Wild Goose Campground

Hey there, fellow Idahoans! If you're yearning for a peaceful escape where the sounds of the river replace the everyday hustle and bustle, then Wild Goose Campground near Kooskia is a destination you absolutely need to explore. Nestled along the beautiful Middle Fork of the Clearwater River, this quiet and scenic campground offers a truly serene outdoor experience, perfect for unwinding and reconnecting with the stunning natural beauty of our state. It's a place where you can feel like you've found a "slice of Heaven," as one visitor put it, making it an ideal spot for locals seeking a tranquil getaway.

Wild Goose Campground is renowned for its quiet ambiance and beautiful setting, offering a refreshing break from more crowded camping areas. Despite its accessibility, it manages to maintain a sense of secluded tranquility, with campsites that are spaced out, giving you a sense of privacy. Whether you're a seasoned tent camper or have a smaller RV, this campground provides a clean, well-maintained environment where the focus is on relaxation and enjoying the riverside setting. This article is crafted with you, our local Idaho community, in mind, providing a detailed and factual overview of what makes Wild Goose Campground a fantastic choice for your next adventure in the Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests.

Wild Goose Campground is conveniently located along the Middle Fork of the Clearwater River at milepost 98 on scenic Highway 12, near Kooskia, ID 83539, USA. This places it approximately 20 miles east of Kooskia. Its position directly on the Northwest Passage Scenic Byway and All American Road (US Highway 12) makes it easily accessible for Montanans traveling through this picturesque corridor. Despite being situated off a major highway, reviewers consistently highlight that the dense surrounding trees effectively buffer road noise, allowing the soothing sounds of the river to prevail, ensuring a peaceful environment. The close proximity to the towns of Syringa and Lowell (just a couple of miles upriver from the campground) offers additional convenience, providing access to essential services like gas, a pay phone (as cell service can be limited), and possibly some food and equipment rentals for river activities. While the exact address may seem remote, its direct highway access ensures a straightforward journey for most vehicles, though trailers larger than 23-24 feet cannot be accommodated due to site limitations.

Wild Goose Campground, managed by the U.S. Forest Service, offers essential services and amenities designed for a comfortable yet authentic outdoor experience. It's well-maintained and focuses on providing the basics needed for an enjoyable stay.

• Campsites: The campground features eight individual campsites suitable for both tent camping and smaller RVs/trailers (maximum length of 23-24 feet). Each site includes a picnic table and a fire ring for cooking and campfires (when permitted).
• Restrooms: Two clean vault toilets are available on-site, which are regularly maintained. Reviewers have noted their cleanliness, even describing them as smelling pleasant.
• Potable Water: Drinking water is provided at the campground, likely via a hand pump or pressurized system, ensuring campers have access to fresh water.
• Garbage Services: Trash disposal facilities are provided, allowing campers to conveniently dispose of their waste and help maintain the cleanliness of the campground.
• No Hookups: There are no electrical, water, or sewer hookups available at individual campsites, making it a dry camp ideal for tent campers or self-contained RVs.
• First-Come, First-Served: All campsites at Wild Goose Campground are available on a first-come, first-served basis, meaning reservations are not accepted. This allows for spontaneous trips but necessitates early arrival during peak seasons.
• Fees: There is a nightly fee (e.g., $14 per night, $7 for seniors with passes), and each site typically allows a maximum of 8 people and 2 vehicles.
• Seasonal Operation: The campground operates seasonally, typically from May through September, with specific opening and closing dates varying based on weather and conditions.

Wild Goose Campground boasts several key features and highlights that make it a truly appealing destination for Idahoans seeking a tranquil and scenic outdoor experience.

• Stunning Riverside Location: Its prime position directly along the Middle Fork of the Clearwater River is a major draw. Many sites offer direct river access and beautiful views, allowing campers to enjoy the soothing sounds and sights of the water.
• Peaceful and Quiet Atmosphere: Despite being near Highway 12, the campground is consistently praised for its quiet and peaceful environment. The dense trees act as an effective sound buffer, allowing nature's sounds to prevail.
• Spacious Campsites: Reviewers note that while neighboring campers are "there," they aren't "close," implying ample space and privacy between sites.
• Direct River Access for Recreation: The campground provides excellent access to the Clearwater River for a variety of water activities, including swimming (with a nice sandy beach), tubing, kayaking, and whitewater rafting. Equipment rentals and guided trips are available in nearby towns.
• Excellent Fishing Opportunities: The Clearwater River is renowned for its fishing, particularly for salmon, steelhead, and various types of trout. This makes Wild Goose an ideal spot for anglers.
• Clean and Well-Maintained: Visitors consistently highlight the cleanliness of the grounds and facilities, including the vault toilets, which adds significantly to the comfort and enjoyment of the stay.
• Scenic Beauty: The drive along Highway 12 to reach the campground is itself a highlight, offering breathtaking views of dense forests, steep canyon walls, and impressive rock outcroppings.
• Wildlife Viewing: The natural setting provides opportunities for viewing local wildlife, including deer and potentially bears, emphasizing the need for proper food storage.
• Perfect for Relaxation: The overall ambiance is described as beautiful and very nice, making it an ideal spot to unwind and enjoy the tranquility of nature.

For inquiries regarding Wild Goose Campground, including its operating season, current conditions, or any specific rules, it is best to contact the managing agency, the Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests. Since it's a first-come, first-served campground, calling ahead to inquire about general availability during peak season might be helpful, though it does not guarantee a spot.

Address: Kooskia, ID 83539, USA (located along Highway 12)

Phone: (208) 935-2513 (This is the general number for the Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests Supervisor's Office, which manages the campground.)

Mobile Phone: +1 208-935-2513 (Same as above, for the Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests.)

For us Idahoans, Wild Goose Campground offers a true gem for experiencing the serene beauty of our state's wilderness without having to trek too far off the beaten path. It perfectly combines easy accessibility with a deep sense of peace and natural immersion. We appreciate a campground where the sounds of the river are your lullaby and the trees provide a natural privacy screen, making you feel truly "away" from it all. The clear, clean facilities and the opportunity to launch your kayak or cast a fishing line directly from the campground are significant draws. Whether you're passing through on a longer journey or planning a dedicated week-long stay, as one excited reviewer intends to do, Wild Goose provides a reliable, beautiful, and exceptionally quiet base for enjoying the best of Idaho's outdoor recreation. It's a testament to the fact that you don't always need elaborate amenities to have an unforgettable camping experience; sometimes, all you need is stunning natural beauty, peace, and the soothing presence of a wild river.

Wild Goose Campground

Kooskia, ID 83539, USA