Powell Campground

Signs and Info

Campsites

Facilities

Name: Powell Campground

Powell Campground is on the upper end of the Lochsa River. The campground area is heavily forested and fairly level with mountains all around. The Lolo Pass is up the road to the east. The campground is deep in the Bitterroot Mountains. However, the elevation is only about 3800 feet.

Campsites: The campground is divided into loop A and B. Loop A has electricity available while loop B does not. Loop B has 10 tent / RV camping sites with the river only a short distance to the south and a large meadow with the picnic area to the north. Some of the sites are secluded, but others are closely bunched together. Site 10 has extra parking, 3 picnic tables, 2 fire rings and a couple barbecue stands as well as a big fire ring surrounded by benches. Loop B has 24 RV camping sites with paved driveways and electrical hook ups. Attractions: There are many reasons to visit here. Fishing in the Lochsa and Crooked Rivers, the Lolo Pass Visitor Center, Lochsa Historic Ranger Station, Selway - Bitterroot Wilderness Area, Jerry Johnson and Weir Hot Springs, or hiking the many trails in the area.

Water: Powell Campground has its own pressurized water system. We did not taste the water as it was being tested at the time we visited.

Garbage Services: Yes, in bearwise dumpsters.

Restroom: The "Comfort Station" located between the loops has flushing toilets. There is also a vault style outhouse at the far ends of both A and B loops. All were clean and well maintained. They weren't perfect, but it was very wet when we were there.

Handicap Accessible: Yes, the campground is handicap accessible.

Pets: On a leash only and you need to pick up after them.

Recreation: There are many reasons to visit here. Fishing in the Lochsa and Crooked Rivers, the Lolo Pass Visitor Center, Lochsa Historic Ranger Station, Selway - Bitterroot Wilderness Area, Jerry Johnson and Weir Hot Springs, or hiking the many trails in the area.

Fishing: Fishing in the Lochsa River, Crooked River and White Sands Creek is available. Salmon, steelhead and trout are caught here. Check your regulations.

Boating: There are no boating facilities at Powell Campground.

Wildlife: There are deer, elk, moose, bear, many birds and an abundance of squirrels. Use caution with your food and garbage so as not to attract unwanted attention from bears.

Phone service: There is no pay phone available in the campground, however, there is a phone available at the Lochsa Lodge at the campground entrance.

Nearby Services: The nearest gas, pop, ice, showers and many other services are available at Lochsa Lodge near the campground entrance.

RV Dumping Site: The nearest free dumping station is at the Wilderness Gateway Campground.

Location/Driving instructions: This campground is way out in the sticks which is the way we like it. Powell Campground is 162 miles east of Lewiston, Idaho, on US Hwy 12 and 60 miles southwest of Missoula, MT.

Coordinates: 46.511872,-114.721520

Elevation: 3401 Feet

Reviewed Date: June 2010

Fees And Reservations: To reserve your site, go to recreation.gov or call 1(877)444-6777. Only one site in Loop B is not reservable while 8 sites in Loop A are on a first come first served basis. Fees in Loop B are $8.00 plus $2.00 for your extra vehicle. The extra large site,# 10, is the same price. The sites are $15.00 plus $2.00 for your extra vehicle in Loop A because Loop A offers electrical hookups that are up to 50 amps.

This information is accurate as of the date of the review.