Big Creek Campground

Star4.75
11 reviews
Big Creek Road #537, 5 miles east and 24 miles north of St. Maries, ID

Quick Facts

2,523 ft

Price

$5 - $10/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

9 campsites

Season

Open May through Sep...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Opens St. Joe Ranger District site

Official Website
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Big Creek Campground
$5.00 - $10.00 / night
Campsite Fees
$10 per night for a single site, including up to two vehicles. Additional vehicles are $5 per night, with a limit of three vehicles per site....
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Standard Site Fee$10.00
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) 245-2531null
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What Campers Say

4.75

Top-Rated

Based on 11 reviews

8 Google reviews

Most mentioned

privacyquietsites

"User reviews often describe Big Creek Campground as quiet, scenic, and close to good trails and a clear creek. Privacy between sites is appreciated, and the campground is noted for its connection to outdoor activities like dirt biking and hiking."

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Campground Map

Big Creek Road #537, 5 miles east and 24 miles north of St. Maries, ID

Big Creek Campground

Big Creek Road #537, 5 miles east and 24 miles north of St. Maries, ID

Driving directionsDrive 24 miles east of St. Maries, Idaho to Calder on the St. Joe River Road. Then follow County Road 5 miles east, then 3 miles north on Big Creek Road #537.
Accessible via paved and county-maintained roads, but requires navigation on Big Creek Road, which may have unpaved portions.
Nearby places
Calder (~30 minutes, ~5 miles east), St. Maries (~24 miles)
Nearby supplies
Calder (~30 minutes) for food or drinks
fuel and groceries most likely available in St. Maries (~24 miles away).

Best Time to Camp at Big Creek Campground

Big Creek's dramatic seasonal transformations create distinctly different camping experiences throughout the year. Spring arrives tentatively in May, with winter's grip occasionally reasserting itself through surprise snowfalls and crisp mountain air. As summer unfolds from June through August, the campground truly comes alive under azure skies and warm sunshine – these golden months offer the perfect conditions for creek-side relaxation and trail exploration. Come September, autumn paints the surrounding forest in brilliant golds and crimsons, though visitors should prepare for nature's moodier side with increased rainfall and cooler temperatures that hint at the approaching winter.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Peak season May–September; swimming, fishing and trail access available in summer.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
3.0 / 5

Open through September; fall transformations noted but limited autumn window.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.0 / 5

Spring arrives tentatively in May; campground opens in May with variable spring conditions.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Campground closed outside May–September; winter camping not supported.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: May through September.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open May through September.
  • Current Alerts: None reported, but campers should verify with the St. Joe Ranger District for current updates.

About Big Creek Campground

Nestled along the banks of pristine Big Creek, this intimate nine-site campground invites adventurers to disconnect from the modern world and immerse themselves in Idaho's untamed wilderness. Each thoughtfully positioned campsite offers a private retreat among towering pines, while vault toilets and a peaceful day-use area provide essential amenities. From casting a line into the creek's crystal-clear waters to exploring miles of National Recreation Trails, Big Creek serves as your gateway to authentic backcountry experiences. Berry enthusiasts will delight in seasonal foraging opportunities, while hunters find themselves in prime territory. As you explore, you'll discover remnants of the Civilian Conservation Corps camp that once stood here, adding layers of American history to your outdoor adventure. The campground operates on a Pack it In Pack it Out principle, ensuring this natural sanctuary remains pristine for generations to come.
Big Creek Campground provides traditional campsites suited for tents and possibly RVs, but it lacks luxury or additional lodging facilities.
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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
Open 24/7
Check-out
Open 24/7
Stay Limit
14 nights maximum stay per trip.

Amenities available

Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Big Creek Campground offers a variety of outdoor recreational activities. The authoritative source mentions several activities ranging from fishing and hiking to berry picking and hunting. User reviews emphasize the appeal of nearby trails and creek access.
HikingHiking opportunities are available, including National Recreation Trails. A user review highlights trail access with one specific trail, Dautery, described as having a 'black diamond difficulty hill climb at the start.'
FishingFishing is available in the river/stream at this campground. No specific details about the types of fish or fishing conditions are provided.
SwimmingSwimming activities are supported, as the creek near the campground is described as 'beautiful clear creek' in user reviews.
BikingUser reviews mention that dirt biking is a popular activity. One reviewer states, 'We ride dirt bikes out of here for 4 days,' offering details about routes extending to Silver Mountain.
Wildlife viewingThe campground is known for scenic and wildlife viewing opportunities, as noted in authoritative sources.
Winter Activities
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPotential wildlife encounters typical of forested areas. Lack of potable water and the need for self-sufficiency highlighted.
Active AlertsNone reported, but campers should verify with the St. Joe Ranger District for current updates.
No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

Weather at Big Creek Campground

Reviews

4.8
11 reviews
Top-Rated
Top-Rated
Big Creek Campground is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews often describe Big Creek Campground as quiet, scenic, and close to good trails and a clear creek. Privacy between sites is appreciated, and the campground is noted for its connection to outdoor activities like dirt biking and hiking.
Review Summaries
Based on 11 reviews

What Campers Love

Positive aspects include its quiet atmosphere, proximity to scenic trails, and clear creek. Privacy between sites is frequently praised.
Based on 11 reviews

Common Concerns

No common complaints are explicitly detailed in user reviews.
Based on 11 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Users recommend exploring the trails near the campground, with one reviewer highlighting a challenging trail called Dautery. Another reviewer suggests visiting nearby Calder (30 minutes away) for...
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Based on 11 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Camping is available from May to September, aligning with favorable weather conditions. No specific seasonal trends are discussed in user reviews.
Based on 11 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Nice quiet campground with some nicely separated camp spots." - James Kaiser. "This is a lovely campground with nicely separated camp spots right close to the creek." - Jennifer Steele. "We ride...
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Based on 11 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

No reviews specifically address individual campsite numbers or rankings.
Based on 11 reviews

Accessibility Features

No accessibility-specific reviews are available.
Based on 11 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

No information on pet policies or experiences has been provided.
Based on 11 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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