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Anglers and mountain bikers who plan ahead: rainbow trout and whitefish are reliable in the river, the One Spoon and Rattlesnake trails start nearby, and the site with 50 feet of combined length handles a modest RV rig without drama.
Price
Free
Booking
Reservable
Sites
6 campsites
Season
The campground is op...
Cell
Unknown
Pets
Check Policy
Price
Free
Booking
Reservable
Sites
6 campsites
Season
The campground is op...
Cell
Unknown
Pets
Check Policy
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Hardscrabble Campground, Boise National Forest, Idaho
Anglers and mountain bikers who plan ahead: rainbow trout and whitefish are reliable in the river, the One Spoon and Rattlesnake trails start nearby, and the site with 50 feet of combined length handles a modest RV rig without drama.
No potable water on-site is a hard logistical fact, you're hauling everything from Tie Creek or farther. Add weekend noise from unofficial nearby campsites and only six reservable spots, and spontaneous trips here rarely work out.
Reference information about Hardscrabble Campground sourced from official USFS records and forestcamping.com. View official recreation.gov page →
<p>Hardscrabble Campground is located approximately 12 miles north of Crouch, Idaho. It is one of 5 campgrounds that lie along the Middle Fork of the Payette River, north of Garden Valley at an elevation of approximately 3,215 feet.</p><p>The Middle Fork drainage offers excellent trail opportunities. Fishing and hunting are popular activities as well.</p><p><strong>Natural Features:</strong></p><p>The campground is situated on the banks of the Middle Fork Payette River among Douglas fir and lodgepole pine trees, which offer partial shade. A few sites offer river views through the dense vegetation on the banks.</p><p>A variety of wildlife makes its home in the Middle Fork drainage, including deer, elk and red-tailed hawks.</p><p><strong>Recreation:</strong></p><p>The Middle Fork Payette River offers good to excellent fishing most of the year. Anglers cast for whitefish and rainbow trout.</p><p>Many trails for hiking, mountain biking, horseback and ATV riding can be found in the area. Check on the Boise National Forest map and the Emmett Motor Vehicle Use Map (MVUM) for information about trails and road open to OHV use. The One Spoon Trail, Rattlesnake Trail and 465 ATV Trail are all in the vicinity of the campground.</p><p>In-season big game hunting for deer, elk and bear is a popular activity in the surrounding mountains.</p>
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Summer brings the best conditions, with daytime temperatures in the mid-60s to mid-80s and nights in the 40s to 50s. The river runs full, fishing is prime, and trails stay accessible for hiking and biking. Sites fill quickly in July and early August despite the small campground size. Winter snowfall typically closes access. Spring offers solitude but expect mud and variable conditions as snowmelt swells the river.
Summer is best: cooler temps, full river, prime fishing and accessible trails (open May–Sep).
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Hardscrabble Campground offers basic camping amenities, situated at an elevation of approximately 3,215 feet near the Middle Fork of the Payette River. The campground features six campsites, each equipped with a fire ring, grill, picnic table, and access to vault toilets. Small to medium-sized RVs up to 30 feet can be accommodated in three of the units. Potable water is not available, and visitors are advised to fill up at Tie Creek Campground or another location.
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