Colgate Camp

For those of us who cherish the raw, unfiltered beauty of Idaho and the simple joy of a truly free camping experience, Colgate Camp near Kooskia is a find. Tucked alongside the renowned Lochsa River within the sprawling Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests, this hidden gem offers a genuine taste of Idaho wilderness without the usual fees. It's the kind of place where the soothing murmur of the river replaces the hum of city life, and the vast Idaho sky becomes your ceiling. If your ideal getaway involves basic amenities, stunning natural surroundings, and easy access to outdoor pursuits like fishing, exploring, or soaking in natural hot springs, Colgate Camp is perfectly suited for your next adventure in our beautiful state.

Colgate Camp stands out, particularly for us Idaho locals, as one of the few remaining free Forest Service campgrounds in an area where others now come with a nightly fee. This makes it an incredibly valuable resource for budget-conscious adventurers and those who simply appreciate the fundamental experience of camping. As one reviewer noted, "Only free forest service campground. The others were all $14 a night." While it’s modest in its offerings, providing just the essentials like a garbage can and a pit toilet, it delivers immensely on location. Being "right between the road and river" means constant access to the soothing sounds of the Lochsa, often drowning out any distant road noise, especially "after dark," when the road becomes "very quiet." It’s a testament to the fact that sometimes, less is truly more when it comes to connecting with Idaho’s incredible outdoors.

Colgate Camp is conveniently located along the scenic US Highway 12, often referred to as the Northwest Passage Scenic Byway, near Kooskia, ID 83539, USA. Its precise location is approximately at milepost 153 on Highway 12, making it an easy pull-off for those traveling through the Lochsa River corridor. From Kooskia, you would travel east on Highway 12 for roughly 25-30 miles to reach the campground. If you’re coming from the east, say from Lolo Pass on the Montana border, it’s located approximately 20-25 miles west.

The accessibility of Colgate Camp is one of its key advantages. Situated directly off Highway 12, it offers straightforward access for vehicles, though as noted by visitors, larger RVs might find space limited to perhaps only the first spot due to the camp's configuration and size, with roughly six spaces in total. This makes it particularly well-suited for tent campers, vans, and smaller truck campers. The immediate proximity to the Lochsa River means campers have direct, effortless access for fishing, river access, or simply enjoying the tranquil sounds of the water. Beyond the campground itself, its location along Highway 12 positions it perfectly for exploring the vast Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests, numerous hiking trails, and perhaps most enticingly for many, the natural hot springs scattered throughout this region. The lack of cell service in much of this area is a common characteristic of the remote and wild nature of this part of Idaho, encouraging a true disconnection from daily life and a deeper immersion in the natural surroundings.

Colgate Camp offers a minimalist approach to camping services, focusing on providing essential amenities while preserving a primitive forest experience. This simplicity is part of its appeal, particularly as a free Forest Service campground.

• Campsites: Approximately 6 individual campsites are available, primarily suited for tent camping, vans, and smaller RVs (larger RVs may be limited to specific spots). Each site typically includes space for a tent or small camper, and possibly a fire ring.
• Pit Toilet: A basic, non-flush pit toilet (also known as a vault toilet) is provided for visitor convenience.
• Garbage Can: A single garbage can is available for waste disposal, which is a valuable amenity for a free site.
• River Access: Direct access to the Lochsa River for fishing, water activities, or simply enjoying the riverside environment.
• No Potable Water: There is no source of potable drinking water at the campground. Campers must bring their own water supply.
• No Utility Hookups: As a primitive Forest Service site, there are no electric, water, or sewer hookups available at any of the campsites.

Despite its basic services, Colgate Camp boasts several compelling features and highlights that make it an attractive option for certain types of campers, especially those familiar with Idaho's wilder side.

• Free Camping: One of the primary draws is that it's a free Forest Service campground, providing an economical way to experience Idaho's wilderness.
• Riverside Location: Directly situated alongside the beautiful Lochsa River, offering soothing river sounds and direct access for fishing, splashing, or enjoying the views. The river noise effectively masks any road sounds.
• Proximity to Natural Hot Springs: A significant highlight is its "super close" proximity to at least one amazing natural hot spring (often referring to Jerry Johnson Hot Springs or Weir Hot Springs, both popular destinations in the area). This makes it an ideal base for soaking and relaxation after a day of adventuring.
• Quiet Evenings: While near the highway, the road noise is minimal and "very quiet after dark," ensuring peaceful nights.
• Scenic Beauty: The campground is set in a very "beautiful" natural environment within the Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests, surrounded by lush forests and mountain views.
• Small and Intimate: With only about 6 spaces, it offers a more intimate and less crowded camping experience compared to larger developed campgrounds.
• Suitable for Tents and Small RVs: Ideal for those with tents, vans, or smaller truck campers, offering a rustic yet accessible experience.
• Wildlife Opportunities: The surrounding forest is rich in wildlife, offering opportunities for observation (though proper bear awareness is always necessary).

For inquiries or to confirm current conditions at Colgate Camp, it's best to contact the local Forest Service Ranger District as there is no direct phone number for this particular free campground.

Address: Kooskia, ID 83539, USA (The campground is located directly on US Highway 12, east of Kooskia, around milepost 153.)

Phone: (208) 926-4258 (This is the phone number for the Lochsa/Powell Ranger District, Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests. They manage this area and can provide the most up-to-date information regarding conditions, road closures, or any alerts.)

As a free, first-come, first-served campground, reservations are not possible. It's advisable to have a backup plan, especially during peak seasons, though its smaller size often means it's not as heavily used as larger, fee-based sites.

For us Idahoans, Colgate Camp represents a quintessential part of our state's outdoor heritage: accessible, beautiful, and free. Its location right on the Lochsa River makes it an ideal spot for anglers, rafters, or anyone who simply finds peace by the water. The "super close" proximity to natural hot springs is a major draw, allowing us to combine a rustic camping experience with the ultimate relaxation of a natural soak – a true Idaho luxury. While it's modest in terms of amenities, its very simplicity is its strength, appealing to those who prefer a less developed, more authentic connection to nature. For tent campers and those with smaller RVs, it offers a quiet, serene escape from the more populated campgrounds, where the sounds of the river truly take over after dark. Colgate Camp is a testament to the enduring appeal of Idaho's wilderness, providing a perfect, no-cost base for locals to explore the wild beauty of the Clearwater region and create unforgettable memories right in our own backyard.

Colgate Camp

Kooskia, ID 83539, USA