Car camp ban on Clearwater River considered

LEWISTON – The U.S. Forest Service is considering a ban on car camping along the banks of the North Fork of the Clearwater River and its popular tributary, Kelly Creek.

Forest Service Ranger Doug Gober said the agency is likely to place large boulders and other barricades to block vehicle access to beaches and riparian areas adjacent to the river and creek.

Gober told the Lewiston Tribune that some people take their vehicles close to river edges, causing damage to the banks and beaches. The barricades will also deter campers from driving out on to gravel bars along the rivers.

There are more than 40 undeveloped camping sites along the North Fork and Kelly Creek. The two streams are popular in the summer for anglers and people taking advantage of the sandy beaches and swimming.