Seven Devils Campground

Hello, fellow Idahoans! We all know that our Gem State is a land of incredible contrasts, from the arid plains to the soaring peaks that define our iconic skyline. For those of us who yearn for the crisp air of high altitudes and the challenge of mountain exploration, Idaho offers unparalleled opportunities. Today, we’re setting our sights on a truly remarkable destination: Seven Devils Campground. Tucked away high in the mountains near Riggins, this campground is more than just a place to pitch a tent; it’s a gateway to breathtaking vistas, challenging hikes, and a genuine immersion in Idaho’s rugged high-country wilderness. This article is designed to provide a clear, engaging, and factual overview of Seven Devils Campground, helping you decide if this alpine retreat is the perfect setting for your next Idaho adventure.

Idaho’s diverse landscapes offer endless possibilities for outdoor enthusiasts, and the Seven Devils Mountains stand as a testament to the state’s raw, untamed beauty. These formidable peaks, part of the Hells Canyon National Recreation Area, boast some of the deepest canyons in North America, including the renowned Hells Canyon itself. Seven Devils Campground, perched at a significant elevation, offers campers direct access to this spectacular terrain. It’s a place where the air is thin, the views are expansive, and the sense of accomplishment after a challenging hike is profoundly rewarding. For many Idahoans, seeking out such elevated experiences is a way to truly connect with the grandeur of our state.

A high-mountain campground like Seven Devils comes with its own unique set of considerations. Its beauty is matched by its challenging environment, making preparedness key to an enjoyable and safe visit. This is not a campground for those seeking extensive amenities or easy-access glamping; rather, it caters to those who appreciate a more rustic experience and are ready for an adventure. Our aim here is to provide you with all the essential information – from its precise location and accessibility, which can be adventurous in itself, to the services and features that make it such a memorable destination. We want to ensure you're well-informed before you pack your bags and ascend into this incredible part of Idaho.

For those of us who call Idaho home, exploring our mountains is often a deep-seated passion. It’s about the quiet satisfaction of reaching a summit, the thrill of spotting wildlife in their natural habitat, and the profound peace that comes from being surrounded by towering peaks. Seven Devils Campground offers precisely this kind of immersive experience, providing a base camp for exploring a truly wild and captivating corner of our state. So, let’s delve into what makes Seven Devils Campground a must-consider for your next unforgettable journey into Idaho's high country.

Seven Devils Campground is located high in the mountains near Riggins, ID, with its address listed as Riggins, ID 83549, USA. This places it within the rugged and spectacular Seven Devils Mountains, which are part of the Hells Canyon National Recreation Area. The campground's elevated position offers breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding wilderness, including glimpses of the majestic Hells Canyon.

Accessibility to Seven Devils Campground is a significant aspect of the experience, as it involves navigating a challenging mountain road. The primary access route is Forest Road 517, also known as the Seven Devils Road, which is a steep, winding, and unpaved road that climbs from Riggins. This road is typically narrow, with sharp curves and significant drop-offs, making it unsuitable for large RVs, trailers, or vehicles without good ground clearance and adequate braking capabilities. It is strongly recommended to check road conditions with the Forest Service before attempting the drive, as it can be impacted by weather, especially snow in the spring and fall. The road is generally open from June or July until the first heavy snows in the fall.

Despite the challenging drive, the journey itself is part of the adventure, offering increasingly stunning views as you ascend. Upon reaching the campground, campers will find a high-elevation setting, which means cooler temperatures even in summer and the potential for sudden weather changes. The elevation is significant, as noted by visitors, so those sensitive to altitude should be aware. This challenging access ensures that the campground remains relatively uncrowded, preserving its pristine nature and appealing to those who truly seek a mountain wilderness experience away from the easily accessible masses.

Seven Devils Campground provides a set of essential, basic services that are well-suited for its high-elevation, primitive setting. It's important for campers to understand these offerings to ensure proper preparation for a comfortable and self-reliant stay.

• Campsites: The campground features approximately 10 camp spots, making it a relatively small and intimate setting. Most sites are equipped with a picnic table and a fire pit, providing the basics for cooking and gathering.
• Restrooms: Vault toilets (outhouse style) are available at the campground. Reviews specifically highlight that these restrooms are clean and well-stocked, which is a significant positive for a primitive site at this elevation.
• No Potable Water: It is highly likely, given its remote and high-elevation nature, that the campground does not offer potable (drinking) water. Campers should be prepared to bring all necessary water or have a reliable method for filtering and purifying water from natural sources.
• No Hookups: As a primitive mountain campground, Seven Devils does not provide any electrical, water, or sewer hookups for RVs. This is strictly a dry camping or tent camping experience, appealing to those who prefer to be fully self-contained.
• Garbage: While not explicitly stated, general wilderness etiquette and Leave No Trace principles should be followed, implying a "pack it in, pack it out" policy for all trash and waste.

Seven Devils Campground, despite its basic amenities, shines through its spectacular features and highlights, which are deeply tied to its unique high-mountain location and the surrounding wilderness. These attributes make it a truly special destination for Idahoans seeking an unforgettable outdoor experience.

• Access to Miles of Hiking Trails: This is arguably the biggest draw of Seven Devils Campground. It serves as a prime trailhead for an extensive network of challenging hiking trails that delve deep into the Seven Devils Mountains and lead to stunning alpine lakes. Hikers can explore for days, discovering hidden gems and breathtaking vistas.
• Mountain Lakes: The campground offers direct access, often via a challenging hike, to beautiful mountain lakes. These pristine, high-altitude lakes are perfect for fishing (check local regulations) and provide incredible photo opportunities.
• Breathtaking Views: Due to its significant elevation, the campground and surrounding trails offer panoramic and often awe-inspiring views of the Seven Devils Mountains, Hells Canyon, and the vast Idaho wilderness. The vistas alone are worth the journey.
• Opportunity to Visit a Fire Observation Point and Chat with Fire Watch: A unique highlight mentioned by visitors is the chance to visit a forest service fire watch observation point. This offers a fascinating glimpse into the vital work of fire management and an opportunity to chat with dedicated forest service personnel, gaining insight into the area.
• Peaceful and Uncrowded: With only 10 campsites and a challenging access road, Seven Devils Campground tends to be quiet and less crowded than more accessible campgrounds. This ensures a more serene and private camping experience.
• Tent or Vehicle Camping: The campground accommodates both tent and smaller vehicle camping, offering flexibility for different camping styles, provided vehicles meet the requirements for the access road.
• Abundant Wildlife: The high mountain environment is home to diverse wildlife, offering opportunities for observing mountain goats, bighorn sheep, elk, deer, and various bird species, including raptors.

For inquiries about Seven Devils Campground or the surrounding Seven Devils Mountains area, you will typically need to contact the Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests, as it is managed under their jurisdiction. Given the campground's remote and high-elevation nature, it's crucial to obtain current information before planning your trip.

Address: Riggins, ID 83549, USA (This is the general area, but for specific information, contact the Forest Service.)

Phone: (208) 839-2211 (This number is typically associated with the Riggins Ranger District, which would manage the Seven Devils area.)

It is highly recommended to call the Riggins Ranger District before your visit. They can provide essential updates on road conditions (especially for the Seven Devils Road/Forest Road 517), snow levels, fire restrictions, trail conditions, and any other alerts relevant to camping in a high-elevation wilderness area. This proactive step will ensure you are well-prepared for the challenging but rewarding journey to Seven Devils Campground.

For us Idahoans, Seven Devils Campground isn't just a place to set up camp; it's an invitation to experience the pinnacle of our state's wild, mountainous grandeur. It is exceptionally well-suited for locals who possess an adventurous spirit, a love for challenging hikes, and a deep appreciation for the serene beauty of high-altitude wilderness. This campground is for those who are prepared to embrace a more rustic experience, knowing that the reward is unparalleled access to breathtaking views, pristine mountain lakes, and an extensive network of trails that beckon exploration. It’s a place where you can truly push your limits on a hike, then return to a quiet campsite under a sky filled with stars, feeling completely rejuvenated by the crisp mountain air. The opportunity to witness wildlife in their natural habitat and even gain insights from a fire watch makes it an even more enriching experience. Seven Devils Campground offers a profound connection to the wild heart of Idaho, promising an unforgettable adventure that resonates deeply with those of us who call this incredible state home. It embodies the essence of Idaho's rugged beauty and provides a much-needed escape into pure, untamed nature.

Seven Devils Campground

Riggins, ID 83549, USA