Magee Historic Site

For Idahoans with a love for the outdoors and a keen interest in the state's rich heritage, Magee Historic Site offers a truly distinctive camping experience. More than just a place to pitch a tent, this site is steeped in history, providing a tangible connection to Idaho's past while offering the tranquility of a natural setting. Imagine camping in a location where generations have gathered, from students attending traditional outdoor camps to adventurers utilizing its unique facilities. Magee Historic Site provides a blend of rustic charm and intriguing historical context, making it an ideal destination for those seeking a camping trip with an added layer of discovery. It’s a place where you can enjoy the peace of nature, explore historical remnants, and perhaps even witness a plane landing on its nearby grass runway – a truly unique Idaho adventure.

Magee Historic Site is located in Idaho, USA, with its general location suggesting it is situated in a more remote, historical area rather than a densely populated urban center. While a precise street address isn't widely publicized, its designation as a "historic site" implies its location is tied to historical significance, often found within or adjacent to public lands like national forests or state parks. Access to such sites typically involves navigating well-maintained, but potentially unpaved, forest or rural roads. Visitors should always consult up-to-date maps or contact relevant state or national forest service offices for the most accurate driving directions. A unique aspect of Magee Historic Site's accessibility, as noted by visitors, is the presence of a "grass runway nearby if you want to fly there!" This extraordinary feature caters to aviators who enjoy fly-in camping, making it exceptionally accessible for a niche group of outdoor enthusiasts. For those arriving by vehicle, the journey promises a scenic drive through Idaho's diverse landscapes, leading to a secluded and historically rich destination. The remote nature of the site contributes to its appeal as a quiet escape from the everyday hustle.

Services Offered:

• Camping facilities (specific types of sites, e.g., tent, RV, may vary but typically primitive).
• Fresh water availability (confirmed by a reviewer).
• Access to a nearby grass runway for small aircraft.
• Basic restroom facilities (likely vault toilets, common in more remote campgrounds).
• Designated areas for historical interpretation or educational activities (given its "historic site" designation).
• Proximity to natural areas for hiking and exploration.
• Fire rings (common in campgrounds, but always check for fire restrictions).

Features / Highlights:

• Rich Historical Significance: Magee Historic Site is deeply rooted in Idaho's past, serving as a former location for 6th-grade outdoor camps dating back to the 1970s. This history offers a unique educational and reflective experience for visitors.
• Unique Fly-In Accessibility: The nearby grass runway offers an incredibly rare opportunity for private pilots to fly directly to their camping destination, providing an exclusive and adventurous mode of access.
• Fresh Water Source: The availability of fresh water is a crucial and highly valued amenity, especially in more remote camping locations, enhancing comfort and convenience.
• Secluded and Safe Environment: Reviewers describe it as a "secluded and safe place to learn or camp," emphasizing its tranquil and secure atmosphere, ideal for families and educational groups.
• Abundant Wild Treasures: The land is noted for its "immense medicinal and edible plants," indicating a well-preserved natural environment ripe for nature exploration and appreciation.
• Former "Spyglass Lookout Tower" Site: While the tower itself has been removed from maps, its historical presence adds to the mystique and intrigue of the location, sparking curiosity about its past role in forest management or observation.
• Ideal for Summer Camps and Outdoor Education: Its history of hosting outdoor camps highlights its suitability for group learning, nature connection programs, and fostering an appreciation for the environment among younger generations.
• Peaceful Retreat: The overall ambiance is one of tranquility, allowing visitors to disconnect and immerse themselves in the quiet beauty of the Idaho wilderness.

Contact Information:

Address: Idaho, USA (As a general historic site, specific local contact information beyond a general state or forest service contact is often not publicly detailed. For specific inquiries regarding camping at Magee Historic Site, visitors should generally direct their questions to the Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation or the relevant National Forest Service office in the area where the site is believed to be located.)

Phone: While a specific phone number for Magee Historic Site directly wasn't provided, historical or remote sites are often managed by larger agencies. For camping inquiries or specific details, contacting the Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation or the U.S. Forest Service office for the region in Idaho where Magee Historic Site is situated would be the most appropriate approach. Look for contact details for the nearest ranger district or state park office. The provided information only shows "Idaho, USA" for the address, so specific local numbers directly linked to the site are not available in the provided data.

For Idaho locals, Magee Historic Site offers a truly unique and enriching camping experience that goes beyond the typical outdoor getaway. Its deep historical roots, evident from its past as a beloved 6th-grade camp and the mention of the former Spyglass Lookout Tower, provide a fascinating backdrop for any visit, allowing locals to connect with their state's heritage. The confirmed availability of fresh water is a practical convenience in a secluded setting, while the nearby grass runway presents an extraordinary opportunity for aviation enthusiasts to "fly in" to their adventure. This blend of history, unique accessibility, and well-preserved natural beauty makes Magee Historic Site particularly suitable for families seeking an educational yet fun outing, outdoor educators looking for a conducive learning environment, and anyone desiring a peaceful retreat that feels both remote and intimately connected to Idaho's story. It's a testament to the "phenomenal preservation of wild treasures" in our own backyard, making it an excellent choice for a distinctive and memorable Idaho camping trip.

Magee Historic Site

Idaho, USA