Ice Hole Campground

Welcome to Ice Hole Campground, a fantastic getaway truly tucked away in the majestic mountains of Idaho. For those of us who live in this beautiful state, the desire for an authentic wilderness experience, far from the crowds, is a common yearning. Ice Hole Campground answers that call perfectly, offering a serene and rugged escape that combines updated facilities with a deeply natural setting. It's a place where the sounds of the river replace city noise, and the vastness of the Boise National Forest provides an unparalleled backdrop for adventure and relaxation.

This article aims to be your comprehensive guide to Ice Hole Campground. We'll explore its remote yet accessible location, detailing what to expect on your journey to this hidden gem. We'll also highlight the recently renovated services and amenities, along with the unique features that make it a compelling destination for outdoor enthusiasts. Importantly, we'll draw upon insights from fellow Idahoans who have experienced the campground, providing a realistic perspective on its offerings. Our goal is to illustrate why Ice Hole Campground is a particularly suitable spot for locals seeking genuine solitude, exceptional river access, and a true immersion in Idaho's untamed landscapes, while still benefiting from modern camping conveniences.

Ice Hole Campground is remotely situated on Johnson Creek Rd, Cascade, ID 83611, USA, deep within the Boise National Forest. This location places it in a beautiful, forested mountain setting, making it an ideal spot for those seeking to truly disconnect. While the address points to Cascade, ID, it's important for visitors to understand that the campground is a considerable distance into the mountains from the town itself, accessed via forest service roads.

Accessibility to Ice Hole Campground involves navigating these backcountry roads. While the campground is generally "accessed by most vehicles," it's crucial to note that "the road is narrow and may be rough in spots." This implies that while a high-clearance vehicle might not be strictly required, extra caution is advised, and travelers should be prepared for unpaved sections and potentially uneven terrain. Checking current road conditions with the Boise National Forest or the Cascade Ranger District before your trip is highly recommended, especially during the spring and fall or after periods of heavy rain or snow.

One past visitor aptly notes that "Yellow Pine isn't too far away if you need a few amenities but make sure you are prepared, you will be a long ways in the mountains." This highlights the remote nature of the campground and the importance of being self-sufficient. Despite its secluded feel, the journey itself offers stunning scenic drives through dense pine forests, building anticipation for the tranquil escape that awaits. Its location near Johnson Creek and the South Fork Salmon River also provides easy access to the water for various recreational activities.

Ice Hole Campground offers a well-equipped and comfortable camping experience, significantly enhanced by recent renovations. While located in a remote setting, it provides key amenities that make a wilderness stay more enjoyable.

Services Offered:

• Newly Renovated Facilities: According to customer reviews, the campground was "Newly renovated in 2019," indicating modern and well-maintained amenities. This commitment to upkeep enhances the overall camping experience.
• Picnic Tables: Each campsite is equipped with sturdy picnic tables, providing a convenient surface for meals, games, and outdoor activities.
• Benches: In addition to tables, benches are available, offering comfortable seating options at each site.
• Camping Stove Stands: A thoughtful addition, the campground provides "stands for camping stoves," making outdoor cooking more organized and safer.
• Sand Areas for Tents: Dedicated "sand areas for tents" offer a level and soft base for pitching tents, contributing to a more comfortable night's sleep.
• Fire Pits with Built-in Grills: Each campsite includes a fire pit, complete with "built-in grills." This dual-purpose feature allows for traditional campfires while also providing a convenient cooking surface. Visitors should always check for current fire restrictions before lighting any fires.
• Large Parking Spots for Trailers: The campground offers "large parking spots for trailers," making it suitable for RVs and those towing recreational vehicles, even though hookups are not explicitly mentioned in reviews for all sites. Official Boise National Forest information indicates that Ice Hole Campground provides restrooms (vault toilets) and potable water.
• Restrooms: Vault toilets are available on-site for visitor convenience.
• Potable Water: Potable water is accessible, which is a significant amenity for a remote campground, meaning campers don't necessarily have to pack in all their drinking water.

Ice Hole Campground truly shines through its natural features and the recreational opportunities it provides, making it a highly desirable destination for those seeking an active wilderness escape.

Features / Highlights:

• Easy River Access: A major highlight is its "Easy river access to a beautiful swimming hole." This allows campers to cool off, swim, and enjoy the refreshing waters of Johnson Creek.
• Kid-Friendly Creek Section: The presence of "an easy section of the creek for kids" makes it particularly appealing for families, offering a safe and enjoyable environment for younger adventurers to play in the water.
• Paddleboarding Opportunities: For those with paddleboards, there's "enough room to paddle your board around too," suggesting sections of the creek or river with calmer waters suitable for leisurely paddling.
• Secluded and Low Traffic: Described as a "Perfect get away with minimal people," Ice Hole Campground offers genuine solitude and a less crowded experience, which is highly valued by many campers.
• Dense Pine Forest Setting: The campground is located in a "dense pine forest," providing ample shade, the characteristic aroma of pines, and a classic Idaho mountain ambiance.
• Proximity to Johnson Creek and South Fork Salmon River: Its location offers immediate access to Johnson Creek and nearby access to the South Fork Salmon River, which are known for their fishing opportunities.
• Access to Frank Church - River of No Return Wilderness: The campground is near several trailheads leading into the vast Frank Church - River of No Return Wilderness. This provides extensive opportunities for hiking, mountain biking, and equestrian activities on both motorized and non-motorized trails.
• Wildlife Viewing: The remote, forested environment is home to various wildlife, including deer, elk, bear, and moose, offering opportunities for nature observation and photography. Bald eagles are also frequently spotted.
• Nearby Yellow Pine: While remote, the "tiny community of Yellow Pine is just north of the campground and offers limited services," which can be a convenient stop for a few basic amenities or a taste of local charm, and also hosts the annual Yellow Pine Music & Harmonica Festival in August.

For inquiries and further information regarding Ice Hole Campground, you can utilize the following contact details. It is highly recommended to contact the managing authority, the Boise National Forest, directly for the most current information regarding road conditions, fire restrictions, operating seasons, and any changes to amenities, especially given its remote location.

Address: Johnson Creek Rd, Cascade, ID 83611, USA

Phone: (208) 373-4100

Mobile Phone: +1 208-373-4100

These phone numbers connect you to the Boise National Forest – Supervisor's Office. While the direct phone numbers you provided point to a general Boise National Forest contact, for specific inquiries about Ice Hole Campground, it is often best to direct your call to the Cascade Ranger District office, which directly manages this area. The phone number for the Cascade Ranger District is typically (208) 382-7400. They will be able to provide the most precise and up-to-date information on the campground's status and any local conditions you need to be aware of.

For us Idaho locals, Ice Hole Campground represents an ideal embodiment of the authentic wilderness experience our state is so famous for. Its remote, "minimal people" setting offers the perfect escape from the daily grind, allowing us to truly reconnect with nature. The recent renovations ensure that while you're deep in the mountains, you're not sacrificing essential comforts, with features like clean facilities, camping stove stands, and fire pits with grills making for a very enjoyable stay. This blend of rustic charm and thoughtful amenities makes it highly appealing.

The excellent river access, with a "beautiful swimming hole" and an "easy section of the creek for kids," provides endless opportunities for family fun and cooling off on warm Idaho days. For the more adventurous, the direct access to the Frank Church - River of No Return Wilderness means extensive hiking, mountain biking, and exploring are right at our doorstep. While it requires a bit of preparation due to its mountain location, the reward is an unparalleled sense of peace and a chance to experience Idaho's wild beauty firsthand. Ice Hole Campground is truly a gem for locals seeking to unplug, explore, and create lasting memories in the heart of our majestic state.

Ice Hole Campground

Johnson Creek Rd, Cascade, ID 83611, USA