Johnson Bar Campground

Signs and Info

Campsites

Name: Johnson Bar Campground

Johnson Bar Campground is located on the lower Selway River near Fenn Ranger Station. Even on a wet rainy June weekday the campground was nearly full. It is on the flat land between (paved) Selway Road and the river. There are a few trees in most of the sites but is a grassy meadow type setting. The campground roads are gravel and the driveways are gravel which is being overgrown with grass. The grass is trimmed and over all it seems to be a pleasant camping area.

Campsites: There are 7 tent / RV camping sites and one group site. Each campsite has a picnic table and fire pit with grill. The group site was in use so I could not get detailed pictures or info about it. However, recreation.gov has a good listing about it.

Host on Site: No host on site.

Water: Surprisingly for a smaller campground, Johnson Bar Campground has a pressurized water system with good water.

Garbage Services: Yes, in a bear resistant dumpster.

Restroom: The campground has vault style outhouses which were clean and well maintained and stocked.

Handicap Accessible: The toilets are handicap accessible but the rest of the campground would be a challenge.

Firewood: No, cut or bring your own.

Pets: On a leash only.

Picnic Area: There is a picnic area opposite the group camping area.

Recreation: Recreation activities here include fishing, floating and rafting in the river. There is also biking along the Selway River Road, photography and I am sure many other activities.

Fishing: Is the primary attraction here. there is salmon fishing from our observations. Check out Fenn Pond by Fenn Ranger Station. It is a family fishing water (regulations). It took me about 45 minutes to catch our 6 fish limit. It is stocked with trout.

Boating: Many people float the river in rafts and tubes but there are no boating facilities here.

Swimming: There is a decent beach here, however, you swim at your own risk.

Wildlife: Deer, bear and rattlesnakes.

Additional Camping Opportunities: Check out the other campgrounds on the Selway River.

Phone service: No pay phone or cell phone reception here.

Nearby Services: Most simple services (ice, pop, air, gas, etc...) can be found at Lowell, Idaho just 4.0 miles northwest on Selway River Road.

RV Dumping Site: The nearest ones are at Kooskia, Idaho to the northwest and Wilderness Gateway Campground to the north and east on Hwy 12.

Location/Driving instructions: From Kooskia, Idaho travel 21.6 east miles on Hwy 12 to the Selway River Road turning right. Follow the Selway River road 4.0 miles southeast to the Johnson Bar Campground on the right side on the road.

Coordinates: 46.10361,-115.55917

Elevation: 1551 Feet

Reviewed Date: June 2010

Fees And Reservations: The group site may be reserved through recreation.gov for $40.00 per day except on major holidays when it is available on a first come first serve basis. The campsites are $6.00 and your extra vehicle is another $2.00 per day.

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