Bowns Campground

Star3.80
9 reviews

Quick Facts

5,492 ft

Price

$3 - $8/night

Booking

First-Come

Sites

10 campsites

Season

Seasonal water avail...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

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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
Bowns Campground
$3.00 - $8.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Recreation fees vary by location, activity, and reservation method. Service fee: $8 for online/app, $9 via contact center, $3 in-person.
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

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What Campers Say

3.80

Mixed Reviews

Based on 9 reviews

7 Google reviews

Most mentioned

locationhiking

"User reviews highlight the campground's serene environment but note some maintenance issues and the lack of water availability during certain visits. One user described it as 'deserted,' adding, 'It is located along a small river.'"

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Campground Map

Bowns Campground

43.6068, -114.8819

Driving directionsFrom Fairfield, go north 18 miles on Forest Road #094 and west approximately 6 miles on Forest Road #227.
No detailed accessibility challenges explicitly described in the source.
Nearby places
Fairfield (18 miles north), Featherville (25 miles east)
Nearby supplies
Supplies available at Smokey Bar Store as per user review. Exact distance not provided. null

Best Time to Camp at Bowns Campground

Experience the rhythms of mountain seasons at Bowns Campground, where crystal-clear creek waters run strongest during spring snowmelt and early summer. While drinking water flows seasonally through the campground's systems, the natural beauty remains constant year-round. Plan your visit during warmer months when the campground's full amenities are available and the surrounding forest bursts with life.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
3.5 / 5

Late-summer can be quiet; water flows lower seasonally but camping is popular.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
3.5 / 5

Mountain forest setting implies pleasant fall colors; limited explicit data.

Best
Spring(Mar-May)
4.0 / 5

Creek runs strongest during spring snowmelt; good fishing and scenic flows.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
2.0 / 5

Seasonal water and mountain winters likely limit camping; no winter services noted.

Planning Tips
  • Operating Season: Seasonal water availability; specific open/close season not mentioned.
  • Current Alerts: No active alerts noted.

About Bowns Campground

Tucked away in the heart of Idaho's wilderness, Bowns Campground offers an intimate escape along the babbling waters of Big Smoky Creek. This peaceful retreat sits 25 miles east of Featherville and 18 miles north of Fairfield, where ten thoughtfully spaced campsites—including two spacious double-family units—provide the perfect basecamp for outdoor adventures. Whether you're casting a line into the creek's promising waters, exploring nearby hiking trails, or gathering around evening campfires, this developed campground delivers comfort in the wilderness with essential amenities including picnic tables, fire rings, seasonal drinking water, and clean restroom facilities.
Bowns Campground offers developed sites suitable for families and smaller groups.
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Best Campsites

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Amenities available

Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables

Activities you can enjoy

Activities at Bowns Campground center around outdoor recreation, including camping, fishing, hiking, and picnicking. The nearby Miller Creek Trail (#087) also allows for motorcycle use.
HikingMiller Creek Trail (#087) begins just south of the campground and accommodates motorcycles.
FishingFishing is a popular activity at Bowns Campground, situated along Big Smoky Creek.
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsWater pump handle missing per user review; potential for weeds and low maintenance.
Active AlertsNo active alerts noted.

Weather at Bowns Campground

Reviews

3.8
9 reviews
Mixed Reviews
Mixed Reviews
Bowns Campground has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews highlight the campground's serene environment but note some maintenance issues and the lack of water availability during certain visits. One user described it as 'deserted,' adding, 'It is located along a small river.'
Review Summaries
Based on 9 reviews

What Campers Love

Positive aspects include its scenic location along Big Smoky Creek and its suitability for activities like camping, fishing, and hiking. One user recommended stopping by the Smokey Bar Store for...
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Based on 9 reviews

Common Concerns

Common complaints include the absence of water due to a missing pump handle, overgrown campsites, and privacy concerns around site 1 due to frequent vehicle traffic.
Based on 9 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers are advised to avoid site 1 due to traffic from people turning around. Visitors are also encouraged to check the availability of water before arrival.
Based on 9 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Reviews suggest that the campground may be less crowded in late summer. One review remarked, 'Deserted. We were the only ones there on a Friday late August.'
Based on 9 reviews

Camper Quotes

- 'Nice little campground, make sure to stop into Smokey Bar Store for supplies and friendly conversation.' - Douglas Ackley - 'This a neat little campground. Just don't get campsite 1....the old...
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Based on 9 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site 1 is specifically noted as undesirable due to frequent traffic: 'Just don't get campsite 1.'
Based on 9 reviews

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Last updated January 5, 2026
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