Big Bar Camping Area
4.5814 reviewsQuick Facts
Price
Free
Booking
First-Come
Sites
Varies
Season
Year-round
Cell
Unknown
Pets
Not Allowed
RV Friendly
Get DirectionsQuick Facts
Price
Free
Booking
First-Come
Sites
Varies
Season
Year-round
Cell
Unknown
Pets
Not Allowed
RV Friendly
Get DirectionsBig Bar Camping Area
$0.00 - $0.00 / night
Campsite Fees
This is a free dispersed camping area; there are no fees.
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
Total Campsite Fees$0.00
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ProviderWhat Campers Say
4.58
Top-Rated
Based on 14 reviews
26 Google reviews
Most mentioned
viewscleanhiking
"The consensus among reviewers is that Big Bar Camping Area offers beautiful views and access to outdoor activities but has very few amenities. While some appreciate its secluded and rugged nature, others note drawbacks such as trash and ticks."
Fees & Passes at Big Bar Camping Area
Free
Campsite fees
Standard Site
Basic tent/RV spot
Stay Limit: Unspecified
Cancellation: Not applicable as reservations cannot be made.
Prices verified August 10, 2025
Prices may vary by season and site type. Always confirm current rates on the official Payette National Forest website.
Best Time to Camp at Big Bar Camping Area
Experience the dramatic seasonal personality of Hells Canyon at Big Bar, where scorching summer days give way to crisp, cold winters that transform the landscape. Spring visitors should prepare for nature's wild temperament, as powerful winds sweep through the canyon at speeds up to 30 mph in rhythmic 20-minute intervals, occasionally accompanied by refreshing rain showers that bring the desert alive. Summer delivers classic high-desert conditions with warm, dry days perfect for river activities, while winter's chill creates a stark, beautiful solitude for the hardy few who venture here in the off-season.
Spring (Mar-May)
Wildflowers bloom, mild temperatures, fewer crowds. Great for hiking and photography.
Best
Summer (Jun-Aug)
Peak season with warm weather, perfect for water activities. Book early.
Fall (Sep-Nov)
Beautiful fall colors, cooler temps, quieter campgrounds. Ideal for peaceful trips.
Winter (Dec-Feb)
Off-season, limited services. Check for closures before visiting.
Planning Tips
- Peak Season: Not specified.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
- Operating Season: Open year-round.
- Current Alerts: No active alerts are mentioned.
About Big Bar Camping Area
Escape to the untamed beauty of Big Bar Camping Area, where adventurers seeking authentic wilderness experiences find their haven along the legendary Snake River. This dispersed campground embraces the spirit of primitive camping, welcoming both tent enthusiasts and RV travelers to claim their own piece of Hells Canyon's rugged landscape. While amenities are intentionally minimal—featuring just a single outhouse and an informational sign—the lack of development preserves the raw, unspoiled character that draws campers seeking solitude and connection with nature.
Big Bar Camping Area is a dispersed camping area without formal camping units, catering to both tent campers and RVs.
Historical SignificanceCamp in the heart of Hells Canyon, a landscape steeped in thousands of years of human history and natural wonder. This extraordinary region has long captivated visitors with its remarkable ecological diversity and endless recreational possibilities. From ancient Native American settlements to pioneer homesteads, the canyon walls hold stories of resilience and adventure that continue to inspire modern explorers seeking their own connection to this timeless wilderness.
Weather and SeasonsExperience the dramatic seasonal personality of Hells Canyon at Big Bar, where scorching summer days give way to crisp, cold winters that transform the landscape. Spring visitors should prepare for nature's wild temperament, as powerful winds sweep through the canyon at speeds up to 30 mph in rhythmic 20-minute intervals, occasionally accompanied by refreshing rain showers that bring the desert alive. Summer delivers classic high-desert conditions with warm, dry days perfect for river activities, while winter's chill creates a stark, beautiful solitude for the hardy few who venture here in the off-season.
ElevationNestled in the lower reaches of Hells Canyon, Big Bar occupies the dramatic low-elevation terrain where North America's deepest river gorge carves its path between towering canyon walls. This riverside location offers campers a unique perspective of the canyon's immense scale, with the Snake River flowing past at elevations that create a distinctive high-desert ecosystem unlike anywhere else in the Pacific Northwest.
Natural Features and SceneryImmerse yourself in the breathtaking drama of Hells Canyon, where towering cliff faces and the mighty Snake River create an outdoor amphitheater of geological wonder. Discover hidden treasures like remnants of old homestead orchards, where cherry, apple, hawthorn, and black locust trees offer seasonal delights and shade from the desert sun. The river beckons with world-class fishing opportunities, while kayakers navigate its legendary waters and hikers explore trails that reveal new vistas around every bend. This is nature's playground on a grand scale, where every sunrise and sunset paints the canyon walls in spectacular hues.
Geological RegionBig Bar sits within the geological masterpiece of Hells Canyon, where the Snake River has carved North America's deepest river gorge through ancient basalt flows and limestone formations. This remarkable landscape showcases millions of years of geological history, creating a diverse ecosystem that supports an extraordinary variety of plant and animal life. The dramatic canyon walls tell the story of volcanic eruptions, tectonic shifts, and relentless erosion that have sculpted one of the continent's most spectacular natural wonders.
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Campsite details
AccessibilityThe campground has no specific mentions of accessibility features for disabled campers in the available materials.
Sites SizeThe dispersed camping area does not have marked or pre-sized campsites.
Sites PrivacyThe area is dispersed, with some sites offering spaces against trees or near water, providing varied levels of privacy.
Total Campsites0 campsites
Recommended CampsitesArrive during daylight to assess camping options, as suggested by a user.
Best Campsites
Curated by campers, for campers
Reveal picks
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Open 24 hours/day
Check-out
Open 24 hours/day
Stay Limit
Unspecified
Guests Allowed Per Site
Unspecified
Groups
No designated group camping areas are mentioned.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutDispersed layout with no formal parking or designated units. Some areas sectioned off by orchard trees.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen year-round.
Reservation PlatformsNot applicable.
Walk-in AvailabilityCamping is first-come, first-serve, as stated in user reviews.
Cancellation PolicyNot applicable as reservations cannot be made.
Amenities available
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Activities at Big Bar Camping Area include fishing, boating, swimming, hiking, and general wildlife viewing. The area provides access to Allison Creek Trail.
Hiking
Allison Creek Trail (#514) is accessible via a nearby trailhead across Hells Canyon Road.Fishing
Fishing opportunities are available near the Snake River. Specific fish types are not mentioned.Swimming
Swimming is mentioned by users. No designated facilities or safety measures are described.Boating
Boating is available, with direct access to the river. Specific details about docking facilities are not provided.Wildlife viewing
Wildlife sightings such as deer and evidence of bears have been noted by users.Water Sports
Kayaking and other non-motorized water sports are noted as accessible activities.Advertisement
Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- No specific fire policies are mentioned.
- Quiet hours are Not specified.
Hazards
General hazardsTicks have been reported in user reviews, with one camper describing the site as 'tick heaven.' Fresh bear droppings were noted but no direct wildlife encounters were reported.
Active alertsNo active alerts are mentioned.
Weather at Big Bar Camping Area
45
°F
Dec 7
Sunday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Strong wind, exercise caution
Humidity: 80%
High humidity, may feel muggy
Wind: 9.4 mph
Strong wind, exercise caution
Overcast
Weather History
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Detailed 7-Day Forecast
Powered by AI weather analysis
Reveal forecast
Emergency Services
Emergency services closest to the site are null as specific information isn't provided.
Good to know
Peak season datesNot specified.
Trash and recyclingReviewers note that trash can sometimes accumulate, likely due to its dispersed nature. One user recommended bringing gloves and trash bags to clean the area.
Proximity to water featuresThe campground is along the Snake River, offering river access suitable for fishing, kayaking, and swimming.
Common complaints'Ticks were everywhere' mentioned in one review. Rough gravel road access noted by another.
HostNo host information is provided.
Campground Map
Driving directionsFrom Cambridge take Hwy 71 down to the Snake River, approximately 26 miles. Then continue on Hwy 71 another 30 miles to the entrance of the dispersed area.
The gravel road leading down to the campsites has been noted as rough terrain, with difficulties navigating in a sedan according to user reviews.Nearby places
Cambridge (56 miles, approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes driving)
Nearby supplies
Specific details are null
users may need to stock up in Cambridge before accessing the site.
Reviews from booking and map sources
4.6
14 reviews
Big Bar Camping Area is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
The consensus among reviewers is that Big Bar Camping Area offers beautiful views and access to outdoor activities but has very few amenities. While some appreciate its secluded and rugged nature, others note drawbacks such as trash and ticks.
Review Summaries
Based on 14 reviews
What Campers Love
Common praises include beautiful views of Hells Canyon, clean vault toilets, and proximity to outdoor activities such as hiking, fishing, and kayaking.
Based on 14 reviewsCommon Concerns
Reviewers highlight issues such as lack of shade in some sites, rough roads that are challenging for sedans, occasional trash, and ticks.
Based on 14 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
- Arrive during daylight to select a good spot.
- Bring water as none is available.
- Be prepared for wind and rain, particularly in certain areas.
- Carry gloves and trash bags to leave the...
Based on 14 reviewsShow more
Seasonal Insights
- Spring: Users report seeing blooming orchards but also mention ticks and rain.
- Summer: The campground becomes busier, especially during holidays such as the 4th of July.
- Fall: Fewer people,...
Based on 14 reviewsShow more
Camper Quotes
"Free dry dispersed camping on the reservoir and a clean bathroom." - Sally Brennand
"Quite pretty. It has arguably the best views of Hells Canyon out of the three campgrounds we checked out." -...
Based on 14 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Some reviewers prefer specific areas closer to trees or the water for their flat spaces and privacy.
Based on 14 reviewsAccessibility Features
No reviews specifically mention accessibility for disabled users.
Based on 14 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
One reviewer noted issues with ticks affecting their dogs, but otherwise pets were not mentioned prominently.
Based on 14 reviewsCamper Reviews by Outdoorithm campers
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Last updated August 10, 2025
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