Big Trinity Cabin

Star3.37
15 reviews
Big Trinity Cabin

Quick Facts

7,900 ft

Price

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Sites

1 campsites

Season

Limited seasonal ava...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Not Allowed

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Big Trinity Cabin
No fees available
Campsite Fees
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
Total Campsite Fees$0.00

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What Campers Say

3.37

Mixed Reviews

Based on 15 reviews

Most mentioned

viewsquiet

"Reviewers are polarized: many love Big Trinity Cabin for its remoteness, scenery, and cozy basic shelter, while others are very frustrated by the extremely rough access road and a few cleanliness/maintenance issues. The cabin is consistently described as simple and rustic (no water, no electricity), best suited for people who enjoy primitive, isolated stays rather than those seeking comfort or easy access."

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Best Time to Camp at Big Trinity Cabin

Mother Nature sets the schedule here, where lingering snowpack typically keeps the cabin locked in winter's embrace until early July. Once the snow releases its grip, the landscape transforms into a summer paradise—wildflowers carpet the meadows in brilliant color, and the crisp mountain air carries the scent of sun-warmed pine. The brief but glorious alpine summer brings perfect conditions for hiking, fishing, and soaking in the high-country solitude before the next winter's snow begins to fall.

Spring (Mar-May)

Wildflowers bloom, mild temperatures, fewer crowds. Great for hiking and photography.

Best
Summer (Jun-Aug)

Peak season with warm weather, perfect for water activities. Book early.

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: Summer (popular summer recreation area).. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Limited seasonal availability due to late snow melt; snow can make the area inaccessible until early July. Primarily a summer recreation-season facility.

About Big Trinity Cabin

Escape to Big Trinity Cabin, where rustic mountain living meets alpine serenity at nearly 8,000 feet in the Boise Mountains. This cozy six-person retreat sits tucked among whispering lodgepole pines and four pristine subalpine lakes, offering a wood stove, seasoned firewood, and the simple pleasures of a picnic table and campfire ring beneath star-filled skies. Due to deep winter snowpack, this high-country haven welcomes visitors only during the summer season.
Big Trinity Cabin is a seasonally-accessible backcountry cabin lodging in a high-alpine setting with limited services. Access is by vehicle with reasonable ground clearance when snow allows; the site is located among several subalpine lakes and forest.
Weather and SeasonsMother Nature sets the schedule here, where lingering snowpack typically keeps the cabin locked in winter's embrace until early July. Once the snow releases its grip, the landscape transforms into a summer paradise—wildflowers carpet the meadows in brilliant color, and the crisp mountain air carries the scent of sun-warmed pine. The brief but glorious alpine summer brings perfect conditions for hiking, fishing, and soaking in the high-country solitude before the next winter's snow begins to fall.
ElevationPerched at approximately 7,900 feet, Big Trinity Cabin sits firmly in high-alpine territory where the air is thin, the views are expansive, and the mountain environment demands both respect and rewards those who venture here.
Natural Features and ScenerySurrounded by a cathedral of lodgepole pines, the cabin claims a spectacular position near the East Fork Roaring River, cradled by four jewel-like alpine lakes—Big Roaring River Lake, Little Roaring River Lake, Big Trinity Lake, and Little Trinity Lake. Trinity Mountain towers to the south at 9,451 feet, its summit joining the dramatic skyline of Boise Mountains peaks that encircle this remote basin. Summer brings waves of wildflowers that splash color across alpine meadows, while elk and mule deer browse the clearings and black bears occasionally wander through, reminding visitors they're deep in genuine wilderness.
Geological RegionThe cabin lies within the Boise Mountains, part of the greater Boise Range, with Trinity Mountain standing sentinel immediately to the south as the area's dominant peak.
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Campsite details

AccessibilityAccessible by vehicles with reasonable ground clearance; no electricity or propane; vault restroom outside; drinking water available from a nearby hand pump
Sites Sizecabin
Total Campsites1 campsites
Recommended CampsitesBring bedding, lighting and emergency supplies, garbage bags, and additional food/gear. Use a vehicle with reasonable ground clearance; trailers are not recommended on Forest Road 172.

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Reserving a campsite

Guests Allowed Per Site
Sleeps six.
Tents
Tents are not allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed

Site layoutSingle cabin unit that sleeps six: one double bed and a sofa bed inside, drop‑down kitchen table, dining table and chairs. Outside features include a picnic table, campfire ring with grill and an external vault restroom.
Open and Closed SeasonLimited seasonal availability due to late snow melt; snow can make the area inaccessible until early July. Primarily a summer recreation-season facility.

Accomodation available

Cabin lodgingCabin lodging is available for campers seeking a more sheltered and comfortable experience. These enclosed accommodations offer protection from the elements and are ideal for those who prefer not to camp in tents.

Amenities available

Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Firewood available
Lodging and accommodations
Flush toilets
Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

The area around Big Trinity Cabin offers hiking on a local pedestrian trail system, motorized OHV trails nearby, fishing and small-craft boating on several subalpine lakes, and abundant wildlife viewing opportunities. Summer wildflowers and alpine scenery make it popular for day hikes and lake exploration once the snow melts.
Hiking
Rainbow Basin Trail (4 miles, pedestrian travel only) provides access to several lakes and is reachable from the trailhead within Big Trinity Lake campground. Additional nearby routes include Roaring River trail (045) and Lava Mountain trail (125) which are motorized motorcycle trails; a short steep hike leads to the Trinity Mountain lookout tower.
Fishing
Anglers can fish in the nearby subalpine lakes for rainbow and cutthroat trout.
Boating
Lakes are suitable for exploration by canoe or kayak.
Wildlife viewing
The area is a haven for elk and deer, and visitors may occasionally spot black bears.
Winter Activities
The cabin has a limited season due to late snow melt; snow can make the area inaccessible until early July.
Water Sports
Canoeing and kayaking on nearby lakes.
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Campground rules

  • Pets are not allowed
  • A wood stove is available for heating and cooking and the cabin is stocked with seasoned wood, a splitting maul, axe and hatchet. A campfire ring with grill and a picnic table are provided outside. (No explicit fire restriction policy provided in source.)

Hazards

General hazardsSeasonal snow can block access (area may be inaccessible until early July). Wildlife includes elk, deer and occasional black bear. Forest Road 172 is dirt and trailer traffic is not recommended.

Weather at Big Trinity Cabin

32
°F
Dec 11
Thursday
Mainly clear
Precipitation: 0%
Humidity: 70%
Wind: 17.2 mph
Mainly clear

Weather History
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Good to know

Peak season datesSummer (popular summer recreation area).
Trash and recyclingNo trash service; guests must bring garbage bags and pack out all trash.
Proximity to water featuresClose to the East Fork Roaring River and surrounded by Big Roaring River Lake, Little Roaring River Lake, Big Trinity Lake and Little Trinity Lake. Drinking water available from a nearby hand pump.

Campground Map

Big Trinity Cabin
Driving directionsTravel east from Boise, Idaho on I-84 to Mountain Home. At I-84/Highway 20 junction, take Highway 20 east for 35 miles to Pine/Featherville turnoff. Travel north on Forest Highway 61 for 29 miles to Forest Road 172. Travel 15 miles northwest to Forest Road 129. Travel 3 miles to the Guard Station junction. The roadway is paved up to the junction of Forest Road 172. Forest Road 172 is native material (dirt) and trailer traffic is not recommended. There are signs noting each of the junctions.
Roadway paved up to the junction of Forest Road 172; Forest Road 172 is native material (dirt) and trailer traffic is not recommended. Cabin is accessible by vehicles with reasonable ground clearance.
Nearby places
Highway 20 east for 35 miles to Pine/Featherville turnoff
north on Forest Highway 61 for 29 miles to Forest Road 172
15 miles northwest to Forest Road 129
3 miles to Guard Station junction.

Reviews from booking and map sources

3.4
15 reviews
Mixed Reviews
Mixed Reviews
Big Trinity Cabin has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews
Reviewers are polarized: many love Big Trinity Cabin for its remoteness, scenery, and cozy basic shelter, while others are very frustrated by the extremely rough access road and a few cleanliness/maintenance issues. The cabin is consistently described as simple and rustic (no water, no electricity), best suited for people who enjoy primitive, isolated stays rather than those seeking comfort or easy access.
Review Summaries
Based on 15 reviews

What Campers Love

Guests praise the secluded, quiet setting with beautiful views, wildflowers, good fishing nearby, great stargazing, and cool, clear mountain air. Several note that the basic cabin itself is cozy,...
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Based on 15 reviews

Common Concerns

The most common complaint is the access road: multiple reviewers call it a “complete nightmare” and far worse than expected, stating high clearance is required and some wouldn’t return solely because...
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Based on 15 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Reviewers recommend arriving with a true high-clearance vehicle and being prepared for a long, slow, rocky drive of about 1.5 hours from the nearest pavement, or potentially having to park miles away...
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Based on 15 reviews

Camper Quotes

“Above the smoke, cool, isolated and very comfortable.” “The road getting to the cabin was so much worse than we imagined. So bad, in fact, that we will never go there again.” “Don’t come here for...
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Based on 15 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

All detailed reviews are for Site 1, Loop BIG (the main cabin). Users say it realistically sleeps 4 at best, despite being advertised for more, and that some of the sleeping options (cots and a sofa)...
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Based on 15 reviews

Accessibility Features

Multiple reviewers emphasize that the last 6–6.5 miles of road are very rough and require a high-clearance vehicle; one noted they had to turn back and go home after 5 hours of driving because they...
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Based on 15 reviews

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Last updated December 10, 2025
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