Eiter Family Campground

For Idaho locals seeking a truly exceptional outdoor escape, Eiter Family Campground on the legendary St. Joe River near St. Maries is quickly earning a reputation as "the most amazing place on the Joe." This campground offers a remarkable blend of stunning natural beauty, thoughtfully upgraded amenities, and a welcoming atmosphere that promises a "perfect weekend" or even a longer, rejuvenating stay. If you're an Idahoan dreaming of sandy beaches, crystal-clear water, and convenient camping in a pristine setting, Eiter Family Campground is a must-visit destination.

Eiter Family Campground is not just another spot to pitch a tent; it's a testament to the ongoing efforts to enhance Idaho's beloved recreational areas. Thanks to recent redesigns and grants, the campground now boasts modern, accessible facilities that significantly improve the camping experience without detracting from the natural charm of the St. Joe River. Imagine spending your days on a beautiful sandy beach, swimming in the comfortable waters of the river, and then returning to a well-appointed campsite with essential hookups. This combination of natural allure and practical comfort makes it an ideal choice for families, friends, and solo adventurers alike.

As residents of Idaho, we understand and appreciate the unparalleled access to diverse landscapes our state offers. Eiter Family Campground exemplifies this, providing a prime location for exploring the Idaho Panhandle National Forests while offering direct access to one of the region's most iconic rivers. It’s a place where lasting memories are made, from splashing in the shallows to enjoying peaceful evenings under the stars.

Eiter Family Campground is strategically nestled along the scenic St. Joe River, approximately 10.6 miles from the full-service community of St. Maries, Idaho. Its address, 501 Whitetail Flats Ln, St Maries, ID 83861, USA, places it within the beautiful Idaho Panhandle National Forests. This location makes it a relatively accessible and highly desirable destination for many Idaho residents, particularly those in Northern Idaho, including Coeur d'Alene, Spokane, and surrounding towns.

Access to the campground is typically via Forest Highway 50 (St. Joe River Road), a well-maintained route that winds along the river, offering picturesque views. The campground itself features convenient paved roadways and camping spurs, ensuring easy navigation within the site for various vehicle types, including RVs.

A significant highlight of its location is the direct and easy access to the St. Joe River. Campers can enjoy a beautiful sandy beach, perfect for swimming and relaxation, and there's a boat ramp and dock available for launching both motorized and non-motorized watercraft. While the campground offers a sense of escape, it's reassuring to know that the town of St. Maries (population around 3,000) is just a short drive away, providing access to a hospital, gas, food, and other services should they be needed.

• Accessible Campsites: The campground features fully accessible campsites, reflecting recent redesigns to enhance usability for all visitors.
• Electrical Hookups: A significant upgrade, electricity is now available throughout the campground, providing modern convenience for campers.
• Potable Water: Drinking water is available through piped water systems, ensuring campers have access to safe, clean water.
• New Fire Rings: Each campsite is equipped with a new fire ring for safe and enjoyable campfires (subject to current fire restrictions).
• Picnic Tables: Every campsite includes a picnic table, perfect for outdoor dining and gathering.
• Restrooms: Clean restrooms, including vault toilets, are provided for visitor comfort. Reviews consistently praise the cleanliness of these facilities.
• Boat Launch and Docks: A dedicated boat ramp and docks provide easy access for launching boats onto the St. Joe River. A fee is charged for boat launch use to help maintain these facilities.
• Camp Hosts: Friendly and helpful camp hosts are on-site, offering a welcoming presence and often having firewood and ice for sale.
• Refuse Receptacles: Large waste bins are provided for convenient trash disposal, encouraging campers to keep the area clean.
• Ample Parking and Trailer Space: The campground offers ample parking and convenient trailer space, accommodating various camping setups.
• Group Picnic Shelter: A group picnic shelter is available for reservation, accommodating up to 40 people, ideal for larger gatherings.

• Amazing Sandy Beach: The "most amazing place" on the St. Joe is largely due to its incredible sandy beach, providing a perfect spot for swimming, sunbathing, and relaxation by the river.
• St. Joe River Access: Direct access to a slack-water section of the St. Joe River, ideal for non-motorized boating like canoeing, kayaking, paddleboarding, and tubing. It's also a known fishing destination.
• Recent Modern Upgrades: The campground benefited from a complete redesign in 2023, including new accessible facilities and the addition of electricity, significantly enhancing the camping experience.
• Clean and Well-Kept: Visitors consistently praise the campground for being nice, well-kept, and clean, particularly highlighting the spotless bathrooms.
• Spacious and Shaded Campsites: Sites are described as spacious, offering privacy, and are shaded by large old cottonwood trees and other ornamental shade trees, providing comfort during warm Idaho summers.
• Friendly Camp Hosts: The welcoming and helpful nature of the camp hosts is a frequently mentioned highlight, adding to the positive atmosphere.
• Nature Viewing Opportunities: The area is abundant with wildlife, plants, and scenic views, including herds of elk often seen along the lower sections of the river.
• Family-Friendly Environment: The combination of a sandy beach, swimming access, and updated amenities makes it a perfect spot for families.
• Convenient On-site Sales: The availability of firewood and ice for sale by the camp host is a practical convenience appreciated by campers.
• Proximity to St. Maries: Being just over 10 miles from a full-service community means easy access to supplies and emergency services.

Address: 501 Whitetail Flats Ln, St Maries, ID 83861, USA

Phone: (208) 245-2531 (This number is for the St. Maries Office, which manages the campground, as indicated on Forest Service pages).

Mobile Phone: While a specific mobile number isn't always distinct from the main line for campgrounds, the main number (208) 245-2531 should be used for inquiries.

Eiter Family Campground is an outstanding choice for Idaho locals seeking a premier outdoor destination. Its blend of stunning natural beauty, recent modern upgrades, and commitment to visitor comfort makes it an ideal spot for a wide range of recreational activities, perfectly encapsulating the Idaho outdoor experience.

For Idahoans, the allure of Eiter Family Campground lies in its prime location on the St. Joe River, complete with an "amazing sandy beach." This provides immediate access to swimming, boating, and fishing in one of our state's most beautiful waterways. The recent addition of electricity at campsites, alongside new fire rings and picnic tables, offers a level of convenience that enhances the camping experience, making it more comfortable for families and those with modern camping gear, without sacrificing the rustic feel of a forest campground.

The consistent praise for the cleanliness of the facilities, especially the restrooms, and the welcoming nature of the camp hosts, contributes significantly to a positive and stress-free stay. Knowing that the campground is well-maintained and that friendly assistance is available on-site adds a layer of comfort and security that locals appreciate. The availability of firewood and ice also demonstrates a thoughtfulness for camper needs.

Furthermore, Eiter Family Campground serves as an excellent basecamp for exploring the broader Idaho Panhandle National Forests, with abundant wildlife viewing opportunities and the tranquility of a shaded, spacious environment. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat to reconnect with nature or an active weekend filled with river activities, this campground delivers. It perfectly represents the kind of high-quality, accessible outdoor recreation that makes living in Idaho so special, ensuring many "perfect weekends" for residents.

Eiter Family Campground

501 Whitetail Flats Ln, St Maries, ID 83861, USA