Smokey Boulder Camping Area

3 reviews

Smokey Boulder Road #074

Quick Facts

4,888 ft

Price

Free

Booking

First-Come

Sites

Varies

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Opens New Meadows Ranger District site

Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

4,888 ft

Price

Free

Booking

First-Come

Sites

Varies

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Opens New Meadows Ranger District site

Official Website

Get Directions

Smokey Boulder Camping Area

$0.00 - $0.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Dispersed camping is free of charge.

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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USFS

Provider

208-347-0300

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What Campers Say

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Limited Reviews

Based on 3 reviews

1 Google reviews

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Campground Map

Smokey Boulder Road #074

Smokey Boulder Camping Area

Smokey Boulder Road #074

Driving directionsDrive along Highway 95 to New Meadows, Idaho. Turn onto Smokey Boulder Road #074 to access dispersed camping sites.

Smokey Boulder Road is accessible directly from Highway 95. However, there is no specific mention of road conditions, seasonal closures, or terrain challenges.

Nearby places

New Meadows, ID (approx. 5 miles, 10 minutes)

Nearby supplies

New Meadows is the closest location for groceries, camping supplies, and fuel.

Best Time to Camp at Smokey Boulder Camping Area

Mother Nature paints a dramatic canvas across the seasons at Smokey Boulder. Winter transforms the landscape into a crystalline wonderland, where snow blankets the forest floor and temperatures plunge into bone-chilling territory. As spring awakens the wilderness, unpredictable weather keeps campers on their toes with cool mornings giving way to warming afternoons. Summer arrives as the star performer, delivering sun-drenched days perfect for exploration and star-filled nights around crackling campfires. The sweet spot for camping stretches from late spring through early fall, when comfortable temperatures and dry conditions create ideal outdoor living.

Summer(Jun-Aug)

3.5 / 5

Summer suits dispersed camping, OHV and horseback activities; no facility-dependent rec required.

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

3.5 / 5

Sept–Oct is busiest for hunting; good fall scenery but busier with hunters than other seasons.

Spring(Mar-May)

3.0 / 5

Spring access may be affected by snowmelt/mud; wilderness recreation possible but not detailed.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

2.5 / 5

Winter brings snow and dramatic scenery but access and services are likely limited despite year-round open.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: Busiest during September and October, coinciding with hunting season.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open year-round.

About Smokey Boulder Camping Area

Escape into the heart of Idaho's wilderness at Smokey Boulder Camping Area, where adventure seekers find solitude among towering pines and rugged mountain landscapes. Scattered along the winding Smokey Boulder Road #074, these dispersed camping sites offer a true back-to-nature experience for those ready to disconnect from the modern world. While September and October draw hunters to these pristine grounds, the rest of the year promises peaceful encounters with nature's raw beauty. Here, the wilderness sets the rules: bring everything you need and leave only footprints behind. Though amenities are refreshingly sparse—with select sites featuring weathered fire rings and rustic tables—the absence of running water reminds visitors they've truly ventured off the beaten path.

Smokey Boulder Camping Area offers dispersed camping along Smokey Boulder Road. Some sites feature basic amenities such as fire rings and tables, but most do not.

Historical SignificanceWhile the recorded history of Smokey Boulder remains as quiet as its secluded campsites, the land whispers ancient stories through its old-growth forests and weathered peaks. These untouched wilderness areas have served as nature's sanctuary for countless generations, offering the same sense of discovery to modern adventurers.

Weather and SeasonsMother Nature paints a dramatic canvas across the seasons at Smokey Boulder. Winter transforms the landscape into a crystalline wonderland, where snow blankets the forest floor and temperatures plunge into bone-chilling territory. As spring awakens the wilderness, unpredictable weather keeps campers on their toes with cool mornings giving way to warming afternoons. Summer arrives as the star performer, delivering sun-drenched days perfect for exploration and star-filled nights around crackling campfires. The sweet spot for camping stretches from late spring through early fall, when comfortable temperatures and dry conditions create ideal outdoor living.

ElevationNestled high in Idaho's mountain country, Smokey Boulder's elevation creates its own microclimate where thin air meets thick forest, though specific altitude measurements await future documentation.

Natural Features and SceneryDeep within Payette National Forest's embrace, Smokey Boulder showcases nature's architectural mastery. Dense canopies of evergreens create natural cathedrals, while rugged mountain peaks pierce the sky like ancient sentinels. This pristine wilderness sanctuary pulses with life—from the rustling of unseen wildlife navigating the understory to the vibrant tapestry of native wildflowers painting seasonal color across meadows. Every turn reveals another postcard-worthy vista, whether it's morning mist dancing through valleys or golden sunset light filtering through pine boughs.

Geological RegionSmokey Boulder sits proudly within the vast Payette National Forest, a 2.3-million-acre wonderland in west-central Idaho. This geological masterpiece showcases the raw power of ancient tectonic forces, where granite peaks and volcanic remnants tell the story of Earth's tumultuous past. The mountainous terrain creates a complex ecosystem of ridges, valleys, and hidden meadows, all cloaked in dense coniferous forests that have stood sentinel for centuries.

Best Campsites

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Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

No stay limit mentioned.

Guests Allowed Per Site

No explicit guest limit stated.

Groups

Group camping details, such as capacity or vehicle allowances, are not mentioned.

Tents

Tents are not allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Site layoutNo structured site layout; sites are scattered along Smokey Boulder Road #074.

Reservation PlatformsNot applicable; no reservation system available.

Walk-in AvailabilityAll sites are walk-in, first-come-first-served due to dispersed camping rules.

Cancellation PolicyNot applicable as reservations are not allowed.

AccessibilityAccessibility information is not provided in the authoritative source materials.

Site SizeNo specific details about the size of campsites are provided.

PrivacyNo information about the level of privacy offered at campsites is available.

Activities you can enjoy

The Smokey Boulder Camping Area offers dispersed camping and is located in the Payette National Forest. Recreational activities include picnicking, horseback riding, and off-highway vehicle (OHV) road riding.

Winter Activities

Water Sports