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Anglers and river swimmers who can arrive Friday morning will get the most out of this place. Rainbow trout and whitefish are the draw, the small beach works for a float or wade, and the creek-side site genuinely muffles the road.
Price
$15/night
Booking
First-Come
Sites
4 campsites
Season
Mid-May to end of Se...
Cell
Unknown
Pets
Check Policy
Price
$15/night
Booking
First-Come
Sites
4 campsites
Season
Mid-May to end of Se...
Cell
Unknown
Pets
Check Policy
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44.2205, -116.1068
Anglers and river swimmers who can arrive Friday morning will get the most out of this place. Rainbow trout and whitefish are the draw, the small beach works for a float or wade, and the creek-side site genuinely muffles the road.
Bring your own water, cash or check for the fee envelope, and patience for a host that multiple reviewers describe as showing up unannounced at 8 a.m. and 9 p.m. Four sites means you may drive 15 miles from Banks and find it full.
Reference information about Big Eddy Campground sourced from official USFS records and forestcamping.com. View official recreation.gov page →
<p>Big Eddy Campground is located approximately 15 miles north of Banks, Idaho, just off Highway 55 at an elevation of 4,000 feet. The North Fork Payette River flows next to the highway, where whitewater rafting and kayaking are popular activities.</p><p>Big Eddy used to be a water stop for the old steam engines. The foundation of the old water tower can still be seen across the river.</p><p>Big Eddy Campground is one of 4 campgrounds that lie along State Highway 55, on the North Fork of the Payette River between Banks and Smiths Ferry.</p><p><strong>Natural Features:</strong></p><p>The campground is situated is a scenic canyon just above Highway 55. The mountains are forested with a mix of Ponderosa and lodgepole pines and shade is plentiful within most of the campground. Summer days are warm, reaching 80-90 degrees; nights are cooler.</p><p><strong>Recreation:</strong></p><p>The North Fork Payette River is a very popular location for whitewater rafting and kayaking. The Payette Whitewater Roundup is held annually in July along different sections of the river.</p><p>Anglers will find good to excellent fishing for whitefish and rainbow trout.</p>
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Summer brings the most reliable conditions. Daytime highs range from the low 70s to upper 80s, with nights cooling into the 40s and 50s. The campground operates mid-May through September. Spring runoff makes the river high and fast into early summer. Once flows settle by late June, swimming and fishing improve. Winter closes the campground and buries the area in snow.
Most reliable conditions; warm days/cool nights; campground fills quickly on summer weekends.
Potable water is not available at this site.
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