Big Hank

Star3.15
68 reviews
IDAHO PANHANDLE NATIONAL FOREST

Quick Facts

2,800 ft

Price

$24/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

30 campsites

Season

Campground is open M...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Opens Scenic Canyons Recreational Services, Inc. site

Official Website
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Real-Time Availability

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January 2026

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026
Big Hank
$24.00 - $24.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Fees reflect the standard nonelectric site rate during peak season. Other potential fees include additional vehicle charges and reservation service...
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Standard Site Fee$24.00
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
435-245-6521info@sceniccanyons.com
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What Campers Say

3.15

Mixed Reviews

Based on 68 reviews

22 Google reviews

Most mentioned

location

"User feedback is mixed to negative, with a 3.25 average sentiment score in general and a lower score of 2.846 for campground-specific topics. Many reviews lament the campground's degraded state after a recent logging operation, mentioning "slash piles," "burned stumps," and "limited spots for tent camping." However, some praise the "great hosts," "beautiful river views," and "secluded" ambiance."

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Campground Map

IDAHO PANHANDLE NATIONAL FOREST

Big Hank

IDAHO PANHANDLE NATIONAL FOREST

Driving directionsFrom Kingston on I-90, take Exit 43 to FH-9 and drive 20 miles north to Prichard, then turn left and continue 17 miles north on FH Road 208 to campground.
The campground is accessible via paved roads, but user reviews highlight challenges for large trailers due to narrow roads.

Best Time to Camp at Big Hank

Summer at Big Hank brings nature's perfect balance—crisp mornings give way to pleasantly mild afternoons that rarely exceed 61°F, ideal for outdoor adventures without the sweltering heat found at lower elevations. Gentle breezes whisper through the pines while comfortable humidity levels keep the air fresh and invigorating, creating those magical camping conditions where you'll sleep soundly under star-filled skies and wake refreshed for another day of exploration.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
3.0 / 5

Peak season activities (tubing, fishing, hiking) but summer visits can be impacted by exposed, degraded sites.

Best
Fall(Sep-Nov)
3.5 / 5

Late-season (Sept) visits praised for low traffic and stargazing, but campground is officially closed after Aug 31.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.0 / 5

Opens May 23 — limited spring window; mild temps noted but limited operational days.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Site closed in off-season; no winter activity info.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: May 23, 2025 - August 31, 2025. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Campground is open May 23, 2025 to August 31, 2025 during peak season; closed during off-season.
  • Current Alerts: Potential hazards include logging debris, burned stumps, and slash piles that have not been cleaned.

About Big Hank

Nestled in the heart of Idaho's wilderness, Big Hank Campground beckons adventurers with 30 spacious sites carved into nature's playground. Here, summer days unfold with the rush of the Coeur d'Alene River, where families float on tubes through sun-dappled waters and anglers cast for prized cutthroat trout. Thrill-seekers navigate Class I-III rapids while hikers discover hidden waterfalls—from the thundering cascade of Centennial Falls to the misty veil of Shadow Falls. Ancient cedars stand sentinel in Settler's Grove, their massive trunks telling stories of centuries past. As evening falls, watch for the graceful silhouette of moose emerging from the forest, mule deer grazing in meadows, and the aerial acrobatics of osprey diving for fish while tiny calliope hummingbirds dart between wildflowers.
Big Hank Campground accommodates primarily tent camping, with no hookups available for RVs. The campground is promoted as a base for outdoor recreation, but recent logging has reduced its quality as a camping destination, as noted in user reviews.
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Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit
Maximum stay is 14 nights during any rolling 30-day period.

Amenities available

Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Firewood available
Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

The campground offers a variety of recreational activities, including "tubing on the river," "cutthroat fishing," and "hiking, biking, and horseback riding." Highlights include access to trails leading to "Centennial Falls, Shadow Falls, and Settler's Grove of Ancient Cedars." Additionally, "whitewater rafting enthusiasts enjoy the class I-III rapids along the river." The campground is also noted for its wildlife viewing opportunities, featuring species like mule deer and calliope hummingbirds.
HikingHiking opportunities are plentiful, with access to trails leading to notable spots such as "Centennial Falls, Shadow Falls, and Settler's Grove of Ancient Cedars." These trails are a short drive away from the campground.
FishingShore and cutthroat fishing are popular activities, drawing anglers to the North Fork of the Coeur d'Alene River. Specific details about fish types and fishing regulations are not included.
BikingBiking trails are described as accessible within a short drive from the campground, but no specific trail details are provided.
Wildlife viewingThe campground is home to impressive wildlife, including "mule deer, moose, osprey, and calliope hummingbirds." This makes it a popular spot for birding and general wildlife observation.
Winter Activities
Water Sports
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsBears are a significant risk, with tent camping discouraged and hard-sided vehicles recommended. Other hazards include uneven terrain and leftover slash debris from logging activities.
Active AlertsPotential hazards include logging debris, burned stumps, and slash piles that have not been cleaned.

Weather at Big Hank

Reviews

3.2
68 reviews
Mixed Reviews
Mixed Reviews
Big Hank has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews
User feedback is mixed to negative, with a 3.25 average sentiment score in general and a lower score of 2.846 for campground-specific topics. Many reviews lament the campground's degraded state after a recent logging operation, mentioning "slash piles," "burned stumps," and "limited spots for tent camping." However, some praise the "great hosts," "beautiful river views," and "secluded" ambiance.
Review Summaries
Based on 68 reviews

What Campers Love

Several users appreciated the beautiful location, proximity to the river, and the campground's potential if restored. Common positive comments include: "The river is beautiful," "great hosts," and...
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Based on 68 reviews

Common Concerns

Common issues include the campground's condition after logging, with references to "burned stumps," "slash piles," and "uneven or unsafe campsites." Lack of shade, overgrown vegetation, and limited...
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Based on 68 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Visitors recommend checking the site ahead of time, especially for tent campers, as some sites may be challenging to use due to debris and uneven ground. Early or late-season visits may offer a...
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Based on 68 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Late-season visits (e.g., September) are recommended by some users for minimal traffic and better stargazing. Summer months are popular but can be problematic due to the campground's exposed state...
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Based on 68 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. "The campground was mostly deserted, so if you want to avoid neighbors..." 2. "Big Hank used to be a very nice campground, but it is not being managed properly." 3. "Amazing star gazing... no...
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Based on 68 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site 030: "Totally exposed, burned stumps, debris everywhere"; Site 007: "Too small for our group of 6"; Site 027: "Very overgrown, little shade"; Site 014: "Unsafe to walk, holes in the ground, no...
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Based on 68 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessibility is mixed; paved roads suggest some attempt at accessibility, but uneven ground and debris may pose challenges.
Based on 68 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

No specific reviews address pet policies or experiences, leaving this unclear.
Based on 68 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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