Kamiah / Clearwater River KOA Journey

For those of us who cherish the vast and varied landscapes of Idaho, finding a camping destination that combines natural beauty with exceptional comfort and convenience is a true delight. We, as locals, appreciate a place that understands the needs of travelers, whether embarking on a solo adventure, a family vacation, or a large group gathering. The Kamiah / Clearwater River KOA Journey, nestled along the picturesque Northwest Passage Scenic Byway, stands out as a premier choice, consistently earning praise for its quality and welcoming atmosphere.

This isn't just any campground; it's a meticulously maintained oasis that has garnered loyalty from long-time visitors, including family reunions returning for decades. As one happy customer noted, the campground has "great improvements" and staff who make guests feel "super impressed" by their dedication and personalized service. Whether you're an RVer with a large rig, a tent camper seeking comfort, or part of a big group, Kamiah / Clearwater River KOA Journey offers a seamless and enjoyable outdoor experience. This article will provide you with a comprehensive look at what makes this Kamiah gem a perfect fit for your next Idaho camping adventure, covering its prime location, the extensive services and amenities it offers, its unique features, and why it's truly suitable for locals.

Kamiah / Clearwater River KOA Journey boasts an excellent and highly accessible location at 4243 US-12, Kamiah, ID 83536, USA. This places it directly on U.S. Highway 12, also known as the Northwest Passage Scenic Byway. For Idaho locals, this means effortless access whether you're traveling from the west (like Lewiston, approximately 65 miles away) or connecting from Highway 13 from the south (like Grangeville, about 40 miles). Its position along this major scenic route makes it an ideal stopover for cross-state journeys or a convenient base for exploring the rich natural and historical tapestry of north-central Idaho.

The campground's direct proximity to the Clearwater River, just "across the street," is a significant highlight for accessibility to water-based activities like fishing and tubing. Furthermore, its central location provides a short drive to some of Idaho's best OHV trails, various hot springs, and even local skiing locales, making it a year-round destination for diverse outdoor pursuits. As a "KOA Journey" campground, it's specifically designed for traveling campers, offering "long Pull-thru RV Sites" and "easy access and hook up" for large rigs, including 42' trailers and those up to 100 feet in length. This ease of entry and maneuverability, coupled with its strategic placement on a well-maintained highway, ensures a stress-free arrival for all types of campers from across Idaho. It also sits directly opposite the "Heart of the Monster," a significant Nez Perce cultural and historical site, offering easily accessible cultural enrichment right outside the campground.

Kamiah / Clearwater River KOA Journey provides a wide array of services and amenities designed to make every stay comfortable, convenient, and enjoyable for all types of campers.

• Diverse Campsite Options: The campground offers a variety of RV sites, including "very long drive through sites" (some up to 100 feet) and back-in sites, with options for 30 or 50 amp electrical service, water, and full hookups (water, power, sewer). There are also individual tent sites (with or without water and electric, some on elevated platforms) and a large group tent site with a grass pad, firepit, and picnic table.
• Clean Restrooms and Hot Showers: Campers consistently praise the "clean bathrooms with hot showers," which are well-maintained and provide a welcome comfort after a day of exploration.
• Swimming Pool: A "pool was great!" according to reviewers, and it is typically open seasonally from Memorial Weekend to Labor Day Weekend, providing a refreshing amenity for all ages.
• Laundry Facilities: On-site laundry facilities are available, though some campers noted the prices might be "a bit steep," they are functional for extended stays.
• Wi-Fi: The campground offers Wi-Fi access, described by some as "Fair" and "pretty good," allowing guests to stay connected.
• Dog Park: A dedicated "dog park" is on-site, making it a truly pet-friendly destination where furry family members can exercise and play.
• PowWow Room with Kitchen: A significant highlight for groups, the "PowWow room which we have always used (has a kitchen) (no charge)" is a valuable amenity for gatherings, meetings, and shared meals.
• Camp Store: A well-stocked "camp store" provides essentials for a memorable camping experience, from supplies to snacks.
• Picnic Tables & Fire Rings: All sites are equipped with picnic tables, and many have fire rings (though some RV sites might have "No Fire Options" for safety, portable fire pits can be requested).
• Shade Trees: The grounds are "beautiful and have nice shade trees all over," providing comfort during warmer months.
• Exceptional Staff and Customer Service: Reviewers frequently commend the "owners are incredible friendly and helpful!" and mention staff like Kristie who "always answered promptly and answered all questions" and knew guests "by name."
• Big Rig Friendly: Known as a KOA Journey, it caters specifically to "Big Rig Friendly" vehicles with long pull-through sites.

Kamiah / Clearwater River KOA Journey stands out with several key features and highlights that enhance the camping experience, particularly for Idaho locals seeking a blend of comfort, activity, and genuine hospitality.

• Exceptional Customer Service and Personal Touch: Repeatedly highlighted by guests, the "owners are incredible friendly and helpful!" and staff like Kristie who "knew everyone of us by name" create a welcoming atmosphere. This personalized attention makes a significant difference, as one reviewer noted, "Super impressed."
• Ideal for Group Gatherings: With amenities like the "PowWow room which we have always used (has a kitchen) (no charge)" and "perfect spot for group camping," this KOA is highly recommended for family reunions and other large events.
• Spacious and Accessible RV Sites: The availability of "very long drive through sites" (up to 100 feet) and diverse hookup options (30/50 amp, full hookups) makes it exceptionally "Big Rig Friendly" and easy to navigate for all sizes of RVs and trailers.
• Direct Clearwater River Access: Located "directly across from the Clearwater River," the campground offers easy "fishing access" and opportunities for "tubing down the Clearwater River," a popular summer activity. The river is known for steelhead, salmon, trout, and sturgeon.
• Proximity to Nez Perce History: Situated across from the "Heart of the Monster," a sacred Nez Perce National Historic Site, guests have immediate access to learn about the rich history and culture of the Nez Perce people, adding a unique educational element to their stay.
• Scenic Northwest Passage Byway Location: Being set along the Northwest Passage Scenic Byway means beautiful drives and easy exploration of the region, popular with motorcyclists and driving enthusiasts.
• Family-Friendly Amenities: The "pool was great!" and a "playground" provide excellent on-site entertainment for families with children, ensuring a fun and engaging stay.
• Pet-Friendly with Dog Park: The presence of a dedicated "dog park" ensures that furry family members are welcome and have space to exercise, a key feature for many Idaho pet owners.
• Well-Maintained Grounds: Descriptions like "grounds are beautiful" and "Nice Grass, trees, and space" indicate a commitment to maintaining a pleasant and aesthetically pleasing environment for campers.
• Central Location for Idaho Exploration: From the campground, guests are a "short drive to some of Idaho's best OHV trails, hot springs and skiing locales," making it an excellent base for a wide variety of outdoor adventures year-round.

For inquiries, reservations, or to learn more about Kamiah / Clearwater River KOA Journey, please use the following contact information. Given it is a KOA, online reservations through the KOA website are also readily available.

Address: 4243 US-12, Kamiah, ID 83536, USA

Phone: (208) 935-2556

Mobile Phone: +1 208-935-2556

Email: info@kamiahkoa.com

It is always recommended to visit their official KOA webpage or contact them directly for the most current information on site availability, rates, specific amenity operating hours (like the pool), and any special events or group booking details. Their staff is highly responsive, as noted by customer reviews, ensuring a smooth planning process for your visit.

Kamiah / Clearwater River KOA Journey is an exceptionally suitable destination for Idaho locals, offering a comprehensive camping experience that caters to a wide range of preferences and needs. Its strong appeal stems from a unique combination of top-tier amenities, a genuinely welcoming atmosphere, and a prime location within one of Idaho's most scenic and historically rich regions.

For Idahoans with RVs, the "very long drive through sites" and full hookup options (water, power, sewer) make it incredibly convenient and comfortable, especially for large rigs that can sometimes be challenging to accommodate elsewhere. The "beautiful grounds" with "nice shade trees" provide a pleasant environment, whether you're staying for a quick overnight or a longer group gathering. The consistent praise for the "owners are incredible friendly and helpful" and staff who "knew everyone of us by name" highlights a level of personalized service that fosters a sense of community and makes guests feel truly valued – a hallmark of genuine Idaho hospitality.

Beyond the excellent facilities, the campground's strategic location on US-12, directly across from the Clearwater River and the "Heart of the Monster" Nez Perce National Historic Site, provides immediate access to both recreation and cultural enrichment. Locals can easily enjoy "tubing down the Clearwater River," renowned "fishing spots," and explore the significant history of the Lewis and Clark expedition and the Nez Perce Tribe. The "PowWow room" with a kitchen is an invaluable asset for family reunions and group events, a feature that has drawn back groups for over 40 years. For any Idaho local seeking a well-rounded, comfortable, and friendly camping experience that offers both relaxation and ample opportunities for exploration, the Kamiah / Clearwater River KOA Journey truly delivers. It’s a place where quality meets convenience, right in the heart of our beautiful state.

Kamiah / Clearwater River KOA Journey

4243 US-12, Kamiah, ID 83536, USA