Established Camping
Big Creek — Payette National Forest
Big Creek in Payette National Forest is surrounded by forested terrain with a mix of trees and open spaces. Temperatures can range from lows in the 30s Fahrenheit in spring and fall to highs in the 80s during summer. Nearby, visitors can explore the Frank Church-River of No Return Wilderness and enjoy activities like hiking and wildlife viewing.
Description
Overview
Located next to the Big Creek airstrip this four unit campground offers a good staging place to access the Frank Church-River of No Return Wilderness. It is popular with pilots camping overnight in Big Creek. The campground is near the Big Creek Work Station. The four walk-in campsites are near a small stream, which flows into Big Creek. This location is available on a first-come, first-served basis only. Visitors are required to physically arrive at the campground to purchase and claim a site. Once on-site, you may be able to pay for your campsite(s) by scanning a QR code using the Recreation.gov mobile app, and the Scan and Pay feature. If this option is available, you will need to first download the free Recreation.gov mobile app ht tps://www.recreation.gov/mobile-app prior to your arrival as some remote areas have limited or no cellular service.
Recreation
Trailhead access to the Frank Church-River of No Return Wilderness to the north on FR 371. Fishing in Big Creek.
Facilities
Facilities include an accessible toilet and drinking water. Pack in/pack out. No hook-ups.
Location
Big Creek — Payette National Forest is located in Idaho
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
Detours Nearby
Ponderosa Campground
2 hrs 4 min away
Poverty Flat
2 hrs 47 min away
Drive Time
- 4 hrs 35 min from Boise
- 6 hrs 13 min from Lewiston
- 8 hrs from Walla Walla
- 8 hrs 30 min from Missoula
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
Connectivity
T-MobileNo Coverage- VerizonNo Coverage
- AT&TNo Coverage
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Group
Features
For Campers
- Pets
- Fires
