Turner Flat Campground

For Idaho locals seeking an idyllic escape into the heart of the Idaho Panhandle National Forests, Turner Flat Campground in Avery offers a quaint and peaceful retreat. Nestled alongside the renowned St. Joe River, this campground provides a perfect blend of rustic charm and essential amenities, making it an ideal destination for those who appreciate nature without sacrificing comfort. Unlike crowded, highly developed sites, Turner Flat embraces a more spread-out layout, ensuring that campers can truly unwind and enjoy the tranquility of the Idaho wilderness.

The allure of Turner Flat lies in its intimate connection with the St. Joe River, a designated Wild and Scenic River. Whether you're an avid angler, a family looking to cool off on a warm day, or simply someone who enjoys the soothing sounds of flowing water, the river is a central feature of the camping experience here. Reviews from fellow campers highlight the campground's "quaint, little" atmosphere and the generous spacing between sites, creating a sense of privacy often missing in other campgrounds. This focus on individual space allows for a more personal and immersive outdoor adventure.

Turner Flat Campground is more than just a place to pitch your tent or park your RV; it's a basecamp for exploring the vast recreational opportunities of the surrounding national forest. From challenging hikes and scenic drives to diverse wildlife viewing and refreshing river activities, the possibilities for adventure are abundant. This overview will guide you through what makes Turner Flat Campground a truly special destination for Idahoans, offering practical information to help you plan your next memorable outing in our beautiful state.

Turner Flat Campground is precisely located in Avery, ID 83802, USA, placing it within the scenic Idaho Panhandle National Forests. This charming campground is situated approximately eight miles east of Avery on Forest Highway 50, also known as the St. Joe River Road. This well-maintained forest highway provides relatively straightforward access to the campground, typically navigable by most vehicles, though road conditions can always vary with weather.

For Idahoans, the drive to Avery and then to Turner Flat Campground offers a scenic journey through some of the state's most picturesque landscapes. While Avery itself is a small, remote community, it serves as the closest point for any last-minute supplies or basic services before heading into the more secluded campground setting. This proximity strikes a good balance, offering a sense of getting away from it all without being completely isolated.

The campground's location along the St. Joe River is a significant draw, providing immediate access to the river's recreational offerings. Many sites boast direct river access, making it incredibly convenient for fishing, wading, or simply enjoying the riverside ambiance. The surrounding terrain is heavily forested, offering ample shade and a sense of immersion in nature. The elevation of approximately 2,709 feet contributes to pleasant summer temperatures, making it a comfortable escape from hotter lower elevations.

Accessibility within the campground itself is noted to be "trailer friendly," with well-spread-out campsites and gravel roads and driveways. Some sites are specifically designed to accommodate horsemen, featuring feed bunks and more expansive areas. While the campground offers a feeling of seclusion due to its spacing and forested environment, its accessibility via a forest highway means it's not overly difficult to reach for most campers, providing a perfect balance between convenience and wilderness immersion for Idaho locals.

Turner Flat Campground provides a selection of essential services and amenities, designed to offer a comfortable yet rustic camping experience for its guests.

• Camp Units: The campground features 10 individual camp units, each equipped with a picnic table and a fire ring with a grill. These sites are designed to be "tent friendly" and can also accommodate RVs, with some driveways being very long.
• Group Camping Area: In addition to individual sites, there is one dedicated group camping area capable of accommodating up to 15 people, making it suitable for larger gatherings.
• Potable Water: Potable water is available via a hand pump-equipped well, typically accessible from June through October. The water is regularly tested and is safe for consumption, though some campers may prefer to bring their own or filter it.
• Vault Toilets: The campground is equipped with multiple vault-style outhouses (two are specifically mentioned in reviews) that are noted for being clean and well-stocked, providing convenient and accessible restroom facilities. One outhouse is handicap accessible.
• Fire Pits with Grills: Each campsite includes a fire pit, often with a removable grill, allowing for campfire cooking. Campers are advised to provide their own firewood and always check for current fire restrictions.
• Picnic Tables: Every campsite features a picnic table, providing a dedicated area for outdoor dining and meal preparation.
• Tent Pads: Some sites are noted to have tent pads, indicating specific, level areas well away from food prep for setting up tents.
• Pet-Friendly: Pets are allowed within the campground but must be kept on a leash at all times to ensure the comfort and safety of all guests and wildlife.
• No Garbage Services: Turner Flat operates on a "Pack It In, Pack It Out" policy. Campers are responsible for removing all their trash and refuse from the campground.
• No Electricity: There are no electrical hookups available at any of the campsites, reinforcing the rustic camping experience.
• No On-Site Host: There is generally no campground host on site, emphasizing the self-sufficient nature of the campground.
• First-Come, First-Served: Campsites are available on a first-come, first-served basis, with no reservation system. Arriving early, especially on weekends, is recommended.

Turner Flat Campground offers several distinctive features that enhance its appeal, particularly for those seeking a tranquil and nature-focused camping experience in Idaho.

• Direct River Access: A major highlight is its direct proximity to the St. Joe River. Many sites offer easy trails down to the water, perfect for fishing, wading, or simply enjoying the sounds of the river.
• Spacious, Spread-Out Campsites: Reviews consistently praise the wide separation between campsites, providing campers with a significant level of privacy and a sense of seclusion, even when the campground is busy.
• Beautiful Mountain and Forest Setting: Surrounded by the dense, picturesque forests of the Idaho Panhandle, the campground offers a truly immersive natural experience with ample shade and scenic views.
• Recreational Opportunities: The area is a hub for outdoor activities including excellent fishing in the St. Joe River, hiking trails, backpacking, and opportunities for floating, rafting, or kayaking (especially until mid-July when river levels are higher).
• Horse-Friendly Sites: Uniquely, some sites (specifically sites 1 & 2) are designed to accommodate horsemen, featuring feed bunks and more room, catering to equestrian enthusiasts.
• Proximity to Trail of the Hiawatha: While not directly adjacent, the famous Trail of the Hiawatha, a popular rail-to-trail biking experience, is within a reasonable drive, offering a fantastic day trip option.
• Vault Toilets and Potable Water: For a more rustic campground, the availability of clean vault toilets and potable water (in season) are significant conveniences that enhance comfort.
• Peaceful Atmosphere: The overall ambiance is described as quiet and quaint, making it an ideal choice for those seeking a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle.

As Turner Flat Campground is managed by the U.S. Forest Service within the Idaho Panhandle National Forests, direct contact information for the campground itself (especially for reservations, as it's first-come, first-served) is generally not provided. However, for current conditions, forest regulations, or general inquiries about the area, you can contact the appropriate Forest Service office.

Address: Avery, ID 83802, USA

For information related to the St. Joe Ranger District or the Idaho Panhandle National Forests, the following phone number can be useful:

Phone: (208) 245-4517 (St. Joe Ranger District Office, often associated with information for this area.)

It is always advisable to check the official USDA Forest Service website for the Idaho Panhandle National Forests or call the St. Joe Ranger District directly before your trip to confirm current operating dates, any fire restrictions, and road conditions, especially if planning a visit during the shoulder seasons.

For Idahoans, Turner Flat Campground embodies the essence of a perfect regional getaway, offering an accessible yet immersive outdoor experience that resonates with the state's rugged beauty. Its location on the St. Joe River, nestled within the Idaho Panhandle National Forests, makes it an ideal destination for quick weekend trips or longer, leisurely stays without the need for extensive travel. Locals already familiar with Idaho's diverse landscapes will appreciate the blend of convenience and primitive charm that Turner Flat provides. The "quaint, little campground" feel and widely "spread out" sites mentioned by reviewers are exactly what many Idahoans seek: a private slice of nature where they aren't "on top of each other."

The direct access to the St. Joe River opens up a world of familiar and beloved Idaho activities, from fly-fishing for native trout to floating down the river on a warm summer day. For families, the ability to simply step out of their tent or RV and enjoy river access, coupled with spacious sites, provides an easy way to connect with nature. The presence of vault toilets and potable water, while basic, are crucial amenities that make a rustic experience more comfortable and accessible for a wider range of campers, including those new to forest camping.

Moreover, for Idahoans who cherish outdoor recreation, Turner Flat serves as an excellent base for exploring the surrounding national forest. Whether it's hiking, wildlife viewing, or even taking horses out on trails from designated sites, the opportunities are abundant. This campground caters to the local desire for authentic outdoor experiences, offering a peaceful retreat that feels genuinely "Idaho." It's not about luxury, but about the profound satisfaction of camping by a beautiful river, surrounded by majestic trees, creating memories that are distinctly Idahoan. Turner Flat is a testament to the fact that some of the best adventures are found right in our own backyard.

Turner Flat Campground

Avery, ID 83802, USA