RV Dump Stations In Bovill, Idaho

Bovill is reached via Idaho Highway 8, which runs east from Moscow through Deary before connecting to Highway 3 near Bovill. The village sits about 34 miles northeast of Moscow. From the west, take US Highway 95 to Moscow and then Highway 8 east. The nearest interstate is I-90, which runs through the Idaho Panhandle about 80 miles to the north near Coeur d Alene. The Elk River Backcountry Byway, a 57-mile scenic route, connects Bovill to Orofino and is worth driving for the scenery. These are two-lane mountain highways that handle RVs, though the forest roads beyond town may be unpaved and narrow.

Bovill has a continental climate influenced by its mountain location in the Idaho Panhandle region. Summers are warm with highs in the low 80s and cool nights dropping into the 50s, making it perfect for camping. Winters are cold and snowy with highs in the mid-30s and lows in the teens, and significant snowfall accumulates in the surrounding mountains. Spring is cool and wet with snow lingering at higher elevations into April. Fall brings cool temperatures and beautiful golden larch trees in the forests. The area receives more precipitation than the Palouse prairie to the west, with heavy snow in winter and afternoon thunderstorms possible in summer.

Bovill RV Park is right in town and offers spacious RV sites with full hookups including water and sewer in a peaceful setting. Moose Creek Reservoir, about 3 miles west of Bovill on Highway 3/8, has 24 developed campsites with primitive facilities at $15 per night on a first-come, first-served basis with a 14-day limit. The lake is stocked with trout. The St. Joe National Forest has numerous dispersed and developed campgrounds along forest roads deeper in the mountains. The Latah County Fairgrounds RV Park in Moscow offers a more urban option about 30 minutes west with hookups and access to town amenities.

Bovill is a gateway to some of Idaho best outdoor recreation. The St. Joe National Forest offers miles of trails for hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, and ATV use. The St. Joe River is a blue-ribbon wild trout stream designated by Idaho Fish and Game as one of the highest quality fisheries in the state, offering excellent fly fishing and floating. Moose Creek Reservoir is stocked with trout and popular for fishing and swimming. The Elk Creek Falls National Recreation Trail near Elk River provides access to three waterfalls, including the Middle Falls which is the tallest waterfall in Idaho. Hunting for elk, deer, and upland birds is popular in fall.

The St. Joe River is one of Idaho most celebrated waterways, running through the St. Joe National Forest east of Bovill. It is designated as a blue-ribbon wild trout stream, which means the fishing quality is exceptional. The river supports native cutthroat trout and is popular for both fly fishing and catch-and-release angling. Beyond fishing, the St. Joe offers floating and kayaking through pristine mountain scenery. The river corridor has camping opportunities at developed and dispersed sites along forest roads. For RVers who enjoy fishing and river recreation in a remote wilderness setting, the St. Joe River area is one of the best destinations in the Pacific Northwest.

The Elk River Backcountry Byway is a 57-mile scenic route connecting Bovill to Orofino through some of the most beautiful mountain country in north-central Idaho. The route passes through the small timber town of Elk River, where you can access the Elk Creek Falls trails and the tallest waterfall in Idaho. The drive takes you through dense forests, along mountain ridges, and past historic logging communities. The road is paved in most sections but some segments may be gravel, so check conditions before heading out in a large RV. It is an outstanding drive in summer and fall when the forests are at their most colorful and the wildlife is active.

Yes, Bovill is one of the better areas in Idaho for free dispersed camping. The St. Joe National Forest surrounds the area and allows dispersed camping along many forest roads for free, typically with a 14-day limit. You need to be self-contained since there are no facilities at dispersed sites. Forest roads vary in quality from well-maintained gravel to rough single-track, so choose your spots based on your rig size and clearance. Moose Creek Reservoir offers affordable primitive camping at $15 per night. Some pullouts along forest roads serve as informal camping spots for self-contained RVs. Always check current fire restrictions before camping in the national forest.

Bovill is a very small community with a population under 300, so services are extremely limited within town. There is no major grocery store, and fuel availability should not be counted on. Moscow, about 34 miles west on Highway 8, is the nearest full-service town with grocery stores, gas stations, and Walmart. Cell phone coverage is spotty in the mountains around Bovill and essentially nonexistent deeper in the St. Joe National Forest. Arrive with full tanks of fuel, water, and provisions. Download offline maps before heading into the forest. The remoteness is the whole point for many RVers, but it requires self-sufficiency and planning.

Services in Bovill itself are minimal. For full shopping and services, Moscow is about 34 miles west and has Walmart, Safeway, hardware stores, gas stations, and restaurants. Pullman, Washington is just across the state line from Moscow and adds additional shopping options. The University of Idaho in Moscow means the town has solid dining and entertainment for a city its size. Propane is available at hardware stores in Moscow. For RV repairs, Moscow or the larger cities along the I-90 corridor to the north are your options. Stock up on everything in Moscow before heading to Bovill and the forest areas.

Summer from late June through August is the prime time for RVing near Bovill. The weather is warm, forest roads are open, the St. Joe River is at optimal fishing levels, and all campgrounds are operational. July and August offer the longest days for maximizing outdoor time. Early fall in September is also excellent with cool temperatures, fall colors starting in the larch forests, and very few other visitors. Spring can be muddy with lingering snow at higher elevations. Winter is beautiful but impractical for RV camping due to snow, cold, and road closures. For the St. Joe River fishing, mid-summer through early fall tends to produce the best conditions.

The forests around Bovill are home to abundant wildlife. The St. Joe National Forest is nationally recognized for its elk herds, and you have a good chance of seeing elk, especially during the fall rutting season when they are most active and vocal. White-tailed deer and mule deer are common throughout the area. Moose are occasionally spotted near wetlands and river bottoms. Black bears inhabit the forests, so store food properly at camp. Bald eagles, ospreys, and a variety of hawks are frequently seen along waterways. The trout streams support river otters and kingfishers. Keep your eyes open while driving the back roads and you are likely to see something memorable.

Fishing near Bovill is outstanding. The St. Joe River is the crown jewel, designated as a blue-ribbon wild trout stream with native cutthroat trout that attract fly fishers from across the Pacific Northwest. Moose Creek Reservoir three miles west of town is stocked with trout and offers easy bank fishing. Smaller creeks and streams throughout the St. Joe National Forest hold native trout populations in pristine mountain settings. Elk Creek near the town of Elk River is another productive trout stream. An Idaho fishing license is required and catch-and-release regulations apply in some sections of the St. Joe River. Check current Idaho Fish and Game regulations before fishing.

Elk Creek Falls is accessible from the small town of Elk River, about 17 miles from Bovill via the Elk River Backcountry Byway. The Elk Creek Falls National Recreation Trail provides access to three separate waterfalls. The Middle Falls is the most impressive, holding the distinction of being the tallest waterfall in Idaho. The trail is moderate in difficulty with some steep sections near the falls. Allow two to three hours for the round trip to see all three falls. The trailhead has parking that can accommodate some RVs, though larger rigs may want to check the turnaround situation. This is one of the most impressive natural attractions in north-central Idaho and well worth the drive from Bovill.

Bovill has very limited dump station options. Plan to use facilities in Moscow about 30 miles west before heading into this forested area. Check the listings above for any available local options.

The surrounding Clearwater National Forest offers dispersed camping, hiking in old-growth timber, Elk Creek Falls, and backcountry exploration on forest roads. The area is remote and undeveloped.

Highway 8 to Bovill handles standard RVs, but the forest roads beyond town may not be suitable for large motorhomes. Check road conditions before heading into the backcountry with a big rig.

Handle all sani-dump needs in Moscow before entering the Bovill area. The remote forest country east of Moscow has essentially no waste disposal facilities for RV travelers.