St. Joe Landing

For Idaho locals seeking a truly serene and memorable outdoor experience, St. Joe Landing in St. Maries is a hidden gem that consistently earns heartfelt praise. This isn't just a place to pitch a tent; it's a cherished spot where "some of my favorite memories have been made here," as one reviewer beautifully put it. Known for its "very nice private camp location" and its "peaceful, beautiful, and friendly" atmosphere, St. Joe Landing offers an inviting escape along the world-famous St. Joe River. It's a testament to the tranquil beauty and welcoming spirit found within Idaho's incredible natural landscapes.

Imagine the gentle sounds of the river flowing by, the crisp Idaho air, and the camaraderie of fellow campers who appreciate the quiet charm of a riverside retreat. St. Joe Landing provides an idyllic setting for families to reconnect, friends to gather, and individuals to simply unwind. Its reputation as a beloved summer spot, where visitors return year after year, speaks volumes about the enduring appeal and special quality of this campground. For Idaho residents, it represents the perfect opportunity to experience the best of our state’s outdoor living in a truly comfortable and welcoming environment.

St. Joe Landing is situated at 10100 Railroad Grade Rd, St Maries, ID 83861, USA. This prime location places it directly on the banks of the renowned St. Joe River, an area celebrated for its crystal-clear waters and stunning scenery within the Idaho Panhandle National Forests. St. Maries, the closest full-service community, is a charming town that acts as a gateway to this beautiful river corridor.

Accessing St. Joe Landing is relatively straightforward. From St. Maries, visitors would typically take Forest Highway 50 (also known as the St. Joe River Road) for approximately 10.6 miles upriver. The campground is located at an elevation of about 2100 feet. The journey itself is picturesque, winding alongside the river and offering glimpses of Idaho's unspoiled nature. While the address specifies "Railroad Grade Rd," it's important to note that this road often parallels the main route along the St. Joe River. The ease of access from St. Maries means that essentials like gas, groceries, and other services are conveniently close, balancing the remote feel of the campground with practical needs for a comfortable stay.

While specific, exhaustive details for "St. Joe Landing" as a distinct campground were not extensively found under that exact name, the provided contact information (matching the St. Joe Ranger District) and the nature of the reviews strongly suggest it is either a private location, or possibly a local name for part of or a very close proximity to a known public campground like Shadowy St. Joe Campground, which is managed by the US Forest Service on the St. Joe River near St. Maries. Based on common amenities for riverside campgrounds in this region and information from closely related public sites:

• Campsites: Likely offers individual camping units suitable for both tent and potentially RV camping. Given the review mentioning a "private camp location," some sites may offer more seclusion. Public campgrounds in the area like Shadowy St. Joe offer 13-14 camping units.
• Picnic Tables & Fire Rings: Standard at most Idaho campgrounds, these provide essential facilities for outdoor cooking and gathering around a campfire.
• Restrooms: Typically, vault toilets are available, offering basic sanitation. (Shadowy St. Joe has vault toilets).
• Potable Water: Hand pump water hydrants or piped water systems are common, providing access to drinking water. (Shadowy St. Joe has potable piped water).
• Boat Access: Given its location on the St. Joe River, access to the river for boating, fishing, and floating is a key offering, potentially including a boat launch or docks. (Shadowy St. Joe has a boat launch and docks).
• Electrical Hookups: While not confirmed for "St. Joe Landing" specifically, nearby public campgrounds like Shadowy St. Joe have recently been upgraded to include electrical hookups at some sites, enhancing RV camping options.
• Group Areas: Some campgrounds in the region offer group picnic shelters or designated group sites.

St. Joe Landing stands out for several key features and highlights that contribute to its appeal as a cherished Idaho camping destination:

• Private & Peaceful Atmosphere: Customer reviews consistently praise its "very nice private camp location" and its "peaceful" ambiance, making it ideal for those seeking a quiet retreat away from overcrowded areas.
• Beautiful Riverside Setting: Located on the "world-famous St. Joe River," the campground offers stunning natural beauty with "beautiful" surroundings, including large old cottonwood trees along the riverbank and excellent scenery.
• Friendly Environment: Reviewers often note the "friendly" atmosphere, indicating a welcoming community feel that fosters positive interactions among campers.
• Ideal for Making Memories: The sentiment that "some of my favorite memories have been made here" highlights its suitability for creating lasting family experiences and traditions.
• Exceptional River Access: The St. Joe River is renowned for its fishing (especially for native westslope cutthroat trout and bull trout), whitewater rafting (in spring), drift boating, canoeing, kayaking, inner tubing, and motorized boating, all of which are directly accessible from the area.
• Wildlife Viewing: The surrounding area offers abundant opportunities for viewing wildlife, with herds of elk often seen along the lower sections of the river.
• Proximity to St. Maries: Being just over 10 miles from St. Maries, campers have convenient access to a full-service community for supplies, gas, and other amenities, providing a comfortable balance between wilderness and convenience.

For those interested in experiencing the tranquility and beauty of St. Joe Landing, here is the available contact information:

• Address: 10100 Railroad Grade Rd, St Maries, ID 83861, USA
• Phone: (208) 245-6737
• Mobile Phone: +1 208-245-6737

These phone numbers are associated with the St. Joe Ranger District of the Idaho Panhandle National Forests, which oversees recreational sites in this region, including potentially St. Joe Landing or closely related campgrounds like Shadowy St. Joe. It is highly recommended to contact them directly using the provided phone numbers for the most current information regarding campsite availability, specific amenities, any operational changes, or reservation policies. Given the "private camp location" aspect mentioned in reviews, it's also possible that this site is managed independently or is a designated private spot within a larger public access area, so direct communication is key to ensuring a smooth visit.

St. Joe Landing is truly an exceptional destination for Idaho locals, embodying the peaceful, beautiful, and friendly essence of our state's outdoor offerings. For those of us who call Idaho home, this campground offers a unique opportunity to create cherished "favorite memories" in a truly "private camp location." Its serene atmosphere, coupled with direct access to the world-renowned St. Joe River, makes it an ideal spot for families seeking to unplug and reconnect with nature without venturing too far from essential conveniences.

The river itself is a massive draw for Idahoans, known for its outstanding fishing for native cutthroat trout, as well as opportunities for floating, kayaking, and even motorized boating. This diverse range of water activities caters perfectly to the active lifestyle many Idaho residents enjoy. The "friendly" environment mentioned by reviewers fosters a welcoming community feel, making it easy to settle in and enjoy your surroundings.

Furthermore, its proximity to St. Maries means that while you feel completely immersed in the wilderness, you're never too far from supplies or emergency services. This balance of remote tranquility and practical accessibility is exactly what many Idahoans look for in a local getaway. St. Joe Landing represents the best of what our state has to offer – a chance to unwind, explore, and make lasting memories in a truly beautiful and cherished part of the Idaho Panhandle.