Redtail Campground

For those of us who cherish Idaho's sweeping vistas and tranquil natural escapes, Redtail Campground in Potlatch, ID, stands out as a true "gem." Located within the beautiful Mary Minerva McCroskey State Park, this campground offers a unique blend of peaceful solitude and incredible access to the diverse landscapes of our region. Imagine waking up to "lovely views" that stretch across the rolling hills and forested areas, with a quiet atmosphere that truly allows you to unwind. Redtail Campground is a testament to the foresight of private citizens who preserved and donated this land for the continued enjoyment of outdoor enthusiasts, offering a heartfelt "thank you, Mr. & Mrs. McCroskey," from all of us who get to experience its beauty.

Redtail Campground, while maintaining a rustic charm, provides essential amenities that make for a comfortable stay. It’s particularly suited for those who appreciate undeveloped beauty while still having basic conveniences like pit toilets and potable water. Its design allows "some sites accommodate larger rigs," ensuring accessibility for a variety of campers. Beyond the campground itself, the surrounding state park is a wonderland for outdoor riders and enthusiasts, offering vast stretches of trails perfect for ATVs, dirt bikes, and other off-highway vehicles. It's a place where you can explore to your heart's content, then return to a quiet campsite under the Idaho stars. Redtail truly embodies the spirit of generosity and natural preservation that makes Idaho such a special place for locals seeking genuine outdoor adventure and serene relaxation.

Redtail Campground is situated within Mary Minerva McCroskey State Park, near Potlatch, ID 83855, USA. This location places it amidst the rolling hills and forested areas of the Idaho Panhandle, offering scenic beauty and a sense of escape. However, accessing Redtail Campground requires careful attention to directions, particularly when relying on navigation apps.

According to experienced visitors, the "best to come from the east via Skyline Drive from US 95, a paved road suitable for all vehicles." Skyline Drive, the main access through McCroskey State Park, is a gravel road, approximately 17 miles long, that can be traveled by most vehicles. It features generous shoulders and numerous pull-outs, making it generally passable. However, it's explicitly advised: "DO NOT FOLLOW GOOGLE MAPS' DIRECTIONS TO COME IN FROM THE WEST." The western approaches, while potentially appearing as roads on maps, can be "a true 4WD track, very deeply rutted due to washout" and "narrow, overgrown and deeply rutted," making them unsuitable for most vehicles and particularly hazardous for trailers or large RVs.

For safe and enjoyable access, locals should plan their route to enter the park from Highway 95 on the Idaho side. There are several access points from Highway 95, with a direct route just north of the Idaho Transportation Department Mineral Mountain Rest Area. This route puts you directly on Skyline Drive, leading to an oversized vehicle turn-around, picnic area, pit toilet, and trailheads about three-quarters of a mile up the road, setting the stage for easier travel within the park to reach Redtail Campground. This careful consideration of access ensures a much smoother start to your peaceful camping experience in this beautiful part of Idaho.

Redtail Campground provides essential services designed to offer a comfortable yet rustic camping experience, allowing visitors to fully immerse themselves in the natural beauty of Mary Minerva McCroskey State Park:

• Designated Campsites: The campground features individual campsites, many of which are described as "great spots" and can "accommodate larger rigs," providing flexibility for various types of camping setups.
• Picnic Tables: Each site is equipped with a picnic table, offering a convenient surface for outdoor meals and activities.
• Fire Rings: Fire rings are available at each campsite, allowing campers to enjoy traditional campfires (always observe local fire restrictions and burn bans).
• Pit Toilets: Clean and well-maintained pit toilets (also known as vault toilets) are provided, offering basic restroom facilities.
• Potable Water Faucet: A potable water faucet is available, ensuring access to drinking water for campers, though it may require a walk from individual sites.
• Quiet Atmosphere: The campground is noted for its "quiet" environment, making it ideal for peaceful relaxation away from urban noise.
• Scenic Views: Campsites offer "lovely views" to the East, South, and West, providing beautiful sunrises, sunsets, and expansive natural scenery.
• Open Season: The camping season typically runs from April 10th to December 10th in Northern Idaho for permitted lands, though specific park operations might vary.
• RV and Tent Friendly: While some sites can fit larger RVs, the overall design caters to both tent camping and smaller to moderate-sized RVs/travel trailers.

Redtail Campground, situated within the generous Mary Minerva McCroskey State Park, offers several compelling features and highlights that make it a truly special destination for Idaho locals:

• Generous Land Donation: The park itself, including Redtail Campground, is a "real gem that was made available to the public in the will of a private citizen," Mr. & Mrs. McCroskey. This unique origin story adds a layer of appreciation for the land and its continued public enjoyment.
• Miles of Trails for OHVs and Dirt Bikes: The surrounding McCroskey State Park boasts an extensive trail system, making it incredibly popular for mountain bikes, motorcycles, ATVs, and UTVs. This offers unparalleled adventure opportunities directly from the campground's vicinity.
• Beautiful Unobstructed Views: Campers rave about the "beautiful unobstructed views" to the East, South, and West, providing stunning vistas of the rolling hills and forested landscapes, especially at sunrise and sunset.
• Quiet and Peaceful Ambiance: Despite the recreational opportunities, the campground maintains a serene atmosphere, perfect for those seeking tranquility and relaxation.
• Wildflower Displays: The land was preserved and cultivated with "billions of wild flowers," suggesting beautiful seasonal blooms that enhance the natural setting.
• Wildlife Viewing Opportunities: The diverse forest and open spaces of the park provide opportunities for spotting local wildlife, including elk, moose, accipiters, and various butterflies.
• Well-Maintained Facilities: Visitors highlight the "great" campground itself, noting the presence of fire rings, picnic tables, and clean pit toilets, demonstrating a commitment to basic camper comfort.
• Adaptable for Various Rigs: While approach roads require caution for larger vehicles, "some sites can accommodate larger rigs," offering versatility for different camping styles.
• Sense of Seclusion: The challenges of the western access routes (which should be avoided) contribute to a feeling of being truly "tucked away" when approached correctly, enhancing the peaceful atmosphere.

For more information regarding Redtail Campground and Mary Minerva McCroskey State Park, please use the following general contact information. Please note that state parks often manage their campgrounds through a centralized system or main office:

Address: 3374+4H, Potlatch, ID 83855, USA (Redtail Campground is located within Mary Minerva McCroskey State Park)

For specific inquiries about the park, including camping availability, road conditions (especially concerning Skyline Drive access), and any alerts, it is best to consult the official Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation website for Mary Minerva McCroskey State Park. While there isn't a direct phone number for Redtail Campground itself, the main park office or a general Idaho State Parks contact line would be the most reliable source of information.

Redtail Campground is an exceptional destination for locals throughout Idaho, embodying the spirit of outdoor adventure and natural beauty that defines our state. For Idahoans who are passionate about exploring vast landscapes, whether on foot, mountain bike, or ATV, this campground serves as an ideal base. The expansive trail system within Mary Minerva McCroskey State Park, made possible by a generous land donation, offers endless opportunities for exhilarating rides and scenic hikes, directly accessible from the campground's vicinity.

Beyond the adventure, Redtail provides a much-needed sanctuary for peaceful contemplation. The "quiet, lovely views" and rustic amenities like fire rings and picnic tables allow for genuine relaxation under the wide Idaho sky. While the access warning for large vehicles from the west is crucial, it underscores the remote and unspoiled nature of the park, which is often what locals cherish most. Knowing the correct approach via Skyline Drive from US 95 ensures a smooth journey into this tranquil haven.

The dedication of Mr. & Mrs. McCroskey to preserve this land for public enjoyment resonates deeply with Idaho's community values, making the experience at Redtail Campground feel even more special and personal. It's a place where families can create lasting memories, where outdoor enthusiasts can pursue their passions, and where anyone can reconnect with the stunning beauty and peaceful solitude that makes Idaho truly the "Gem State." Redtail Campground is more than just a place to stay; it's an invitation to experience the heart of Idaho's wilderness, perfect for those who proudly call this state home.

Redtail Campground

3374+4H, Potlatch, ID 83855, USA