important to approach Boyd Creek with a mindset of respect for nature, as it truly is a wilderness area. While it offers basic facilities to ensure a comfortable stay, the emphasis is on self-reliance and appreciating the raw beauty of the Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness. This dedication to preserving the natural environment makes it a cherished spot for those who truly seek to embrace the wild side of Idaho.

Boyd Creek Campground is located near Kooskia, ID 83539, USA, specifically situated almost 11 miles up the Selway River from the small town of Lowell, Idaho. To reach this serene destination from Kooskia, Idaho, you'll embark on a scenic journey: take US Highway 12 east for approximately 21.6 miles, then turn right onto Selway Road. Boyd Creek Campground will be found on your right side about 10.8 miles further along Selway Road.

This location positions Boyd Creek Campground deep within the Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests, offering an authentic wilderness experience. The drive, while on a gravel road for the last stretch, is generally manageable and part of the adventure of reaching such a pristine area. The Selway River Valley, through which you'll travel, is characterized by 6000-foot mountains and an elevation of around 1600 feet at the campground, ensuring hot summer days with refreshingly cool nights.

While remote, the campground's proximity to the Selway River is a significant draw, providing direct access to its renowned waters. The surrounding heavily forested mountains offer countless trails for outdoor enthusiasts. It's important to note that cell phone service is generally nonexistent in this area, reinforcing the "unplugged" nature of the experience. For basic supplies, the nearby town of Lowell offers some necessities like gas, ice, and pop, while more extensive supplies can be found back in Kooskia. The journey to Boyd Creek is a commitment to immersing oneself in Idaho's backcountry, and the accessible yet secluded location perfectly sets the stage for such an adventure.

• Campsites: There are only 6 designated tent/RV camping sites available. Two are located on a hill above the Selway River on the downstream side of Boyd Creek, and four are situated next to the river on the upstream side. Each site is equipped with a picnic table and a fire ring. The internal roads and driveways are gravel.
• Restrooms: An older, clean, and well-stocked vault-style outhouse is available for use. It is located on the upstream portion of the campground and requires a short walk from sites 1 and 2. The outhouse is noted as handicap accessible, though the campground itself is not generally considered handicap friendly.
• Water: There is no potable (drinking) water available directly at Boyd Creek Campground. Potable water can be accessed at the nearby O'Hara Campground, which is a short drive downstream and across the Selway River. Campers should plan accordingly and bring their own water or be prepared to collect and treat water.
• Garbage Services: No garbage service is available on site. Campers are expected to practice Leave No Trace principles and pack out all their trash.
• Electricity: There are no electric hookups or electricity available at the campground.
• Camp Host: There is no host directly on-site at Boyd Creek. However, assistance can be found at O'Hara Campground, which is a short drive away.
• Firewood: Campers will need to provide their own firewood. Firewood may be available for purchase from the camp host at O'Hara Campground.
• Pets: Pets are allowed within the campground but must be kept on a leash at all times.
• RV Accommodation: The campground can accommodate RVs up to 30 feet in length in some sites, though the experience is more akin to dry camping.
• Fees and Reservations: As of early 2025, the fee is $8.00 per night. All sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis; no reservations are accepted for individual campsites at Boyd Creek.

• Exceptional Backcountry Access: Boyd Creek Campground offers a quintessential backcountry experience. It's situated deep within the Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests and serves as a gateway to the vast Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness, one of the largest wilderness areas in the contiguous United States. This provides unmatched opportunities for true wilderness immersion.
• World-Class Fishing on the Selway River: The Selway River, which runs alongside the campground, is renowned for its outstanding fishing. Reviews highlight "amazing cutthroat fishing," and the river is also home to rainbow, bull, and Eastern Brook trout, as well as steelhead and salmon. It's a "blue ribbon" Westslope Cutthroat Trout fishery, making it a dream destination for anglers.
• Scenic Riverside Setting: The campground's location directly on or very near the Selway River provides picturesque views and the soothing sounds of flowing water. Campers can choose between sites right by the river or those slightly elevated, offering different perspectives of the stunning valley.
• Privacy and Seclusion: With only 6 sites, Boyd Creek offers a more intimate and secluded camping experience compared to larger, busier campgrounds. The sites are generally well-spaced, enhancing privacy, especially for sites 1 and 2, which are on a separate hill.
• Clean Facilities: Despite its rustic nature, the vault outhouse is consistently noted as being clean and well-maintained, a significant plus for a remote campground.
• Abundant Wildlife: The surrounding wilderness is teeming with wildlife. Campers might spot deer, moose, bear, elk, wolves, squirrels, and various bird species. The presence of such diverse fauna adds to the authentic wilderness feel, though visitors are reminded to be vigilant and respect nature.
• Gateway to Hiking and Floating: Beyond fishing, the area around Boyd Creek provides excellent opportunities for hiking, backpacking into the wilderness, and floating the Selway River. Trailheads like the East Boyd Glover Roundtop National Recreation Trail are accessible nearby, inviting adventurers to explore the heavily forested mountains.
• True "Unplugged" Experience: With no cell service or electricity, Boyd Creek offers a rare chance to truly disconnect from digital distractions and reconnect with nature and fellow campers. This contributes to a peaceful and immersive outdoor adventure.

Address: Kooskia, ID 83539, USA

As Boyd Creek Campground is a First-Come, First-Served site without direct phone service, there isn't a dedicated campground phone number for reservations or inquiries specific to the site. For general information regarding the campground or the surrounding area, you can typically contact the Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests' Kooskia Ranger District or the Fenn Ranger Station. Their main office for the Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests is located at: 1008 Highway 64, Kamiah, ID 83536. The general contact number for the Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests is (208) 935-2513. It is always recommended to check the official USDA Forest Service website for the most current information regarding conditions, fees, and any alerts before your visit.

For Idahoans who truly understand and appreciate the raw, untamed beauty of their state, Boyd Creek Campground represents the pinnacle of an authentic wilderness escape. This isn't a place for those seeking resort-style amenities or bustling social scenes; instead, it caters directly to the local spirit of adventure, self-reliance, and a deep reverence for nature. Its "backwoods" location along the breathtaking Selway River provides an immediate sense of getting away from it all, a cherished sensation for those living in or near Idaho's more populated areas.

The primary draw for many Idahoans is the unparalleled access to world-class fishing. The Selway River, lauded for its "amazing cutthroat fishing," offers an experience that resonates deeply with the state's angling culture. The opportunity to cast a line in such pristine waters, knowing that salmon, steelhead, and various trout species await, is a significant draw that keeps locals returning. Beyond fishing, the vast Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness is right at your doorstep, offering endless miles of hiking, backpacking, and wildlife viewing opportunities – activities that are fundamental to the Idaho outdoor lifestyle.

Furthermore, the rustic nature of Boyd Creek, with its first-come, first-served sites and limited amenities (no potable water on-site, no electricity, and no garbage service), encourages a responsible and self-sufficient approach to camping. This aligns perfectly with the ethos of many Idaho residents who pride themselves on being prepared and leaving no trace. The relatively low fee also makes it an accessible option for regular escapes. While there's no camp host at Boyd Creek itself, the availability of assistance at nearby O'Hara Campground demonstrates the supportive, community-oriented spirit found in these remote areas. For Idaho locals, Boyd Creek Campground isn't just a place to stay; it's an immersive experience, a chance to reconnect with the wild heart of their state, and a reminder to "respect nature" in its purest form, making it an ideal destination for true outdoor enthusiasts seeking genuine solitude and adventure.

Boyd Creek Campground

Kooskia, ID 83539, USA