RV Parks In Orofino, Idaho
46.4793° N, 116.2551° W
Quick Overview
Orofino sits low on the Clearwater River in north-central Idaho, about 40 miles east of Lewiston on Scenic US-12, and it is one of the best small-town RV fishing bases in the Northwest. The town calls itself the steelhead capital of the world, and once you see the river running right past downtown, with full-hookup parks on its banks, you understand why anglers and RVers keep coming back.
The camping splits cleanly two ways. Right in and near town you have private full-hookup parks on the river, led by Clearwater Crossing RV Park, which takes rigs up to 50 feet with water, electric and sewer, plus the Hook Up RV Park on the river at the base of Dworshak Dam in nearby Ahsahka. About 20 miles out, up on Dworshak Reservoir, the public campgrounds take over: Dent Acres, a Corps of Engineers park with 50-amp full hookups and paved pads, the BLM Pink House Recreation Site, and Dworshak State Park with its Freeman Creek unit and Big Eddy marina. So you can base in town on the river or settle in on the lake, depending on whether you came to fish the runs or boat the reservoir.
The fishing is the headline. The Clearwater delivers world-class steelhead and trout, especially during the fall and spring runs, while the reservoir holds kokanee salmon and bass. Even if you do not fish, the area is worth a stop: Dworshak Dam is the third-tallest in the country at 717 feet, the free Dworshak National Fish Hatchery is the largest steelhead hatchery in the world, and Canoe Camp on US-12 is where Lewis and Clark carved their dugout canoes with Nez Perce help.
The right park depends on your season and your rig. Summer is busy on the reservoir for boating and swimming, fall brings the legendary steelhead run and packed river parks, and winter quiets down to dedicated anglers using the year-round in-town parks. Below we break down each campground, what it costs, when to reserve and how to route a big rig in on US-12 and up ID-7 to the lake.
Top Rated Dump Stations in Orofino
No rated stations yet. Be the first to leave a review!
From the RVingLife Shop
Gear for Your Trip to Orofino
All Dump Stations Near Orofino
| Station Name | Distance | Rating | Category | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Clearwater Crossing RV Park | 0.2 mi | N/A | Dump Station | Varies |
| Brookwater Resort | 3.4 mi | N/A | Dump Station | Varies |
| The Hook Up | 3.6 mi | N/A | Dump Station | Varies |
| Canoe Camp | 4.0 mi | N/A | Dump Station | Varies |
| Dale's Mobile Home Park | 20.5 mi | 4.3 | Dump Station | Varies |
| Long Camp RV Park | 21.6 mi | N/A | Dump Station | Varies |
| Kamiah / Clearwater River Koa Journey | 22.0 mi | N/A | Dump Station | Varies |
| Mckay's Bend Blm | 22.5 mi | N/A | Dump Station | Varies |
| Ec Rettig Campground | 23.4 mi | N/A | Dump Station | Varies |
| Winchester Lake State Park | 24.5 mi | N/A | Dump Station | Varies |
Clearwater Crossing RV Park
0.2 miBrookwater Resort
3.4 miThe Hook Up
3.6 miCanoe Camp
4.0 miDale's Mobile Home Park
20.5 miLong Camp RV Park
21.6 miKamiah / Clearwater River Koa Journey
22.0 miMckay's Bend Blm
22.5 miEc Rettig Campground
23.4 miWinchester Lake State Park
24.5 miTraveling to Orofino by RV
Getting to Orofino is part of the appeal. The main route is US-12, the scenic highway that follows the Clearwater River, and from the west it is an easy 40-mile river-grade run up from Lewiston with no major passes, comfortable even in a big coach. From the east, US-12 crosses in from Montana over Lolo Pass, a long, winding mountain route that large rigs can manage but should take slowly and plan around weather.
In-town parks like Clearwater Crossing sit right off the highway on the river, so arrival is simple. For the reservoir campgrounds, you climb north on ID-7 toward Dworshak Dam, a grade that is manageable if you take it easy with a heavy rig. Lewiston, about 40 miles west, is the regional service hub for fuel, propane, groceries and RV repair, and the nearest larger airport, so stock up there or in town before heading up to the lake where the nearest store can be a drive away. Cell coverage thins out in the canyons and forest, so download maps before you head into the backcountry around the reservoir.
Useful Links
Find additional dump stations near Orofino
Browse RV parks and campgrounds in Idaho
Helpful articles for RV travelers
Navigate to Orofino, ID
National Weather Service forecast
Recreation.gov campground search
Find emergency medical care nearby
Find grocery shopping nearby
Before You Go: RV Trip Essentials
Dump stations are only one piece of the trip puzzle. Before you set out for your trip to Orofino, Idaho, it's worth taking thirty minutes to check that the basics are in place — the four areas below are where unprepared RVers most often get stung.
Check your RV insurance coverage
A standard auto policy rarely covers a Class A, Class C, or travel trailer the way a dedicated RV insurance policy does. If you're financing a motorhome, lenders typically require comprehensive and collision; full-timers should additionally price in vacation liability and personal belongings coverage. Rates vary widely by state and travel pattern — compare quotes from multiple RV-focused carriers before each season.
Know your roadside assistance options
RV-specific roadside plans tow motorhomes and trailers that regular AAA coverage won't touch — flat beds, mobile mechanics, tire service for duallies, and even emergency lockouts at remote campgrounds. Good plans cover your spouse and trailer even if you're driving a separate vehicle, and some include trip interruption reimbursement if a breakdown costs you a reservation.
Decide about an extended warranty early
Original manufacturer warranties on new RVs typically run 12–24 months — shorter than most buyers realize. An extended service contract (essentially a mechanical breakdown policy) covers the appliances, slides, levelling systems, and drivetrain components that can run $3,000–$10,000 to replace. The time to price one is before the factory coverage expires, not after something breaks.
Set up a travel rewards card for fuel and fees
A no-annual-fee travel or gas rewards card pays for itself on a single month of RV travel. Expect to spend $400–$800 per week combined on fuel, campgrounds, and propane — 3–5% cash back on gas alone covers the next oil change. For bigger trips, a sign-up bonus can offset campground fees for the whole season.
RVingLife is supported by advertising. Third-party ads on this page may include insurance quotes, roadside plans, warranty coverage, or financial products relevant to the topics above. We don't endorse any specific provider — compare multiple offers before you commit. Privacy policy.
Dump Station Costs in Orofino
Orofino is an easy place on the wallet compared with coastal or national-park RV destinations. The public campgrounds are the value play: the BLM Pink House Recreation Site is the budget pick at a low nightly rate, and the Corps of Engineers Dent Acres campground on Dworshak Reservoir sits in the budget-to-moderate range even with 50-amp full hookups. Idaho State Park camping at Dworshak falls in the moderate band.
The private river parks, Clearwater Crossing and the Hook Up RV Park, charge a moderate nightly rate for full hookups and prime river frontage, which is still reasonable for what you get. To trim costs, choose a public reservoir or BLM site over a private park, or travel in the spring and fall shoulders away from the summer reservoir peak, though note the fall steelhead run keeps the river parks in demand. Some parks offer weekly rates for anglers settling in for a run. Budget a little extra for an Idaho fishing license and a guide trip if you want help finding the steelhead, since that is the real splurge here, not the camping.
Contact station for pricing details.
Prices may vary. Always confirm with the station before visiting.
What RVers Are Saying About Orofino
No reviews yet. Be the first to share your experience!
Best Time to Visit Orofino by RV
Winter
Nov - Feb
28F - 40F
Crowds: Low
Cold valley days with occasional snow, milder than the surrounding mountains because Orofino sits low on the river. Winter steelheaders keep the year-round river parks like Clearwater Crossing busy, but the reservoir campgrounds are closed or quiet.
Spring
Mar - May
40F - 62F
Crowds: Medium
Green hillsides, spring steelhead and rising rivers. A good shoulder season with quieter parks and decent rates before the summer reservoir crowd arrives. Watch high, fast water if you are wading or launching a boat.
Summer
Jun - Aug
55F - 88F
Crowds: High
Hot, dry and clear, the busiest stretch. Dworshak Reservoir is the draw for boating, swimming and kokanee fishing, so reserve Dent Acres and Dworshak State Park well ahead. River parks in town stay comfortable in the evenings.
Fall
Sep - Oct
40F - 65F
Crowds: Medium
Prime steelhead season on the Clearwater pulls anglers from all over, and the river parks fill on weekends. Crisp days, turning leaves and lower water make this many RVers favorite time to camp here.
Explore the Orofino Area
A few things make an Orofino trip smoother. First, decide whether you are a river or a reservoir camper. If you came to fish the steelhead runs, base in town at Clearwater Crossing or the Hook Up RV Park for steps-to-the-water access and easy resupply. If you want to boat and swim, head up to Dent Acres or Dworshak State Park on the reservoir and accept that you are 20 miles from groceries, so stock up first.
Second, time it to the season. Book the reservoir campgrounds ahead for summer weekends and the in-town parks early during the fall and spring steelhead runs, when Orofino fills with anglers. Third, do not skip the free sights: Dworshak Dam and the national fish hatchery sit minutes apart near Ahsahka and make a great half-day even if you do not fish. Finally, top off fuel and propane in Lewiston or town before climbing ID-7, and carry your Idaho fishing license if the river is why you came. Just passing through and need to empty tanks rather than stay? See our guide to RV dump stations in Orofino.
National Parks Nearby
Frequently Asked Questions About Dump Stations in Orofino
What are the best RV parks near Orofino, ID?
The closest full-hookup option is Clearwater Crossing RV Park, right on the Clearwater River in town with water, electric and sewer at every site. For a lake setting, Dent Acres on Dworshak Reservoir is a Corps of Engineers campground about 20 miles out with 50-amp full hookups and paved pads. The BLM Pink House Recreation Site offers a handful of riverside full-hookup sites toward Lewiston, and the Hook Up RV Park sits on the river at the base of Dworshak Dam in Ahsahka. Dworshak State Park rounds it out with reservoir camping. Between them you can pick a close-in river base or a quieter lake stay.
Do RV parks near Orofino have full hookups?
Yes, several do. Clearwater Crossing RV Park provides full hookups with water, electric and sewer right in town and handles rigs up to 50 feet. Dent Acres on Dworshak Reservoir offers 50-amp full hookups with water and sewer at paved sites, and the BLM Pink House Recreation Site has 15 full-hookup sites with 30-amp service. The Hook Up RV Park in nearby Ahsahka also runs full hookups along the river. Dworshak State Park leans more toward electric sites, so if you need sewer at the site, the private parks and Dent Acres are your best bets. Most travelers find a full-hookup option easily here.
How much does RV camping cost near Orofino?
Orofino is an affordable area to camp by RV-destination standards. The public Corps and BLM campgrounds like Dent Acres and Pink House sit in the budget-to-moderate nightly range, and the BLM site is especially cheap. Private full-hookup parks such as Clearwater Crossing and the Hook Up RV Park charge a moderate nightly rate for full services on the river. Idaho State Park camping at Dworshak falls in between. To save, choose a public reservoir or BLM site over a private park, or travel in the spring and fall shoulders when demand eases. This is not a high-priced resort market, so your camping budget goes a long way compared with coastal or national-park gateways.
How far ahead should I reserve near Orofino?
It depends on the season. For summer weekends on Dworshak Reservoir, reserve Dent Acres and Dworshak State Park well ahead, since the lake is the regional draw for boating and the developed sites fill. During the fall and spring steelhead runs, book the in-town and riverside parks early too, because Orofino is a magnet for anglers and rooms and sites get tight. Midweek and off-season trips are far easier and can often be booked close to your dates. The BLM Pink House site and some primitive spots are first-come, so have a backup if you are counting on a walk-up in peak season.
When is the best time to RV camp near Orofino?
It comes down to what you are after. For warm-weather reservoir fun, swimming, boating and kokanee fishing, summer is the prize, hot, dry and clear, and also the busiest. For fishing, fall is legendary here, since Orofino calls itself the steelhead capital of the world and the autumn Clearwater run pulls anglers from everywhere, with crisp days and turning leaves. Spring offers green hillsides and another steelhead window with fewer people. Winter is cold and quiet, suited to dedicated steelheaders using the year-round river parks. Our pick for all-around comfort is early fall, when the weather holds and the fishing is at its best.
Can big rigs camp near Orofino?
Yes. Clearwater Crossing RV Park in town takes rigs up to 50 feet with full hookups, and Dent Acres on Dworshak Reservoir has paved pads and 50-amp service built for large coaches and fifth wheels. The main route, US-12 along the Clearwater River, is an easy river grade with no severe mountain passes through Orofino, so getting to town is straightforward from Lewiston. The one thing to mind is ID-7 climbing north to the dam and reservoir campgrounds; the grade is manageable but take it slowly with a heavy rig. Dworshak State Park has tighter, more rolling sites, so confirm length limits there if you run big.
Are there free or first-come campsites near Orofino?
There are some lower-cost and first-come options. The BLM Pink House Recreation Site runs largely first-come and is the budget pick, with full-hookup sites at a low nightly rate. The national forest and Corps land around Dworshak Reservoir also include primitive and dispersed possibilities for self-contained rigs, though developed sites with hookups are reservable and fill in summer. There is no in-town free RV lot, so for a quick overnight your best bet is a private park or a public campground site. If you want truly free dispersed camping, head into the Clearwater National Forest backcountry and come fully self-contained, since services are limited out there.
Where can I dump tanks and get propane near Orofino?
The full-service RV parks in and around Orofino, including Clearwater Crossing and the Hook Up RV Park, have dump stations and full hookups, and the public reservoir campgrounds like Dent Acres include dump facilities. Propane and fuel are available in town and more fully in Lewiston, about 40 miles west, which is the regional service hub. Because Orofino is a small town, stock up on groceries, propane and supplies before heading up to the reservoir campgrounds, where the nearest store can be a drive away. If you are passing through and just need to empty tanks rather than stay the night, see our guide to RV dump stations in Orofino for the closest options.
Is Orofino good for fishing by RV?
Exceptionally. Orofino bills itself as the steelhead capital of the world, and the Clearwater River running right through town delivers world-class steelhead and trout fishing, especially during the fall and spring runs. Up at Dworshak Reservoir you can target kokanee salmon and bass, and the Dworshak National Fish Hatchery, the largest steelhead hatchery anywhere, is free to tour. River-front parks like Clearwater Crossing and the Hook Up RV Park put you steps from the water, which is exactly what visiting anglers want. Many RVers base in town for river access during the runs, then move up to a reservoir site for summer lake fishing and boating. Bring your Idaho license and gear.
What is there to do around Orofino besides fishing?
Plenty for a small town. The headline sight is Dworshak Dam, at 717 feet the third-tallest dam in the United States, just 7 miles out with an overlook and information. Right nearby, the Dworshak National Fish Hatchery is free and fascinating, the largest steelhead hatchery in the world. History buffs can stop at Canoe Camp on US-12, where the Lewis and Clark Expedition, with Nez Perce help, carved five canoes from logs. Dworshak Reservoir offers boating, swimming and hiking, and the surrounding Clearwater country is full of wildlife and forest roads to explore. Add a walkable historic downtown and you have a full, low-key itinerary beyond the river.
Are the campgrounds near Orofino open in winter?
Some are. The private river parks in and near town, such as Clearwater Crossing and the Hook Up RV Park, generally stay open year-round, which matters because winter is an active steelhead season on the Clearwater and dedicated anglers camp through the cold. The public reservoir campgrounds, including Dent Acres and Dworshak State Park, are seasonal and typically close or run very limited in winter. Valley winters here are cold with occasional snow but milder than the surrounding mountains because Orofino sits low on the river. If you are coming in winter, confirm hours with a river park, expect short days, and be ready for chilly nights and the chance of snow on the roads.
How do I get to Orofino RV parks with a big rig?
The main approach is US-12, the scenic highway that follows the Clearwater River. From the west it is about 40 miles up from Lewiston on an easy river grade with no big passes, which makes it a comfortable drive even in a 40-foot coach. From the east, US-12 crosses from Montana over Lolo Pass, a long and winding mountain route that big rigs can do but should plan carefully and not rush. In-town parks like Clearwater Crossing are right off the highway on the river. For the reservoir campgrounds, take ID-7 north toward the dam, climbing a grade that is manageable slowly. Top off fuel in Lewiston or town before heading up.
Are pets allowed at Orofino-area RV parks?
Yes, most parks here welcome leashed pets. The private river parks are generally pet-friendly, and the public Corps, BLM and Idaho State Park campgrounds allow dogs on leash at campsites and on trails, which is typical for the region. Always check the specific rules when you book, since some sites limit the number of pets and a few cabins do not allow animals. Bring waste bags and keep dogs leashed near the water and the busy fishing areas, and watch for wildlife in the surrounding forest. With river paths, reservoir shoreline and open country all around, Orofino is an easy and pleasant area to camp with a dog.
What are the best RV parks near Orofino, ID?
The closest full-hookup option is Clearwater Crossing RV Park, right on the Clearwater River in town with water, electric and sewer at every site. For a lake setting, Dent Acres on Dworshak Reservoir is a Corps of Engineers campground about 20 miles out with 50-amp full hookups and paved pads. The BLM Pink House Recreation Site offers a handful of riverside full-hookup sites toward Lewiston, and the Hook Up RV Park sits on the river at the base of Dworshak Dam in Ahsahka. Dworshak State Park rounds it out with reservoir camping. Between them you can pick a close-in river base or a quieter lake stay.
Do RV parks near Orofino have full hookups?
Yes, several do. Clearwater Crossing RV Park provides full hookups with water, electric and sewer right in town and handles rigs up to 50 feet. Dent Acres on Dworshak Reservoir offers 50-amp full hookups with water and sewer at paved sites, and the BLM Pink House Recreation Site has 15 full-hookup sites with 30-amp service. The Hook Up RV Park in nearby Ahsahka also runs full hookups along the river. Dworshak State Park leans more toward electric sites, so if you need sewer at the site, the private parks and Dent Acres are your best bets. Most travelers find a full-hookup option easily here.
How much does RV camping cost near Orofino?
Orofino is an affordable area to camp by RV-destination standards. The public Corps and BLM campgrounds like Dent Acres and Pink House sit in the budget-to-moderate nightly range, and the BLM site is especially cheap. Private full-hookup parks such as Clearwater Crossing and the Hook Up RV Park charge a moderate nightly rate for full services on the river. Idaho State Park camping at Dworshak falls in between. To save, choose a public reservoir or BLM site over a private park, or travel in the spring and fall shoulders when demand eases. This is not a high-priced resort market, so your camping budget goes a long way compared with coastal or national-park gateways.
How far ahead should I reserve near Orofino?
It depends on the season. For summer weekends on Dworshak Reservoir, reserve Dent Acres and Dworshak State Park well ahead, since the lake is the regional draw for boating and the developed sites fill. During the fall and spring steelhead runs, book the in-town and riverside parks early too, because Orofino is a magnet for anglers and rooms and sites get tight. Midweek and off-season trips are far easier and can often be booked close to your dates. The BLM Pink House site and some primitive spots are first-come, so have a backup if you are counting on a walk-up in peak season.
When is the best time to RV camp near Orofino?
It comes down to what you are after. For warm-weather reservoir fun, swimming, boating and kokanee fishing, summer is the prize, hot, dry and clear, and also the busiest. For fishing, fall is legendary here, since Orofino calls itself the steelhead capital of the world and the autumn Clearwater run pulls anglers from everywhere, with crisp days and turning leaves. Spring offers green hillsides and another steelhead window with fewer people. Winter is cold and quiet, suited to dedicated steelheaders using the year-round river parks. Our pick for all-around comfort is early fall, when the weather holds and the fishing is at its best.
Can big rigs camp near Orofino?
Yes. Clearwater Crossing RV Park in town takes rigs up to 50 feet with full hookups, and Dent Acres on Dworshak Reservoir has paved pads and 50-amp service built for large coaches and fifth wheels. The main route, US-12 along the Clearwater River, is an easy river grade with no severe mountain passes through Orofino, so getting to town is straightforward from Lewiston. The one thing to mind is ID-7 climbing north to the dam and reservoir campgrounds; the grade is manageable but take it slowly with a heavy rig. Dworshak State Park has tighter, more rolling sites, so confirm length limits there if you run big.
Are there free or first-come campsites near Orofino?
There are some lower-cost and first-come options. The BLM Pink House Recreation Site runs largely first-come and is the budget pick, with full-hookup sites at a low nightly rate. The national forest and Corps land around Dworshak Reservoir also include primitive and dispersed possibilities for self-contained rigs, though developed sites with hookups are reservable and fill in summer. There is no in-town free RV lot, so for a quick overnight your best bet is a private park or a public campground site. If you want truly free dispersed camping, head into the Clearwater National Forest backcountry and come fully self-contained, since services are limited out there.
Where can I dump tanks and get propane near Orofino?
The full-service RV parks in and around Orofino, including Clearwater Crossing and the Hook Up RV Park, have dump stations and full hookups, and the public reservoir campgrounds like Dent Acres include dump facilities. Propane and fuel are available in town and more fully in Lewiston, about 40 miles west, which is the regional service hub. Because Orofino is a small town, stock up on groceries, propane and supplies before heading up to the reservoir campgrounds, where the nearest store can be a drive away. If you are passing through and just need to empty tanks rather than stay the night, see our guide to RV dump stations in Orofino for the closest options.
Is Orofino good for fishing by RV?
Exceptionally. Orofino bills itself as the steelhead capital of the world, and the Clearwater River running right through town delivers world-class steelhead and trout fishing, especially during the fall and spring runs. Up at Dworshak Reservoir you can target kokanee salmon and bass, and the Dworshak National Fish Hatchery, the largest steelhead hatchery anywhere, is free to tour. River-front parks like Clearwater Crossing and the Hook Up RV Park put you steps from the water, which is exactly what visiting anglers want. Many RVers base in town for river access during the runs, then move up to a reservoir site for summer lake fishing and boating. Bring your Idaho license and gear.
What is there to do around Orofino besides fishing?
Plenty for a small town. The headline sight is Dworshak Dam, at 717 feet the third-tallest dam in the United States, just 7 miles out with an overlook and information. Right nearby, the Dworshak National Fish Hatchery is free and fascinating, the largest steelhead hatchery in the world. History buffs can stop at Canoe Camp on US-12, where the Lewis and Clark Expedition, with Nez Perce help, carved five canoes from logs. Dworshak Reservoir offers boating, swimming and hiking, and the surrounding Clearwater country is full of wildlife and forest roads to explore. Add a walkable historic downtown and you have a full, low-key itinerary beyond the river.
Are the campgrounds near Orofino open in winter?
Some are. The private river parks in and near town, such as Clearwater Crossing and the Hook Up RV Park, generally stay open year-round, which matters because winter is an active steelhead season on the Clearwater and dedicated anglers camp through the cold. The public reservoir campgrounds, including Dent Acres and Dworshak State Park, are seasonal and typically close or run very limited in winter. Valley winters here are cold with occasional snow but milder than the surrounding mountains because Orofino sits low on the river. If you are coming in winter, confirm hours with a river park, expect short days, and be ready for chilly nights and the chance of snow on the roads.
How do I get to Orofino RV parks with a big rig?
The main approach is US-12, the scenic highway that follows the Clearwater River. From the west it is about 40 miles up from Lewiston on an easy river grade with no big passes, which makes it a comfortable drive even in a 40-foot coach. From the east, US-12 crosses from Montana over Lolo Pass, a long and winding mountain route that big rigs can do but should plan carefully and not rush. In-town parks like Clearwater Crossing are right off the highway on the river. For the reservoir campgrounds, take ID-7 north toward the dam, climbing a grade that is manageable slowly. Top off fuel in Lewiston or town before heading up.
Are pets allowed at Orofino-area RV parks?
Yes, most parks here welcome leashed pets. The private river parks are generally pet-friendly, and the public Corps, BLM and Idaho State Park campgrounds allow dogs on leash at campsites and on trails, which is typical for the region. Always check the specific rules when you book, since some sites limit the number of pets and a few cabins do not allow animals. Bring waste bags and keep dogs leashed near the water and the busy fishing areas, and watch for wildlife in the surrounding forest. With river paths, reservoir shoreline and open country all around, Orofino is an easy and pleasant area to camp with a dog.
Are there free dump stations in Orofino?
Yes — there are free RV waste disposal options available near Orofino.
All Dump Stations Near Orofino (41)
RV ParkClearwater Crossing RV Park
RV ParkBrookwater Resort
RV ParkThe Hook Up
RV ParkCanoe Camp
RV ParkDale's Mobile Home Park
RV ParkLong Camp RV Park
RV ParkKamiah / Clearwater River Koa Journey
RV Park with Dump Stations





