How much does camping cost at Big Creek?

Camping fees at Big Creek range from $10/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Fees are typically paid at the campground entrance.

Is Big Creek first-come first-served or reservation?

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

Can I see photos of campsites at Big Creek before I book?

Yes! Big Creek has 4 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 Big Creek?

Big Creek is open May 01 to October 31. 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 Big Creek?

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

How many campsites does Big Creek have?

Big Creek has 4 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Arrive early for the best site selection.

Are dogs allowed at Big Creek?

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

What amenities are available at Big Creek?

Big Creek offers: Restrooms. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

Big Creek

3.86

11 reviews

Featured in:Tent Camping

Quick Facts

5,741 ft

Price

$10/night

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

4 campsites

Season

The campground is op...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Book on Null Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

5,741 ft

Price

$10/night

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

4 campsites

Season

The campground is op...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Book on Null Official Website

Get Directions

Big Creek

$10.00 / night

Campsite Fees

SP Mgmt Single: $10.00; Single: $10.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9 phone / $3 in person).

No campsite fee categories listed.

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Provider

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I manage this campground

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Campground Map

Big Creek

45.1276, -115.3231

Nearby places

Yellow Pine (18 miles northeast), McCall (86 miles northeast).

Weather at Big Creek

Best Time to Camp at Big Creek

Best season: summer. Summer offers the best combination of reliable weather, full access, and peak backcountry activity: expect warm days in the upper 70s to low 80s°F and cool nights around 50–55°F at 5,740 ft, long daylight hours, and generally clear skies. Trails, the nearby airstrip, and streamside fishing are all at their most accessible, making this ideal for multi-day hikes, fly-in/pack-in wilderness trips, and angling in Big Creek. Crowds are still light compared with front-country parks—however the four, F‑ Peak months: July, August, June, September Avoid: November, December, January, February

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Open May–Oct; summer noted as best season with warm days and full access.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: May 01 to October 31. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: The campground is open from May 1 to October 31, 2025, during its first-come, first-served season.

About Big Creek

Big Creek sits in mid-elevation forest within Payette National Forest, Idaho, serving backcountry aviators and hikers who fly in or trek to this remote spot at 5,740 feet. The very small campground offers primitive tent sites with potable water near a grass airstrip and lodge, making it a staging point for multi-day wilderness trips and streamside fishing. Open seasonally during summer months, it attracts visitors seeking fly-in access to Idaho's backcountry.

Big Creek Campground offers a specific type of camping experience that caters to visitors seeking solitude and wilderness access. It is most suitable for tent camping and features four walk-in campsites.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: summer. Summer offers the best combination of reliable weather, full access, and peak backcountry activity: expect warm days in the upper 70s to low 80s°F and cool nights around 50–55°F at 5,740 ft, long daylight hours, and generally clear skies. Trails, the nearby airstrip, and streamside fishing are all at their most accessible, making this ideal for multi-day hikes, fly-in/pack-in wilderness trips, and angling in Big Creek. Crowds are still light compared with front-country parks—however the four, F‑ Peak months: July, August, June, September Avoid: November, December, January, February

Elevation5741 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryDense coniferous forest covers the steep mountain terrain surrounding the campground. Big Creek, a tributary of the Middle Fork Salmon River, runs nearby and provides fishing access. The campground sits in a narrow corridor carved by the creek, with rugged ridgelines rising on all sides. Reviews consistently mention the scenery and wilderness proximity. The setting is remote enough that the nearest road access requires significant planning.

Lodging & AccommodationsThere is no mention of hotel-style accommodations or alternative lodging options within the campground.

Programs & ActivitiesNo cultural or educational programs are mentioned.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

Null

Guests Allowed Per Site

Null

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations can only be made on-site through the Scan and Pay feature of the Recreation.gov mobile app. It is recommended to download the app before arrival due to the possibility of limited or no cellular service in remote areas.

AccessibilityAn accessible toilet is provided, but additional details on accessibility features such as paved paths or ADA-compliant sites are not mentioned.

Site SizeNo specific mention of campsite sizes, but the campground is described as a four-unit campground with walk-in sites.

PrivacyNo specific description of campsite privacy available.

Total Campsites4 campsites

Recommended SitesNull

Amenities available

Big Creek Campground features a limited set of amenities, emphasizing its rustic charm and proximity to the Frank Church-River of No Return Wilderness. Facilities are described as including an accessible toilet and a source of drinking water. Notably, the campground operates on a pack in/pack out system, meaning there are no trash or waste bins available. The campground explicitly lacks modern hookups such as electricity or sewer connections.

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

Activities you can enjoy

The Big Creek Campground offers limited but noteworthy recreational opportunities, particularly for outdoor enthusiasts and those seeking a rustic experience. Two main activities mentioned are trailhead access to the Frank Church-River of No Return Wilderness and fishing in Big Creek.

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

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.

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Questions & answers

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Tips from campers

Short heads-ups about the road in, gear quirks, timing, and more. You don't have to have been here to share what you know.

Reviews

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From Booking Sources

3.9

11 reviews

Mixed Reviews

Big Creek has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews emphasize the scenic beauty, wilderness proximity, and ambiance of the campground. Pilots camping overnight value its location near the Big Creek airstrip. Some notable mentions highlight the excellent environmental settings and the campground's appeal for a quick getaway.

Review Summaries

Based on 11 reviews

What Campers Love

"Great place to fly in for a light meal. Excellent ambiance, fabulous environmental setting, excellent customer service!" Additionally, the new lodge and grass strip were praised as convenient and...

Based on 11 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

No explicit reviews specific to individual sites within the campground are provided.

Based on 11 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Download the Recreation.gov mobile app before arrival to facilitate payment as cell service may be unreliable in this remote area.

Based on 11 reviews

Seasonal Insights

The campground appears to be popular with pilots during the warmer months when it is open (May through October). Seasonal trends in user reviews are not explicitly mentioned beyond this information.

Based on 11 reviews

Camper Quotes

Grover Wright: "Great place to fly in for a light meal. Excellent ambiance, fabulous environmental setting, excellent customer service!" Roger Parker: "Nice new lodge, great hosts, and wonderful...

Based on 11 reviews