Big Creek
02 reviewsQuick Facts
Price
Free
Booking
First-Come
Sites
4 campsites
Season
The campground is op...
Cell
Unknown
Pets
Not Allowed
Quick Facts
Price
Free
Booking
First-Come
Sites
4 campsites
Season
The campground is op...
Cell
Unknown
Pets
Not Allowed
Big Creek
$0.00 - $10.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Facility rates vary by season dates. From May 1, 2025, to October 31, 2025, the standard non-electric campsite fee ranges from $0 to $10. Additional...
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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
Total Campsite Fees$10.00
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Recreation Dot Gov
ProviderNullNull
What Campers Say
N/A
Limited Reviews
Based on 2 reviews
9 Google reviews
Most mentioned
well-maintained
"User reviews emphasize the scenic beauty, wilderness proximity, and ambiance of the campground. Pilots camping overnight value its location near the Big Creek airstrip. Some notable mentions highlight the excellent environmental settings and the campground's appeal for a quick getaway."
Fees & Passes at Big Creek
Free
Campsite fees
Standard Site
Basic tent/RV spot
Stay Limit: Null
Cancellation: Scan and Pay system does not allow for refunds, modifications, cancellations, or other fee changes. ...
Prices verified December 7, 2025
Prices may vary by season and site type. Always confirm current rates on the official Null website.
Best Time to Camp at Big Creek
Summer transforms Big Creek into an outdoor paradise, with crystal-clear skies dominating the season from May through October. Warm days averaging 80°F give way to refreshingly cool nights around 55°F, creating perfect conditions for both daytime exploration and comfortable evening campfires. With gentle breezes averaging just 3.23 mph and rain appearing only 9.1% of the time, you'll find ideal weather for hiking, fishing, and stargazing under some of Idaho's darkest skies.
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
- Peak Season: May 01, 2025 - October 31, 2025. Book 2-3 months ahead.
- Operating Season: The campground is open from May 1 to October 31, 2025, during its first-come, first-served season.
- Current Alerts: Null
About Big Creek
Tucked alongside the remote Big Creek airstrip, this intimate four-unit campground serves as your gateway to adventure in the legendary Frank Church Wilderness of No Return. A favorite launching point for backcountry pilots and wilderness enthusiasts alike, Big Creek offers four peaceful walk-in campsites nestled near the gentle babbling of a stream that feeds into Big Creek proper. Modern amenities blend seamlessly with the wild setting, featuring accessible restroom facilities and fresh drinking water. True to the wilderness ethic, visitors embrace the "pack in/pack out" philosophy, ensuring this pristine outpost remains unspoiled for future adventurers.
Big Creek Campground offers a specific type of camping experience that caters to visitors seeking solitude and wilderness access. It is most suitable for tent camping and features four walk-in campsites.
Historical SignificanceYour campsite sits at the threshold of the Frank Church-River of No Return Wilderness, a landscape steeped in the stories of hardy pioneers, fortune-seeking miners, and visionary conservationists. These rugged mountains and valleys witnessed the dreams and determination of early settlers who carved out lives in this untamed frontier. Today, their legacy lives on in the protected wilderness that bears the name of Senator Frank Church, whose passionate advocacy ensured these wild lands would remain forever free.
Weather and SeasonsSummer transforms Big Creek into an outdoor paradise, with crystal-clear skies dominating the season from May through October. Warm days averaging 80°F give way to refreshingly cool nights around 55°F, creating perfect conditions for both daytime exploration and comfortable evening campfires. With gentle breezes averaging just 3.23 mph and rain appearing only 9.1% of the time, you'll find ideal weather for hiking, fishing, and stargazing under some of Idaho's darkest skies.
ElevationThe specific elevation details for Big Creek await discovery by those who venture to this remote mountain sanctuary.
Natural Features and SceneryImmerse yourself in a landscape where towering conifers frame views of rugged mountain peaks and the crystalline waters of Big Creek invite anglers to test their skills. The campground's forest setting provides a tranquil base camp for exploring the vast Frank Church-River of No Return Wilderness beyond, where dramatic ridgelines pierce the sky, ancient forests shelter diverse wildlife, and pristine streams cascade through untouched valleys. This is nature at its most magnificent and uncompromising.
Geological RegionBig Creek Campground lies within the majestic Payette National Forest, positioned at the edge of the Frank Church-River of No Return Wilderness. This geological wonderland showcases nature's raw power through its imposing mountain terrain carved by millennia of natural forces. Dense coniferous forests blanket the steep slopes, while Big Creek—a vital tributary to the legendary Middle Fork of the Salmon River—has sculpted its own path through this rugged landscape, creating a corridor of life in the heart of Idaho's most remote wilderness.
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Campsite details
AccessibilityAn accessible toilet is provided, but additional details on accessibility features such as paved paths or ADA-compliant sites are not mentioned.
Sites SizeNo specific mention of campsite sizes, but the campground is described as a four-unit campground with walk-in sites.
Sites PrivacyNo specific description of campsite privacy available.
Total Campsites4 campsites
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Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Null
Check-out
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Stay Limit
Null
Guests Allowed Per Site
Null
Groups
No information about group camping facilities is provided.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutThe campground consists of four walk-in campsites near a stream that feeds into Big Creek.
Open and Closed SeasonThe campground is open from May 1 to October 31, 2025, during its first-come, first-served season.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can only be made on-site through the Scan and Pay feature of the Recreation.gov mobile app. It is recommended to download the app before arrival due to the possibility of limited or no cellular service in remote areas.
Walk-in AvailabilityOnly walk-up availability is allowed, as reservations can only be made physically on-site on a first-come, first-served basis.
Cancellation PolicyScan and Pay system does not allow for refunds, modifications, cancellations, or other fee changes. Payments are treated like inserting cash into a fee tube and cannot be extracted or refunded.
Amenities available
Potable water
Activities you can enjoy
The Big Creek Campground offers limited but noteworthy recreational opportunities, particularly for outdoor enthusiasts and those seeking a rustic experience. Two main activities mentioned are trailhead access to the Frank Church-River of No Return Wilderness and fishing in Big Creek.
Hiking
Trailhead access to the Frank Church-River of No Return Wilderness is available via FR 371. Details about the trail's difficulty or length are not provided.Fishing
Fishing opportunities are available in Big Creek, though specific details about types of fish or fishing conditions are not mentioned.Winter Activities
No specific winter activities are mentioned, though the campground's wilderness setting may attract adventurous visitors year-round.Water Sports
No specific information about non-motorized water sports like kayaking or paddleboarding is provided.Advertisement
Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Campfire policies are not explicitly mentioned; visitors should consult local fire regulations and restrictions upon arrival.
- Quiet hours are Null
Hazards
General hazardsPotential hazards include wildlife encounters, which are common in remote forested areas. Visitors should exercise caution and follow standard safety practices.
Active alertsNull
Weather at Big Creek
36
°F
Dec 7
Sunday
Mainly clear
Precipitation: 0%
Strong wind, exercise caution
Humidity: 83%
High humidity, may feel muggy
Wind: 8 mph
Strong wind, exercise caution
Mainly clear
Weather History
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Reveal forecast
Emergency Services
Null
Good to know
Peak season datesMay 01, 2025 - October 31, 2025
Trash and recycling"Pack in/pack out" indicates the absence of trash and recycling facilities on-site. Campers are expected to remove all waste they generate.
Proximity to water featuresThe campground is located near Big Creek, offering streamside camping and fishing opportunities.
Common complaintsNull
HostNull
Campground Map
Driving directionsFrom Yellow Pine, go 18 miles northeast on Forest Road 412, FR 340, and FR 371. Eighty-six miles northeast of McCall on Big Creek Road (#371).
The campground is accessible via Forest Road 412, FR 340, and FR 371. These are unpaved forest roads, which may require cautious navigation. Seasonal closure information is not explicitly provided, but remote areas often have limited access during the winter months, particularly in Idaho.Nearby places
Yellow Pine (18 miles northeast), McCall (86 miles northeast).
Nearby supplies
Null
Reviews from booking and map sources
0.0
2 reviews
Big Creek has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews emphasize the scenic beauty, wilderness proximity, and ambiance of the campground. Pilots camping overnight value its location near the Big Creek airstrip. Some notable mentions highlight the excellent environmental settings and the campground's appeal for a quick getaway.
Review Summaries
Based on 2 reviews
What Campers Love
"Great place to fly in for a light meal. Excellent ambiance, fabulous environmental setting, excellent customer service!" Additionally, the new lodge and grass strip were praised as convenient and...
Based on 2 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
No specific complaints were noted in the user reviews.
Based on 2 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Download the Recreation.gov mobile app before arrival to facilitate payment as cell service may be unreliable in this remote area.
Based on 2 reviewsSeasonal Insights
The campground appears to be popular with pilots during the warmer months when it is open (May through October). Seasonal trends in user reviews are not explicitly mentioned beyond this information.
Based on 2 reviewsCamper Quotes
Grover Wright: "Great place to fly in for a light meal. Excellent ambiance, fabulous environmental setting, excellent customer service!" Roger Parker: "Nice new lodge, great hosts, and wonderful...
Based on 2 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
No explicit reviews specific to individual sites within the campground are provided.
Based on 2 reviewsAccessibility Features
No user reviews addressing accessibility features or experiences are available.
Based on 2 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
No user reviews or information regarding pet policies or pet-related experiences are provided.
Based on 2 reviewsCamper Reviews by Outdoorithm campers
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Last updated December 7, 2025
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