How much does camping cost at Big Hole?

Camping fees at Big Hole range from Free. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Fees are typically paid at the campground entrance.

Is Big Hole first-come first-served or reservation?

Big Hole operates on a first-come, first-served basis. Arrive early, especially on weekends and holidays, to secure a spot.

Can I see photos of campsites at Big Hole before I book?

Yes! Big Hole has 1 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

Are there showers at Big Hole?

Big Hole does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

Can I have a campfire at Big Hole?

Fire policies at Big Hole: No explicit fire policy stated.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

Are dogs allowed at Big Hole?

Pets are not allowed at Big Hole. This policy helps protect local wildlife and other campers. Consider nearby pet-friendly campgrounds if traveling with animals.

What amenities are available at Big Hole?

Big Hole offers: Restrooms. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Big Hole?

Popular activities at Big Hole include Fishing, Swimming. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Big Hole

0 review

102 First Street East Fairfield, ID 83327

Top 22%Summer

SwimmingSummer Destination

Featured in:Summer Camping Idaho

Quick Facts

5,246 ft

Price

Free

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

Varies

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Check Availability Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

5,246 ft

Price

Free

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

Varies

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Check Availability Official Website

Get Directions

Big Hole

$0.00 - $0.00 / night

Campsite Fees

There is no fee for the usage of this area.

No paid fee categories listed.

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USFS

Provider

208-764-3202

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

102 First Street East Fairfield, ID 83327

Big Hole

102 First Street East Fairfield, ID 83327

Nearby places

Fairfield, ID (exact distance not provided)

Nearby supplies

Fairfield Ranger District area may provide initial supplies, exact information on nearby grocery or fuel facilities is not provided.

Weather at Big Hole

Best Time to Camp at Big Hole

Late June through July brings the best conditions. Daytime highs reach the low 80s F, and dry weather makes the river inviting for swimming and wading. Morning hours offer cooler temperatures for fishing when water clarity is good. Weekends and holidays see higher visitation, so early arrival secures better parking and riverside access. Winter transforms the area with January lows dropping to 10-12°F, freezing the landscape. Spring warming begins slowly after early March.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.5 / 5

Top 22% in US

Late June–July is best; low 80s and dry weather make the river inviting for swimming.

Planning Tips

About Big Hole

Big Hole is a day-use area on the South Fork of the Boise River at 5,246 feet elevation in Sawtooth National Forest. The river has carved a natural swimming hole popular with families looking to cool off in summer. Vault toilets are available. There's no overnight camping.

Big Hole is a day-use site with no camping accommodations. It is primarily designed for recreational day activities like swimming, fishing, and picnicking.

Weather and SeasonsLate June through July brings the best conditions. Daytime highs reach the low 80s F, and dry weather makes the river inviting for swimming and wading. Morning hours offer cooler temperatures for fishing when water clarity is good. Weekends and holidays see higher visitation, so early arrival secures better parking and riverside access. Winter transforms the area with January lows dropping to 10-12°F, freezing the landscape. Spring warming begins slowly after early March.

ElevationNestled in the river valley where mountain air meets rushing water, Big Hole sits at an elevation that provides both accessibility and that refreshing mountain atmosphere that makes every breath feel cleaner and every swim more invigorating.

Natural Features and SceneryThe South Fork of the Boise River runs through a canyon carved from granite and volcanic rock. The swimming hole sits where clear water pools between sun-warmed rocks and shaded banks. Trees provide some canopy along the river, filtering light onto the water. The surrounding forest stretches across protected wilderness shaped by water and wind over millennia.

Geological RegionTucked within the majestic Sawtooth National Forest, Big Hole showcases the raw beauty of Idaho's premier wilderness area. Here, the South Fork of the Boise River has spent millennia carving through ancient granite and volcanic rock, creating the dramatic river canyon that defines this remarkable landscape. The surrounding forest represents millions of acres of protected wilderness, where the forces of water, wind, and time continue to shape one of the West's most stunning geological treasures.

Scenic ViewsViews primarily include the South Fork of the Boise River and the surrounding forested area.

Lodging & AccommodationsThere are no hotel or lodging facilities available at this site.

Programs & ActivitiesThere are no cultural or educational programs offered at this day-use site.

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Amenities available

Big Hole is a day use site on the South Fork of the Boise River located 6 miles west (down river) from the Big Smoky Gaurd Station area on Road No.227. Popular for its swimming hole, the area provides access to fishing, parking and a restroom.

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

Activities you can enjoy

Big Hole offers recreational opportunities geared toward water-based and riverine activities. According to authoritative sources, visitors can enjoy swimming in the natural swimming hole, fishing along the South Fork of the Boise River, and picnicking. Horse/pack animals are not permitted, and no other recreational opportunities like hiking trails, biking, or cultural programs are noted.

Fishing

Swimming

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPotential hazards include freezing conditions during colder weeks, minimal amenities, and limited parking.

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

Fire PolicyNo explicit fire policy stated.

Emergency ServicesFairfield Ranger District located at 102 First Street East, Fairfield, ID 83327; phone: 208-764-3202.

Trash & RecyclingTrash and recycling facilities are not available on-site, and visitors are advised to pack out their waste.

Water FeaturesDirect proximity to the South Fork of the Boise River.

Cell CoverageNo information regarding cell phone service availability is provided in the authoritative content.

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

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Reviews

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From Booking Sources

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Limited Reviews

Big Hole has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews

There are no user reviews provided in the authoritative data, and thus no aggregated sentiment can be summarized.

Review Summaries

What Campers Love

No user reviews are included in the source content to highlight positive aspects.

Site-Specific Reviews

No reviews specific to particular areas or features within the site are included.

Pro Tips & Recommendations

No user-provided tips or recommendations are included in the content.

Seasonal Insights

User reviews are not available to analyze seasonal trends.

Camper Quotes

No direct quotes from users are provided in the source content.

Accessibility Features

There are no user reviews related to accessibility features.

Pet-Friendly Features

No information or reviews regarding pet policies or pet-friendly features is available.

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Go if

Families chasing a hot July afternoon in the water will find this spot hard to beat. Free access, a natural granite-and-volcanic-rock swimming hole, and vault toilets on site. Arrive early on weekends since parking is limited and riverside spots fill up fast.

Skip if

No overnight camping, period. There's also no potable water, so bring everything you need to drink. Anyone planning a multi-day base camp needs to look elsewhere on Road 227.

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