Big Eightmile Campground/Trailhead

2.33

20 reviews

Big Eightmile Creek, 14 miles west of Leadore, Idaho

Quick Facts

7,546 ft

Price

Free

Booking

First-Come

Sites

10 campsites

Season

Open season begins M...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Opens Salmon-Challis National Forest site

Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

7,546 ft

Price

Free

Booking

First-Come

Sites

10 campsites

Season

Open season begins M...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Opens Salmon-Challis National Forest site

Official Website

Get Directions

Big Eightmile Campground/Trailhead

$0.00 - $0.00 / night

Campsite Fees

This campground does not charge any fees for sites or amenities.

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

2.33

Mixed Reviews

Based on 20 reviews

16 Google reviews

Most mentioned

views

"User reviews of Big Eightmile Campground are mixed, with positive sentiments about its natural beauty and creekside location. However, there are widespread complaints about the poorly maintained access road and extremely rugged trails."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

Big Eightmile Creek, 14 miles west of Leadore, Idaho

Big Eightmile Campground/Trailhead

Big Eightmile Creek, 14 miles west of Leadore, Idaho

Driving directionsTake the Lee Creek Road at the junction of Highway 28 and 29 in Leadore west for 5 miles. Then follow Forest Service Road #096 for 9 miles southwest to Big Eightmile Campground.

The road leading to the campground is described as extremely rough and rocky, with deep holes. User reviews highlight severe challenges for trailers and RVs, including the risk of flat tires and damage to vehicles. Multiple reviewers suggest traveling at very slow speeds (5 mph or less) due to the road conditions.

Nearby places

Leadore (14 miles, approx. 2 hours due to road conditions)

Nearby supplies

Supplies such as groceries, camping gear, and fuel are likely available in Leadore, Idaho.

Best Time to Camp at Big Eightmile Campground/Trailhead

Experience the dramatic seasonal transformations of Idaho's high country at Big Eightmile. Early spring arrives with a crisp bite, as frigid temperatures and potential snowfall create a winter wonderland atmosphere. As summer unfolds, the campground transforms into a sun-drenched paradise with comfortable temperatures and seemingly endless blue skies—perfect conditions for outdoor adventures. These dry, clear summer weeks offer ideal camping weather, while shoulder seasons bring their own charm with cooler temperatures and the possibility of snow dusting the surrounding peaks. Be prepared for below-freezing temperatures during cold snaps, adding an extra layer of adventure to your wilderness experience.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Summer noted as the best season; site open from May 15 and many reviews favor summer visits.

Fall(Sep-Nov)

3.0 / 5

Fall likely scenic, but access and trail issues can limit enjoyment per reviews.

Spring(Mar-May)

2.0 / 5

Early spring can be cold with lingering snow; access may be limited until mid-May.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

Not recommended

Open season begins May 15; winter conditions and closures make winter camping unlikely.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: May 15 onward until seasonal weather makes the site inaccessible.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open season begins May 15; operational 24 hours daily.
Current Alerts: No current alerts provided

About Big Eightmile Campground/Trailhead

Nestled along the babbling waters of Big Eightmile Creek, this intimate 10-site campground serves as your gateway to Idaho's rugged backcountry adventures. Each thoughtfully placed campsite comes equipped with a picnic table and fire ring, creating the perfect basecamp for exploring the surrounding wilderness. Whether you're seeking heart-pumping mountain bike descents, challenging hiking trails, or thrilling OHV adventures, Big Eightmile delivers. The nearby canyons of Eightmile Creek and Dairy Creek beckon explorers, while history buffs can discover remnants of the area's mining past at the Blue Jay Mine site—though these fascinating relics should be admired from a safe distance due to hazardous abandoned shafts.

Big Eightmile Campground is primarily a dispersed camping site with primitive facilities. It caters to tent and small trailer camping.

Historical SignificanceStep back in time and discover the echoes of Idaho's mining heritage at the historic Blue Jay Mine, a testament to the prospectors who once sought fortune in these rugged mountains. While these atmospheric ruins offer a fascinating glimpse into the past, the abandoned mine shafts serve as silent reminders of the dangers faced by early miners—visitors should explore with eyes only, maintaining a safe distance from these hazardous historical artifacts.

Weather and SeasonsExperience the dramatic seasonal transformations of Idaho's high country at Big Eightmile. Early spring arrives with a crisp bite, as frigid temperatures and potential snowfall create a winter wonderland atmosphere. As summer unfolds, the campground transforms into a sun-drenched paradise with comfortable temperatures and seemingly endless blue skies—perfect conditions for outdoor adventures. These dry, clear summer weeks offer ideal camping weather, while shoulder seasons bring their own charm with cooler temperatures and the possibility of snow dusting the surrounding peaks. Be prepared for below-freezing temperatures during cold snaps, adding an extra layer of adventure to your wilderness experience.

ElevationTucked away in the mountainous terrain of the Salmon-Challis National Forest, Big Eightmile Campground offers that perfect high-country camping experience where the air feels crisp and clean.

Natural Features and SceneryImmerse yourself in a natural cathedral of towering trees that create a verdant canopy overhead, while Big Eightmile Creek provides a soothing soundtrack with its gentle flow. This pristine wilderness setting offers more than just tranquil camping—venture out to discover dramatic canyon landscapes carved by time and water, or follow OHV routes that lead to hidden mountain lakes reflecting the sky like nature's mirrors. The dense forest creates an intimate atmosphere where each campsite feels like its own private retreat.

Geological RegionPositioned in the heart of the magnificent Salmon-Challis National Forest, Big Eightmile Campground showcases the geological wonders of central Idaho. The campground's prime location along Big Eightmile Creek places you at the intersection of diverse landscapes—from the water-carved drama of Eightmile Creek Canyon to the rugged beauty of Dairy Creek Canyon. This mountainous terrain, shaped by millennia of natural forces and punctuated by remnants of mining history like the Blue Jay Mine, offers endless opportunities for geological discovery and outdoor adventure.

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Reserving a campsite

Check-in

Open 24 hours

Check-out

Open 24 hours

Stay Limit

No specific stay limit mentioned

Guests Allowed Per Site

No specific guest limit mentioned

Groups

No designated group camping sites are mentioned.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Site layout10 individual campsites with picnic tables and fire rings adjacent to Big Eightmile Creek.

Reservation PlatformsNo reservations are required; first-come-first-served.

Walk-in AvailabilitySites are first-come-first-served, with no reservation system in place.

Cancellation PolicyNo reservations accepted; walk-in only.

AccessibilityThere is no specific mention of accessibility features such as ADA-compliant facilities.

Site SizeThe campground consists of 10 campsites, but size descriptions are not explicitly stated.

PrivacyPrivacy levels are not described in authoritative content or user reviews.

Total Campsites10 campsites

Recommended SitesFor better experiences, travelers are advised to scout the campground without a camper or RV first. Creekside campsites are noted for their scenic appeal and suitability for families.

Amenities available

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

The campground and its surrounding areas offer opportunities for hiking, mountain biking, OHV trail riding, picnicking, and exploring historic sites. User reviews highlight challenging trails and off-road experiences, but emphasize their rough and rocky nature.

HikingSeveral dirt roads and trails are available for hiking, including routes through Big Eightmile Creek Canyon, Dairy Creek Canyon, and trails leading to historic locations such as Blue Jay Mine. User reviews emphasize the rugged terrain and challenges posed by rocky trails.

BikingThe area includes mountain biking trails, but user reviews warn that trails are rocky and may be unsuitable for beginners.

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsThe road leading to the campground is a significant hazard, described by multiple users as 'horrible,' with rocky terrain and deep ruts. Trails are also noted as extremely rugged, with steep inclines, shale rocks, and water crossings posing risks to riders and equipment. Wildlife spotting is reportedly minimal, and fish are considered 'non-existent.'

Active AlertsNo current alerts provided

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

Fire PolicyCampfires are allowed within designated fire rings.

Emergency ServicesClosest emergency services are likely in Leadore, Idaho, including a small hospital or clinic and a police station.

Trash & RecyclingNo information about trash and recycling facilities is available.

Water FeaturesAdjacent to Big Eightmile Creek; access to lakes via rough OHV trails.

Camp HostNo campground host details provided.

Weather at Big Eightmile Campground/Trailhead

Reviews

2.3

20 reviews

Mixed Reviews

Big Eightmile Campground/Trailhead has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews of Big Eightmile Campground are mixed, with positive sentiments about its natural beauty and creekside location. However, there are widespread complaints about the poorly maintained access road and extremely rugged trails.

Review Summaries

Based on 20 reviews

What Campers Love

"The campground is amazing, with a lot of trees and a creek bordering one side that you can camp by." "The views are breathtaking." "Big Eightmile Campground has the best creek ever. Not too deep, so...

Based on 20 reviews

Common Concerns

"The road going to the campground is HORRIBLE it is extremely rocky with many deep holes. Definitely be prepared for flat tires." "The trails are all very rooty and rocky." "Destroyed 2 bikes on one...

Based on 20 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

"Plan on going about 5 miles per hour or less on the road." "This campground would be better to visit for a longer period of time than over a short weekend, for how much work it takes to get there."...

Based on 20 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Many user reviews emphasize difficulties accessing the campground during certain seasons due to poor road conditions. It appears that summer is best suited for camping, with winter weather...

Based on 20 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Plan on going about 5 miles per hour or less if the road was better, you would never get a camping spot." "This campground has outhouses, a water pump, picnic tables and fire rings." "The last 5...

Based on 20 reviews