Big Creek — Payette National Forest

SUMMARY PRESENTED BYT-Mobile

Payette National Forest's Big Creek campground sits near the confluence of Big Creek and the main river corridor, giving campers direct access to water without much infrastructure in between. The site is small, with fire rings, picnic tables, and firewood provided on-site. Portable water and a CTX toilet are available. It also serves as a staging point for pilots and hikers heading into the Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness, located about two miles down the road. Those traveling with dogs will find pet-friendly camping spots near Payette National Forest throughout the surrounding area. Fees run $0 to $10 per night. Come ready for a no-frills stay in a remote setting.

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Warning 1 Alert is In Effect

There is 1 alert for this campground. Camp safely!

Air Quality at this campground may currently be unhealthy. Please check with the campground before making a reservation.

RV Road Trip Guides

Map & DirectionsBig Creek is located in Idaho near Yellow Pine

Detail location of campground
Public Campground

Directions

From 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).

Coordinates

45.127574 N
115.32313 W

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Connectivity

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Connectivity

Presented byT-MobileT-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoorsLearn More
  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    Verizon
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T
    No Coverage

Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • RV Sites
  • Standard (Tent/RV)
  • Group

Features

For Campers

  • Pets
  • Fires

Drive Time


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Reviews2 Camper Reviews - Big Creek

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5.0

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2 Reviews

Reviewed Oct. 1, 2018

Wilderness Convinience

Big Creek Canpground is small but fire rings, firewood and picnic tables are provided. Confinement area for pilots and for those wanting to hike into the FCRNRW which is 2 miles down the road. Portable water available and a CTX toilet.

Month of VisitOctober
  • Review photo of Big Creek — Payette National Forest by Courtney R., October 1, 2018
  • Review photo of Big Creek — Payette National Forest by Courtney R., October 1, 2018
  • Review photo of Big Creek — Payette National Forest by Courtney R., October 1, 2018
Reviewed Jun. 26, 2018

4 site camp

kinda small but great place to set up a base camp for exploring the wilderness next to the camp

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I get to Big Creek Campground in Idaho?

Big Creek Campground is located in the Payette National Forest in Idaho, near Yellow Pine. While specific directions aren't detailed in available information, the campground serves as an access point to the Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness. For the most accurate directions, consider contacting the Payette National Forest office before your trip. The campground is relatively small and somewhat remote, making it perfect for those seeking a quieter wilderness experience. Always check road conditions before traveling, especially during shoulder seasons when mountain roads may have seasonal closures or require high-clearance vehicles.

What activities can I do near Big Creek Campground in Idaho?

Big Creek Campground serves as an excellent base camp for wilderness exploration. The Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness is just 2 miles down the road, offering extensive hiking opportunities. The campground's location makes it ideal for day hikes or multi-day backpacking adventures into the surrounding wilderness areas. For aviation enthusiasts, there's a designated area for pilots. While specific water activities aren't mentioned, the campground's name suggests proximity to Big Creek, which might offer fishing opportunities depending on regulations. The surrounding Payette National Forest likely provides additional recreational options including wildlife viewing and nature photography.

What amenities are available at Big Creek Campground?

Big Creek Campground offers basic amenities for a comfortable wilderness camping experience. The facilities include fire rings, picnic tables, and portable water is available on site. The campground features a CTX toilet for visitor convenience. There's also a designated confinement area for pilots and those planning to hike into the Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness. Firewood is provided at the campground, which is a nice bonus not found at many forest service sites. The campground is relatively small, making it perfect for those seeking a quieter outdoor experience.