How much does camping cost at Swinging Bridge?

Camping fees at Swinging Bridge are $18/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Swinging Bridge first-come first-served or reservation?

Swinging Bridge 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 Swinging Bridge before I book?

Yes! Swinging Bridge has 6 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 Swinging Bridge?

Swinging Bridge is open May 22 to September 06. 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 Swinging Bridge?

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

Can I have a campfire at Swinging Bridge?

Fire policies at Swinging Bridge: 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.

How many campsites does Swinging Bridge have?

Swinging Bridge 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 Swinging Bridge?

Yes, pets are allowed at Swinging Bridge. 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 Swinging Bridge?

Swinging Bridge 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 Swinging Bridge?

Popular activities at Swinging Bridge include Fishing, Boating. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Swinging Bridge

3.58

51 reviews

BOISE

C-Report Card

Tent Camping

Featured in:Pet-Friendly Campgrounds Idaho

Quick Facts

4,000 ft

Price

$18/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

11 campsites

Season

Open May 23, 2025; P...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Book Online Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

4,000 ft

Price

$18/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

11 campsites

Season

Open May 23, 2025; P...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Book Online Official Website

Get Directions

Swinging Bridge

$18.00 / night

Campsite Fees

RV NONELECTRIC: $18.00. 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

541-351-1182

I manage this campground

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Swinging Bridge

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Weather at Swinging Bridge

Current alerts(5)

A fee of $5/day will be collected for extra vehicles at the campground
Check-in Time is 2:00pm and Check-out time is 12:00pm
Click here for more information on the Boise National Forest
Idaho OHV Safety Message

Best Time to Camp at Swinging Bridge

Best season: summer. Summer offers warm, stable weather (daytime highs typically 80–90°F and cool nights in the 40s–50s at 4,000 ft) and full campground services, making it ideal for river-based activities like whitewater rafting, kayaking, boating, and warm-weather hiking. Water recreation is at its peak, fishing is productive in calmer stretches, and trails are dry and accessible; expect the highest crowd levels on weekends and holiday weeks. If you want steady conditions, long daylight, and easy access to all the Peak months: July, August, June, May Avoid: September, October, November, December

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Best season: summer; warm days, full services and peak river activity.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: May 22 to September 06. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open May 23, 2025; Peak reservations available starting June 25, 2025; Closes September 01, 2025.

About Swinging Bridge

Swinging Bridge is a small, budget-friendly campground in Boise National Forest at mid-elevation, offering tent and RV sites along the Payette River. Managed by the Forest Service, it operates seasonally during peak months with vault toilets, potable water, fire rings, and picnic tables. Campers come for fishing, boating, and access to whitewater rafting and kayaking on the river, with reviewers praising the clean facilities, friendly hosts, and scenic wildflower displays.

Swinging Bridge Campground is primarily designed for single-family camping. It offers sites for both tent and RV camping, but its proximity to the highway and limited site sizes may not suit all RV setups.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: summer. Summer offers warm, stable weather (daytime highs typically 80–90°F and cool nights in the 40s–50s at 4,000 ft) and full campground services, making it ideal for river-based activities like whitewater rafting, kayaking, boating, and warm-weather hiking. Water recreation is at its peak, fishing is productive in calmer stretches, and trails are dry and accessible; expect the highest crowd levels on weekends and holiday weeks. If you want steady conditions, long daylight, and easy access to all the Peak months: July, August, June, May Avoid: September, October, November, December

Elevation4000 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryThe canyon walls rise on both sides of the campground, with the Payette River running alongside. Ponderosa and lodgepole pines cover the mountainsides and provide shade throughout the sites. One visitor mentioned "stunning flowers and landscape" during their stay. The river is the main attraction here, with rapids for boating and calmer stretches for fishing. The geology shows layers of rock carved by water over time.

Lodging & AccommodationsNo hotel-style lodging is available; the campground caters to RVs and tents only.

Programs & ActivitiesNo cultural or educational programs are mentioned.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

14 days.

Groups

Group camping facilities are not available.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

AccessibilityThe campground is described as "well-maintained," and paved roads and parking spurs may enhance accessibility. Specific features for disabilities are not detailed.

Site SizeSites are described as "nice and big" by one reviewer, but others noted challenges, such as slopes and difficulty for trailers to fit (e.g., "Most camps are on a slight slope," and "The campsite would not fit our camper at all.").

PrivacyPrivacy levels vary; one reviewer mentioned, "Site 1 feels set apart from all the other campsites so it has a more private feel," while others noted limited privacy between sites.

Total Campsites11 campsites

Recommended SitesSite #11 is preferred for privacy; however, campers with trailers should avoid campsite #8 due to size and slope issues.

Best CampsitesSite 1 is the most private, set apart from the other sites. Site 11 also gets mentioned for privacy and scenery. Arrive early during peak season to claim these spots. Most sites sit on slight slopes, which can make trailer setup difficult. Some sites are described as "nice and big," but others have struggled to fit larger campers.

Need help booking Swinging Bridge?

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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

Swinging Bridge Campground offers facilities for single-family camping, each site equipped with a picnic table and campfire ring. Vault toilets are provided, and the roads and parking spurs are paved. However, due to its location near Highway 55, visitors should expect noise from passing traffic. "The only bad thing is that it is right off the busy touristy highway and VERY noisy with traffic," one user noted. Shade is plentiful thanks to the Ponderosa and lodgepole pines, and summer temperatures range between 80-90°F during the day, cooling off at night. A small creek runs through the campground, adding to its scenic appeal.

Potable water

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Firewood available

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

RV details

Things to do at Swinging Bridge

Swinging Bridge Campground is situated near the North Fork Payette River, making it a hotspot for water-based activities. "The North Fork of the Payette River is a very popular location for expert kayaking." Anglers can enjoy fishing for whitefish and rainbow trout, described as good to excellent. While there are no hiking trails immediately within the campground, "small hiking trails up the mountain can be found all over the site," according to one review.

Fishing4.0/5

Water Sports4.0/5

Boating3.0/5

Boating possible on the Payette; supports rafting/kayaking but no boat facilities listed.

Winter Activities

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 mentioned. Vault toilets are provided.

No Electric HookupsElectric hookups are not available at this campground. RV campers should arrive with a full battery and plan for off-grid power (generator hours/quiet rules permitting).

No Water HookupsSite-level water hookups are not available. RV campers should fill freshwater tanks before arrival; check the No Potable Water note above if applicable for drinking water.

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.

Trip Planning Tools

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Questions & answers

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Tips from campers

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Reviews

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From Booking Sources

3.6

51 reviews

Mixed Reviews

Swinging Bridge has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews provide a mixed but detailed perspective of Swinging Bridge Campground. Key highlights include its scenic beauty, proximity to the Payette River, and well-maintained vault toilets. However, its location next to a busy highway results in significant road noise, which is a frequent complaint.

Review Summaries

Based on 51 reviews

Best sites at a glance

Pulled from per-site mentions in 51 reviews.

Site 1Loved
Site 1 is noted for its privacy.
Site 8Mentioned
Site 8 received criticism for being unsuitable for trailers.

What Campers Love

Users praised the campground's cleanliness, friendly hosts, and scenic setting. "Stunning flowers and landscape" and "cleanest outhouse so far on this trip" were notable mentions.

Based on 51 reviews

Common Concerns

Major complaints include loud highway noise, lack of garbage facilities, and challenges with site sizes for trailers. Some reviewers also encountered issues with water quality and availability.

Based on 51 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Arrive early to secure a more desirable site, especially during peak times. Bring potable water and consider earplugs for the road noise. Site 1 is noted for its privacy.

Based on 51 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer reviews highlight warm days with cool nights. Road noise is more bothersome during peak tourist seasons.

Based on 51 reviews

Camper Quotes

"The only bad thing is that it is right off the busy touristy highway and VERY noisy with traffic." - Hope McCain. "The outhouse was very clean and smelled relatively decent." - Paul Loeffler....

Based on 51 reviews