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Glade Creek Group Campground
A popular spot with the locals, the quaint Glade Creek Group Campground has five sites and is peacefully tucked away on about four acres, alongside a rolling river and under a canopy of mixed-age conifers and low-growing shrubs. The vegetation provides privacy for each site as well as shade in the summer, and due to its position along a large bend in the river, and private beach access, this area is popular with groups of rafters and family gatherings. The campground is located thirty-one miles east of Kooskia and about eight miles east of Lowell, Idaho. Gas, groceries, and other services are available in Kooskia. This campground is only available as a group site and is reservable through the Kooskia Ranger Station. Popular activities include fishing, swimming and rafting. And for the hikers and mountainbikers, there are three hiking/biking trails within two miles of the campground (trails are also open to motorcycles from 6/2-9/30).
At a Glance
| Current Conditions: | 2023 Season May 12, 2023 - September 10, 2023. |
|---|---|
| Operational Hours: | 2023 Season May 12, 2023 - September 10, 2023. |
| Reservations: | Reservations can be made by visiting Glade Creek on Recreation.gov or by calling their toll-free number 1-877-444-6777 (10:00 AM - Midnight EST) |
| Fees: | Fees are $50.00 per night for 5 camping spots. |
| Open Season: | May 12 - Sept. 10, 2023 |
| Best Season: | Summer |
| Busiest Season: | Summer |
| Restrictions: | Campground has a limit of 35 guests allowed, total. |
| Closest Towns: | Lowell, ID |
| Water: | No drinking water is provided |
| Restroom: | Yes, 1 vault toilet |
| Operated By: | US Forest Service |
| Information Center: | Lochsa-Powell Ranger District, 208-942-3113 |
General Information
Directions:Glade Creek Campground is located at about milepost 105 on US Highway 12. It is approximately 31 miles east of Kooskia and about seven miles east of Lowell, Idaho.
Parking:
There is parking for about 8 vehicles at the campground.
Activities
Sand Play
A rocky shoreline and sandy beach make playing and fishing in the river fun.
Mountain Biking
Trail 16: Van Camp Trail; 4.4 miles; approx. 3 hours; begins at Hwy 12 at MP 107.3 and ends at jct with Road 481;Trail follows old roadbed, lower portion of trail is quite steep with loose rock. Used heavily by trail bikes and OHVs except when restricted. Trailhead parking on Hwy 12 is somewhat limited.
Trail 2: Lochsa Down River Trail; 16.9 miles; approx. 7 hours; begins at Hwy 12 and Split Creek Pack Bridge (MP 111.4) and ends at Hwy 12 at Sherman Creek (MP 122.5); trail was primary access to Lochsa Historical Ranger Station prior to completion of Hwy 12; traverses north face of Lochsa Canyon with good views of river and surrounding mountains; maintained annually by volunteers and is in good condition; located on steep rocky terrain; Trail is not recommended for inexperienced bike riders.
Road Cycling
The scenic Highway 12, following the beautiful Clearwater and Lochsa Rivers, is a popular place for cyclists to spend the day.
Group Camping
Four campsites total, 3 of which have a picnic table, fire ring, and tent pad. The other site has two picnic tables, two fire rings and several tent pads.
Parking for up to 8 vehicles is provided, but not suitable for trailers over 23'.
River and Stream Fishing
Bank fishing for cutthroat and rainbow trout, steelhead and salmon is a popular pastime for anglers here.
Day Hiking
Please see information under Backpacking
Backpacking
Access to the following trails are within 2 miles of the campground:
Trail 142: Deadman Ridge Trail; 2.9 miles; approx. 4 hours;Climbs steeply through forested areas with populations of Pacific Dogwood; begins on Hwy 12 across from Glade Creek Campground (MP 105) and ends at jct with Road 5546 at Deadman Ridge; lower portion is in fair condition and is suitable for day hikes from Glade Creek Campground. Upper portion is brushed in and difficult to follow. Trail is not suitable for bike or stock use.
Trail 16: Van Camp Trail; 4.4 miles; approx. 3 hours; begins at Hwy 12 at MP 107.3 and ends at jct with Road 481;Trail follows old roadbed, lower portion of trail is quite steep with loose rock. Used heavily by trail bikes and OHVs except when restricted. Trailhead parking on Hwy 12 is somewhat limited.
Trail 2: Lochsa Down River Trail; 16.9 miles; approx. 7 hours; begins at Hwy 12 and Split Creek Pack Bridge (MP 111.4) and ends at Hwy 12 at Sherman Creek (MP 122.5); trail was primary access to Lochsa Historical Ranger Station prior to completion of Hwy 12; traverses north face of Lochsa Canyon with good views of river and surrounding mountains; maintained annually by volunteers and is in good condition; located on steep rocky terrain; Trail is not recommended for inexperienced bike riders.
Trail 133: Split Creek RidgeTrail; 10.8 miles; approx. 5 hours; begins at Hwy 12 and Split Creek Pack Bridge (MP 111.4) and ends at jct with Eagle Mountain Trail 3 at Louse Lake; trail is access to Split Creek Ridge, Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness, Louise Lake and Trail 206; Closed to all mechanized travel including bicycles; a long hot climb on a sunny day, an early morning start is recommended; a spring 3 miles up is only water for 8 miles.
Big Game Hunting
Hunting in surrounding area.
Please visit Idaho Fish & Game for details on when, where and what you need to hunt in Idaho.
Viewing Scenery
OHV Trail Riding
Trail 16: Van Camp Trail; 4.4 miles; approx. 3 hours; begins at Hwy 12 at MP 107.3 and ends at jct with Road 481;Trail follows old roadbed, lower portion of trail is quite steep with loose rock. Used heavily by trail bikes and OHVs except when restricted. Trailhead parking on Hwy 12 is somewhat limited.
Scenic Driving
The Northwest Passage Scenic Byway, All American Road (Highway 12)
Related Information
Location
