Bench Creek Campground
04 reviewsBench Creek Campground, Highway 21
Quick Facts
Price
$5/night
Booking
Reservable
Sites
5 campsites
Season
Campground season be...
Cell
Unknown
Pets
Not Allowed
RV Friendly
Get DirectionsQuick Facts
Price
$5/night
Booking
Reservable
Sites
5 campsites
Season
Campground season be...
Cell
Unknown
Pets
Not Allowed
RV Friendly
Get DirectionsBench 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
Total Campsite Fees$5.00
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ProviderWhat Campers Say
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Limited Reviews
Based on 4 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."
Fees & Passes at Bench Creek Campground
$5/night
Campsite fees
Standard Site
Basic tent/RV spot
Stay Limit: Stay limits not explicitly stated.
Cancellation: Cancellation policies are not explicitly stated.
Prices verified August 10, 2025
Prices may vary by season and site type. Always confirm current rates on the official Salmon-Challis National Forest website.
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.
Spring (Mar-May)
Wildflowers bloom, mild temperatures, fewer crowds. Great for hiking and photography.
Best
Summer (Jun-Aug)
Peak season with warm days. Most facilities open. Reserve ahead.
Fall (Sep-Nov)
Beautiful fall colors, cooler temps, quieter campgrounds. Ideal for peaceful trips.
Winter (Dec-Feb)
Snow activities available. Some facilities may close. Check conditions.
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.
Weather and SeasonsOpening 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.
Natural Features and SceneryBench Creek creates a natural symphony as it flows past campsites sheltered by a dense canopy of evergreens and aspens. The surrounding forest provides a cool refuge on warm days, while openings in the trees reveal glimpses of the rugged peaks beyond. Two jewel-like lakes—Bull Trout and Stanley—lie within easy reach, their pristine waters reflecting sky and mountains in perfect clarity. Wildlife tracks often crisscross the soft forest floor, and early risers might spot deer browsing in the morning mist.
Geological RegionNestled within the vast expanse of the Salmon-Challis National Forest, Bench Creek Campground occupies a special corner of Idaho's geological wonderland. The creek has carved its way through ancient rock formations, creating a riparian corridor that supports diverse plant and animal life. The proximity to both Bull Trout Lake and Stanley Lake showcases the region's glacial heritage, where pristine mountain waters fill basins carved by ice age giants, offering visitors spectacular vistas and world-class recreational opportunities amid some of the West's most dramatic mountain scenery.
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Campsite details
Sites SizeEach site accommodates trailers and motorhomes up to 30 feet long.
Sites PrivacyPrivacy levels not specifically detailed. User reviews suggest the campground is small and likely provides moderate privacy.
Total Campsites5 campsites
Recommended CampsitesUser reviews suggest sites closer to the creek for better access to water and scenery.
Best Campsites
Curated by campers, for campers
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Reserving a campsite
Stay Limit
Stay limits not explicitly stated.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Guests limits not explicitly stated.
Groups
No group camping sites are available.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutThe campground consists of 5 sites, each equipped with picnic tables and fire rings.
Open and Closed SeasonCampground season begins on 6/15. Close dates are not specified.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made in person with a discount for Senior and Access Pass holders.
Walk-in AvailabilityThe campground is described as not heavily used, and walk-up availability is likely good.
Cancellation PolicyCancellation policies are 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.
Hiking
Hiking trails are accessible from the campground, with one leading southeast to Stanley Lake. No specific details about trail length or difficulty provided.Fishing
Fishing is available in the stream near the campground and at nearby Bull Trout Lake. No specifics provided on fish types or regulations.Winter Activities
Not mentioned or available.Water Sports
No water sports mentioned or available.Advertisement
Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
Hazards
General hazardsNo potable water is available, and wildlife may be present.
Weather at Bench Creek Campground
22
°F
Dec 7
Sunday
Mainly clear
Precipitation: 0%
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
Humidity: 81%
High humidity, may feel muggy
Wind: 3.2 mph
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
Mainly clear
Weather History
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Detailed 7-Day Forecast
Powered by AI weather analysis
Reveal forecast
Emergency Services
Closest emergency services are likely in Stanley, including medical care, law enforcement, and ranger stations.
Good to know
Trash and recyclingNo mention of trash or recycling facilities. Likely requires pack-in-pack-out camping practices.
Proximity to water featuresThe campground is adjacent to Bench Creek and near Bull Trout Lake and Stanley Lake.
Common complaintsSome user reviews mention hearing highway traffic.
Campground Map
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.
Reviews from booking and map sources
0.0
4 reviews
Bench Creek Campground has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % 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 4 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 4 reviewsCommon Concerns
Some campers noted highway traffic noise as a potential downside.
Based on 4 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
No specific tips were provided in user reviews.
Based on 4 reviewsSeasonal Insights
No reviews provided information specific to seasons; however, the campground operates starting mid-June.
Based on 4 reviewsCamper 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...
Based on 4 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
No site-specific reviews available.
Based on 4 reviewsAccessibility Features
No reviews specifically address accessibility.
Based on 4 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
No reviews specifically mention pet policies or experiences.
Based on 4 reviewsCamper Reviews by Outdoorithm campers
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Last updated August 10, 2025
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