Boundary Creek Campground

Star4.33
60 reviews
311 N US Highway 93 Challis, ID 83226

Quick Facts

6,280 ft

Price

$10/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

15 campsites

Season

Peak camping season ...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Opens Salmon-Challis National Forest site

Official Website
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Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026
Boundary Creek Campground
$10.00 - $10.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Camping fees are $10 per night during the peak season (June 15-August 15). Fees vary outside of the season, and all 15 campsites operate on a...
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Standard Site Fee$10.00
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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Provider
208-879-4100jwisner@fs.fed.us
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What Campers Say

4.33

Recommended

Based on 60 reviews

21 Google reviews

Most mentioned

cleanlocationstaff

"User reviews highlight Boundary Creek Campground as a key location for river launching and wilderness activities. Some reviews praise its cleanliness and suitability for rafting trips, while others point out challenges such as road accessibility and water issues."

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Campground Map

311 N US Highway 93 Challis, ID 83226

Boundary Creek Campground

311 N US Highway 93 Challis, ID 83226

Driving directionsBoundary Creek is accessed by a dirt road from Idaho State Highway 21, and is often closed by snowdrifts until late May or early June. The turnoff to Boundary Creek is located 23 miles west of Stanley, Idaho, or 107 miles east of Boise between mileposts 109 and 110 on SH21. This road is commonly referred to as the Bear Valley Road, #579, which is rough and narrow. Travel this road for approx. 13 miles, then turn onto the Boundary Creek Road, #568, and travel another 13 miles. Your vehicle and/or trailer should be prepared for 26 miles of rough, busy, single-lane dirt road.
Access involves 26 miles of rough, narrow single-lane dirt road that is challenging for trailers. It is subject to snowdrifts and seasonal closures until late May or early June.
Nearby places
Stanley, ID - 23 miles west
Boise, ID - 107 miles east
Nearby supplies
Stanley, ID - Offers groceries, fuel, and other essentials, approximately 23 miles west of the campground.

Best Time to Camp at Boundary Creek Campground

At over 6,000 feet elevation, Boundary Creek experiences dramatic seasonal transformations that shape each visitor's experience. Summer brings refreshingly mild days perfect for outdoor adventures, with cool mountain breezes offering respite from valley heat. As autumn arrives, crisp mornings give way to golden afternoons. Winter transforms the landscape into a snow-laden wonderland, often rendering the campground inaccessible as deep snowdrifts block access roads until late May or early June, when the high country finally awakens from its winter slumber.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Peak season (Jun 15-Aug 15) offers ideal weather and rafting, but is busiest and can be crowded.

Best
Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Dramatic seasonal changes and fewer crowds likely make fall appealing; explicit reviews limited.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.0 / 5

Off-season first-come; water availability can be inconsistent in spring, limiting some activities.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Winter access is poor and winter recreation is not promoted for this site.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: June 15-August 15 annually.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Peak camping season (reservable) is June 15-August 15. Outside this period, all sites are first-come, first-served.
  • Current Alerts: Road closures due to snow or seasonal conditions may impact access. Drinking water availability can vary annually.

About Boundary Creek Campground

Perched at the gateway to the legendary Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness, Boundary Creek Campground beckons adventurers seeking the untamed beauty of Idaho's backcountry. This remote mountain sanctuary serves as the perfect basecamp for those embarking on epic journeys down the Middle Fork of the Salmon River, one of America's premier whitewater destinations. Despite its wilderness setting, the campground thoughtfully provides modern conveniences including vault toilets and fresh drinking water, ensuring comfort without compromising the authentic outdoor experience.
Boundary Creek Campground supports tent camping and RV camping, with 15 sites available. Five of these sites can be reserved during peak season (June 15 - August 15).
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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
Check-in time not explicitly stated.
Check-out
Check-out time not explicitly stated.
Stay Limit
Maximum consecutive stay is 14 nights.

Amenities available

Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Boundary Creek Campground supports diverse recreational activities, including hiking, fishing, wildlife viewing, boating, and white-water rafting. Comments like 'The campsite was pretty cool. It is mostly a spot for white-water rafting and stuff like that but I mostly hiked along the river,' highlight the popular activities.
HikingHiking trails are available near the campground with scenic views of the Middle Fork of the Salmon River. Visitors have praised hiking experiences, such as, 'The Salmon River is amazing! So beautiful, nice, chilly and fun to hike around.'
FishingFishing is a popular activity, and the Middle Fork of the Salmon River offers opportunities to catch various fish species. No detailed reviews about fishing quality or exact fish types were found.
BoatingBoating and white-water rafting are significant activities, emphasized by multiple reviews such as, 'Sick place to prep and launch,' and 'One of the put-ins for Middle Fork rafting trips.' Float permits are required year-round.
Wildlife viewingWildlife viewing opportunities are plentiful, as noted in the official description and reviews. Comments like, 'Watch out for rogue chipmunks that may try to hitch a ride in your car,' suggest active wildlife around the campsite.
Winter Activities
Water Sports
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsThe dirt road access presents challenges for trailers and non-4WD vehicles. Wildlife hazards such as chipmunks and pikas are noted.
Active AlertsRoad closures due to snow or seasonal conditions may impact access. Drinking water availability can vary annually.

Weather at Boundary Creek Campground

Reviews

4.3
60 reviews
Recommended
Recommended
Boundary Creek Campground is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews highlight Boundary Creek Campground as a key location for river launching and wilderness activities. Some reviews praise its cleanliness and suitability for rafting trips, while others point out challenges such as road accessibility and water issues.
Review Summaries
Based on 60 reviews

What Campers Love

Positive aspects include its location close to the Middle Fork of the Salmon River, clean facilities, and supportive ranger staff. Review highlights include, 'Nice clean campground,' and 'The ranger...
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Based on 60 reviews

Common Concerns

Common complaints address issues with road accessibility ('The last hour of driving is through the forest on the side of the mountain. Roads are kind of scary') and water availability ('Well water...
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Based on 60 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers recommend bringing hiking boots for exploring the Salmon River, axes or saws for firewood, and garbage bags for packing out trash. A user suggested being cautious on the rough road: 'My...
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Based on 60 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Peak season (June 15 - August 15) is crowded, particularly with rafting groups. Off-season camping remains first-come, first-serve, and water availability can be inconsistent. Winter months pose...
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Based on 60 reviews

Camper Quotes

Direct quotes include: 'Sick place to prep and launch,' 'Pit toilets consistently clean and stocked,' and 'The Salmon River is amazing! So beautiful, nice, chilly and fun to hike around.'
Based on 60 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site-specific reviews indicate campsite 011 as both praised ('The site was nice!') and criticized ('No camp manager present. Issues with people taking reserved campsite'). Campsite 013 reviews...
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Based on 60 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessibility reviews are scarce, but one user mentioned difficulties with road detours and closures, particularly in rural settings.
Based on 60 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Specific reviews about pet-related experiences are absent, though pets are allowed at the campground.
Based on 60 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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