need camping recommendations for Montana and Idaho

[blackbuell]

We leave Cincinnati for Idaho in about a week; the basic route for the first 60% of the trip is set; will ride through SW Montana into Idaho via Lolo Pass, then to routes 95, 55, and 21 through the Sawtooth Range. Then onto Salt Lake City.

Though I have done some camping in Montana and Idaho, it's been nearly 40 years; don't remember details about it.

Can anyone make recommendations for specific locations where we might camp between Billings and Missoula in Montana, and along the route  in Idaho that I described above?

Just from internet explorations I have come up with a few possibilities: In Montana, Missouri Headwaters State Park, and in northern Idaho, one of the national forest campgrounds west of Lolo Pass along route 12. Anybody have experience with these places?

Thanks,

Jon

[NWrider]

If you can get a spot or reserve in advance, Ponderosa State Park in McCall, Idaho has access to Payette Lake and is a very nice, clean park.    If you're near Gibbonsville, ID north of Salmon, Idaho I'd recommend the Broken Arrow campground -- on site Mexican restaurant that has food to die for.   It's the site of the Broken Arrow Rendezvous that Guzzi and BMW riders have been going to for about 15 years on the 3rd weekend of July.

[Tkelly]

We camped along 12 at the forest campground near Lolo pass in 1977.Beautiful spot by the river on one of the greatest MC roads.

[dee g]

It's been a few years, but we've stayed the the Powell campground next to the Lochsa Lodge.  Not a bad place.  And having the restaurant at the Lodge was nice.  It's on the south side of the highway, about 20 or so miles into ID from the border.

I've been on the route you are taking, but in the opposite direction.  When you are coming down 55, don't go all the way to Boise.  Hang a left onto 17 just before Banks.  That will get you to Lowman.  And its a nicer road.

[Two Checks]

We visited the Headwaters State Park but stayed at the Three Forks KOA.
Its an option if you need it.

[Sheepdog]

Just came back from there earlier this month. Hopefully, it won't be so cold in the passes as it was in April. We got snow going over White Bird Pass and it isn't as high as Lolo. There are numerous campgrounds on the roads you named. McCall is a neat place.

[Chuck in Indiana]

^^^ Nice pix, Mr. Dog..

[PJPR01]

upload image


Bring bear spray just in case of a furry visitor!

Right at the junction of the Clearwater and Selway River is a great place to camp or grab a cabin on the river.

Chris and I and Sam Baker stayed at a very modest hotel and restaurant right there that has a big bus in front.  The road going along parallel to the Selway is a great place to explore and could take you all the way from Lowell to Elk City.  As long as you are comfortable riding on a dirt road, it’s Fantastic scenery, nice bridges and you could find innumerable camping spots along the way!

[guzzi ride]

Jon and I are rolling out tomorrow morning. Very much looking forward to this trip. Will keep you all posted on two Norge's heading West.

[Chuck in Indiana]

 

[Sheepdog]

Enjoy the ride...safe travels.

[93spada]

Brother Peter and I stayed at a National Forest Campground north of Missoula
https://www.bing.com/maps/#Y3A9NDIuOTM1Mzk4fi03NC4xNzg1OTYmbHZsPTQmc3R5PXImcnRwPWFkci5+YWRyLiZtb2RlPUQmcnRvcD0wfjB+MH4=
So nice we stayed there twice

[93spada]

Brother Peter and I stayed at a National Forest Campground north of Missoula
https://www.bing.com/maps/#Y3A9NDIuOTM1Mzk4fi03NC4xNzg1OTYmbHZsPTQmc3R5PXImcnRwPWFkci5+YWRyLiZtb2RlPUQmcnRvcD0wfjB+MH4=
So nice we stayed there twice

Looks like my map cut and paste didn't work
Campground is at corner of rt 200 and 56 north of Noxon MT just east of Clarks Forks ID. Its on Bull river rd.
Do the Yak!!!!!
Also ride the roads around the Koocanusa Reservoir North of the Libby Dam. The bridge to nowhere is there.
Paul