Kelly Forks Cabin
Kelly Forks cabin is located in a small clearing within an active forest service work center. It was originally built at the confluence of Moose and Kelly Creeks during the mid-1930’s to be used as a stopover between the upper North Fork and the Bungalow Ranger stations. It was then dismantled, floated down Kelly Creek, and reassembled at its current location during the mid-1900s. Fully remodeled around 2002 with modern comforts, the cabin maintains a high demand throughout the rental season. Although accessible by car, the gravel roads on the district can be quite rough and partially blocked with debris.
Check availability on Recreation.gov ↗
Site mix
| Cabins with electric | 1 |
Site guide
1 site. Tap a filter to narrow the list; the map follows.
| Site | Entry | Surface | Shade | Power | People / vehicles |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kelly Forks Cabin | Back-in | Gravel | Partial | 15 amp | 6 / 2 |
Per-site records as published by the managing agency on Recreation.gov. Blank cells mean the agency listed nothing for that site. Check-in 2:00 PM, checkout 11:00 AM.
Amenities & rules
| Hookups | Electric |
The 3-room cabin can accommodate up to six people and is furnished with electricity, lights, running water, “on demand” propane hot water, and individual electric radiant heaters for each room. The bedroom contains 1 twin and 1 full size mattress and a dresser w/mirror. The spacious bathroom is equipped with a shower stall, flush toilet, sink and mirror. The kitchen is equipped with an electric range w/oven, microwave, refrigerator/ freezer, sink, drip coffee pot, toaster and an odd assortment of pots, pans, plates, bowls, utensils, cups, and glasses. The vaulted living area provides 2 full sized futons, and dining table with 4 chairs. The cabin also has a large covered porch with camp chairs and a picnic area that has a table and fire ring (guests provide their own firewood). The cabin can be reserved for a single night or up to 6 consecutive nights by the same individual or group. Guests are required to bring their own bedding, pick up after their pets, and clean the cabin before they check out with the provided cleaning supplies under the “leave it cleaner than when you arrived” policy.
Individual sites vary. Confirm on Recreation.gov or with the managing office.
Weather by month
Getting there
Kelly Forks cabin is approximately 45 miles northeast of the community of Pierce, Idaho on the North Fork Ranger District of the Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forest within the Kelly Forks work center compound.
| Nearest town | Orofino, Idaho |
| Coordinates | 46.7164° N, 115.2589° W · Directions ↗ |
Fire nearby
- WildfireMoose Mountain
5 mi from the campground · 5,832 acres · 90% contained
- PrescribedRx Barnyard Units Nfrd
18 mi from the campground · 41 acres
- PrescribedRx Rescue Jensen Nfrd
22 mi from the campground · 44 acres
- PrescribedD4 Rx Simmons Peak
25 mi from the campground
Distance is to the reported incident point, not the fire edge. Call the managing office before you drive.
Supplies & services
| Dump station | Dump station ↗ | 34 mi |
| RV sales & service | Sport Land Trailer Sales, Service & Rentals ↗ | 55.7 mi |
Locations © OpenStreetMap contributors. Call ahead; hours change seasonally.
Explore
Worth a stop
- 1.2 miJunction Mountain Trailhead ↗Trailhead
- 6.8 miFourth Of July Trailhead ↗Trailhead
Trails nearby
- 0.2 miFlat Mountain ↗7.5 mi trail
- 1.2 miJunction Mountain ↗13.1 mi trail
- 1.2 miJunction Creek ↗6.9 mi trail
- 1.8 miJunction Lookout0.5 mi trail
- 3.2 miElizabeth Mountain ↗7.4 mi trail
- 4 miCool Creek3.3 mi trail
Trailheads within three miles
- 1.2 miJunction Mountain Trailhead ↗Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests
Trail and trailhead records are the Forest Service's. Distances are straight-line to the nearer trail end. Trail conditions are not tracked here.
Public land it sits in
This campground sits inside Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forest.
- inNez Perce-Clearwater National Forest ↗National Forest · Forest Service · 4,072,795 acres
Each unit is published as a centre point and an acreage rather than a boundary, so this section stands it in for a circle of the same area. Whether a campground is inside, and how far it is from one it is outside, are both approximate.
Other campgrounds nearby
Cabin and lookout rentals nearby
Natural features
The cabin is situated in a small semi secluded clearing surrounded by evergreens, cottonwood, and alder mixed with huckleberries at the confluence of Kelly Creek and the North Fork of the Clearwater River. The area is known worldwide as a blue-ribbon fishery for West Slope Cutthroat Trout, and the beautiful crystal-clear waters are just a stone's throw from the cabin. Seasonal changes can be particularly enjoyable from the swift moving whitewater in the spring to the extraordinary fall colors pursued by the crisp white snow line.
Recreation
There are several fishing “holes” and hiking trails located within easy walking distance of the cabin with many more a short drive in any direction. The North Fork Ranger District prides itself on the diversity of world class recreational opportunities ranging from bird/wildlife watching, big game hunting, whitewater rafting, leisurely floats, secluded backpacking/equestrian trails into the high mountain backcountry, to motorized OHV trail systems providing unique experiences that draw visitors from around the world and all walks of life.
Guidebooks for Idaho
We earn a small commission if you buy through these links. It does not change what we list.
Titles come from Open Library's catalog, matched by subject heading or by title.
Reference
Questions people ask
Do I need a reservation at Kelly Forks Cabin?
Sites at Kelly Forks Cabin are reservable on Recreation.gov. Any walk-up sites are listed on the booking page.
Source: Recreation.gov
What time is check-in at Kelly Forks Cabin?
Check-in 2:00 PM, checkout 11:00 AM.
Source: Recreation.gov
How many sites does Kelly Forks Cabin have?
1 site, including 1 cabin with power.
Source: Recreation.gov
Does Kelly Forks Cabin have hookups?
Yes, electric hookups at some sites.
Source: Recreation.gov
Are there showers or a dump station at Kelly Forks Cabin?
The spacious bathroom is equipped with a shower stall, flush toilet, sink and mirror.
Source: Recreation.gov
What is there to do at Kelly Forks Cabin?
There are several fishing “holes” and hiking trails located within easy walking distance of the cabin with many more a short drive in any direction. The Recreation section on this page has the rest.
Source: Recreation
What is the nearest town to Kelly Forks Cabin?
Orofino, Idaho.
Source: Getting there
What if Kelly Forks Cabin is full?
The nearest public campgrounds are Kelly Forks Campground (0.2 mi, first-come), Noe Creek Campground (5.5 mi, first-come), and Hidden Creek Campground (8.8 mi, first-come).
Source: Campgrounds nearby