Is Birch Creek Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Birch Creek Campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis. Arrive early, especially on weekends and holidays, to secure a spot.

Are there showers at Birch Creek Campground?

Birch Creek Campground does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

How many campsites does Birch Creek Campground have?

Birch Creek Campground has 25 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Arrive early for the best site selection.

Are dogs allowed at Birch Creek Campground?

Pets are not allowed at Birch Creek Campground. This policy helps protect local wildlife and other campers. Consider nearby pet-friendly campgrounds if traveling with animals.

What activities can I do at Birch Creek Campground?

Popular activities at Birch Creek Campground include Fishing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Birch Creek Campground

4.64

6 reviews

Featured in:Fishing Idaho

Quick Facts

6,017 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Check Site

Sites

25 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Book on Bureau of Land Management Upper Snake Field Office Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

6,017 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Check Site

Sites

25 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Book on Bureau of Land Management Upper Snake Field Office Official Website

Get Directions

Birch Creek Campground

No fees available

Campsite Fees

Group Site Fee$35.00

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Provider

208-524-7500id_upper_snake_fo@blm.gov

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Campground Map

Birch Creek Campground

44.1392, -112.9000

Nearby places

Leadore — about 50 miles (per directions). Mud Lake — on route

ID-28 north about 29 miles (per directions). Idaho Falls — directions provided via I-15 and ID-33.

Weather at Birch Creek Campground

Best Time to Camp at Birch Creek Campground

Best season: summer. Summer offers the best combination of reliable access, warm daytime weather (typically mid-60s to mid-80s°F) and stable creek conditions for fishing—especially July and August when flows have dropped from spring runoff and trout are active in early morning and evening. With long daylight hours and generally dry conditions, you can comfortably camp in one of the 25 designated sites or the undeveloped areas and explore the nearby Caribou-Targhee backcountry. Expect moderate crowds on holiday/weekn Peak months: July, August, September, June Avoid: December, January, February

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Described as best season: warm days, stable creek conditions and peak fishing in July–August.

Planning Tips

About Birch Creek Campground

Birch Creek Campground sits along Birch Creek near the Caribou-Targhee National Forest boundary at 6,017 feet elevation. The area offers 25 designated sites plus multiple undeveloped camping areas along a dirt road that follows the creek. Camping is free, and the campground serves primarily RVs and vehicle-based campers.

Mix of developed campsites with amenities and large undeveloped (primitive) camping areas; four reservable group sites accommodate a range of group sizes and vehicle/trailer parking.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: summer. Summer offers the best combination of reliable access, warm daytime weather (typically mid-60s to mid-80s°F) and stable creek conditions for fishing—especially July and August when flows have dropped from spring runoff and trout are active in early morning and evening. With long daylight hours and generally dry conditions, you can comfortably camp in one of the 25 designated sites or the undeveloped areas and explore the nearby Caribou-Targhee backcountry. Expect moderate crowds on holiday/weekn Peak months: July, August, September, June Avoid: December, January, February

Elevation6017 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryBirch Creek winds through the campground, supporting populations of brook, rainbow, and occasional brown trout. The creek corridor provides the main scenic feature, though reviewers note limited natural shade in the camping areas. The surrounding landscape connects to the Caribou-Targhee National Forest backcountry. Developed sites sit along the creek, while larger undeveloped areas spread south of the middle access point. The terrain is open enough for dispersed camping but lacks dense tree cover.

Programs & ActivitiesA stop on the Nez Perce National Historic Trail at the main entrance features interpretive panels that explain aspects of the area's history.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Groups

Four group sites available for reservation at $35/night (reservations must be made 7 days in advance by calling 208-524-7500 or in person at 1405 Hollipark Drive, Idaho Falls, ID 83401). Group Site 1: accommodates 20–30 people, ~4 trailers plus multiple vehicles, has a steel fire ring, picnic table, adjacent to a restroom. Group Site 2: accommodates 30–40 people, ~6 trailers plus multiple vehicles, has a steel fire ring, picnic table, adjacent to a restroom. Group Site 3: accommodates 100+ people with many trailers/vehicles, close to a restroom, no steel fire ring or picnic tables. Group Site 4: accommodates 100+ people with many trailers/vehicles, no steel fire rings or picnic tables
large groups are advised to rent additional portable toilets or use facilities in their camper.

Tents

Tents are not allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Reservation PlatformsGroup site reservations must be made 7 days in advance by calling the Upper Snake Field Office at 208-524-7500 or in person at 1405 Hollipark Drive, Idaho Falls, ID 83401.

Site SizeAbout 25 individual campsites plus multiple large undeveloped camping areas south of the middle access; four reservable group sites of varying capacities (see group site description).

PrivacyVaries — developed sites located along the creek; large undeveloped areas offer more dispersed/less-developed camping.

Total Campsites25 campsites

Recommended SitesUse caution near eroded areas and washouts; group organizers should plan for sanitation (portable toilets) when reserving large-capacity group sites.

Amenities available

Approximately 25 campsites located along Birch Creek with picnic tables, fire rings, and restrooms; additional large undeveloped camping areas south of the middle access lack picnic tables and fire rings. The site experienced flood damage that washed out many roads and left eroded gaps (reported as deep as 3 ½ feet); the area remains open but visitors are urged to remain cautious. There are no fees except for group reservations (4 group sites at $35/night); reservations must be made 7 days in advance by calling 208-524-7500 or in person at 1405 Hollipark Drive, Idaho Falls, Idaho 83401.

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Group Sites

I manage this campground

RV details

Things to do at Birch Creek Campground

Provides direct access to Birch Creek for fishing and serves as a base camp for recreation in Caribou-Targhee National Forest; the main entrance includes an interpretive stop on the Nez Perce National Historic Trail.

Fishing4.0/5

Birch Creek supports brook, rainbow and occasional brown trout; easy creek-side access for anglers.

Cultural and Educational Programs

Signature experiences

Stargazing4.0/5Remote, free dispersed sites with few amenities imply low light pollution and good dark skies.

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Reviews

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From Booking Sources

4.6

6 reviews

Top-Rated

Birch Creek Campground is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews

Reviewers describe Birch Creek Campground (Birch Creek Recreation Area) as a free, dispersed-style camping area along a dirt road by the creek. Opinions are mixed: one reviewer appreciates the free camping, while another notes the lack of amenities and shade and describes it as primarily suited to RVs along a linear dirt road.

Review Summaries

Based on 6 reviews

What Campers Love

Campers appreciate that it is a free place to camp and that it offers dispersed-style sites along Birch Creek. The presence of BLM-installed pit toilets in several spots is also noted as a...

Based on 6 reviews

Common Concerns

A reviewer mentions there are no picnic tables and little shade, which may reduce comfort for tent campers or daytime use. The area is described as a long linear dirt road with mostly RV sites, which...

Based on 6 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Expect very basic, dispersed-style camping with few amenities: bring your own seating, tables, and shade if needed. Plan for RV or vehicle-based camping, as the area is described as mostly RV sites...

Based on 6 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Good place to camp for free" "Long linear dirt road paralleling Birch Creek. BLM has installed pit toilets in several places. Seems to be mostly RV sites in a dispersed camping style. No picnic...

Based on 6 reviews

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Birch Creek Campground

No fees available

Campsite Fees

Group Site Fee$35.00

Get Notified When Available

We'll monitor this campground and alert you the moment sites become available.

Free to start · paid plans add 2-min scans

263,000+ sites monitored · Email alerts to start; SMS and in-app with an account

Learn more about alerts →

Share this campground

Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

208-524-7500id_upper_snake_fo@blm.gov

Go if

RV and vehicle campers who don't need hookups, tables, or shade will find plenty of dispersed space along the creek. Brook and rainbow trout make this worthwhile for anglers, and the Nez Perce Historic Trail interpretive stop at the entrance adds real context to the area.

Skip if

Tent campers expecting picnic tables and shade will be disappointed, most developed amenities are sparse or missing in the undeveloped southern areas. The flood damage is still a live concern, and the long linear dirt road offers little of the traditional campsite feel.

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