Wye Campground

Hello Idaho outdoor enthusiasts! If you are planning your next escape into the tranquil beauty of Central Idaho, look no further than Wye Campground near New Meadows. This exceptional location offers a perfect blend of accessibility and rugged outdoor connection, serving as a dedicated hub for adventurers exploring the scenic Weiser River National Recreation Trail.

Operated by the dedicated non-profit organization, Friends of the Weiser River Trail (FWRT), Wye Campground is more than just a place to park your RV or pitch a tent—it's a starting point for an unforgettable Idaho adventure. The FWRT’s mission is to preserve the historic Pacific and Idaho Northern Railroad corridor and convert it into a premier public recreational trail. By choosing to camp at Wye Campground, you are directly supporting the development and maintenance of this remarkable 84-mile trail, which winds its way from New Meadows down to Weiser.

While the region is known for a variety of camping experiences, from primitive dispersed sites to full-service luxury resorts, Wye Campground offers a balanced, community-focused basecamp tailored to the trail user. Its location at the northern terminus of the Weiser River Trail makes it strategically ideal for those looking to hike, bike, or ride horseback along the historic path.

Wye Campground is conveniently situated just off a major highway, yet far enough removed to offer a peaceful, rustic camping experience. Its official address places it directly in New Meadows, Idaho, a charming mountain town that acts as a gateway to the vast recreational opportunities of the Payette National Forest and surrounding wilderness.

The physical address for the campground is:

3604 US-95, New Meadows, ID 83654, USA

Though the address is on Highway 95, the campground itself is set back approximately one-half mile from the busy thoroughfare, ensuring a quiet, relaxing environment away from traffic noise. Access is clearly signed and involves turning onto Tamarack View Drive, just north of the historical Tamarack Mill site. This easy access via paved and gravel roads is a significant advantage, particularly for those towing larger RVs or horse trailers. New Meadows is also located at the busy crossroads of State Highway 55 and U.S. 95, making it an easy-to-reach destination for travelers coming from all directions in Idaho, including those venturing north from Boise or south from McCall.

The strategic location near New Meadows also provides campers with quick access to the town’s amenities, including fuel, dining options, and local services, should you need to resupply during your stay.

Wye Campground is designed to accommodate a range of camping styles, focusing on the needs of trail users. It provides essential services to ensure a comfortable stay without compromising the connection to nature. The campground is proudly operated by the Friends of the Weiser River Trail, and its development has been carefully managed to support both RV and tent camping.

• RV Camping: The site features a limited number of dedicated RV campsites.
• Tent Sites: Separate areas are available for traditional tent camping, perfect for backpackers and cyclists utilizing the trail.
• Electrical Hookups: RV sites offer varying levels of electrical service, including 15 amp, 30 amp, and 50 amp connections, accommodating various RV sizes and needs.
• Water Hookups: Potable drinking water is available at the RV sites.
• Vault Toilets: Restroom facilities are provided in the form of clean and well-maintained vault toilets.
• Corral Space: The campground is uniquely equipped to welcome equestrian campers, offering dedicated corral space for horses—a massive benefit for those planning multi-day horseback excursions on the Weiser River Trail.
• Reservations: While some sites may be available on a first-come, first-served basis, reservations are generally recommended, especially during the peak summer season, to secure your spot.

It is important to note that, as a rustic, trail-oriented campground, Wye Campground typically does not include a dump station, so RVers should plan to utilize facilities in nearby communities like McCall or Council before or after their stay. The campground is generally open seasonally, often from May through the late fall, but specific opening and closing dates can vary based on weather and trail conditions.

The primary draw of Wye Campground is its direct association with one of Idaho's premier recreation corridors, offering features that cater specifically to those looking for an active, scenic, and historic outdoor experience.

• Direct Trail Access: The most significant feature is its location at the northern terminus of the Weiser River National Recreation Trail. This 84-mile path, a former railway line, is highly popular for hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding. The trail features a gentle downhill slope when traveling south toward Weiser, making the initial leg from Wye Campground very appealing.
• Spacious Campsites: Campsites, both for RVs and tents, are generally described as large, providing ample room for vehicles, gear, and relaxation.
• Individual Site Amenities: Each campsite is equipped with both a picnic table and a fire ring with a grill, allowing campers to enjoy outdoor cooking and traditional campfires (always check local fire restrictions).
• Quiet, Wooded Setting: Set back a half-mile from the highway, the campground offers a quiet, peaceful atmosphere, tucked into the surrounding Idaho landscape.
• Pet-Friendly: Pets are typically allowed at the campsites, allowing the entire family—including four-legged friends—to enjoy the journey along the Weiser River Trail.
• Support for a Non-Profit: Fees collected for camping directly support the FWRT in their mission to maintain and improve the Weiser River Trail, providing a clear benefit to the local recreational infrastructure.
• Cell Signal Availability: While the campground doesn't offer Wi-Fi, many visitors report being able to get a reliable cell signal down near Highway 95, allowing for necessary communication and trip planning.

For the most current information, including seasonal operating hours, reservation details, and specific pricing for RV, tent, and corral spaces, it is best to contact the managing organization or use the designated reservation line. Since the campground is managed by the Friends of the Weiser River Trail, their website or direct line is the best resource.

• Address: 3604 US-95, New Meadows, ID 83654, USA (The physical location, set back from the highway).
• Reservation/Contact Phone: (208) 347-3604 (This number is often cited for making reservations).
• Alternative Contact: Inquiries can also sometimes be directed to the FWRT via email, often a dedicated address such as weiserrivertrail@gmail.com.

It is highly advisable to call ahead to confirm operating status, as the campground may temporarily close for the season, as has been noted in previous years to prepare for the following year's operating cycle.

Wye Campground is worth choosing for any Idaho resident or visitor who values a quiet, purposeful camping experience, especially those focused on trail recreation. This is the ideal basecamp for anyone planning to explore the Weiser River National Recreation Trail, whether for a rigorous bikepacking trip, a leisurely family bicycle ride, or a multi-day equestrian excursion. The dedicated corral space sets it apart for horse owners, making logistics for trail rides significantly easier.

Furthermore, by choosing Wye Campground, you become a direct supporter of a valuable Idaho non-profit and the maintenance of a significant piece of the state's outdoor recreation infrastructure. You are choosing a site that is clean, well-appointed with essential hookups (water and electric), and strategically located to launch your adventure. The combination of easy highway access, proximity to the town of New Meadows, and the immediate gateway to the 84-mile Weiser River Trail makes Wye Campground a uniquely appealing and high-value choice for a memorable Idaho outdoor getaway.

Wye Campground

3604 US-95, New Meadows, ID 83654, USA