Bench Creek Campground

Star4.67
12 reviews
Bench Creek Campground, Highway 21
Peace & Quiet

Quick Facts

6,942 ft

Price

$5/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

5 campsites

Season

Campground season be...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Opens Salmon-Challis National Forest site

Official Website
Get Directions
Bench Creek Campground
$5.00 - $5.00 / night
Campsite Fees
$5 per night for a single unit campsite. Discounts of 50% available for Senior and Access Pass holders.
Standard Site Fee$5.00
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

Get Notified When Available

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

Free with account · Checks every 2 minutes

150,000+ sites monitored · Email, SMS, or in-app notifications

Share this campground
USFS
Provider
Help improve this page
See something outdated or incorrect? Let us know!

What Campers Say

4.67

Top-Rated

Based on 12 reviews

9 Google reviews

Most mentioned

sites

"Reviews indicate Bench Creek Campground is a small, rustic campground with minimal amenities. Opinions vary on the highway noise, with some campers mentioning it is audible but not bothersome."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

Bench Creek Campground, Highway 21

Bench Creek Campground

Bench Creek Campground, Highway 21

Driving directionsFrom Stanley: 24 miles NW on Highway 21 on the right side of the highway. From Boise: Approximately 108 miles NE on Highway 21 towards Stanley. Look for the campsite on the left side of the highway, not too far past Banner Summit.
The campground is adjacent to Highway 21, making it easily accessible. However, it may be subject to seasonal road conditions near Banner Summit.
Nearby places
Stanley (24 miles NW, approximately 30 minutes), Boise (108 miles NE, approximately 2 hours).
Nearby supplies
Supplies such as groceries, camping gear, and fuel can be obtained in Stanley, 24 miles away.

Best Time to Camp at Bench Creek Campground

Opening its gates on June 15th each year, Bench Creek transforms with the seasons in dramatic fashion. Summer brings brilliant sunshine and comfortable temperatures ideal for casting lines into crystal-clear waters or exploring forest trails. As autumn approaches, crisp air and changing leaves create a photographer's paradise. Winter blankets the area in deep snow, turning the landscape into a frozen wonderland where temperatures plunge and the campground rests beneath nature's quiet white embrace.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.5 / 5
Top 23% in ID

Opens June 15; summer brings sunshine and comfortable temps ideal for camping and fishing.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Aspens and dramatic seasonal change implied, making fall appealing though dates unclear.

Spring(Mar-May)
Not recommended

Season opens mid-June; spring (pre-6/15) likely closed or limited.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Campground season begins June 15; winter season use not indicated.

Planning Tips
  • Operating Season: Campground season begins on 6/15. Close dates are not specified.

About Bench Creek Campground

Tucked away in a peaceful grove near Highway 21, Bench Creek Campground offers an intimate escape into Idaho's wilderness. This hidden gem remains refreshingly uncrowded, making it perfect for those seeking solitude among towering trees and the gentle murmur of Bench Creek. Adventure beckons with excellent fishing opportunities and a scenic trail that winds southeast to the stunning Stanley Lake, while nearby Bull Trout Lake provides another pristine alpine destination for anglers and hikers alike.
Bench Creek Campground offers traditional camping options tailored to smaller trailers and motorhomes.
Advertisement

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers
Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit
Stay limits not explicitly stated.

Amenities available

Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Bench Creek Campground provides opportunities for fishing in Bench Creek and Bull Trout Lake, hiking on trails near Stanley Lake, and enjoying scenic views. Activities like picnicking are also available.
HikingHiking trails are accessible from the campground, with one leading southeast to Stanley Lake. No specific details about trail length or difficulty provided.
FishingFishing is available in the stream near the campground and at nearby Bull Trout Lake. No specifics provided on fish types or regulations.
Winter Activities
Water Sports
Advertisement

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsNo potable water is available, and wildlife may be present.
No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

Weather at Bench Creek Campground

Reviews

4.7
12 reviews
Top-Rated
Top-Rated
Bench Creek Campground is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
Reviews indicate Bench Creek Campground is a small, rustic campground with minimal amenities. Opinions vary on the highway noise, with some campers mentioning it is audible but not bothersome.
Review Summaries
Based on 12 reviews

What Campers Love

Users appreciated the creek near the campsites, scenic beauty, and the availability of a bathroom. One user described it as their favorite place to camp.
Based on 12 reviews

Common Concerns

Some campers noted highway traffic noise as a potential downside.
Based on 12 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

No specific tips were provided in user reviews.
Based on 12 reviews

Seasonal Insights

No reviews provided information specific to seasons; however, the campground operates starting mid-June.
Based on 12 reviews

Camper Quotes

Nancy McHenry: 'Small campground, not heavily used. You can hear highway traffic.' Luke Kolodziej: 'Excellent place to camp. Just off the highway; the road noise is minimal. There is a small creek at...
Show more
Based on 12 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

No site-specific reviews available.
Based on 12 reviews

Accessibility Features

No reviews specifically address accessibility.
Based on 12 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

No reviews specifically mention pet policies or experiences.
Based on 12 reviews

0
0 review
1
2
3
4
5

Add your voice to the Outdoorithm community

Been to Bench Creek Campground? Your review helps fellow campers discover what makes this place special—and what to expect.


Last updated January 13, 2026
Advertisement

Nearby Campgrounds

Campgrounds you may also like

Popular campgrounds in Idaho

Campgrounds
Salmon-Challis National Forest
Bench Creek Campground