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Knife Edge Campground and River Access
Located along the breathtaking Wild and Scenic Lochsa River, about fifteen minutes east of Lowell, ID, families, campers, anglers, kayakers, floaters and boaters may enjoy this five unit, two acre, free-use campground and Lochsa river/boat access site. A changing room and a single vault restroom is also provided.
The Campground will accomodate 40-ft. RV's.
At a Glance
| Current Conditions: | |
|---|---|
| Operational Hours: | Open |
| Reservations: | Campsites are available on a first-come, first-serve basis. |
| Fees: | No Fee. |
| Open Season: | The campground is open year-round, but might not be accessible because of snow. |
| Best Season: | Summer |
| Busiest Season: | May-June |
| Restrictions: | 8 people per campsite. No stock allowed. |
| Closest Towns: | Lowell, ID |
| Water: | No drinking water is provided. |
| Restroom: | 1 vault toilet. No toilet service November-March. |
| Operated By: | US Forest Service |
| Information Center: |
|
General Information
Directions:Travel 11.6 miles east on highway 12 from Lowell, ID. Site will be on the right.
Activities
Sand Play
This location is positioned on a rocky shoreline with views into the Wild and Scenic Lochsa River.
Road Cycling
This site is a popular camping location for road cyclists traveling the Scenic Hwy. 12.
*There is no drinking water provided at this site*
Campground Camping
Five camping untis are available. Each have a picnic table, fire ring and tent pad. There is a changing room provided for boaters as well.
River and Stream Fishing
This a popular spot for fly-fishing along the river bank (cutthroat, rainbow trout, steelhead and salmon).
Day Hiking
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.
Backpacking
See details under Day Hiking
Horse Riding
No stock is allowed in campground.
Trail 2, 16, 133 and 142 (see details under Day Hiking) are suitable for horseback riding.
Big Game Hunting
Please visit Idaho Fish & Game for details on when, where and what you need to hunt in Idaho.
OHV Trail Riding
Trail 16: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.
Interpretive Areas
There is a bulletin board at the site with information about the area.
Scenic Driving
Highway 12 is the Northwest Passage Scenic Byway-All American Road.
Boating - Non-Motorized
The Lochsa Wild and Scenic River has many opportunities for rafters and kayakers. The river is best suited for intermediate and advanced boaters, and offers lots of excitement with over 25 major Class III-IV+ rapids.
Tubing
The floating season normally extends from May to August. Permits are not required for non-commercial floating. Because the waters are fed by snow melt throughout the floating season, wetsuits are a must. If you have light equipment, little experience, or are unsure of your ability to handle your equipment under extremely difficult water conditions, you should not consider floating the Lochsa without competent accompaniment. Commercial outfitter guides are available to conduct float trips on the Lochsa.
Location
