Big Eddy Campground

Star4.47
81 reviews
SwimmingSummer Destination

Quick Facts

4,000 ft

Price

$15/night

Booking

First-Come

Sites

4 campsites

Season

Mid-May to end of Se...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Opens Boise National Forest site

Official Website
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Big Eddy Campground
$15.00 - $15.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Single campsites are available on a first-come, first-served basis for $15 per night. Extra vehicle charges may apply. Payment is accepted via fee...
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Standard Site Fee$15.00
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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What Campers Say

4.47

Recommended

Based on 81 reviews

74 Google reviews

Most mentioned

scenerycleanrestroomsbeach

"User reviews convey mixed sentiments about Big Eddy Campground. While many praise its serene location, cleanliness, and proximity to the river, others voice dissatisfaction with the campground host's behavior, describing them as intrusive or rude. The small size of the campground is frequently mentioned as both a positive and negative feature."

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Campground Map

Big Eddy Campground

44.2205, -116.1068

Driving directionsFrom Boise, Idaho travel north along State Highway 55 for approximately 38 miles to Banks, Idaho. From Horseshoe Bend, continue north along State Highway 55 for approximately 15 miles to the campground sign.
The campground is located just off Highway 55, offering paved access and proximity to the road. However, user reviews note that there is potential noise from highway traffic.
Nearby places
Banks (15 miles north of the campground), Garden Valley (approximately 20 miles south), Boise (38 miles south)
Nearby supplies
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Best Time to Camp at Big Eddy Campground

Experience the best of Idaho's mountain climate from mid-May through September, when daytime temperatures dance between a comfortable 80-90°F before giving way to refreshingly cool evenings perfect for campfire conversations. Winter transforms this riverside haven into a snow-dusted wonderland, though adventurous souls should note that river access becomes limited as nature wraps the landscape in its frozen embrace.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Open mid‑May–Sept; summer offers warm days, swimming, rafting and high use.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
3.0 / 5

Open into fall; likely quieter with fewer activities noted in sources.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.5 / 5

Opening mid‑May; spring (late) recommended with pleasant weather and activities.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Campground closed outside mid‑May to end of September; winter stays not available.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: null. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Mid-May to end of September
  • Current Alerts: null

About Big Eddy Campground

Nestled along the rushing waters of the North Fork Payette River, Big Eddy Campground offers an intimate retreat within the majestic Boise National Forest. This charming riverside sanctuary sits at 4,000 feet elevation, where towering Ponderosa and lodgepole pines create a natural cathedral of shade and tranquility. While Highway 55 provides convenient access to this mountain hideaway, the gentle hum of passing traffic serves as a subtle reminder of civilization's proximity to your wilderness escape.
Big Eddy Campground is a small and semi-primitive area with only four single-family sites. It operates on a first-come, first-served basis and is suitable for tent camping. RVs are not explicitly supported, and reviews suggest it is not ideal for larger rigs due to limited space and lack of turnaround areas.
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Amenities available

Fire rings
Picnic tables

Activities you can enjoy

The campground is ideally located for outdoor activities, including whitewater rafting, kayaking, fishing, and swimming. Nearby attractions include the scenic North Fork Payette River, which offers opportunities for both relaxation and adventure.
FishingFishing is described as 'good to excellent,' with anglers often catching whitefish and rainbow trout. User reviews mention: 'Looks like a good place to fish' and 'Love fishing and camping here! It's our home away from home :)'.
SwimmingSwimming is highlighted in user reviews, with one stating: 'Fun place to hang out, swim, and even fish. We saw a crawdad walking around in the eddy, pretty cool!'
BoatingNon-motorized boating opportunities are available, as noted in the official recreation opportunities.
Beach activitiesThe campground features a small beach area, described as cozy. User reviews note that the beach is 'small and will fit two families at the most,' and it's a great place for sunbathing and relaxing by the river.
Winter Activities
Water Sports
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsRoad noise from Highway 55 might be bothersome, especially for sites closer to the road. User reviews also highlight potential conflicts with campground hosts over amenities usage.
Active Alertsnull
No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

Weather at Big Eddy Campground

Reviews

4.5
81 reviews
Recommended
Recommended
Big Eddy Campground is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews convey mixed sentiments about Big Eddy Campground. While many praise its serene location, cleanliness, and proximity to the river, others voice dissatisfaction with the campground host's behavior, describing them as intrusive or rude. The small size of the campground is frequently mentioned as both a positive and negative feature.
Review Summaries
Based on 81 reviews

What Campers Love

Positive aspects noted include: 'clean restrooms,' 'beautiful scenery,' 'excellent fishing opportunities,' and 'proximity to the river and a cozy beach.'
Based on 81 reviews

Common Concerns

Common complaints include intrusive behavior by the campground host, proximity to the highway leading to noise, and the small size of the beach and campsite areas. Specific user complaints include:...
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Based on 81 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

User tips suggest arriving early due to the campground's popularity and limited availability of only four sites. It's recommended to bring your own water, as no potable water is available. Campers...
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Based on 81 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Spring and summer are mentioned as the best seasons to camp, with warm days and cool nights. Reviews suggest that the campground can get crowded during peak summer months, as it is a popular spot for...
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Based on 81 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'The restroom is right next door and was pretty clean and not smelly.' 2. 'Fun place to hang out, swim, and even fish.' 3. 'Proximity to the river and beautiful surroundings make this a hidden...
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Based on 81 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site-specific feedback indicates that the site closest to the creek is preferred for its reduced highway noise, as noted by one reviewer: 'The site closer to the creek drowns out the road noise.'
Based on 81 reviews

Accessibility Features

No specific mentions of accessibility features or experiences from users with disabilities are provided.
Based on 81 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

There are no explicit mentions of pet policies or pet-related amenities in the source material.
Based on 81 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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