Devils Elbow Campground

Nestled in the breathtaking Idaho Panhandle National Forests, just a scenic drive from Wallace, Devils Elbow Campground offers a truly idyllic escape for those seeking peace, natural beauty, and a genuine outdoor experience. It's not just a place to pitch a tent or park an RV; it's a meticulously kept haven where the serene sounds of the North Fork Coeur d'Alene River provide a constant, soothing soundtrack. Visitors consistently praise its pristine conditions, describing it as "beautiful," "clean and maintained," and an absolute joy to experience.

This charming campground provides a refreshing contrast to more commercialized sites. Here, you'll find spacious, well-appointed campsites, each featuring a large, clean fire ring and a generously sized picnic table, perfect for family meals or gathering around a crackling fire. The thoughtful attention to detail extends even to the "surprisingly clean" outhouses, which remarkably, even "smelled nice." Such dedication to visitor comfort, combined with the stunning natural surroundings, ensures a memorable and enjoyable stay.

Devils Elbow is more than just a campsite; it's a gateway to authentic Idaho adventures. With the river literally steps away from many sites, opportunities for fishing, floating, and swimming abound. While you won't find cell service here – a deliberate invitation to truly disconnect – the tranquility and natural beauty more than compensate. It's a place where friendly neighbors and helpful hosts contribute to a welcoming atmosphere, making it a highly anticipated return destination for many, even after unexpected storms.

Devils Elbow Campground is strategically located on the banks of the North Fork Coeur d'Alene River, in the heart of the Idaho Panhandle National Forests, near Wallace, ID 83873, USA. This placement makes it a perfect base for exploring the rich outdoor recreation opportunities of the region.

Accessing the campground typically involves a scenic drive of "about 30-40 minutes from the freeway" (I-90), following the Coeur d'Alene River. From I-90, visitors usually take Exit 43 (Kingston) and travel north on Forest Highway 9 (FH9) to Prichard, then continue north on Forest Road 208 to the campground. The drive itself is part of the experience, winding through dense lodgepole and mixed pine forests, offering picturesque views along the way. While the exact driving time depends on starting point, it's generally considered a manageable journey into a truly wild setting.

Within the campground, roads are paved, and parking spurs are designed to accommodate various vehicles, including tents, trailers, and RVs, though some spurs are described as "short but wide enough for parking two vehicles alongside a trailer." The campground sits at an elevation of approximately 2,600 feet, nestled amongst the trees, providing ample shade to most sites. It's important for visitors to be aware that cell service is generally unavailable in this area, necessitating preparation for an off-grid experience. However, this lack of connectivity is often seen as a benefit, encouraging a deeper immersion in nature.

• Campsites: Devils Elbow Campground offers 20 well-maintained campsites, including a host site and a group site capable of accommodating up to 50 people and 12-14 vehicles. Each site is equipped with a large, clean fire ring with a grill and a spacious picnic table.

• Potable Water: Hand-pump well-water is available throughout the campground. Reviews consistently praise the water quality, describing it as "cold clear water" and tasting "awesome."

• Vault Toilets: Extremely clean and well-maintained vault toilets are strategically located throughout the campground, with visitors noting their surprising cleanliness and pleasant smell.

• Firewood for Sale: Large bundles of "nice dry wood" are available for purchase from the friendly camp hosts at their sister site for $8 each, ensuring campers can easily enjoy campfires.

• Trash Collection: Trash collection services are provided via large dumpsters, encouraging campers to keep the campground clean and practice Leave No Trace principles.

• Host On-Site (at sister site): Camp hosts are present, though they reside at a nearby "sister site." They are described as "so nice and helpful," offering assistance and ensuring the campground remains well-kept.

• No Cell Service: It is crucial for visitors to note that there is no cell service at the campground, providing a true opportunity to disconnect. Campers need to drive approximately 40 minutes to find service in case of emergency.

• No Hookups: This is a primitive campground, meaning there are no electrical, water, or sewage hookups at the individual campsites.

• Pristine and Well-Maintained: Reviewers consistently highlight the campground's exceptional cleanliness and meticulous maintenance. Sites are clean, fire rings are clear, and even the outhouses are surprisingly spotless and odor-free.

• Direct River Access: The North Fork Coeur d'Alene River runs directly alongside the campground, with many sites offering "a short trail down to the water." This provides immediate access for fishing, tubing, swimming, and simply enjoying the "gorgeous and serene" stream.

• Spacious Campsites: The campsites are notably "clean and large," featuring "gigantic" picnic tables and ample room for privacy, even when the campground is full.

• Refreshing Well Water: The hand-pumped well water is a significant highlight, described as "cold clear water" and tasting "awesome," providing a refreshing and reliable source of drinking water.

• Friendly and Helpful Camp Hosts: The hosts are frequently praised for their "nice and helpful" demeanor, contributing significantly to the positive camping experience and ensuring visitors feel welcome.

• Digital Detox Opportunity: The complete lack of cell service is a key feature, encouraging campers to truly disconnect from technology and immerse themselves in nature, although it requires planning for emergencies.

• Beautiful Forest Setting: Surrounded by lodgepole and mixed pines, the campground offers excellent shade and a classic Idaho forest ambiance, providing a perfect backdrop for outdoor relaxation.

• Tubing and Swimming Holes: The river provides ample opportunities for "tubing" and has "a swimming hole, about 6-7 ft deep," ideal for cooling off during hot summer days.

• Excellent Firewood: High-quality, "huge bundles of nice dry wood" are available for purchase, ensuring enjoyable campfires.

Address: Wallace, ID 83873, USA (located in the Idaho Panhandle National Forests, North Fork Coeur d'Alene River area)

Phone: (347) 729-9457 (This number seems to be a generic booking line, for more direct information contact the Idaho Panhandle National Forests - Coeur d'Alene River Ranger District at (208) 765-7223 or through Recreation.gov).

Mobile Phone: +1 347-729-9457

For Idaho locals, Devils Elbow Campground is more than just a place to camp; it's a quintessential North Idaho experience, offering a perfect blend of rustic charm and pristine natural beauty right in their backyard. This campground is particularly suitable for those who truly appreciate the rugged yet welcoming character of the Gem State's wilderness.

The consistent praise for its cleanliness and well-maintained facilities speaks to the care put into this site, which is something Idahoans who frequent their public lands deeply value. The spacious campsites, complete with large picnic tables and fire rings, provide ample room for families and friends to gather comfortably, fostering the outdoor communal spirit that is so prevalent in the region. Having the North Fork Coeur d'Alene River just steps away, with its opportunities for fishing, tubing, and cooling off in "swimming holes," makes it an ideal summer destination for those looking to escape the heat and embrace water-based recreation.

The absence of cell service, while a minor inconvenience for some, is a major draw for many locals seeking a genuine "digital detox." It allows for a deeper connection with nature and loved ones, free from the distractions of the modern world. The friendly and helpful camp hosts, combined with the strong sense of community among campers, create a welcoming atmosphere that resonates with Idaho's hospitable culture. Even the small detail of "awesome" tasting well water adds to the authentic, back-to-basics appeal.

Whether it's the peaceful serenity of the stream, the thrill of catching cutthroat trout, or simply the joy of relaxing in a clean, beautiful forest setting, Devils Elbow Campground offers an authentic and highly rewarding outdoor adventure that perfectly caters to the desires of Idaho locals. It's a place that invites return visits, promising a refreshing and memorable escape every time.

Devils Elbow Campground

Wallace, ID 83873, USA