Dworshak Reservoir, found in central Idaho along the North Fork of the Clearwater River, is located in scenic forested and mountainous country. Popular activities include swimming, boating, fishing, hunting, water-skiing, camping, hiking and lots more. At a height of 717 feet, the dam is the highest straight-axis gravity dam in North America, as well as one of the most dramatic in appearance. The Dworshak National Fish Hatchery is the largest steelhead trout hatchery in the world. Lewis and Clark camped in the area, where they rested from their trip over the Bitterroot Range and built canoes for their trip on to the Pacific Ocean. (Direct quote from www.recreation.gov)
Having lived in Ahsahka for a few years, I can tell you that the Dam has so much to offer! Dworshak Dam and Reservoir are under the control of the Army Corps of Engineers. There is a Visitor Center at the top of the Dam that is definitely worth the trip. The Visitor Center has information and displays on the building of the dam, has tours inside the Dam, area maps as well as a wealth of information about the history of the area. You can see many fishermen and women lined up on the bridges and down the road when the fishing season is bustling. The Reservoir itself has smallmouth bass, black crappie, rainbow trout, cutthroat trout, kokanee salmon and steelhead, so a little of everything if you are looking to fish from the dock, bridge or on a boat.
As they said above, swimming, boating, fishing, hunting, water skiing, camping, and hiking are a few of the great outdoor activities you can do when visiting the Reservoir. The reservoir even has a few floating docks that are shaped in a square, once docked you can swim in the center and lounge!
There are a few great places to camp along the lake, some are only accessible by boat. But the few, if you do not have a watercraft, are fun places to visit and stay. Freeman Creek Campground is one such place, it is great for family reunions and just a fun family camp out. There are 3 loops, a tent area and 3 group areas. It has standard and serviced RV campsites, cabins, and tent campsites that overlook the reservoir! Also reservable boat slips, and small group camps. Some of the activities available are a playground, volleyball court, archery, and horseshoes. Freeman Creek is accessible by Driving in, walking in or by boat.
https://idahocampgroundreview.com/campgroundhome.php?page=dworshak
There is also Three Meadows Group Camp, which is a large facility with a fully equipped commercial kitchen,lodge, cabins for up to 100, shower houses and a dedicated dock. It makes a perfect place for a summer camp, family reunion, business retreat or wedding.
https://parksandrecreation.idaho.gov/wp-content/uploads/ThreeMeadowsBrochure.pdf
Dent Acres is another large camp area on the Reservoir; it features 42 pull-through camping sites and one back-in only site. All of the sites are equipped with water and 50 amp electricity hookups as well as sewage hookups, a fire pit and a covered picnic table. The campground can accommodate everything from tent camping to large RVs. The campground offers flush toilets and shower rooms. The campground has a playground and plenty of open space for activities. Some other amenities include a fish cleaning station, dump station, trails, a 2-lane boat ramp, and a tie-up dock during the main season. The Sun Shelter is the perfect place to have parties, or just to get together with friends and family. The shelter has electricity, lighting, water, grills, and a number of picnic tables to accommodate all of your guests (up to 75 people). The sun shelter is reservable during the summer months. Dent Acres is the perfect place to bring the family for the weekend to camp or to recreate at
https://www.nww.usace.army.mil/Missions/Recreation/Dworshak-Dam-and-Reservoir/Dent-Acres/
Big Eddy Marina and Lodge is also a great venue for weddings and reunions! My own daughter was married at the Big Eddy Lodge. It offers 99 full season boat slips, on the water fuel, a marina store, and a large conference area perfect for weddings, meetings, or parties. It’s a perfect,quiet but fun venue.
https://www.nww.usace.army.mil/Missions/Recreation/Dworshak-Dam-and-Reservoir/Big-Eddy/
Dworshak has a great trail system as well, with many short or long hikes along the way, so many different trails to choose from! Here is a good site to go to for all the hikes along Dworshak. www.clearwatercabinrental.com/newdworshaktrails.html
So whatever your heart desires I would bet Dworshak has it!!
https://www.nww.usace.army.mil/Portals/28/docs/recreation/Dworshak/2016%20Reservoir%20Map%20Bl.pdf







