Dent Acres Campground

Hello, fellow Idaho outdoor enthusiasts! If your ideal getaway involves sparkling lake waters, top-notch facilities, and a seamless blend of relaxation and recreation, then Dent Acres Campground on the picturesque Dworshak Reservoir near Orofino is a destination you absolutely need to experience. This highly-regarded campground, managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, offers a fantastic blend of modern conveniences and stunning natural beauty, making it a standout choice for campers across our great state.

Dent Acres is more than just a place to park your RV or pitch your tent; it's a vibrant hub for water lovers and outdoor adventurers. With its prime location directly on the shores of the 54-mile-long Dworshak Reservoir, it provides unparalleled access to some of Idaho's best boating, fishing, and water skiing opportunities. Imagine launching your boat directly from the campground's ramp, spending your day on the expansive lake, and returning to a comfortable site with full hookups – it’s the kind of effortless outdoor living that truly allows you to unwind.

As Idahoans, we cherish our abundant natural resources and the well-maintained facilities that allow us to enjoy them to the fullest. Dent Acres Campground consistently receives praise for its clean restrooms, excellent showers, and overall upkeep, ensuring a pleasant stay for all. Whether you're planning a "Cast 'n Blast" trip, a family reunion, or just a peaceful overnight stop on a road trip, this campground is designed to meet your needs with friendly service and a welcoming atmosphere.

In this article, we’ll take a deep dive into what makes Dent Acres Campground so special. We’ll cover its location and how to get there, detail the impressive range of services and amenities it offers, highlight its key features and nearby attractions, provide essential contact information, and explain why this campground is perfectly suited for locals seeking a premium lakeside camping experience in Northern Idaho. Get ready to discover your new favorite lakeside retreat!

Dent Acres Campground is nestled in northern Idaho's beautiful Clearwater Valley, with its address listed as Orofino, ID 83544, USA. Its exact location is on the shores of Dworshak Reservoir, approximately 19-21 miles from Orofino. This places it within the stunning Clearwater National Forest region, characterized by dense forests and the vast, clear waters of the reservoir.

While the destination is undoubtedly rewarding, accessing Dent Acres requires navigating a specific route. From Orofino, you typically take Wells Bench Road to Dent Bridge Road. The drive is often described as "windy and wonderous," or "twisty with many sharp turns," and includes "a bit steep" and "narrow" sections, especially the last part near the campground. Some sections may involve climbing and descending switchbacks, so travelers with larger RVs or those unfamiliar with mountain roads should be prepared for a 25 mph speed limit for much of the journey. Despite the winding road, many find the drive "worthwhile" for the destination.

The campground's direct access to Dworshak Reservoir is a major highlight. Dworshak is a 54-mile-long reservoir, providing extensive opportunities for water-based recreation. While the campground feels remote and immersed in nature, Orofino, the nearest town, is roughly 20-45 minutes away, offering essential services like gas, food, and laundry facilities. This balance of natural seclusion and reasonable proximity to town amenities makes Dent Acres a practical choice for extended stays.

The elevation of Dent Acres is approximately 1,791 feet. Surrounded by steep, forested mountains, the campground's setting is picturesque and offers a true sense of being in the Idaho wilderness, despite its developed facilities.

Dent Acres Campground is known for its comprehensive amenities, offering a comfortable and convenient camping experience that rivals many private RV parks. These services are a key reason for its popularity among RVers and families.

• Full Hookup Sites: A significant highlight is that "All sites have water and 50/30 amp electricity hookups as well as sewage hookups." This makes it a preferred choice for RVers seeking all the comforts of home.
• Campsites: The campground features 49 pull-through sites and 1 back-in site, designed to accommodate everything from tent camping to large RVs (up to 35 feet long). Each site also includes a covered picnic table and a fire pit with a grill.
• Flush Toilets: Modern, clean flush toilets are available, a step up from typical vault toilets found in more rustic campgrounds.
• Excellent Showers: Reviewers frequently praise the "excellent showers" for their cleanliness and functionality, making a refreshing end to a day of outdoor activities.
• Potable Water: Available at each campsite and at bathroom facilities.
• Dump Station: There is an RV dumping station located at the entrance to the campground for convenient waste disposal. Each campsite also has a sewage hookup.
• Fish Cleaning Station: A dedicated fish cleaning station is available near the boat ramp, a valuable amenity for anglers.
• Garbage Services: Trash dumpsters are available throughout the park, including near the boat dock and at the group camp, along with garbage bags for convenience.
• Playground: A "playground for the enjoyment of the children" is located adjacent to the campground, providing a safe and fun area for kids.
• Sun Shelter/Group Picnic Shelter: A large, open shelter with electricity, lighting, water, and grills is available for reservations, perfect for large gatherings or reunions (accommodating up to 75 people).
• Boat Launch & Marina: A 2-lane boat ramp, docks, and a marina are available for easy access to Dworshak Reservoir. There are also life jacket loaner boards.
• Camp Host: Staffing is typically on-site to assist campers.

Dent Acres Campground stands out with an array of features and highlights that cater to a wide range of outdoor interests, particularly those centered around water recreation and family comfort.

• Direct Access to Dworshak Reservoir: This is the paramount highlight. The campground's location directly on the 54-mile-long Dworshak Reservoir provides immediate access for:
  • Boating: Excellent opportunities for power boating, water skiing, and pleasure cruising on the expansive lake.
  • Fishing: The reservoir is renowned for kokanee salmon, rainbow trout, and smallmouth bass fishing.
  • Kayaking/Canoeing: Calm waters in certain coves and areas make it suitable for non-motorized boating.
• High-Quality Facilities: Campers consistently praise the "excellent showers," "clean restrooms," and "well-maintained" overall facilities, including the recently paved roads within the campground, contributing to a comfortable stay.
• Family-Friendly Amenities: The "playground for the children" and plenty of "open space for activities" make it an ideal choice for families. The covered picnic tables and fire rings at each site enhance the family camping experience.
• Spacious and Convenient Sites: Many sites are "pull-through" and "very spacious," accommodating various RV sizes. The "paved sites on the reservoir" add to the convenience and appeal.
• Quiet and Peaceful Atmosphere: Despite offering many amenities, the campground maintains a generally peaceful environment, allowing for quiet relaxation.
• Wildlife Viewing: Surrounded by forests, the area is home to abundant wildlife, including whitetail deer, birds of prey, and ground squirrels, offering opportunities for nature observation.
• Hiking Opportunities: Several foot trails are available, including a 1.8-mile hike from Dent Acres to the impressive Dent Bridge, the largest cable suspension bridge in Idaho. Other trails like Cold Springs offer shaded walks.
• Group Facilities: The large Sun Shelter is a significant highlight for groups, allowing for family reunions, parties, or large gatherings with dedicated amenities.
• Reasonably Priced: Many reviewers note the campground is "very reasonably priced" for the quality of amenities offered, especially full hookups.

For all inquiries regarding Dent Acres Campground, including reservations, current conditions, or specific questions about the facilities, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers office responsible for Dworshak Dam and Reservoir is the primary contact.

Address: Orofino, ID 83544, USA

Phone: (208) 476-1255 (This is the general contact number for Dworshak Dam and Reservoir, which oversees Dent Acres Campground.)

Mobile Phone: +1 208-476-1255

For campground-specific inquiries, a dedicated fee booth phone number may also be available: (208) 476-9029.

Reservations for campsites at Dent Acres are highly recommended, especially during peak season, and can be made through Recreation.gov. The campground typically operates from mid-April to the end of November, with reservations often opening up to 6 months in advance.

It is always advisable to call ahead for the most current information regarding water levels in Dworshak Reservoir (which can impact boat launching and shoreline access), fire restrictions, or any temporary closures, especially given the "windy and wonderous" road in.

For Idahoans, Dent Acres Campground on Dworshak Reservoir is more than just a place to camp; it's a premier destination that perfectly aligns with our state's passion for water recreation and comfortable outdoor living. Its suitability for locals stems from its exceptional facilities, prime lakeside location, and ability to cater to a diverse range of activities that define the Idaho outdoor experience.

The most compelling reason for locals to choose Dent Acres is its "full hookup sites" and "excellent showers." For many Idahoans who own RVs or enjoy glamping, having readily available electricity, water, and sewer connections is a significant convenience. This means more time enjoying the lake and less time worrying about amenities. The consistently praised cleanliness of the facilities truly makes it feel like a home away from home amidst the wilderness.

The unparalleled access to Dworshak Reservoir is another huge draw. As Idahoans, we are proud of our lakes and rivers, and Dworshak offers some of the best boating, water skiing, and fishing in the region for kokanee salmon, rainbow trout, and smallmouth bass. The convenience of a dedicated boat launch and fish cleaning station right at the campground means more time on the water and less hassle. This makes Dent Acres an ideal base for our vibrant boating and fishing communities.

Furthermore, the campground’s family-friendly atmosphere, complete with a "playground for the children" and ample open space, ensures that campers of all ages can enjoy their visit. Whether it’s a family reunion using the large Sun Shelter or a simple weekend getaway with the kids, Dent Acres provides the infrastructure for memorable shared experiences.

While the road in might be a bit "windy," the destination is unequivocally "worthwhile." Dent Acres offers a harmonious blend of pristine natural beauty and modern comforts, allowing Idahoans to fully embrace the outdoor lifestyle they cherish without sacrificing essential amenities. It's a place where you can truly relax, play, and create lasting memories on one of Idaho's most magnificent reservoirs, making it an ideal choice for any local seeking a quality camping adventure.

Dent Acres Campground

Orofino, ID 83544, USA