Willow Creek Campground (Idaho City)

Star4.76
19 reviews

Quick Facts

5,364 ft

Price

Free

Booking

First-Come

Sites

4 campsites

Season

The campground opera...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Opens Idaho City Ranger District site

Official Website
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Willow Creek Campground (Idaho City)
$0.00 - $0.00 / night
Campsite Fees
No fees are required for this site.
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

4.76

Top-Rated

Based on 19 reviews

15 Google reviews

Most mentioned

locationwell-maintained

Some mention

noiseroad noise

"User reviews highlight the charm of Willow Creek Campground as a 'great spot' for camping, though it's clear that the experience is more suited to those who appreciate simplicity and rustic conditions. The proximity to the road is noted as a downside."

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Campground Map

Willow Creek Campground (Idaho City)

43.9590, -115.5314

Driving directionsFrom Idaho City, Idaho, travel 18 miles northeast on State Highway 21. Turn right on Forest Service Road 384 and travel approximately 5.7 miles to the Willow Creek Campground.
Road access is described as nice and smooth overall, according to user reviews. However, some comments from Amanda Hamell suggest patches of snow may remain on the road in May.
Nearby places
Idaho City - 16 miles south
Boise - 61 miles southwest
Nearby supplies
Supplies and resources would likely be accessible in Idaho City, which is 16 miles south on State Highway 21.

Best Time to Camp at Willow Creek Campground (Idaho City)

Experience the dramatic seasonal transformation of Idaho's high country at Willow Creek. Winter blankets the campground in pristine snow, creating a wonderland for the hardy few who brave the freezing temperatures. As spring awakens the forest, lingering snow patches may dot the access roads through May, adding to the adventure. Late spring through early summer emerges as the golden window for camping, when comfortable temperatures, blooming wildflowers, and snow-free roads create ideal conditions. Summer brings those perfect camping days with moderate temperatures that make hiking, fishing, and stargazing pure pleasure.

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

Most enjoyable in warmer months; wildflowers and full trail access make summer the prime season.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Mountains and forest likely offer strong fall scenery; fewer explicit reviews but seasonally appealing.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.0 / 5

Open mid-May; spring can have lingering snow patches and variable access early in season.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Campground closed mid-October to mid-May; winter access limited and not a primary season.

Planning Tips
  • Operating Season: The campground operates between mid-May and mid-October.

About Willow Creek Campground (Idaho City)

Where Willow Creek meets the Crooked River, a hidden gem awaits in the heart of Idaho's Ponderosa pine forest. Willow Creek Campground offers an intimate escape with just four well-appointed campsites, each thoughtfully equipped with a picnic table, grill, and fire ring for those perfect evenings under the stars. The dappled sunlight filters through towering pines, creating a play of light and shadow across this peaceful retreat. While the nearby State Highway 21 provides easy access, occasional road sounds remind visitors they're never too far from civilization. A vault toilet serves the campground, though adventurers should note that potable water isn't available on-site, so come prepared with your own supply.
Willow Creek Campground caters to tent camping with its basic facilities and natural setting. It is not suited for trailers or RVs due to space constraints.
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Amenities available

Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Willow Creek Campground offers a variety of recreational opportunities, many of which are tied to its natural setting and surrounding area. Activities available include fishing, hiking, biking, OHV trail riding, and wildlife viewing. Winter sports like backcountry skiing and snowmobiling are also popular in the colder months.
HikingNumerous trail opportunities are available near Willow Creek Campground. Official sources note options for hiking, biking, horseback riding, and ATV riding, but no specific trails or difficulty levels are mentioned.
FishingThe campground is located at the confluence of the Crooked River and Willow Creek, offering opportunities to fish for rainbow trout.
BikingBiking is one of the recreational activities available in the area, with trails suitable for this purpose. Specific trail details, such as terrain or difficulty, are not provided.
Wildlife viewingWildlife is abundant in the area, providing opportunities for wildlife viewing. Summer wildflowers add to the scenic beauty.
Winter Activities
Water Sports
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsRoad noise from State Highway 21 and the absence of potable water are notable considerations.
No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

Weather at Willow Creek Campground (Idaho City)

Reviews

4.8
19 reviews
Top-Rated
Top-Rated
Willow Creek Campground (Idaho City) is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews highlight the charm of Willow Creek Campground as a 'great spot' for camping, though it's clear that the experience is more suited to those who appreciate simplicity and rustic conditions. The proximity to the road is noted as a downside.
Review Summaries
Based on 19 reviews

What Campers Love

Users praise the campground for its scenic location and the presence of basic amenities like picnic tables and fire pits. "Great little campground," writes one camper, adding that the road is nice...
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Based on 19 reviews

Common Concerns

The campground's proximity to the road results in some noise from traffic, which is noted by users as a drawback. The lack of space for trailers is also mentioned.
Based on 19 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

One user advises that while the campground itself may not have room for trailers, there are other places to camp along the road.
Based on 19 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Reviews suggest that the campground is most enjoyable during warmer months when road access is clear of snow. One review notes that in mid-May, snow patches were still present on the road beyond the...
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Based on 19 reviews

Camper Quotes

"We camped right across the road. Was a great spot!" "Parking is right by the road with picnic tables and fire pits slightly away. Not really room for trailers but lots of other places to camp along...
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Based on 19 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

The campground contains only four sites, and no specific details or user comments about individual sites were provided.
Based on 19 reviews

Accessibility Features

No reviews specifically addressing accessibility features or experiences from users with disabilities were found.
Based on 19 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

No user comments addressing pet policies or experiences with pets were found.
Based on 19 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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