Macks Creek Park

Fishing and swimming opportunities draw visitors to Macks Creek Park, a US Army Corps of Engineers campground on the shores of Lucky Peak Reservoir. The facility sits within the Boise River Wildlife Management Area, roughly 15 miles east of downtown along a paved road that follows the reservoir's edge. Sites accommodate RVs up to 45 feet with water hookups available, though the campground also welcomes tent campers and offers boat-in access.

The campground operates seasonally from May 15 through September 15, with advance reservations required. An on-site host maintains the facility, and vault toilets receive daily cleaning. Cell service varies by carrier, with some visitors reporting no Verizon coverage. The proximity to the main road means steady traffic noise, as Jeff M. notes the site "sits directly on a busy, paved roadway that follows Lucky Peak and Arrowrock Reservoir."

Water levels fluctuate significantly with seasonal conditions and drought cycles. During low water periods, the marina may sit high above the waterline, requiring longer walks to reach swimming and boating areas. "The docks were laying on dry land and the waterway was 100 feet out," reported Linda G. during a drought year. Tent sites offer limited shade, making summer stays warm during peak heat.

The campground provides potable water via an old-style hand pump and allows both pets and alcohol. Garbage collection keeps up with demand most of the time, though bins can overflow during busy periods. For additional options in the area, campers can explore camping near Boise or check nearby dispersed sites like Arrowrock Reservoir Beach — Boise NF Dispersed. Book well ahead during peak summer months when reservoir access is most appealing.

Fee Info

Reserve online or by phone at 1-877-444-6777. No transactions are conducted on site.

Check AvailabilitySuggest an Edit

RV Road Trip Guides

Map & DirectionsMacks Creek Park is located in Idaho near Boise

Detail location of campground
Public Campground

Directions

From Gowen Road (Exit 57) off I-84, head east toward South Federal Way. Continue to follow Highway 21 for 12.5 miles. Turn right on Arrowrock Road immediately after the High Bridge crossing over the lake. Continue on Arrowrock Road passed Spring Shores Marina at Mile 1 for a total of 4.5 miles to Macks Creek Park.

Address

400 ARROWROCK ROAD
Boise, ID 83709

Coordinates

43.6102778 N
115.9380556 W

Open in Google Maps

Connectivity

Presented byT-MobileT-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoors
  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    Verizon
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T
    No Coverage
    Verified by 1 user
    Last on 11/14/25

Is Macks Creek Park sold out?

Quickly grab cancellations!

Learn More
Presented byHershey's

Connectivity

Presented byT-MobileT-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoors
  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    Verizon
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T
    No Coverage
    Verified by 1 user
    Last on 11/14/25

Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site
  • Walk-In
    Park in a lot, walk to your site.
  • Boat-In
    Sites accessible by watercraft.

Site Types

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

Features

For Campers

  • Trash
  • Picnic Table
  • Phone Service
  • Reservable
  • Drinking Water
  • Toilets
  • Alcohol
  • Pets
  • Fires

For Vehicles

  • Water Hookups

Drive Time


2026 Explorer Giveaway

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win

Reviews11 Camper Reviews - Macks Creek Park

Add Review

5 Stars

4 Stars

3 Stars

2 Stars

1 Star

28%
55%
10%
0%
10%

4.0

out of 5

11 Reviews

Campers regularly cited the friendly camphost and affordable rates as highlights. Road noise from the busy paved roadway was noted as a concern, though facilities are well-maintained with daily toilet cleaning and lake access.

Reviewed Apr. 26, 2025

Managed by US Army Corps of Engineers

Open Season 15 May to 15 September. Advance reservations are requires and cannot be made on site. No free camping. Potable water by old USFS style hand pump. Host on site. Ranger patrols.

Site1
Month of VisitMay
Reviewed Mar. 26, 2022

Off Season

Last August I stayed at Mack's Creek. I was saddened by the drought and low water level. The docks were laying on dry land and the waterway was 100 feet out and below a drop off cliff. The marina was practically deserted. The camp grounds were lovely and well maintained. The camp host was on sight and approachable. I put my kayak in at the marina. The camping was pleasant and kid friendly.

Site8
Month of VisitAugust
  • Review photo of Macks Creek Park by Linda G., March 26, 2022
  • Review photo of Macks Creek Park by Linda G., March 26, 2022
  • Review photo of Macks Creek Park by Linda G., March 26, 2022
  • (6) View All
Reviewed Sep. 5, 2021

Meh

Maybe this place is fine in the spring, but in September the reservoir is low and the sites for tent/self contained vehicles are 10 feet off the road. I’m not sure why this area is called a national forest because there are no trees and the mountains are not impressive enough to make up for it.

We decided not to spend the night here because it wasn’t worth paying for.

On the other hand the road is paved all the way to the site which is more than you can say for the dispersed sites we stayed at previously.

Month of VisitSeptember
Reviewed Sep. 3, 2021

Secluded Dry Camping

Stayed 3 nights to run errands and visit the Boise area. Out of town, but nice and secluded. We enjoyed the clear skies at night for some great star gazing. The vault toilets are cleaned every day and the camp host was active. No Verizon signal.

Site#2
Month of VisitAugust
  • Review photo of Macks Creek Park by Rick G., September 3, 2021
  • Review photo of Macks Creek Park by Rick G., September 3, 2021
  • Review photo of Macks Creek Park by Rick G., September 3, 2021
Reviewed Oct. 31, 2020

Nice park near the water

This is one of the few overnight camp spots on the reservoir. It’s not always super clean. The garbage cans fill up quickly and sometimes over flow. Great day access for boats. Not a lot of shade for tent camping, so it can get warm in the summer.

  • Review photo of Macks Creek Park by Amy S., October 31, 2020
  • Review photo of Macks Creek Park by Amy S., October 31, 2020
  • Review photo of Macks Creek Park by Amy S., October 31, 2020
Reviewed Sep. 17, 2019

Close to Boise

It is pretty neat and clean camp ground, although it has limited tent ports but each one have (sort of) personalized water access. And it is very very close to Boise within 20 miles from Airport, so you can virtually forgot all the camping equipment b/c you can buy / rent them quickly as it is so close to big city

Reviewed Jun. 17, 2019

Beautiful

Cheap or free. Stunning, well kept campground on the reservior.

Reviewed May. 9, 2018

Great for casusl RV camping

Small campsite, approx 6-7 hard pads with vault toilet at one end. Site sits directly on a busy, paved roadway that follows Lucky Peak and Arrowrock Reservoir. Also, directly acro townss the street from RV camping is a busy, tent only campsite. The view of the River is nice, but the noise and outside distractions are not my cup of tea. But it's close to town, so there's that....

Site4
Month of VisitSeptember
Reviewed May. 18, 2017

Beautiful

Only got to stay the one night because we're on a road trip. However, what a great spot beautiful and so clean. The camphost was the nicest guy you could ask for. Definitely want to return!

Site#15
Month of VisitMay
  • Review photo of Macks Creek Park by Jen R., May 18, 2017
  • Review photo of Macks Creek Park by Jen R., May 18, 2017
  • Review photo of Macks Creek Park by Jen R., May 18, 2017
Reviewed Aug. 2, 2016

Local favorite campsite

Our weekly camping spot during the summer months when we lived in Boise. After moving away three years ago, we thought it was time to visit once more. We stayed at this spot once again and hiked around, studied for school, and swam around in lake.

  • Review photo of Macks Creek Park by Emily W., August 2, 2016
  • Review photo of Macks Creek Park by Emily W., August 2, 2016

Frequently Asked Questions

What do camper reviews say about Macks Creek Park?

Macks Creek Park is generally well-regarded for its cleanliness, affordability, and beautiful reservoir setting. Campers appreciate the well-maintained grounds and the attentive camp hosts. The location offers stunning views and good water access when reservoir levels permit. Some visitors note that the campground can get noisy due to its proximity to a busy roadway, and garbage cans occasionally overflow during peak times. The campground is praised for its accessibility while still offering a sense of seclusion, with many highlighting the excellent stargazing opportunities under clear night skies.

How close is Macks Creek Campground to Boise, Idaho?

Macks Creek Campground is conveniently located about 20 miles from Boise Airport, making it one of the closest camping options to the city. This proximity is ideal for visitors who want to combine outdoor recreation with urban amenities or those who need to run errands in town. The short distance allows campers to easily access Boise for supplies, equipment rentals, or day trips while still enjoying a natural setting by the reservoir.

Are there any fees to camp at Macks Creek Park?

Yes, there are fees to camp at Macks Creek Park - it is not a free camping area. The campground is described as affordable, though specific fee amounts aren't detailed. Advance reservations are required and cannot be made on-site. The campground operates seasonally from May 15 to September 15. For current fee information and to make reservations, contact the managing agency or check their official website.

What amenities are available at Macks Creek Campground in Idaho?

Macks Creek Park offers basic but functional amenities for campers. The campground features 6-7 hard pad sites, vault toilets that are cleaned daily, and potable water available via an old USFS style hand pump. A camp host is on-site during the operating season (May 15 to September 15), and ranger patrols provide additional oversight. The campground has lake access for swimming and boating, with docks (though water levels fluctuate seasonally). There's limited shade for tent camping, which can make summer visits quite warm.

What activities can visitors enjoy at Macks Creek Park?

Visitors to Macks Creek Park can enjoy numerous water-based activities on Lucky Peak and Arrowrock Reservoir, including swimming, boating, and fishing when water levels permit. The area provides good day access for boats. Hiking opportunities are available around the campground and along the reservoir. Many campers enjoy stargazing under the clear night skies. The location also serves as a convenient base for exploring the Boise area while having a peaceful retreat to return to. Be aware that Verizon cell service is reported to be unavailable, allowing for a more disconnected experience.