Poverty Flat Campground, located alongside the South Fork Salmon River in Idaho, offers an ideal retreat for equestrian enthusiasts. This well-equipped, paved campground provides 10 campsites, including four walk-in tent sites, each featuring hitching posts for horse campers. Serving as both a trailhead for an extensive trail system and a take-out point for those floating the South Fork from Goat Creek, this campsite offers a wide range of outdoor activities for all.
A Trail Rider's Paradise
At Poverty Flat Campground, trail riders are in for a treat. The campground serves as the starting point for several loop hikes of varying lengths and difficulties, accommodating adventurers on foot, horseback, mountain bikes, and trail bikes. The Blackmare Creek Trail (#100) begins right in the campground, providing direct access to a network of scenic trails that showcase the rugged beauty of Idaho's wilderness.
Equestrian campers can explore the extensive trail system that winds through dense forests, along the riverbanks, and over challenging terrain, making every ride an adventure. With hitching rails at each campsite, the campground is designed to provide comfort and convenience to both riders and their horses.
Riverside Relaxation and Recreation
The South Fork Salmon River is renowned for its excellent fishing opportunities, making Poverty Flat Campground a favorite spot for anglers. The river, which runs alongside the campground, offers prime fishing locations where visitors can try their luck catching native trout. The river is also a popular spot for floating, and the campground serves as a convenient take-out point for floaters navigating the waters from Goat Creek.
The South Fork of the Salmon River area is among the first regions to be free of snow in the spring, attracting visitors eager to enjoy the warmer weather and explore the great outdoors. The campground is surrounded by several other campgrounds and dispersed campsites along the South Fork Road (FS Rd #674), providing plenty of options for extending the adventure.
Essential Amenities with a Natural Touch
Poverty Flat Campground emphasizes a back-to-nature experience while offering essential amenities to ensure a comfortable stay. Each site is equipped with fire rings and hitching rails, along with access to drinking water and toilets. However, there are no hook-ups, so visitors are encouraged to pack in and pack out all their trash to maintain the pristine environment. The campsite's simplicity enhances its charm, allowing guests to connect deeply with nature without the distractions of modern conveniences.
Why Choose Poverty Flat Campground?
Poverty Flat Campground is more than just a camping destination; it is a haven for horse lovers, adventurers, and outdoor enthusiasts. Whether you're setting off on a scenic trail ride, fishing in the sparkling river, or embarking on a mountain bike adventure, this campground provides the perfect base for an unforgettable experience.
With its ideal location alongside the South Fork Salmon River and its wide range of recreational opportunities, Poverty Flat Campground invites you to explore the natural beauty and rugged landscapes of Idaho. Bring your horse, your fishing gear, or your hiking boots, and discover why Poverty Flat Campground is a premier destination for outdoor adventure in Idaho.
Directions:
From McCall, go 30 miles northeast on Forest Road 48 (Lick Creek Road), then 13 miles south on FR 674 (South Fork Road).
The South Fork corridor is about 30 miles from Cascade along the Warm Lake Highway. Usually by July, Lick Creek Pass (Road #48) is snow-free, providing a faster access from McCall (35 miles) to the South Fork corridor. Please follow posted speed limits and drive carefully, the South Fork Road is a paved, narrow, one-lane road with two-way traffic and many blind corners.
Facilities and Amenities at Poverty Flat Horse Camp
- Equestrian trails
- Fire rings
- Hitching rails
- Toilet
- Drinking water
- 10 campsites, including 4 walk in tent sites
- Potable water
Cost Details:
- $10 single units
Notes:
- No hook-ups.
- Pack in/pack out. Please pack out all your trash.
- This location is available on a first-come, first-served basis only.
- Visitors are required to physically arrive at the campground to purchase and claim a site. Once on-site, you may be able to pay for your campsite(s) by scanning a QR code using the Recreation.gov mobile app, and the Scan and Pay feature.
If you want to discover and explore other campsites and horse trails, here are some of them that you may visit:
Payette National Forest - Blackwell Lake via Fall Creek Saddle Trail 108 and Crestline Trail 109
Frank Church-River of No Return Wilderness - Middle Fork Salmon River
Payette National Forest - Duck Lake via Twentymile Trail
Payette National Forest - Twenty Mile Trail
Poverty Flat Horse Camp does not require reservations for overnight accommodations. Please visit their page here on Top Horse Trails - Poverty Flat Horse Camp for more information