Black Rock

Star4.27
104 reviews
P.O. BOX 129, IDAHO CITY, ID 83631, USA
SwimmingSummer Destination

Quick Facts

4,300 ft

Price

$15/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

11 campsites

Season

The campground is op...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Opens U.S. Forest Service site

Official Website
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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
Black Rock
$15.00 - $15.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Peak season rates for standard non-electric sites are $15 per night. Reservation fees and cancellation fees may apply.
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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Provider
208-392-3700
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What Campers Say

4.27

Satisfactory

Based on 104 reviews

43 Google reviews

Most mentioned

spaciouslocationhikingsites

Some mention

noise

"Reviews highlight the scenic beauty and rustic charm of Black Rock Campground. Common themes include proximity to the river, peacefulness, and spacious campsites. However, issues like flies in the bathrooms, a lack of cell service, and occasional noise from generators and loud music are noted."

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Campground Map

P.O. BOX 129, IDAHO CITY, ID 83631, USA

Black Rock

P.O. BOX 129, IDAHO CITY, ID 83631, USA

Driving directionsFrom Idaho City, travel north on State Highway 21 for about two miles, to the Granite Creek/Rabbit Creek Road No. 327. Turn right and travel east for 18 miles on Road No. 327, to the campground.
FS Road 327 is a dirt road that is only graded a couple of times a year. It can get very rough with washboarding and potholes.
Nearby places
Idaho City (20 miles, approximately 1.5 hours driving due to dirt road conditions)
Nearby supplies
Closest supplies, including groceries and fuel, are in Idaho City, approximately 20 miles from the campground.

Best Time to Camp at Black Rock

Perched at 4,300 feet, Black Rock Campground offers a delightful dance of mountain weather that keeps each day interesting. Wake to crisp, invigorating mornings that call for that extra layer and steaming coffee by the campfire, then watch as the afternoon sun transforms the forest into a warm, golden haven. Summer brings predominantly clear skies that showcase brilliant blue days, though wise campers keep an eye out for the occasional yellow jacket patrol during the warmer hours. The elevation works its magic here—while valley temperatures soar, Black Rock maintains its cool mountain composure, with rain and snow rarely interrupting the peak season camping experience.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Peak season: warm weather, swimming and fishing; many positive summer reviews.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
3.5 / 5

Open into late Sept; early fall likely pleasant though season ends early.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.0 / 5

Open from May 22 (late spring); conditions variable but activities begin.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Campground closed outside May 22–Sep 29; winter visits uncommon.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: May 22, 2025 - September 29, 2025. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: The campground is open from May 22 to September 29, 2025.
  • Current Alerts: Water availability may be limited if the hand pump fails testing. Closest cell service is in Idaho City.

About Black Rock

Twenty miles from Idaho City, Black Rock Campground emerges as a hidden gem within the Boise National Forest, where simplicity meets serenity. This intimate, off-the-beaten-path retreat beckons those seeking authentic wilderness experiences along the pristine North Fork Boise River. Here, the gentle murmur of flowing water mingles with the whisper of wind through towering pines, creating nature's perfect soundtrack. While amenities remain refreshingly basic—think dirt roads that wind through the forest, rustic vault toilets, and fresh mountain drinking water—the real luxury lies in the untouched beauty surrounding you. Cast a line into the crystal-clear river, take a refreshing dip in natural swimming holes, or explore hiking trails that reveal the forest's secrets. True to its remote character, Black Rock operates on a pack-in, pack-out basis, ensuring this peaceful sanctuary remains unspoiled for generations of adventurers to come.
Black Rock Campground caters to tent camping and can accommodate RVs. Primitive camping is implied due to the basic facilities like vault toilets and a lack of hookups.
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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
11:00 AM
Check-out
11:00 AM
Stay Limit
Maximum consecutive stay at this campground is 14 nights.

Amenities available

Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Black Rock Campground provides various recreational activities including fishing, swimming, wildlife viewing, hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, and dirt biking. The North Fork Boise River is a key feature for fishing and swimming, with rainbow trout readily available for anglers. "Spent the day fly fishing a 15-mile stretch of the river upstream from the campground," a reviewer noted. The trails in the vicinity offer options for hikers and bikers of all skill levels.
HikingNumerous trails for hiking are nearby, offering options for exploration. "Lots of places to explore," remarked one reviewer.
FishingThe North Fork Boise River provides opportunities for catching rainbow trout. "Fishing was good, but the fish were small," one user stated.
SwimmingSwimming areas are accessible along the North Fork Boise River, with many swimming holes a short distance from the campground.
BikingMountain biking trails are widely available in the area.
Wildlife viewingA variety of wildlife inhabits the area, including occasional sightings of deer, rattlesnakes, and even a black bear across the river. "Some bugs, not bad," one reviewer commented.
Water Sports
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsRattlesnakes have been reported near campsites. The dirt road leading to the campground can be challenging due to washboarding and potholes.
Active AlertsWater availability may be limited if the hand pump fails testing. Closest cell service is in Idaho City.
No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.

Weather at Black Rock

Reviews

4.3
104 reviews
Satisfactory
Satisfactory
Black Rock is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
Reviews highlight the scenic beauty and rustic charm of Black Rock Campground. Common themes include proximity to the river, peacefulness, and spacious campsites. However, issues like flies in the bathrooms, a lack of cell service, and occasional noise from generators and loud music are noted.
Review Summaries
Based on 104 reviews

What Campers Love

Visitors praise the campground's location next to the North Fork Boise River, spacious campsites, and opportunities for activities like fishing and hiking. "Great spot along the river," one reviewer...
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Based on 104 reviews

Common Concerns

Complaints include lack of cell service, noisy campers due to absence of a host, fly infestations in bathrooms, and occasional sightings of rattlesnakes. "Bring your own water because the well pump...
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Based on 104 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Recommendations include bringing extra toilet paper, firewood, and provisions like ice to avoid trips into town on the 18-mile dirt road. "Site 7 is the perfect spot for families," one reviewer...
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Based on 104 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer reviews highlight warm temperatures and sunny conditions, alongside occasional wildlife sightings. Winter reviews are rare and likely deterred by cold conditions and possible snow.
Based on 104 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Great campground, right next to the river. Well treed with lots of shady spots." — Chris Utley "Cold in the morning. Bundle up." — Jen Fox "The water had too much chlorine to be used for drinking."...
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Based on 104 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Sites 1, 2, 7, 8, 9, and 11 have direct access to the creek. Site 7 is recommended for families, while site 4 is noted as quieter and away from others. Site 11 is praised for its view and proximity...
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Based on 104 reviews

Accessibility Features

Reviews do not provide detailed information on accessibility features for users with disabilities.
Based on 104 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed, but issues with loose dogs running through campsites have been noted in reviews. "Several dogs running around off leash investigating all the campsites." — Katie S
Based on 104 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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