Reservable through the US Forest Service, Deadwood Campground accommodates RVs up to 40 feet along the shores of Deadwood Reservoir in Boise National Forest. The campground features six sites with picnic tables, fire rings, and vault toilets, plus drinking water and a boat launch. Four-wheel drive is recommended for the rough dirt road access, which remains closed several months each year due to snow.
Most campsites provide direct reservoir access with sandy beaches, and several reviewers mention the privacy between sites despite the compact layout. The campground serves as a trailhead for hiking routes into the surrounding mountains, with an additional trailhead across the Deadwood River. Fishing and boating draw many visitors to the reservoir, and osprey diving for fish provide regular wildlife viewing. An interpretive site across the road offers information about local wildlife and river conditions.
Tammara L. notes that "most camp spots have sandy beach access and feel private." The remote location keeps crowds manageable, though the 2016 Pioneer Fire burned through the area and recovery continues. Two natural hot springs within driving distance provide additional recreation options without commercial fees.
Book ahead during summer months when road conditions allow access, as the limited sites and desirable waterfront location fill quickly during peak season.
Description
Overview: Deadwood Campground is a small campground that is located at the scenic confluence of the Deadwood River and the South Fork of the Payette River on the Banks-Lowman Road 17. Visitors enjoy rafting, kayaking and fishing on the South Fork Payette River, and hiking the nearby trails. The campground is adjacent from the river acces point. Natural Features: The campground is situated at the foot of a forested hillside. Towering Ponderosa pines are scattered throughout the site, offering partial shade. Summer wildflowers dot the landscape. Recreation: The Deadwood Ridge trailhead is located in this campground, and the campground also serves as a river access point for the South Fork of the Payette River. Camping use at this site is moderate. Driveway lengths for RV's are limited to camp trailers less than 15 feet in length. Nearby Attractions: Numerous natural hot springs pools can be found along the Banks-Lowman Highway, also known as the Wildlife Canyon Scenic Byway. The area offers scenic views, wildlife watching, historical information kiosks and several trail opportunities. Whitewater rafting and kayaking are popular activities on the South Fork and Main Payette Rivers. Several companies in the area offer guided half and full-day trips.
RV Road Trip Guides
Location
Public CampgroundDeadwood Campground is located in Idaho
Directions
From Boise, Idaho, travel State Highway 55 north 38 miles to Banks, Idaho. Turn east onto the (Banks/Lowman Road) State Highway 17 and proceed along the scenic highway approximately 30 miles to the campground.
Coordinates
44.08200017 N
115.659 W
Connectivity
T-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoors
T-MobileNo Coverage- VerizonNo Coverage
AT&T5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 4/29/26
Connectivity
T-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoors- T-MobileNo Coverage
- VerizonNo Coverage
- AT&T5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 4/29/26
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
- Hike-InBackcountry sites.
- Boat-InSites accessible by watercraft.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Group
- Equestrian
Features
For Campers
- Picnic Table
- Reservable
- Drinking Water
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
For Vehicles
- Pull-Through Sites
Drive Time
- 1 hr 30 min from Boise, ID
- 3 hrs 4 min from Twin Falls, ID
- 4 hrs 23 min from Pocatello, ID
- 4 hrs 36 min from Lewiston, ID
