Woodhead Park

For us Idahoans, the vast and varied landscapes of our state offer an endless invitation to explore. When it comes to finding a truly outstanding camping experience that combines natural beauty with modern conveniences, Woodhead Park, nestled on the Idaho side of Brownlee Reservoir in the Hells Canyon area, consistently emerges as a top choice. Managed by Idaho Power, this expansive campground provides an exceptional setting for everything from a quick weekend getaway to an extended family vacation.

Woodhead Park is more than just a place to park your RV or pitch a tent; it’s a meticulously maintained recreational facility designed to enhance your outdoor adventure. Spanning over 65 acres and divided into four distinct camping loops, it caters to a wide range of camping styles and preferences. Whether your passion is fishing, boating, hiking, or simply relaxing by the water with stunning views, Woodhead Park offers the amenities and access to make your trip unforgettable. This article aims to provide a comprehensive and engaging overview of Woodhead Park, highlighting its many features and why it’s a perfect destination for us locals seeking the very best of Idaho's outdoors.

Woodhead Park is strategically located in Cambridge, ID 83610, USA, specifically on the Idaho side of Brownlee Reservoir, which forms part of the majestic Hells Canyon Complex. The park is situated approximately 23 to 28 miles northwest of Cambridge, Idaho, on Idaho Highway 71. This well-maintained state highway provides direct and relatively easy access for vehicles of all sizes, including large RVs and trailers, making the journey to the campground smooth and enjoyable. The drive itself is scenic, winding through beautiful Idaho landscapes.

The park's position on Brownlee Reservoir is a key highlight, offering immediate access to this expansive body of water. Brownlee Reservoir stretches over 50 miles along the Idaho-Oregon border, providing a vast playground for water-based activities. While Cambridge offers some basic services, visitors will find a small store and café just about three miles from the park, providing convenient access to forgotten items or a quick bite. For more extensive supplies, Cambridge itself or other larger towns within reasonable driving distance can cater to greater needs. The accessibility, combined with the stunning natural setting of the Hells Canyon area, positions Woodhead Park as a premier and convenient destination for Idaho residents looking to immerse themselves in the region's outdoor splendor.

• Extensive RV & Tent Sites: Woodhead Park boasts an impressive number of campsites, with over 118 sites featuring water and electric hookups (20, 30, and 50 amp service available), capable of accommodating tents, trailers, and RVs up to 74 feet. There are also 15 dedicated walk-to tent campsites, providing a total of 133 campsites.
• Full Hookups (Water & Electric): Nearly all RV sites come equipped with water and electric hookups, offering a high level of convenience for campers.
• Paved Parking Spurs: Each campsite, including tent sites, features a paved parking spur, ensuring a clean and stable surface for vehicles and trailers.
• Picnic Tables & Fire Rings with Grills: Every campsite is outfitted with a picnic table and a fire ring with a grill, perfect for outdoor cooking and enjoying traditional campfires.
• Modern Restroom Buildings with Free Hot Showers: A standout amenity, the park offers clean, bright, and spacious restroom buildings with free hot showers. Some shower facilities are private rooms, and ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) accessible showers are also available.
• Dump Station: A convenient RV dump station with two lanes is located near the campground entrance for easy waste disposal.
• Boat Launch Ramp & Overnight Trailer Parking: The park provides a 4-lane boat launch ramp and ample overnight trailer parking areas, catering to boating enthusiasts.
• Fish Cleaning Station: For anglers, a dedicated fish cleaning station is available, ensuring a clean and convenient way to process catches.
• Trash Collection: Trash dumpsters are readily available throughout the park for convenient waste disposal, contributing to the overall cleanliness.
• Reservations: Campsites at Woodhead Park are fully reservable, with reservations available up to 9 months in advance via an online system or phone. Fees apply for phone reservations and cancellations.
• On-Site Camp Hosts: Multiple friendly camp hosts are available on-site, providing assistance, local information, and ensuring a pleasant experience for visitors.
• WiFi Service: Available through a third-party provider (CTC Telecom) for a fee, offering various packages for internet access (best suited for email and light Browse, not streaming).

• Exceptional Cleanliness & Maintenance: Consistently praised as "gorgeous clean sites," "very clean," and having "FANTASTIC" bathrooms/showers. The park is "well-kept" and reflects high standards of maintenance by Idaho Power.
• Direct Access to Brownlee Reservoir: The park's location directly on Brownlee Reservoir provides immediate access for a wide array of water activities including boating, fishing (known as one of the best fisheries in Idaho for bass, crappie, catfish, etc.), water skiing, kayaking, paddleboarding, and swimming.
• Big-Rig Friendly & Spacious Sites: Woodhead Park is designed to accommodate large RVs and trailers, with spacious sites, paved parking spurs, and trees trimmed to ensure easy maneuverability for "big rigs." Many sites offer ample room between them for privacy.
• Extensive Amenities for Comfort: The availability of full hookups, free hot showers, flush toilets, laundry facilities (implied by typical full-service RV park offerings, though not explicitly detailed in all snippets), and a fish cleaning station significantly enhances the comfort and convenience of the camping experience.
• Recreational Variety: Beyond water sports, the park offers opportunities for hiking (including paved bike/pedestrian trails within the park and some trails on hills above Loop D), mountain biking, picnicking, stargazing, and abundant wildlife viewing (elk, deer, bighorn sheep, turkeys, bald eagles, ducks, geese, etc.).
• Family-Friendly Environment: Reviewers note it's "great for kids," with "easy close access to water, fishing, hiking," making it an ideal destination for families.
• Scenic Beauty: Situated across rolling hills with mature shade trees, the park offers "lovely views" of Brownlee Reservoir and the surrounding "dirt covered" mountains that tower over the park.
• Reservable Sites: The option to reserve sites up to 9 months in advance provides peace of mind and allows for thorough trip planning, a valuable feature for popular destinations.

Address: Cambridge, ID 83610, USA (Specific location is on Idaho Highway 71, approximately 23-28 miles northwest of Cambridge, ID, on Brownlee Reservoir).

For reservations and information, Woodhead Park is managed by Idaho Power. You can make reservations online or by phone.

Reservation Phone: 1-844-472-7275 (Note: Phone reservations may incur a $15 fee, online reservations $7).

General Inquiries Email: questions@idahopower.com

General Office Phone: (208) 388-2231 (Idaho Power recreational facilities line, M-F 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. MST).

It is always recommended to check the official Idaho Power recreation website for the most up-to-date information on rates, availability, specific rules, and any alerts (e.g., water levels, fire restrictions).

For us Idahoans, Woodhead Park embodies the quintessential Idaho outdoor experience, making it an exceptionally suitable and highly recommended destination for our local adventures. Its appeal stems from a powerful combination of top-tier facilities, an ideal location, and a recreational abundance that caters to our active lifestyle.

Firstly, the park's setting directly on Brownlee Reservoir is a dream come true for anyone who loves spending time on the water. Whether it's the thrill of fishing for various species, the joy of boating, or the simple pleasure of swimming, having immediate access to such a large and vibrant body of water is a major draw. For us, this means less travel and more time enjoying the activities we cherish.

Secondly, the commitment to cleanliness and the provision of modern amenities truly set Woodhead Park apart. We appreciate a campground that offers "gorgeous clean sites," "FANTASTIC" free hot showers, and flush toilets. These comforts, combined with full hookups and big-rig friendly sites, make camping accessible and enjoyable for all, from seasoned RVers to families with young children. The fact that it's managed by Idaho Power and consistently maintained to such high standards reflects a dedication to quality that resonates with our values.

Furthermore, the diverse recreational opportunities—from an extensive bike trail system within the park to excellent hiking and unparalleled wildlife viewing—ensure there's never a dull moment. For locals seeking a place where they can truly immerse themselves in nature without sacrificing comfort, Woodhead Park delivers. The ability to reserve sites in advance also simplifies planning, a convenience we appreciate when organizing trips.

In essence, Woodhead Park isn't just a campground; it's a well-rounded recreational hub that perfectly aligns with the Idaho outdoor ethos. It offers the natural beauty and adventure we seek, coupled with the modern conveniences that make for a truly relaxing and enjoyable escape. It’s a shining example of what makes camping in our home state so special, inviting us to return again and again to create lasting memories on the shores of Brownlee Reservoir.

Woodhead Park

Cambridge, ID 83610, USA