Twentymile Bar Campground

For those of us who call Idaho home, the allure of finding a truly pristine and wild camping spot, away from the hustle and bustle, is a constant pursuit. We seek out places where the rivers run clear, the air is fresh, and the natural world takes center stage. Twentymile Bar Campground, nestled alongside the majestic Selway River near Kooskia, ID, is exactly one such treasured destination. This isn't just a place to pitch a tent; it's a year-round oasis, as one description eloquently puts it, for anyone who appreciates the raw, untamed beauty of Idaho's wilderness. It embodies the spirit of our state, offering a genuine connection with nature that is both invigorating and deeply peaceful.

Located within the vast Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests, Twentymile Bar Campground provides a unique opportunity to immerse oneself in a landscape teeming with life and natural wonders. The Selway River, renowned for its clear waters and sandy beaches, serves as the campground's immediate backdrop, inviting visitors to cast a line or simply relax by the water's edge. Imagine waking up to the gentle sounds of the river flowing by, with the morning sun filtering through ancient trees – this is the daily reality at Twentymile Bar. It's a place where time truly slows down, allowing you to forget your to-do lists and simply "be you, a little piece of this big earth."

The charm of Twentymile Bar lies in its simplicity and its unspoiled nature. It’s a first-come, first-served site, emphasizing preparedness and a true appreciation for the outdoors. While it offers basic amenities, its greatest feature is the unparalleled natural environment it preserves. For Idahoans who value their access to wild spaces and seek out experiences that allow them to reconnect with their true nature, Twentymile Bar Campground stands out as a highly desirable destination. It's a testament to the enduring beauty and adventure that our state so generously offers.

Twentymile Bar Campground is strategically located near Kooskia, ID 83539, USA, placing it directly on the banks of the famed Selway River within the expansive Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests. This position is central to its appeal, offering immediate river access and a deeply immersive forest setting.

Access to Twentymile Bar Campground is primarily via the Selway River Road. From Lowell, Idaho, the campground is approximately 12.5 miles upstream on the Selway River. This road, while generally passable, is typically gravel and can be narrow and winding in places, often taking a "steep dive" from the main Selway Road. While a review states it "looks a little more frightening than it really is," it’s important for visitors to be prepared for unpaved conditions. Large RVs are generally not recommended due to the tight turns and steep sections of the road.

The campground’s location alongside the Selway River means that direct access to the water is a key feature, with camping sites often right on the river bank. This easy access makes it a prime spot for river-based activities. It's important to note that cell service is typically non-existent in this area, with the nearest pay phone reportedly in Lowell, Idaho. Visitors should download offline maps or bring physical maps for navigation, as relying on GPS or cellular data will likely be impossible once nearing the campground. This remote aspect contributes to its secluded and peaceful atmosphere, allowing for a true escape from modern connectivity. For Idahoans accustomed to venturing into less-traveled areas, the journey to Twentymile Bar is part of the adventure, leading to a truly rewarding wilderness experience.

• Campsites: Twentymile Bar Campground offers designated campsites, typically 3 or 4 in number. These sites usually include a picnic table and a fire ring with an attached grill. They are designed for tent camping, with direct access to the riverbank.
• Toilets/Outhouses: The campground provides vault or pit toilets for visitor convenience. One description notes the outhouse as "older and smaller than most but was clean and well supplied," indicating basic but well-maintained facilities.
• No Potable Water: It is crucial for campers to be aware that there is no potable water available at the campground. Visitors must bring all their own drinking water for the duration of their stay or be prepared to filter/treat water from the Selway River.
• No Garbage Services: Campers are required to "pack it in, pack it out" when it comes to garbage. There are no trash disposal services on site, reinforcing the Leave No Trace principles.
• No Electricity/Hookups: As a primitive, free campground, there are no electrical hookups or other utilities available.
• First-Come, First-Served: The campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis, meaning no reservations are accepted. This adds to its wild, spontaneous appeal.

• Riverside Location and Sandy Beaches: The campground's prime location directly on the Selway River, featuring "sandy beaches," is its most significant highlight. This offers unparalleled access to the water for various activities and provides a stunning, tranquil setting.
• Excellent Fishing Opportunities: The Selway River in front of the campground is described as "teeming with healthy populations of both rainbow and brook trout." It's an angler's paradise, making it a must-visit for fishing enthusiasts. Specific regulations should always be checked.
• Beautiful and Wild Setting: Visitors consistently praise the campground for being "beautiful and wild," offering an immersive experience in Idaho's natural, heavily forested terrain.
• Free Camping Facility: Twentymile Bar is a free camping facility, making it an excellent budget-friendly option for extended stays or spontaneous trips into the wilderness.
• Direct River Access from Campsites: The camping sites are often right on the river bank, providing immediate and easy access to the water for swimming (at your own risk), fishing, or launching small watercraft.
• Recreational Variety: Beyond camping, the area supports a range of outdoor activities including hiking, backpacking, rafting, kayaking, floating, and photography.
• Wildlife Viewing: Located in "wild country," the area offers opportunities to see various wildlife such as whitetail deer, elk, moose, bear, fox, and wolves. Proper food storage is crucial due to bear presence.
• No Cell Service: While some might see this as a drawback, for many, the complete lack of cell service is a major highlight, fostering a true disconnect from daily distractions and a deeper connection with nature.
• Picturesque Setting: The Selway River itself is described as "one of the prettiest rivers in Idaho," ensuring a consistently beautiful backdrop for your camping adventure.

Twentymile Bar Campground is located within the Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests. As a free, first-come, first-served primitive campground, there is no direct on-site staff or specific phone number for the campground itself. All official inquiries and general information for this area typically go through the managing ranger district or the main forest office.

Address: Kooskia, ID 83539, USA (This is the general geographic location; direct street address is not applicable for this remote site).

For the most up-to-date information on Twentymile Bar Campground, including road conditions, any fire restrictions, water levels on the Selway River, and general forest regulations, it is best to contact the Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests' main information line or the local ranger district office (such as the Powell Ranger District, which manages part of the Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness and surrounding areas).

General contact for Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests:

Phone: (208) 926-4258 (This number has been associated with general inquiries for the Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests).

You might also find information on their official website (fs.usda.gov/nezperceclearwater). It's highly recommended for Idahoans planning a trip to Twentymile Bar Campground to call ahead to verify current conditions. Given the lack of potable water and garbage services, being well-prepared with all necessary supplies is essential for a safe and enjoyable experience in this beautiful, wild part of Idaho.

For us Idahoans, Twentymile Bar Campground represents the very best of what our state has to offer: untamed beauty, incredible recreational opportunities, and a true sense of escape. We're drawn to places where the wilderness remains largely untouched, and the Selway River, with its "sandy beaches" and "teeming" trout populations, is a prime example of Idaho's natural treasures. The fact that it's a free, first-come, first-served campground aligns perfectly with our independent spirit and appreciation for accessible public lands.

The experience here is fundamentally Idahoan. It’s about embracing the "wild and beautiful" surroundings, understanding that "no potable water" means bringing your own, and knowing that the journey along a potentially "tight and steep" gravel road is simply part of the adventure that leads to such a pristine setting. The lack of cell service isn't a drawback; it's a blessing, allowing for a complete disconnect from the digital world and a profound reconnection with the natural rhythms of the river and forest.

For anglers, the promise of healthy rainbow and brook trout is an irresistible draw, making this a favored spot for a genuine Idaho fishing excursion. For those who love to paddle or float, the Selway River offers an incredible experience. And for anyone simply seeking peace, the tranquil sounds of the river and the chance to spot diverse wildlife, from deer to bear, provide a deeply enriching experience that rejuvenates the soul.

In conclusion, Twentymile Bar Campground is ideally suited for Idahoans because it offers an authentic, self-reliant, and incredibly rewarding wilderness experience. It's a place where the grandeur of our state is front and center, a spot that reminds us why we cherish living in "The Gem State." It's more than just a campsite; it’s a living testament to the enduring wild heart of Idaho, waiting to be explored by those who truly appreciate its raw beauty.

Twentymile Bar Campground

Kooskia, ID 83539, USA