Big Roaring River Lake Campground

Star4.57
16 reviews
Summer Destination

Quick Facts

7,900 ft

Price

$3 - $8/night

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

12 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026
Big Roaring River Lake Campground
$3.00 - $8.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Fees vary by reservation method: $8 if made online or through the app; $9 if made through the contact center; $3 if made in-person.
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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What Campers Say

4.57

Top-Rated

Based on 16 reviews

15 Google reviews

Most mentioned

peacefullakewell-maintained

Some mention

mosquitoes

"The campground is praised for its serene setting, natural beauty, and abundant wildlife. However, some users criticize the rough access road and the presence of mosquitoes."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

Big Roaring River Lake Campground

43.6206, -115.4437

Driving directionsFrom Boise, Idaho travel east along Interstate 84 (I-84) to Mountain Home, Idaho. At the I-84 and State Highway 20 junction, take Highway 20 east for 35 miles to the Pine/Featherville turnoff. Travel north on Forest Highway 61 for 29 miles to Forest Service (FS) road 172. Proceed 15 miles northwest to FS road 129. Continue 3 miles to the Guard Station junction. The roadway is paved up to the junction of FS road 172. FS Road 172 is native material (dirt) and trailer traffic is not recommended. There are signs noting each of the junctions.
The roadway is paved up to the junction of FS road 172. FS Road 172 is native material (dirt) and trailer traffic is not recommended.

Best Time to Camp at Big Roaring River Lake Campground

Winter holds this high-country paradise in its icy embrace, often keeping the access roads snow-locked until early July. But when summer finally arrives, it transforms the landscape into a botanical wonderland. Alpine meadows burst into a painter's palette of wildflowers, temperatures warm to perfect hiking conditions, and the brief but brilliant mountain summer creates memories that last a lifetime.

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

Summer after snowmelt offers wildflowers, full access to trails, lakes and best camping conditions.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
3.0 / 5

Accessible after snowmelt; shorter season and fewer highlights than peak summer wildflower months.

Spring(Mar-May)
Not recommended

Snow frequently keeps access closed well into summer; spring use is limited or impossible.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Area is often snow‑locked through winter and into early July; campground typically inaccessible.

Planning Tips

    About Big Roaring River Lake Campground

    Discover your alpine sanctuary at Big Roaring River Lake Campground, where 12 intimate campsites await beneath a canopy of towering lodgepole pines in the heart of the Trinity Recreation area. This riverside retreat serves as your gateway to adventure, with the Upper Roaring River Trail beckoning from the north and connections to both the William H. Pogue National Recreation Trail and the legendary Lava Mountain Trail just to the south. Wake to the gentle sounds of the rushing river and set out to explore miles of pristine wilderness trails right from your tent flap.
    The campground offers traditional campsites suitable for both tents and small vehicles. It is not reservable, operating on a first-come, first-served basis.
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    Amenities available

    Vault toilets

    Activities you can enjoy

    The campground offers a variety of outdoor recreational activities. Trails near the campground include the William H. Pogue National Recreation Trail and the Lava Mountain Trail, which allow access to picturesque lakes. Activities include fishing for rainbow and cutthroat trout, hiking, mountain biking, off-road vehicle riding, and horseback riding. Canoeing and kayaking are popular on the nearby lakes. The area is also known for its wildlife viewing opportunities, with elk, deer, and sometimes black bears spotted.
    HikingHiking trails such as the William H. Pogue National Recreation Trail and Lava Mountain Trail are accessible from the campground. These trails are suitable for mountain bikers, hikers, horseback riders, and off-road vehicles. The Rainbow Basin Trail System, approximately 4 miles long, is also nearby.
    FishingAnglers can fish in Big Roaring River Lake and other nearby lakes for rainbow and cutthroat trout. The lakes provide excellent opportunities for fishing.
    BikingBiking is allowed on several area trails, including the William H. Pogue National Recreation Trail and Lava Mountain Trail.
    BoatingThe campground features a hand-carry boat launch for canoes and other small craft, making it ideal for exploring nearby lakes.
    Wildlife viewingThe area is a haven for elk, deer, and an occasional black bear. Wildlife enthusiasts have also reported moose and large deer roaming through the campsites at night.
    Winter Activities
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    Policies & Safety

    Hazards & AlertsThis area is a haven for elk and deer, but wildlife watchers may also spot an occasional black bear.

    Weather at Big Roaring River Lake Campground

    Reviews

    4.6
    16 reviews
    Top-Rated
    Top-Rated
    Big Roaring River Lake Campground is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
    The campground is praised for its serene setting, natural beauty, and abundant wildlife. However, some users criticize the rough access road and the presence of mosquitoes.
    Review Summaries
    Based on 16 reviews

    What Campers Love

    Highlights include the beauty of the lake, well-maintained campgrounds, and peaceful atmosphere. Wildlife spotting is another common positive mention.
    Based on 16 reviews

    Common Concerns

    Complaints include rough and difficult access roads that may require a high-clearance vehicle, as well as the abundance of mosquitoes.
    Based on 16 reviews

    Pro Tips & Recommendations

    Bring ample mosquito repellent. If driving, consider using a high-clearance vehicle due to rough roads. LED lights are recommended as they don’t attract bugs.
    Based on 16 reviews

    Seasonal Insights

    Snow can make the area inaccessible until early July. After the snow melts, the area is blanketed with vibrant wildflowers, making mid-summer a favored time for camping.
    Based on 16 reviews

    Camper Quotes

    "Most beautiful lake in the Trinity Mountains. Best camp spot, best price." - Laura Scott. "Amazing lake to camp on, very serene and the camp spots are great." - Dave Morales. "Vault toilet was well...
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    Based on 16 reviews

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    Last updated January 5, 2026
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