Glover Campground

For Idaho locals seeking an authentic, unadorned wilderness experience, Glover Campground in Kooskia offers a unique opportunity to truly disconnect and immerse yourselves in the vast beauty of our state. Tucked away along Selway Road, this campground isn't about luxury amenities or bustling crowds; it's about raw nature, the thrill of the outdoors, and the peace that comes with genuine solitude. If you're an Idahoan who appreciates a "no-frills" approach to camping and thrives in a rugged environment, Glover Campground might just be your next favorite escape.

Idaho's landscape is a treasure trove of majestic mountains, pristine rivers, and sprawling forests, and Glover Campground is strategically placed to grant you direct access to these wonders. This isn't a manicured resort; it’s a genuine Forest Service campground that reflects the untamed spirit of the Idaho wilderness. It’s a place where you can pitch your tent, build a campfire, and gaze at a sky full of stars untouched by city lights.

While some modern campgrounds strive to offer all the comforts of home, Glover Campground embraces a more rustic philosophy. This makes it particularly appealing to seasoned Idaho outdoor enthusiasts who understand and appreciate the value of self-sufficiency and a deeper connection to their surroundings. It’s a chance to truly unplug and embrace the simplicity of camping.

Whether your passion lies in casting a line into a wild river, exploring challenging hiking trails, or simply unwinding in the quiet embrace of nature, Glover Campground provides an ideal basecamp. It’s a place where the sounds of the Selway River and the whisper of the wind through the trees become your soundtrack, and the call of local wildlife replaces the daily din. This campground is a testament to Idaho’s commitment to preserving its natural heritage for all to enjoy, especially for those of us who call this incredible state home.

Glover Campground is situated on Selway Road in Kooskia, ID 83539, USA, placing it deep within the heart of the Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests. This location means you're truly stepping into the vast expanse of Idaho's renowned wilderness, far from major population centers but still accessible enough for a dedicated local adventure. To reach the campground, you'll travel along Selway Road, which, as noted by local visitors, becomes unpaved after approximately seven miles, though it remains passable for all vehicles, including those with smaller RVs.

The journey to Glover Campground is part of the experience. The drive itself offers scenic views and a gradual immersion into the forested landscape. While it might feel isolated, its proximity to Kooskia and Lowell, Idaho, provides essential, albeit distant, access to supplies. Lowell is approximately 14 miles downstream, and Kooskia is about 36 miles west on Highway 12, where you'd typically find the nearest phone service or cell reception.

For Idaho locals, the trip to Glover Campground is an opportunity to explore a less-traveled part of their home state. It's a chance to venture into the rugged beauty that defines much of Idaho, a stark contrast to more developed recreational areas. The sense of remoteness is a key appeal, offering genuine tranquility and an authentic connection with nature. Remember to fuel up and stock up on supplies before heading out, as immediate services are not available directly at or very near the campground.

Despite its "no-frills" nature, Glover Campground provides essential services for a self-sufficient camping experience in the Idaho wilderness. It’s important for visitors to arrive prepared, as some amenities typically found in more developed campgrounds are not present here. Based on public data and local reviews, the services offered include:

• Campsites: Approximately 8 or 9 camping sites are available. Visitors should note that site conditions can vary, with some having picnic tables and fire rings, while others might lack one or both. The sites are generally small, and while there is one large campsite that is more open, many are on unlevel ground, making it more suitable for smaller tents or RVs.
• Restroom Facilities: There is at least one vault-style outhouse. Customer reviews indicate that these facilities are kept clean and are regularly serviced by US Forest Service personnel, which is a significant plus for a remote campground.
• Picnic Areas: Some sites are equipped with picnic tables.
• Stock Ramp: The campground offers a stock ramp, indicating its use by those on horseback exploring the nearby trails.
• Hiking Trail Access: Direct access to two trails, Roundtop Trail #705 and Glover Trail #704, which can be combined for loop hikes, offering excellent opportunities for exploration right from your campsite.
• Fee Season: There is an $8.00 per night fee during the fee season, which typically runs from May to September. Off-season use is allowed as snow permits, but services like restroom cleaning may not be provided during these times.

It is important to note what is generally NOT provided:

• Potable Water: There is no potable water available at the campground. Campers must bring their own water supply. However, water and a dump station are available at the Fenn Ranger Station, approximately 4.6 miles further up Selway Road from the highway.
• Garbage Services: No garbage services are provided, emphasizing a pack-it-in, pack-it-out ethic.
• Electricity: There is no electricity available at any of the campsites.
• Camp Host: There is typically no host on site.
• Phone Service: Cell phone service is generally unavailable at the campground.

Glover Campground’s appeal to Idaho locals lies in its distinctive features and highlights, which cater to those seeking a more rugged and authentic outdoor experience:

• Isolated, No-Frills Experience: This is perhaps its most defining feature. As one reviewer aptly put it, it's an "outstanding isolated no frills campground." This means a genuine escape from commercialism and crowds, allowing for a deep immersion in nature.
• Direct Trail Access: The campground provides access to two significant trails, Roundtop Trail #705 and Glover Trail #704. These offer excellent opportunities for hiking, mountain biking, and even equestrian use, leading to panoramic views, including those of the Selway Crags and the Bitterroot Mountain Range.
• Excellent Fishing Opportunities: Located near the Selway River, the campground is a prime spot for fishing. The Selway River is known for salmon, steelhead, and trout, providing a fantastic draw for anglers. Nearby creeks, while challenging, can also offer rewarding fishing.
• Wildlife Viewing: The surrounding Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests are home to abundant wildlife, including whitetail deer, elk, bear, moose, fox, squirrels, and wolves, offering incredible opportunities for wildlife observation and photography. You might even catch a glimpse of salmon jumping at Selway Falls.
• Clean Vault Toilets: Despite the overall rustic nature, reviewers have consistently noted that the vault toilets are kept clean and attended to by US Forest Service personnel, providing a basic but essential amenity.
• Free Off-Season Use: While a fee is collected during the main season (May-September), the campground is typically free to use in the off-season, offering an even more economical option for adventurous locals.
• Unpaved but Passable Road Access: The unpaved section of Selway Road after the seven-mile mark adds to the adventurous feel but is still manageable for all vehicles, making it accessible to a wide range of campers willing to venture a bit off the beaten path.

For any questions or further information regarding Glover Campground, you can reach out using the contact details below. Please remember that cell service is unlikely to be available directly at the campground, so it's best to call before you head out or once you are in an area with reception.

Address: Selway Rd, Kooskia, ID 83539, USA

Phone: (208) 926-4258

Mobile Phone: +1 208-926-4258

Glover Campground is exceptionally suitable for Idaho locals, particularly those who truly embody the spirit of outdoor adventure and self-reliance. While some reviews note a need for TLC and that certain sites are less than ideal, this feedback, paradoxically, reinforces its appeal to a specific segment of the Idaho populace: those who value isolation and a raw, unspoiled natural experience over manicured campsites.

For Idahoans who grew up exploring the vast public lands of our state, Glover Campground represents an authentic slice of Idaho wilderness. It's a place where you're encouraged to be self-sufficient, to truly "pack it in, pack it out," and to appreciate nature on its own terms. The challenging road access and limited amenities aren't deterrents for these individuals; they are part of the adventure, signaling a true escape from the over-commercialized world.

The excellent fishing in the Selway River and the direct access to hiking trails, as highlighted by local users, offer prime recreational opportunities right at your doorstep. This isn't a campground you visit to be entertained; it's one you visit to create your own adventure, whether that involves bagging a fish, conquering a trail, or simply listening to the sounds of the Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness.

Furthermore, the fact that "several vehicles per day drove around looking for a place to camp. None actually did so" (as per a reviewer) suggests that while some may find it "sub par" by typical standards, it ensures that those who do embrace its rustic charm will find the solitude they seek. This translates to fewer crowds, more privacy, and a more profound connection with Idaho's wild heart. For the Idaho local who prefers a quiet, unpretentious, and deeply natural camping experience, Glover Campground remains a truly outstanding option, offering an unvarnished glimpse into the state's magnificent wilderness heritage.

Glover Campground

Selway Rd, Kooskia, ID 83539, USA