St. Joe Valley Resort

For Idaho locals seeking an exceptional outdoor experience along one of the state's most iconic waterways, the St. Joe Valley Resort near St. Maries offers a truly revitalized and welcoming destination. Nestled amidst the natural beauty of Northern Idaho, this campground has undergone significant improvements under new ownership, transforming it into a vibrant hub for families, friends, and their beloved pets. It's more than just a place to stay; it's a place where modern comforts meet the serene embrace of the St. Joe River, providing a perfect balance for a memorable Idaho getaway.

The positive transformation of St. Joe Valley Resort is a recurring theme among recent visitors, highlighting a commitment to enhancing the guest experience. As one very satisfied camper enthusiastically shared, "We've stayed at this campground two times now, and have been very happy with our experience. If you have stayed here before, there is a new owner now, and it is a night and day difference between what it was last year and this year. The new owners name is Brian, and he has done some significant improvements to make it a much more enjoyable camping experience." This testimony speaks volumes about the dedication to improvement and the positive impact of the new management. The resort is now "clean, new gravel in the campsites, a small playground, a dog run," indicating a focus on both aesthetics and functionality.

Beyond the tangible upgrades, the resort is clearly fostering a fun and engaging atmosphere, as evidenced by a delightful and unique offering: "both times we were there, an outdoor movie on Saturday night! How cool! Thanks so much, we had a great time!" This thoughtful touch adds a layer of community and entertainment often not found at traditional campgrounds, making St. Joe Valley Resort stand out as a truly family-friendly destination. The combination of significant facility enhancements and a dedication to creating enjoyable experiences firmly establishes this resort as a top choice for Idaho locals looking for a clean, comfortable, and activity-rich camping adventure along the famous St. Joe River.

St. Joe Valley Resort is ideally situated at 18801 St Joe River Rd, St Maries, ID 83861, USA. This prime location places it directly on the banks of the world-famous St. Joe River, renowned for its stunning beauty and recreational opportunities. The resort is located a convenient distance from the full-service community of St. Maries, which offers essentials like gas, groceries, and other services.

Accessibility to the resort is generally straightforward. From St. Maries, visitors can typically take Highway 3 north for a short distance before turning onto St. Joe River Road (Forest Highway 50), which leads directly to the resort. The St. Joe River Road itself is known for its scenic views, winding along the "Shadowy St. Joe," named for the large cottonwood trees that cast shadows along its banks. The presence of newly laid gravel in the campsites suggests that the internal roads and site pads are well-maintained and easily navigable for various types of vehicles, including RVs and trailers. This convenient access, coupled with the immersive natural setting, makes St. Joe Valley Resort a highly accessible and attractive destination for Idaho locals looking to explore the beauty of the St. Joe River Valley.

• RV Sites: St. Joe Valley Resort offers a variety of RV sites, including full hook-up options (electric, water, sewer), designed to accommodate various sizes of recreational vehicles. The recent addition of "new gravel in the campsites" indicates well-maintained and level pads.
• Tent Sites: Dedicated tent sites are available for those who prefer traditional tent camping, providing a comfortable space for pitching a tent.
• Dry Camp RV Sites: For RVers who are self-contained or prefer a more rustic experience without hookups, dry camp sites are also available.
• Clean Restrooms & Showers: While not explicitly detailed in the provided review, the emphasis on overall cleanliness under new ownership strongly suggests that restrooms and showers are well-maintained and available for guests.
• Playground: A "small playground" has been added, making the resort an excellent choice for families with children.
• Dog Run: A dedicated "dog run" provides a convenient and safe area for four-legged family members to exercise and socialize, making the resort truly pet-friendly.
• Outdoor Movie Nights: A unique and popular feature is the "outdoor movie on Saturday night," offering a fun and memorable evening activity for all guests.
• Community Firepit: The resort features a community firepit, perfect for evening gatherings and s'mores under the stars.
• On-Site Management: With "new owners" Bryan and Katey Peterson actively involved, a strong on-site management presence ensures helpful assistance and a well-run campground.
• Pet-Friendly Environment: The resort openly welcomes pets, with the addition of a dog run further enhancing its pet-friendly appeal.
• Access to St. Joe River: Direct access to the St. Joe River, a world-famous navigable river, is a key service for boating, fishing, and other water-based activities.

• Revitalized Experience Under New Ownership: The most significant highlight is the dramatic improvement and revitalization of the resort under new owner Brian (and Katey Peterson). This commitment to enhancement directly translates to a more enjoyable and clean camping experience for visitors.
• Direct St. Joe River Access: The resort's location on the "Shadowy St. Joe River" provides immediate access to this renowned waterway, ideal for fishing (known for amazing fly fishing for cutthroat, rainbow, and Dolly Varden trout), boating, kayaking, and peaceful float trips.
• Family-Friendly Amenities: The addition of a playground and the unique outdoor movie nights specifically cater to families, creating a fun and engaging atmosphere for children and adults alike.
• Pet-Friendly Facilities: The inclusion of a dog run demonstrates a strong commitment to accommodating pets, allowing guests to bring their furry companions along for the adventure.
• Clean and Maintained Environment: The focus on cleanliness and new gravel in campsites ensures a comfortable and aesthetically pleasing environment for all campers.
• Community Atmosphere: Features like the outdoor movies and a community firepit foster a sense of togetherness and provide opportunities for guests to connect.
• Gateway to Outdoor Adventures: The St. Joe River Valley is a hub for diverse outdoor activities, including whitewater rafting (seasonal), hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, UTV/ATV rentals and trails (many on former railroad grades), hunting, and snowmobiling in winter.
• Scenic Beauty: Surrounded by the lush valley and mountains of Northern Idaho, the resort offers a picturesque backdrop for relaxation and recreation. Herds of elk are often seen along the lower sections of the river.
• Proximity to Local Attractions: While offering a secluded feel, the resort is close enough to St. Maries for conveniences, and the broader region offers attractions like the historic town of Avery (with its museum and amenities) further upriver.

Address: 18801 St Joe River Rd, St Maries, ID 83861, USA

Phone: (208) 929-5114

For reservations, current rates, specific details on site availability, and to confirm any special events, contacting the St. Joe Valley Resort directly via phone is highly recommended. You can also visit their official website if available for more comprehensive information.

For Idaho locals, St. Joe Valley Resort presents an irresistible opportunity to experience the unparalleled beauty and recreational richness of the St. Joe River Valley with enhanced comfort and amenities. The recent transformation under new ownership, marked by tangible improvements like new gravel sites, a playground, and a dedicated dog run, directly addresses the desires of modern campers. The emphasis on cleanliness and family-friendly activities, such as the unique Saturday night outdoor movies, makes it an ideal destination for creating lasting memories with loved ones.

Its prime location on the "Shadowy St. Joe" offers direct access to a world of outdoor adventure, from fly fishing and boating on the famous river to exploring extensive UTV trails and hiking paths in the surrounding forests. The convenience of being near St. Maries for supplies, combined with the peaceful, natural setting of the resort itself, provides the perfect balance for a relaxed yet adventurous getaway. For Idahoans who appreciate a well-maintained campground that truly cares about its guests and offers a unique blend of comfort and natural immersion, St. Joe Valley Resort is a shining example of what a local outdoor escape should be. It's a place to return to, time and again, to reconnect with nature and enjoy the best of North Idaho.

St. Joe Valley Resort

18801 St Joe River Rd, St Maries, ID 83861, USA