Tenmile Campground

For Idahoans who truly cherish the state's wild heart, where sprawling forests meet pristine waterways and solitude reigns, Tenmile Campground offers an authentic, rustic escape. Tucked away in the vast Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests near Elk City, this campground is a testament to Idaho’s untamed beauty. It's not a bustling resort or a place with extensive modern amenities; instead, Tenmile provides a more secluded and intimate connection with Mother Nature, making it an ideal destination for those seeking to avoid crowds and truly unwind. Imagine waking up to the sounds of nature, with tall trees providing ample shade and privacy, and the fresh scent of pine filling the air. This campground is a haven for those who appreciate the simpler joys of camping: a picnic table for outdoor meals, a fire pit for evening gatherings, and the quiet camaraderie of fellow nature lovers. As a first-come, first-served site, Tenmile Campground embodies the spirit of Idaho's adventurous and independent outdoor culture, inviting spontaneous trips into the wilderness. It's a place where you can truly disconnect from the digital world and immerse yourself in the natural rhythms of the forest. Whether you're an avid hiker, a keen angler, or simply looking for a peaceful spot to relax amidst Idaho's stunning landscapes, Tenmile Campground offers an inviting and unpretentious experience that resonates deeply with local outdoor enthusiasts.

Tenmile Campground is situated in a wonderfully remote yet accessible part of Idaho, specifically at Sourdough Rd, Elk City, ID 83525, USA. This places it within the vast expanse of the Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests, a region renowned for its rugged beauty and abundant recreational opportunities. While the exact driving instructions might vary depending on your starting point in Idaho, generally, accessing the campground involves traveling along Forest Service roads from Elk City. For instance, some routes involve following roads like Santiam-Sourdough Road for several miles. It’s important for visitors to be aware that some of the roads leading to such remote campgrounds can be primitive or gravel, requiring careful driving. However, this contributes to the secluded and undisturbed nature of the campground. Its proximity to Elk City means that while you'll feel miles away from civilization, a small town for essential supplies or services isn't too far a drive if needed. The journey to Tenmile Campground is part of the adventure, guiding you through dense forests and picturesque Idaho landscapes. This accessible wilderness location allows Idaho locals to truly escape without an overly complicated or lengthy travel plan, making it perfect for weekend trips or longer, immersive stays. For those who value a genuine wilderness experience that is still within reach, Tenmile Campground’s location strikes an ideal balance, offering a true sense of being "away from it all" while remaining connected enough to be practical for local adventurers.

• Designated Campsites: Tenmile Campground typically offers a limited number of individual campsites. While specific numbers can vary by information source, generally, it's a small campground with a rustic feel. Some sources mention 8 sites.
• Picnic Tables: Each campsite is usually equipped with a picnic table, providing a convenient surface for outdoor dining and meal preparation.
• Fire Pits/Fire Rings: Individual fire pits or rings are available at each site, allowing campers to have campfires (always check for current fire restrictions and adhere to Leave No Trace principles).
• Vault Toilets: The campground provides vault toilets for convenience. Visitors should note that there might be only one, which could be a walk from some sites, but they are generally maintained.
• No Potable Water: It is crucial for campers to bring their own drinking water, as potable water is typically not provided at Tenmile Campground.
• No Fee: Tenmile Campground is often a free, first-come, first-served campsite, making it an economical choice for outdoor enthusiasts. This means no reservations are needed or accepted.
• "Pack It In, Pack It Out" Policy: There are generally no garbage services available. Campers are responsible for packing out all their trash and waste, upholding the pristine condition of the wilderness.
• Secluded Sites: While not a direct service, the layout ensures that sites often feel very private and spaced out, enhancing the overall camping experience.
• Access to Trail Systems: The campground often serves as a gateway to nearby hiking trails, allowing direct access to the surrounding wilderness.

• Rustic and Secluded Atmosphere: Tenmile Campground's most compelling feature is its deeply rustic and secluded nature. It's designed for those who want to disconnect from urban noise and immerse themselves fully in the quiet beauty of Idaho's wilderness. Campers often praise the privacy of the sites.
• No-Fee Camping: As a free campground, Tenmile offers an incredibly budget-friendly option for exploring the Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests, making it accessible for frequent trips and longer stays for Idaho locals.
• First-Come, First-Served: This system allows for spontaneous trips and offers a true sense of adventure. Despite its popularity, visitors often report that spots can be found, even on busy weekends, showcasing its capacity to remain less crowded than other campgrounds.
• Creek/River Proximity: Many sites are "right on the river" or very close to Tenmile Creek or similar waterways, providing soothing natural sounds, fishing opportunities, and a refreshing ambiance.
• Abundant Trees and Shade: The campground is nestled among numerous trees, providing ample natural shade, which is a welcome relief during warmer Idaho summer days and enhances the feeling of being truly in the forest.
• Trailhead Access: The campground often serves as a convenient base for hiking, with trails leaving directly from or very near the camping area, such as the Tenmile hiking trail, allowing campers to easily explore the surrounding wilderness.
• Wildlife Viewing Opportunities: The remote, forested setting ensures ample opportunities for wildlife viewing, from deer to various bird species, enhancing the natural immersion experience.
• "Avoid the Crowds" Destination: For Idahoans tired of overcrowded campsites, Tenmile's remote nature and rustic amenities attract a specific type of camper, ensuring a more peaceful and genuine wilderness experience.
• Clean and Maintained Basic Facilities: While minimal, the vault toilets are noted by visitors to be clean and well-maintained, indicating good stewardship of the site.

Address: Sourdough Rd, Elk City, ID 83525, USA

Tenmile Campground is managed by the U.S. Forest Service as part of the Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests. Since it operates on a first-come, first-served, no-fee basis, there isn't a direct reservation line for the campground itself. For the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding road conditions, current fire restrictions, accessibility, or any seasonal closures, it is best to contact the relevant Ranger District of the Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests. The closest likely district overseeing this area would be the Red River Ranger District. Their general contact number is typically (208) 842-2245. It is highly recommended to call this office or check the official Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests website before your trip, especially if visiting during shoulder seasons or if road conditions might be impacted by weather.

For Idaho locals who possess a deep love for the state's rugged, unadorned wilderness, Tenmile Campground is an ideal and highly suitable destination. Its primary appeal lies in its commitment to a truly rustic and secluded camping experience, a stark contrast to more developed and often crowded sites. For Idahoans, who often seek genuine connection with nature away from the bustling world, Tenmile offers precisely that: quiet, private campsites nestled among trees, many right by the soothing sounds of a creek or river. The fact that it's a no-fee, first-come, first-served campground speaks directly to the independent and adventurous spirit common among our state's residents, allowing for spontaneous trips into the wild whenever the call of the outdoors strikes. This accessibility without the need for reservations makes it a flexible option for locals. While it lacks potable water and extensive amenities, this self-sufficiency aligns perfectly with the ethos of many Idaho outdoor enthusiasts who are well-prepared to "pack it in, pack it out." Furthermore, its location within the vast Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests means immediate access to incredible hiking trails and abundant opportunities for fishing and wildlife viewing, embodying the very essence of Idaho's recreational offerings. Tenmile Campground is more than just a place to stay; it's a gateway to experiencing the authentic, untamed beauty of our beloved state, providing a peaceful and genuinely immersive retreat that resonates deeply with the local Idaho spirit.

Tenmile Campground

Sourdough Rd, Elk City, ID 83525, USA