Badger Creek Campground

Star4.56
20 reviews
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Peace & Quiet

Quick Facts

3,294 ft

Price

Free

Booking

First-Come

Sites

5 campsites

Season

End of May - End of ...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Opens Mountain Home Ranger District site

Official Website
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Badger Creek Campground
$0.00 - $0.00 / night
Campsite Fees
No fees are required for any sites at the campground.
Standard Site Fee$0.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Provider
208-392-6681null
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What Campers Say

4.56

Top-Rated

Based on 20 reviews

18 Google reviews

Most mentioned

sceneryfriendly

"User reviews are generally positive, noting the campground's beautiful scenery, cleanliness, and friendly atmosphere. However, some complaints were raised about road conditions and restroom facilities."

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Campground Map

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Badger Creek Campground

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Driving directionsFrom Boise, Idaho, travel north on State Highway 21 to Forest Service (FS) Road 268 (Middle Fork Boise River Road) turn-off. Travel along FS Road 268 road past the scenic Arrowrock Reservoir for approximately 25 miles. You will pass the Arrowrock Dam and several other campgrounds. The campground is located a few miles beyond the Willow Creek Campground.
The campground is accessible via FS Road 268. Road conditions can be rough, narrow, and washboard-like. Checking road conditions with the Idaho City Ranger District before heading out is recommended.
Nearby places
Boise, Idaho: approximately 25 miles (travel duration not specified)
Nearby supplies
No specific nearby grocery or camping supplies location mentioned. Boise, Idaho, may serve as the nearest supply center.

Best Time to Camp at Badger Creek Campground

The sweet spot for camping at Badger Creek runs from mid-May through late September, when wildflowers bloom and the river runs full. During these golden months, you'll find yourself basking under clear Idaho skies with perfectly mild temperatures and that crisp, dry mountain air that makes everything feel more alive. Come winter, heavy snows transform this summer paradise into an inaccessible wonderland, with freezing temperatures and road closures keeping the campground in peaceful hibernation until spring's return.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.5 / 5
Top 23% in ID

Sweet spot mid-May through late Sept; wildflowers, full river and favorable weather.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Open into late September; early fall offers good weather and wildlife viewing opportunities.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.5 / 5

Late spring (after opening end-May) praised for wildflowers and high river flows; early spring often snowbound.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Campground typically closed outside end-May to end-September due to snow.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: Mid-May through late September (weather is usually good during this period).. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: End of May - End of September (Operational only during these months unless snow causes closures.)
  • Current Alerts: Active gold claims restrict some areas along the river outside the campground. Road conditions may be rough and are advisable to check before arrival.

About Badger Creek Campground

Tucked away along the pristine waters of the Middle Fork Boise River, Badger Creek Campground offers an authentic wilderness escape without the price tag. This intimate, no-fee gem in the Boise National Forest features just five peaceful campsites, each equipped with its own picnic table, campfire ring, and grill – perfect for those seeking solitude beneath towering pines. While the journey here requires navigating some adventurous rough roads, your reward is prime access to the stunning Arrowrock Reservoir and two spectacular trails: the winding Corral Creek Trail #129 and the scenic William Pogue National Recreation Trail #122. Basic amenities include a vault toilet, ensuring a comfortable yet rustic camping experience.
Badger Creek Campground is primarily configured for tent camping, although it also supports OHV camping. The campground includes 5 campsites situated along the river. User reviews mention roominess and cleanliness, but no explicit details on site dimensions or specific features are offered.
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Amenities available

Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Badger Creek Campground offers diverse recreational activities, including hiking, fishing, swimming, hunting, and scenic driving. Official sources emphasize the proximity to Corral Creek Trail #129 and William Pogue National Recreation Trail #122 for hiking enthusiasts. "The Middle Fork Boise River offers excellent rainbow & cutthroat trout fishing," and reviewers also praised the campground for its swimming opportunities, describing it as "great" and "beautiful." OHV camping and riding are also listed as activities, with a user noting the area has "lots of trails to go 4-wheeling or use a side-by-side on."
HikingHiking opportunities are available nearby with specific trails like Corral Creek Trail #129 and William Pogue National Recreation Trail #122 mentioned. Difficulty levels, trail lengths, or other specifics are not provided.
FishingFishing is described as excellent near the Middle Fork Boise River, where rainbow and cutthroat trout are commonly found. User reviews confirm high satisfaction with fishing conditions.
SwimmingSwimming is noted as an enjoyable activity, with user reviews describing the area as having "good swimming holes" and "a lake to swim in."
BoatingArrowrock Reservoir, located west of the campground, offers boating and waterskiing opportunities. Specific details on allowed boat types or docking facilities are not provided.
Wildlife viewingWildlife viewing is highlighted with mentions of deer, elk, eagles, osprey, and waterfowl, which are commonly attracted to the river.
Winter Activities
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsRough and narrow roads leading to the campground. Active gold claims nearby may limit river access outside the campground. Campfire restrictions apply during fire season.
Active AlertsActive gold claims restrict some areas along the river outside the campground. Road conditions may be rough and are advisable to check before arrival.
No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

Weather at Badger Creek Campground

Reviews

4.6
20 reviews
Top-Rated
Top-Rated
Badger Creek Campground is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews are generally positive, noting the campground's beautiful scenery, cleanliness, and friendly atmosphere. However, some complaints were raised about road conditions and restroom facilities.
Review Summaries
Based on 20 reviews

What Campers Love

Reviewers praised the "beautiful scenery," "lots of trails," and "friendly people." They also noted the campground is "roomy" and provides excellent opportunities for swimming and fishing.
Based on 20 reviews

Common Concerns

Common complaints include rough road conditions described as "washboard and atrocious," issues with vault toilets such as "bullet holes around the exterior," and limited access to the river due to an...
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Based on 20 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Pack your own potable water due to its unavailability, and bring a propane cooker in case of fire restrictions. Checking road conditions in advance is advised due to potentially rough and narrow...
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Based on 20 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Camping during the operational months (end of May to end of September) is generally favored for good weather conditions. Snow closures may affect access outside this period.
Based on 20 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Beautiful spot right on the river. Amazing campground." - Adelaide Lyke. "Beautiful scenery and lots of trails around the area to explore. Road to get there is washboard and atrocious though." -...
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Based on 20 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

No specific campsite reviews are provided, other than the general mention of 5 sites situated along the river.
Based on 20 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessibility features and experiences are not discussed in user reviews.
Based on 20 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pet policies and experiences are not mentioned in user reviews.
Based on 20 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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