How much does camping cost at Black Rock?

Camping fees at Black Rock are $20/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Black Rock first-come first-served or reservation?

Black Rock accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

Can I see photos of campsites at Black Rock before I book?

Yes! Black Rock has 7 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit Black Rock?

Black Rock is open May 22 to October 01. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Black Rock?

Black Rock does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

How many campsites does Black Rock have?

Black Rock has 11 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Black Rock?

Yes, pets are allowed at Black Rock. Dogs must typically be kept on a leash (usually 6 feet or shorter) and under control at all times. Be sure to clean up after your pet and check for any breed or size restrictions.

What amenities are available at Black Rock?

Black Rock offers: Restrooms, Potable Water, Pets Allowed. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Black Rock?

Popular activities at Black Rock include Hiking, Fishing, Swimming, Biking, Wildlife Viewing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Black Rock

Q: Can I have a campfire at Black Rock?

Fire policies at Black Rock: Don't Move Firewood: Help prevent the spread of tree-killing pests in our national forests by obtaining firewood near your destination and burning it on-site. For more information visit dontmovefirewood.org.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

4.33

113 reviews

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

Top 19% in IDSummer

BReport Card

SwimmingSummer Destination

Featured in:RV Camping Idaho

Quick Facts

4,300 ft

Price

$20/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

11 campsites

Season

The campground is op...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Book on U.S. Forest Service Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

4,300 ft

Price

$20/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

11 campsites

Season

The campground is op...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Book on U.S. Forest Service Official Website

Get Directions

Black Rock

$20.00 / night

Campsite Fees

STANDARD NONELECTRIC: $20.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9 phone / $3 in person).

No campsite fee categories listed.

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

208-392-6681matthew.nance@usda.gov

I manage this campground

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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

Nearby places

Idaho City (20 miles, approximately 1.5 hours driving due to dirt road conditions)

Weather at Black Rock

Current alerts(8)

Campfires are allowed in fire rings ONLY, unless fire restrictions are in place. Contact Idaho City Ranger District for updates regarding fire restrictions.
Closest cell service is in Idaho City.
For questions regarding the campground, please contact the Idaho City Ranger District at 208-392-3700. For questions regarding reservations and refunds, please contact Recreation.gov customer service
No trash service: Pack-in-Pack-out

Best Time to Camp at Black Rock

Best season: summer. Summer offers warm, stable weather (daytime highs typically 70–85°F, nights 40–55°F at 4,300 ft) and the fullest range of activities — swimming and floating in the North Fork Boise River, reliable trout fishing, and long, dry days for hiking and mountain biking. Water levels are usually pleasant for wading and swimming by mid-July, wildflower displays have given way to lush green forest, and wildlife is active in the cooler mornings and evenings. Crowds are moderate since Black Rock is off the   Peak months: July, August, September, June Avoid: October, November, December, January

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.5 / 5

Top 19% in ID

Best season: warm days, swimming/floating/fishing available and most positive reviews in summer.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: May 22 to October 01. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: The campground is open from May 22 to September 29, 2025.

About Black Rock

Black Rock sits along the North Fork Boise River in Boise National Forest, 30 minutes from Idaho City. This U.S. Forest Service campground offers spacious sites for tents, RVs, and primitive camping at mid-elevation, with vault toilets, potable water, and river access for fishing and swimming. Reviewers highlight the riverside setting and activity options but note limited privacy between sites and occasional fly issues at facilities.

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.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: summer. Summer offers warm, stable weather (daytime highs typically 70–85°F, nights 40–55°F at 4,300 ft) and the fullest range of activities — swimming and floating in the North Fork Boise River, reliable trout fishing, and long, dry days for hiking and mountain biking. Water levels are usually pleasant for wading and swimming by mid-July, wildflower displays have given way to lush green forest, and wildlife is active in the cooler mornings and evenings. Crowds are moderate since Black Rock is off the   Peak months: July, August, September, June Avoid: October, November, December, January

Elevation4300 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryThe North Fork Boise River runs alongside the campground, providing swimming holes and fishing access. Ponderosa pines offer partial shade across most sites. Elevation here is 4,300 feet, cool enough to escape valley heat in summer. The river carves through granite geology typical of Idaho's interior mountains. Wildlife is active in mornings and evenings. Some sites sit right on the creek, others set back in the pines.

Lodging & AccommodationsNo lodging accommodations such as cabins or lodges are available at this campground.

Programs & ActivitiesEducational programs or cultural activities are not mentioned.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

Maximum consecutive stay at this campground is 14 nights.

Groups

There are no designated group camping sites mentioned.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made on Recreation.gov through the app, website, or contact center.

AccessibilityDrinking water and vault toilets are labeled as accessible. However, there are no specific wheelchair-compatible features mentioned.

Site SizeSites are described as spacious, with some large enough for big tents, groups, or RVs.

PrivacyLittle privacy is available due to the layout of campsites, but some reviews note that individual sites like #4 or #7 provide greater seclusion.

Total Campsites11 campsites

Recommended SitesSite 7 is recommended for families due to its spacious layout and access to the river. Site 4 offers more privacy but is close to ATV paths, which may result in dust. Site 11 is praised for views of the river and a peaceful setting.

Best CampsitesSites 1, 2, 7, 8, 9, and 11 sit closest to the creek. Reviewers specifically recommend site 7 for families. Sites 4 and 7 offer better seclusion than most. Some sites are large enough for big tents, groups, or RVs.

Need help booking Black Rock?

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Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

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Cancellation Alerts

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Amenities available

Black Rock Campground offers essential amenities within a rustic setting. Each of the 11 single-family campsites is equipped with a picnic table, lantern hook, and campfire ring (some sites also have grills). Vault toilets are available and drinking water is accessible via a hand-pump station that may be shut off due to contamination concerns, so campers are encouraged to bring their own water. "The restroom was pretty clean too," noted one user review, while another mentioned, "Bring toilet paper. It was cold in the morning." Roads and parking spurs are dirt, and garbage collection is not provided, adhering to a pack-in, pack-out policy.

Potable water

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

RV details

Things to do at Black Rock

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.

Swimming4.0/5Top 15% in Idaho

Hiking3.5/5

Fishing3.5/5

Biking3.5/5

Mountain biking trails widely available in the area per overview.

Wildlife viewing3.0/5

Water Sports2.0/5

River present but no kayaking/boat info; likely limited small‑river use.

Signature experiences

Stargazing3.5/5Rural forest setting and lack of cell service imply good dark skies, though not explicitly mentioned.

Not sure what to pack?Our complete camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.

No Flush ToiletsFlush toilets are not available; the campground provides vault toilets.

No Dump StationThere is no dump station at this campground. Plan to use a dump station along your route or at a nearby facility before or after your stay.

Fire PolicyDon't Move Firewood: Help prevent the spread of tree-killing pests in our national forests by obtaining firewood near your destination and burning it on-site. For more information visit dontmovefirewood.org.

Trash & RecyclingGarbage collection is not provided within the campground; visitors must pack out all trash. One review mentions, "Bathrooms and picnic tables were used by non-campers and UTV folks...flies got bad."

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Questions & answers

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Tips from campers

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Reviews

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From Booking Sources

4.3

113 reviews

Recommended

Black Rock is recommended, placing it in the top 40% 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 113 reviews

Best sites at a glance

Pulled from per-site mentions in 113 reviews.

Site 7Loved
Site 7 is recommended for families, while site 4 is noted as quieter and away from others.
Site 11Loved
Site 11 is praised for its view and proximity to the river.

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...

Based on 113 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...

Based on 113 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...

Based on 113 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 113 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."...

Based on 113 reviews

Accessibility Features

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

Based on 113 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 113 reviews

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Black Rock

$20.00 / night

Campsite Fees

STANDARD NONELECTRIC: $20.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9 phone / $3 in person).

No campsite fee categories listed.