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Facilities

Established Camping

Willow Creek Campground

Willow Creek Campground, near Lowman, Idaho, is a charming little retreat that offers a rustic experience with stunning natural beauty. With just a handful of campsites, it’s perfect for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle while still being accessible.

The campground is right by the Boise River, providing a serene backdrop for your stay. Visitors have praised the beautiful scenery and the well-maintained sites, which come equipped with picnic tables and fire pits for cozy evenings. One camper noted, “The scenery is beautiful and there is a lot of wilderness to enjoy,” highlighting the area’s natural allure.

While you’ll want to bring your own water, there’s a nearby market at Twin Springs Resort for any supplies you might need. The bathrooms are decent, and the shade from surrounding trees makes for a comfortable camping experience. As one reviewer mentioned, “It can get a little crowded in the busy season,” so planning your visit during the shoulder months might offer a quieter experience.

For those who enjoy outdoor activities, the surrounding wilderness is ripe for exploration. Whether you’re hiking, fishing, or just soaking in the views, Willow Creek Campground is a great base for your Idaho adventures.

Description

US Forest Service

Boise National Forest

Overview Willow Creek Campground is located approximately 61 miles northeast of Boise, Idaho, in a scenic Ponderosa pine forest along State Highway 21. Idaho City camping contains 4 sites that can accommodate up to 6 people each. Natural Features: Wildlife and summer wildflowers are abundant. Historic Idaho City is just 16 miles south. The campground is located at the confluence of the Crooked River and Willow Creek. Enjoy fishing for rainbow trout. Recreation: State Highway 21, also known as the Ponderosa Pine Scenic Byway, snakes along Mores Creek to Mores Creek Summit, Gold Fork, and Banner Ridge with breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and forest. Numerous trail opportunities are in the area, offering hiking, biking, horseback and ATV riding. Check on the Idaho City Motor Vehicle Use Map (MVUM) for open roads and trails for your interests. In winter, the area becomes a playground for backcountry skiers and snowmobilers.

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Location

Willow Creek Campground is located in Idaho

Detail location of campground

Directions

From Idaho City, Idaho, travel 18 miles northeast on State Highway 21. Turn right on Forest Service Road 384 and travel approximately 5.7 miles to the Willow Creek Campground.

Coordinates

43.97425187 N
115.531529 W

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Get reservations at sold-out campgrounds.

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Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site
  • Boat-In
    Sites accessible by watercraft.

Stay Connected

  • WiFi
    Available
  • Verizon
    Available
  • AT&T
    Available
  • T-Mobile
    Available

Site Types

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

Features

For Campers

  • Picnic Table
  • Toilets
  • Pets
  • Fires

Drive Time


Reviews

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5 Reviews

Reviewed Feb. 24, 2025

Used to be great, visitors been trashing it

Views are wonderful and the fishing is good. No, this is not near Lowman as Dyrt claims. The drive is a long dirt road, vibrates a lot but not exactly bumpy. Any car can do it. Coming in from the SE side at the exit just past the rest stop after leaving boise is a far better drive.

You could bring in a 30-35 footer but be sure to have clearance. For some spots you will need to turn around the lower parking area which may be a problem on weekends. Show up on a Wednesday if you for sure want to stay a few days.

I have visited numerous times in spring and fall. After snow starts melting it gets high fast and is un-fishable. If you are a fisherman check usgs. A river monitoring station is just up the road maybe 3 miles.

My last visit the trash and treatment was so bad the rangers said there were discussions of either closing it or turning it to a paid CG.

Wood is scare but easy to find if you drive the roads. Plenty of hiking. During hunting season it will fill up.

Details: Toilet might be maintained or might not Campers have been trashing the grounds since early 2024 Hunters and fisherman are nice and friendly, others not so much Long drive to town; the first 22 miles are on that road and will take 30-45 min depending on vehicle, another 20 at least to reach anywhere for supplies Inspection point at the exit sometimes for fishing and hunting Free stay, 14 day max

SiteI have used all of them
Month of VisitOctober
  • Review photo of Willow Creek Campground by Sadie P., February 24, 2025
  • Review photo of Willow Creek Campground by Sadie P., February 24, 2025
  • Review photo of Willow Creek Campground by Sadie P., February 24, 2025
  • (11) View All
Reviewed Jun. 1, 2021

Small and Beautiful

This is a very small campsite far enough off Hwy 21 to be remote and rustic but also close enough to be fairly easy to get to.  There are only 3-4 campsites.  The scenery is beautiful and there is a lot of wilderness to enjoy.

Month of VisitMay
  • Review photo of Willow Creek Campground by Amy S., June 1, 2021
  • Review photo of Willow Creek Campground by Amy S., June 1, 2021
  • (4) View All
Reviewed May. 30, 2021

Great spot! Bring water

Bring your own water!!! All the websites say this place has potable water but the pump was chained up! Thankfully there is a “market” at Twin Springs resort about 4 miles north! Other than the misinformation about the water, this place is great! Beautiful scenery, easily accessible sites with tables and fire pits. Good shade. Bathrooms were decent.

Site9
Month of VisitMay

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Are fires allowed at Willow Creek Campground?

    Yes, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, fires are allowed at Willow Creek Campground, although make sure to check current fire restrictions in the area.