Skip to main content
FacilityCampgroundRecreation.gov

Shadowy St. Joe Campground

Saint Maries, Idaho · Benewah County · Campground

Overview The Shadowy St. Joe Campground (CG) is located 10.6 miles from St. Maries Idaho up the St. Joe River on Forest Highway 50. It is at 2100 feet elevation and on a slack water section of the river. The campground includes convenient paved roadways and camping spurs, 13 camping units and one host site. During peak…

Advertisement
47.32567, -116.39325
Open in OpenStreetMap

About Shadowy St. Joe Campground

Overview The Shadowy St. Joe Campground (CG) is located 10.6 miles from St. Maries Idaho up the St. Joe River on Forest Highway 50. It is at 2100 feet elevation and on a slack water section of the river. The campground includes convenient paved roadways and camping spurs, 13 camping units and one host site. During peak season, 7 sites will be available for reservations. Recreation The docks and boat ramp at Shadowy St. Joe CG allows for river access, fishing and swimming. Motorized boats can continue up the river to St. Joe City. The grassy landscape allows for relaxation in a peaceful setting. Facilities Day and overnight use. 14 fully accessible campsites with electrical hookups, picnic tables, fire rings, and vault toilets. Refuse receptacle provided, ample parking, convenient trailer space, potable piped water, boat launch, and a group picnic shelter. The day use picnic shelter has tables that can seat up to 40 people. The campground is 10.6 miles from a full service community of St. Maries (population 3000) where a hospital, gas, food and services can be found. Natural Features Camp sites are located in open, grassy areas with some fruit and ornamental shade trees. There is no beach but there are docks and a boat launch providing access to the river. The surrounding areas include private lands with open grassy areas. Herds of elk are often seen along the lower sections of the river. Nearby Attractions The St. Joe River is well known as a fishing destination. Thirty miles further up the river is the town of Avery where the St. Joe River becomes a designated Wild and Scenic River. The gateway town of Avery Idaho has a renovated railroad depot with a museum, post office and a railroad car from the historic Route of the Hiawatha, small store with gas and fast food, a restaurant with pizza, chicken and beer, a fly fisherman shop with fishing supplies, souvenirs, deli sandwiches and ice cream. The upper river provides white water rafting in the spring and the lower r

How to Get There

From Saint Maries, take Highway 3 north. After 1/2 mile, turn right on Saint Joe River Road and continue for 10.6 miles. Turn right into campground.

Driving directions (Google Maps) →

What to Pack for Your Stay

Tuned to the live forecast for this park.

👔 What to Wear

  • 👕
    Long-sleeve shirt
    Synthetic or merino, sun-protective.
  • 🧥
    Light shell or windbreaker
    Even on warm days, wind can chill (avg wind 0 mph).
  • 👖
    Hiking pants or convertible
    Layer for variable conditions.
  • 🥾
    Trail runners or low boots
    Comfortable, broken in.

🎒 What to Pack

  • 💧
    Water
    Bring at least 1L of water; more in heat.
  • 🍫
    High-energy snacks
    A snack for the trail.
  • 🧴
    Sun protection
    Sunscreen, sunglasses, brimmed hat.
  • 🩹
    First-aid kit
    Blister patches, ibuprofen, tape, antiseptic wipes.
  • 🗺
    Offline map
    Download your route in advance via Gaia, Caltopo, or OSM-based apps.

Recommendations adapt to the current forecast + trail stats. Use them as a starting point — local conditions, your experience, and the time of day you start all matter.

Plan Your Visit to Shadowy St. Joe Campground

Heading to Shadowy St. Joe Campground? A few things to know before you go:

  • Reservations: popular sites fill up fast — check Recreation.gov 6 months in advance
  • Fees: day-use and camping fees vary; check current rates on the official park page
  • Trash & pack-out: follow Leave No Trace principles
  • Wildlife: store food in bear boxes where provided; never feed wildlife
  • Weather: the 5-day forecast above is updated every 6 hours; verify just before you go

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a reservation for Shadowy St. Joe Campground?

No central reservation system listed for Shadowy St. Joe Campground. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/10305337) for the latest entry policy and availability.

How do I get to Shadowy St. Joe Campground?

From Saint Maries, take Highway 3 north. After 1/2 mile, turn right on Saint Joe River Road and continue for 10.6 miles. Turn right into campground.

How do I contact Shadowy St. Joe Campground?

You can reach the park at phone: 208-245-2531.