Ditch Creek Campground

For Idahoans who truly embrace the rugged and independent spirit of the Gem State, Ditch Creek Campground near Elk City offers an exceptional and authentic outdoor experience. This isn't a conventional, amenity-rich campground; it's a rustic, undeveloped, and refreshingly free camping area that serves as an ideal base for a wide array of wilderness activities. As one enthusiastic local put it, "It's free and the place to be camping and riding with horses," perfectly encapsulating its appeal to those seeking genuine freedom and adventure in Idaho's vast public lands.

Situated in the heart of the Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests, Ditch Creek Campground is set along the scenic Ditch Creek, just across the road from the larger Red River. The campsites are primarily in an open area with limited tall trees, providing ample sunshine – a "beautiful place to catch the sun." With about 4-5 tent/RV sites, each equipped with a picnic table and fire ring, it offers basic necessities for a comfortable stay while maintaining a primitive feel. This campground is particularly popular among those who enjoy motorized recreation, equestrian activities, fishing, and big game hunting, making it a true hub for Idaho's passionate outdoors enthusiasts. It's a place where the wild reigns, and self-reliance is key, promising memorable experiences for the right group of adventurers.

Ditch Creek Campground is nestled in a remote yet accessible corner of the Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests, with its address listed as Red River Rd, Elk City, ID 83525, USA. This places it deep within Idaho's central mountains, a region celebrated for its expansive wilderness, diverse ecosystems, and abundant recreational opportunities. Its location along Red River Road connects it to the small, historic town of Elk City, which serves as a vital service hub for visitors to the area.

To reach Ditch Creek Campground from Elk City, Idaho, travelers should take Highway 14 West for approximately 2.8 miles before turning left onto Red River Road (also known as Red River-Dixie Road #222). Following Red River Road for about 17.5 miles will lead directly to the campground, which will be on your left-hand side. While Red River Road is a maintained forest road, it's essential for visitors to be aware that conditions can vary, particularly during adverse weather or seasonal changes. The campground's coordinates are approximately 45.750521, -115.270000, and it sits at an elevation of around 4660 feet.

For Idaho locals, this accessibility means a manageable drive to a truly wild setting. The journey itself offers scenic vistas, with hills covered in forest and meadows frequently dotted with deer and elk. The relatively direct road access, despite its remote destination, makes Ditch Creek Campground a practical choice for those with RVs (accommodating small trailers) or those bringing horses and ATVs. It provides a gateway to a vast network of trails and public lands, allowing Idahoans to easily venture into the backcountry for extended adventures, all originating from this convenient and free basecamp.

• Free Campsites: Ditch Creek Campground is a no-fee campground, offering free camping on a first-come, first-served basis.

• Primitive Campsites: There are approximately 4-5 tent/RV campsites available, designed for a rustic camping experience.

• Picnic Tables: Each campsite is equipped with a picnic table for convenience.

• Fire Rings: Individual fire rings with attached grills are provided at each site for campfires (always check for current fire restrictions).

• Vault Toilet: A small, older outhouse (vault toilet) is available for use to manage human waste.

• No Potable Water: Visitors must bring their own drinking water, as no potable water source is available on-site. Surface water from the creek must be treated before consumption.

• No Garbage Services: This is a "pack in/pack out" site; campers are responsible for removing all their trash.

• No Electricity or Host on Site: The campground operates without electricity, and there is no campground host present.

• Firewood: Campers will need to provide their own firewood.

• RV Dumping Station Nearby: According to some sources, there is a free RV dumping station at the old Red River Ranger Station, a few miles upstream.

• Free Camping: One of the most attractive features for Idaho locals is that Ditch Creek Campground is completely free, making it an excellent budget-friendly option for extended stays or frequent visits.

• Horseback Riding Access: The campground is explicitly highlighted as a prime spot for "riding with horses," indicating its suitability for equestrian enthusiasts and offering access to a vast network of trails for horse riding.

• OHV/ATV Riding Opportunities: Ditch Creek Campground provides easy access to numerous OHV roads and trails, making it a popular hub for ATV riders looking to explore the surrounding national forest and access remote fishing spots or hunting grounds.

• Excellent Big Game Hunting: The area is renowned for big game hunting, with sightings of "a dozen or so deer and a very large herd of elk" reported. This makes it an ideal base camp for hunters during the appropriate seasons.

• Prime Fishing Access: Located near Ditch Creek and the Red River, the campground offers good fishing opportunities in the river, several small streams, and nearby mountain lakes. Many anglers use ATVs to reach these remote, productive fishing spots.

• Wildlife Viewing: The abundance of deer, elk, and other forest inhabitants ensures excellent wildlife viewing opportunities directly from the campground or along the surrounding roads and trails.

• Proximity to Red River Hot Springs: The campground is only about 6 miles west of the Red River Hot Springs, providing a unique opportunity for campers to enjoy a natural hot spring soak after a day of outdoor activities.

• Rustic, Undeveloped Charm: For those who prefer a less commercialized camping experience, the "rather undeveloped and under used" nature of Ditch Creek Campground offers a true sense of wild Idaho, perfect for creating "great memories" in a genuine wilderness setting.

• Year-Round Potential (Seasonal Accessibility): While generally open year-round, its accessibility can be limited by snow in winter, allowing for seasonal recreation like snowmobiling for adventurous types.

Address: Red River Rd, Elk City, ID 83525, USA

Phone: (208) 842-2245

Mobile Phone: +1 208-842-2245

For more detailed and current information regarding Ditch Creek Campground, Idahoans should utilize the provided phone numbers, which connect to the Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests office (likely the Red River Ranger District, though the station itself is noted as closed). As this is a free, first-come, first-served campground without a host on site, direct contact with the Forest Service is crucial for obtaining the latest information on road conditions, fire restrictions, and any seasonal closures, especially due to snow. Visitors can also check the official Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests website for maps and updated recreation information before planning their trip to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.

Ditch Creek Campground is exceptionally suitable for Idaho locals, embodying the very essence of the state's rugged, free-spirited outdoor culture. For Idahoans who prioritize self-reliance, adventure, and direct access to vast public lands, this free and primitive campground offers an unparalleled experience that is deeply ingrained in their way of life. It’s not about luxurious amenities; it’s about the freedom to explore, the thrill of the hunt or the catch, and the serenity of a truly wild setting.

The immediate appeal for many is its zero-cost access, making it a perfect destination for frequent outings without breaking the bank. Furthermore, its unique suitability for "camping and riding with horses" or ATVs speaks directly to a significant segment of Idaho's outdoor community. This allows locals to use Ditch Creek as a strategic base camp, extending their adventures deep into the Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests for backcountry exploration, accessing remote fishing streams and mountain lakes, or pursuing big game hunting opportunities that are a hallmark of Idaho's outdoor heritage.

The "pack in/pack out" policy and lack of potable water are not deterrents for experienced Idaho locals; rather, they are expected elements of a genuine wilderness experience. These requirements foster a sense of environmental responsibility and self-sufficiency that resonates with the state's outdoor ethics. The abundance of wildlife, including frequent sightings of deer and elk, and the proximity to the unique Red River Hot Springs, further enrich the experience, offering authentic encounters with Idaho's natural wonders.

In essence, Ditch Creek Campground is more than just a place to sleep; it’s a gateway to the untamed beauty and adventurous spirit of Idaho. It offers a raw, authentic, and versatile outdoor experience that perfectly caters to the values and recreational pursuits of the local population, making it an indispensable choice for those who truly love to live wild and free in the Gem State.

Ditch Creek Campground

Red River Rd, Elk City, ID 83525, USA