Swinging Bridge, near Boise, Idaho, is a cozy campground that offers a straightforward camping experience right off Highway 55. It’s a small spot, perfect for those who enjoy the sound of the nearby Payette River and don’t mind a bit of road noise.

This campground is primarily geared towards tent camping, with some sites suitable for RVs, though larger rigs might find it a tight squeeze. Visitors have noted the clean restrooms and friendly camp host, making it a pleasant place to set up camp. As one camper mentioned, “Super clean campground. Clean restrooms. The camp host was really friendly.”

While there are no showers or electric hookups, you’ll find vault toilets and drinking water available. The shaded areas provide a nice respite from the sun, and the proximity to the river makes it a great spot for a quick dip or some fishing. Just remember to bring your swimsuit!

For those looking to explore, the surrounding Boise National Forest offers plenty of opportunities for hiking and enjoying the great outdoors. Whether you’re just passing through or planning a longer stay, Swinging Bridge is a solid choice for a laid-back camping experience.

## Overview

 Swinging Bridge Campground is located 10 miles north of Banks, Idaho just off Highway 55 at an elevation of 4,000 feet. The North Fork Payette River flows next to the highway, where extreme kayaking is a popular activity.
## Recreation

 The North Fork of the Payette River is a very popular location for expert kayaking. Whitewater rafting is nearby on the Main and South Fork sections of the Payette River. Anglers will find good to excellent fishing for whitefish and rainbow trout.
## Natural Features

 The campground is situated is a scenic canyon just above Highway 55. The mountains are forested with a mix of Ponderosa and lodgepole pines and shade is plentiful within most of the campground. Summer days are warm, reaching 80-90 degrees; nights are cooler.

Swinging Bridge

Banks, ID is a great camping destination for adventurers of all types. Banks is a great camping destination for everyone. There are tons of nearby hikes, adventurous activities, and sights to see. Discover great camping spots near Banks, reviewed by campers like you.

Banks

The Best Camping Near Banks, Idaho

This small loop of camp spots has one pit toilet and running water. The proximity to the road is close so you will get some road noise but the rushing river all but drowns it out most of the time. We didn't have any problems sleeping. This is a great spot to just pull over and set camp as we did without to much fuss. The spots all have a table and fire ring and the pit toilet wasn't bad. There is a camp host here if you need anything and they do run a generator. We barely noticed because of the river again. 

Little road noise; Close to the river

It’s close to the highway 55 so it’s kind of loud with traffic. Very close to the river so bring your swimsuit

Small, near highway 

This is a small camp ground right off Highway 55 and across the Highway from the Payette river.  Lots of shade trees.  Not a lot of room for larger campers or RVs, mostly geared toward tent camping.  I did not get cell service here.

Close to Road and River

The Swinging Bridge campground had the pros and cons of being right off of hwy 55. It’s easy to access the site and Payette River but you can hear the traffic. 

Not an ideal site for big rigs. No showers or cell service but there are vault toilets.

River & Road 

Super clean campground. Clean restrooms. The camp host was really friendly and seemed like a straight up guy. We were the only ones at the campground on 8/14/23. As mentioned it is close to the road. 

Photos of Swinging Bridge

Real photos from real campers