Big Bar Camping Area

4.59

33 reviews

Scenic Views

Featured in:Primitive Camping Idaho Swimming Camping Idaho

Quick Facts

1,719 ft

Price

Free

Booking

First-Come

Sites

Varies

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Opens Payette National Forest site

Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

1,719 ft

Price

Free

Booking

First-Come

Sites

Varies

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Opens Payette National Forest site

Official Website

Get Directions

Big 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

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What Campers Say

4.59

Top-Rated

Based on 33 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."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

Big Bar Camping Area

45.1278, -116.7386

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.

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.

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Great for water activities and views; busier on holidays and can be very hot.

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

Fewer people and crisp conditions make fall pleasant for visits and views.

Spring(Mar-May)

3.5 / 5

Orchard blooms and pleasant scenes in spring, but ticks and wet weather reported.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

2.0 / 5

Open year-round but cold winters and limited services reduce winter appeal.

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.

Best Campsites

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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 camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Site layoutDispersed layout with no formal parking or designated units. Some areas sectioned off by orchard trees.

Reservation PlatformsNot applicable.

Walk-in AvailabilityCamping is first-come, first-serve, as stated in user reviews.

Cancellation PolicyNot applicable as reservations cannot be made.

AccessibilityThe campground has no specific mentions of accessibility features for disabled campers in the available materials.

Site SizeThe dispersed camping area does not have marked or pre-sized campsites.

PrivacyThe area is dispersed, with some sites offering spaces against trees or near water, providing varied levels of privacy.

Recommended SitesArrive during daylight to assess camping options, as suggested by a user.

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.

HikingAllison Creek Trail (#514) is accessible via a nearby trailhead across Hells Canyon Road.

FishingFishing opportunities are available near the Snake River. Specific fish types are not mentioned.

SwimmingSwimming is mentioned by users. No designated facilities or safety measures are described.

BoatingBoating is available, with direct access to the river. Specific details about docking facilities are not provided.

Wildlife viewingWildlife sightings such as deer and evidence of bears have been noted by users.

Water Sports

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsTicks 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.

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

Fire PolicyNo specific fire policies are mentioned.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are Not specified.

Emergency ServicesEmergency services closest to the site are null as specific information isn't provided.

Trash & 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.

Water FeaturesThe campground is along the Snake River, offering river access suitable for fishing, kayaking, and swimming.

Camp HostNo host information is provided.

Weather at Big Bar Camping Area

Reviews

4.6

33 reviews

Top-Rated

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 33 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 33 reviews

Common 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 33 reviews

Pro 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 33 reviews

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 33 reviews

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 33 reviews