Weitas Creek Campground

For Idaho locals seeking an authentic, no-frills camping experience that truly connects them with the wilderness, Weitas Creek Campground near Kamiah is an exceptional find. This long-standing site within the Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests offers a unique blend of rugged charm and surprising cleanliness, all without a nightly camping fee. It’s a cherished spot for those who appreciate the simpler side of outdoor life, providing a peaceful base for anglers, hunters, hikers, and off-road enthusiasts alike. Weitas Creek Campground is a testament to the enduring appeal of Idaho’s vast, unspoiled landscapes, where the sounds of nature and the rustle of the forest canopy replace the hum of modern life.

What truly sets Weitas Creek Campground apart, as highlighted by numerous visitors, is its remarkable maintenance. Despite being a rustic, fee-free site, it boasts "the cleanest bathrooms I have ever seen," a testament to the dedication of the U.S. Forest Service workers who meticulously care for the grounds. This level of cleanliness, combined with spacious, private sites and a prime location along Weitas Creek and near the North Fork Clearwater River, makes it an incredible value. While it lacks modern conveniences like running water and electricity, this very absence fosters a deeper immersion into the natural environment. It's a legacy campsite that has weathered closures due to environmental factors and infrastructure needs in the past, but when open, it stands as a beacon for sportsmen and adventurers looking for genuine Idaho wilderness access.

Weitas Creek Campground is situated in the heart of Idaho's stunning Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests, near the town of Kamiah, ID 83536, USA. Its location along the shady banks of Weitas Creek and just south of the North Fork Clearwater River offers a truly immersive wilderness experience.

Accessing Weitas Creek Campground typically involves navigating forest service roads. From U.S. Highway 12, via Pierce, ID: Take U.S. Highway 12 to Greer, ID, and turn east on State Highway 11. Follow Highway 11 for approximately 28 miles towards Pierce, passing through Weippe. One mile south of Pierce, turn right onto Forest Service Road (FSR) 250, also known as French Mountain Road. Continue on FSR 250 for about 30 miles until you reach the intersection of FSR 247 near Bungalow. Turn right and stay on FSR 250 for about four more miles. Finally, turn right onto the Weitas Creek Bridge; the campground is located on the south side of the North Fork of the Clearwater River. An alternative route from U.S. Highway 12 via Orofino involves crossing the main Clearwater River bridge onto Michigan Avenue, which becomes Grangemont Road. Continue to the junction with State Highway 11 (about 26 miles), turn right, and drive south for approximately six miles through Pierce. Then, turn left onto FSR 250 and follow the same directions as above. While these roads offer a scenic journey, they are gravel forest roads and conditions can vary, so caution is advised, especially for larger vehicles.

• Designated Campsites: The campground features a limited number of small, popular campsites (reportedly only six), making them fill up quickly, especially during peak seasons. Each site provides a distinct area for camping.
• Large, Private Sites: Many of the campsites are large and offer a good degree of privacy, some of which are pull-through, accommodating various camping setups.
• Clean Pit Toilets: As a highly praised feature, the campground offers exceptionally clean and well-maintained pit toilets (vault toilets), a significant convenience for a rustic, no-fee site.
• Trash Receptacles: Designated trash receptacles are available, although campers are generally encouraged to practice "pack it in, pack it out" to maintain the pristine environment.
• RV Water Filling Stations: A convenient service for RV campers, allowing them to fill their fresh water tanks (note: no individual water hookups at sites, and no potable water at sites).
• Fire Rings: Each site is equipped with a fire ring, allowing for safe campfires (subject to current fire restrictions).
• Picnic Tables: Picnic tables are available at each site for outdoor dining and meal preparation.
• On-site Forest Service Worker/Host: A helpful and hardworking U.S. Forest Service worker often takes care of the campground, providing assistance and ensuring its cleanliness.
• No Nightly Fee: This is a significant highlight, as Weitas Creek Campground is one of the few remaining legacy campsites that offer free, "no nightly" camping.

• Exceptional Cleanliness: This is the most frequently praised feature, with visitors consistently describing the pit toilets and overall campground as "amazingly clean," even by world standards. This dedication to maintenance by the Forest Service staff is a major draw.
• Free Camping: As a "no nightly fee" campground, it offers incredible value, making it highly accessible for all outdoor enthusiasts.
• Secluded and Private Sites: The campground is known for its large, private sites, many of which are pull-through, providing a sense of solitude and space.
• Riverside Location: Situated along Weitas Creek and near the North Fork Clearwater River, it offers opportunities for swimming, canoeing, tubing, and especially excellent bank fishing.
• Abundance of Recreation: The area surrounding the campground abounds with opportunities for outdoor activities, including fishing, hunting, mountain biking, off-road motorcycling, hiking, and general exploration. Trail #20 directly accessible from the campground is noted for first-class bank fishing.
• Friendly and Helpful Staff: The on-site U.S. Forest Service worker is highly praised for being very hard-working and helpful, enhancing the camping experience.
• Wildlife Viewing: The remote, forested setting is ideal for observing local Idaho wildlife in their natural habitat.
• Rustic, Authentic Experience: For those who prefer primitive camping without modern amenities, Weitas Creek delivers a true wilderness feel, allowing for a deeper connection with nature.
• Historic Significance: The campground and surrounding area have a history of Forest Service presence and have seen the reconstruction of key access points like the Weitas Creek Bridge, reflecting a legacy of public land use and management.

Address: Kamiah, ID 83536, USA (While a specific street number isn't provided for such a remote forest service site, the address refers to the general area within the Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests.)

Phone: (208) 935-2513

Mobile Phone: +1 208-935-2513

As Weitas Creek Campground is managed by the U.S. Forest Service within the Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests, the primary contact for detailed information, current conditions, and alerts would be the relevant Ranger District.

North Fork Ranger District:

Mailing Address: 12740 Highway 12, Orofino ID 83544

Phone for Campground Inquiries: (208) 476-8267 (This number is generally listed for campground inquiries within that district, and could be a good starting point for detailed questions about Weitas Creek.)

It is always recommended to contact the Forest Service directly, especially given the history of closures related to "root rot" or bridge issues, to ensure the campground is open and accessible before planning your trip. Additionally, check the Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests website for alerts and current conditions.

For Idaho locals, Weitas Creek Campground represents the very essence of accessible wilderness camping, perfectly aligning with the state's rugged and independent spirit. The fact that it's a "no nightly fee" campsite is a significant draw, offering unparalleled value for those who want to immerse themselves in nature without breaking the bank. This makes it an ideal spot for spontaneous weekend trips or extended stays for a wide range of Idahoans.

The consistently praised cleanliness of the facilities, especially the pit toilets, demonstrates a remarkable commitment to guest comfort in a rustic setting—a detail highly appreciated by experienced campers. Its location along Weitas Creek and the North Fork Clearwater River provides fantastic opportunities for fishing, hunting, and various forms of outdoor recreation that are integral to the Idaho lifestyle, from mountain biking to simply enjoying the solitude by the water. While acknowledging the ambient noise from the nearby interstate and train line, this is often a small trade-off for the privacy, space, and free access to such a beautiful natural environment. For Idahoans seeking an authentic, well-maintained, and incredibly accessible gateway to their state's vast outdoor playgrounds, Weitas Creek Campground is a true local gem that offers a genuine taste of Idaho wilderness.

Weitas Creek Campground

Kamiah, ID 83536, USA