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South Fork Recreation Site

3 ReviewsAdd Review

Gunfire from a nearby shooting range echoes throughout the day at this BLM-managed site overlooking the South Fork Payette River. The campground sits on elevated terrain about 40 feet above the water, offering clear views down to the river below where large fish are visible in the transparent water. Multiple access options include driving, hiking, or boating to reach the various camping spots.

Basic amenities include toilets, showers, and trash service, though bathroom facilities may close seasonally. Campers can build fires and bring pets and alcohol. The site provides access to hiking trails and four-wheeling routes in the surrounding mountains. For additional camping choices, explore campgrounds around Garden Valley. Helicopters frequently use the river for water collection during fire season.

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Location

Public Campground

South Fork Recreation Site is located in Idaho

Detail location of campground

Directions

The South Fork Recreation Site is located three miles east of Garden Valley, Idaho. Turn south on Alder Creek Road and just after crossing the Payette River turn left on the South Fork Road. The site is about 1/2 mile on the left. Payette River Maps (Boater's Guide)

Coordinates

44.06740923 N
115.941546 W

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Connectivity

  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile5G
    Excellent Coverage
    Verified by 15 users
    Last on 4/18/26
  • signal strength bars
    VerizonLTE
    Some Coverage
    Verified by 2 users
    Last on 4/18/26
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T5G
    Excellent Coverage

Connectivity

  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile5G
    Excellent Coverage
    Verified by 15 users
    Last on 4/18/26
  • signal strength bars
    VerizonLTE
    Some Coverage
    Verified by 2 users
    Last on 4/18/26
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T5G
    Excellent Coverage

Access

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

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • Standard (Tent/RV)

Features

For Campers

  • Trash
  • Showers
  • Toilets
  • Alcohol
  • Pets
  • Fires

For Vehicles

  • Pull-Through Sites

Drive Time

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Reviews

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3.5

out of 5

3 Reviews

Visitors often highlighted the scenic riverside location with spacious sites and mountain views. However, several guests reported noise concerns from nearby shooting range and highway traffic that can disrupt the peaceful atmosphere.

Mike E.The Dyrt PRO User
Reviewed May. 3, 2022

fantastic except for one thing

Beautiful place to boondock overlooking the river. Great scenery. Many trails around both for hiking and four wheeling. Loved it except for one thing - there's a shooting range near the highway and the airport. Guns going off random times all day and into the evening. Ruins the tranquility. We have a dog too that freaks out. Love this place except for that. We won't be coming back unfortunately.

Month of VisitApril
  • Review photo of South Fork Recreation Site by Mike E., May 3, 2022
  • Review photo of South Fork Recreation Site by Mike E., May 3, 2022
  • Review photo of South Fork Recreation Site by Mike E., May 3, 2022
  • (7) View All
Jonathan A.The Dyrt PRO User
Reviewed Sep. 23, 2020

Perfect mountain with river!

This is beyond the Payette River campground, if you follow the South Fork road down a ways, you will see a few turn outs, likely with several filled. This is US Forestry or BLM or both land. You’ll hear echos of gunfire, the occasional semi blasting up the highway or the rumble of tons of bikes making their way up the highway... and if its fire season, there will be helicopters coming in and filling giant buckets of water as there is a Ranger station and water reserve near by. It is a surreal view and area. Dispersed, no amenities, nothing but you, the dirt, rocks, tall pines and little critters. The chipmunks like to tease dogs, but they also taste amazing fried up with some potatoes. There are huge fish in the river below and the water is unbelievably clear, albeit 40ft down from the camp sites in most areas. There are some markers in a few of the areas identifying the land and the forest rangers like to come out and make sure you dont have a campfire. People get possessive over these spots, even though it is public land. Seems a few of these campers have setup and been there a while.
Regardless, it is stunning and perfect!

  • Review photo of South Fork Recreation Site by Jonathan A., September 23, 2020
  • Review photo of South Fork Recreation Site by Jonathan A., September 23, 2020
  • Review photo of South Fork Recreation Site by Jonathan A., September 23, 2020
  • (4) View All
Shariah T.The Dyrt PRO User
Reviewed Jun. 1, 2019

Scenic fly in campground

Long runway, above a big field for camping and plenty of trees to set up a hammock. Right along the river, all we heard was the sound of running water. Very big mountains around, plenty for hiking. As well as some bathrooms that were closed when we were there, however the sign did say they were open normally. We had a fire, didn’t see any signs that said we couldn’t so kind of unclear.

  • Review photo of South Fork Recreation Site by Shariah T., June 1, 2019
  • Review photo of South Fork Recreation Site by Shariah T., June 1, 2019
  • Review photo of South Fork Recreation Site by Shariah T., June 1, 2019
  • (5) View All
Showing results 1-3 of 3 reviews

Frequently Asked Questions

What facilities are available at South Fork Recreation Site?

South Fork Recreation Site offers basic facilities for a more primitive camping experience. The area includes restrooms, though they may be seasonal and not always open. There's a large open field area for camping with plenty of trees that provide natural shade and hammock options. The site features a long runway area above the main camping field. While amenities are limited, the natural setting along the river makes this an appealing spot for those seeking a more rustic outdoor experience.

What activities can visitors enjoy at South Fork Recreation Site?

Visitors to South Fork Recreation Site can enjoy numerous outdoor activities centered around the river and surrounding mountains. Popular activities include hiking on the many trails in the area, setting up hammocks among the trees, and enjoying the riverside ambiance. The location also offers opportunities for four-wheeling on designated trails, boondocking with scenic river views, and mountain exploration. While the natural setting is perfect for peaceful outdoor recreation, be aware that a nearby shooting range can occasionally impact the tranquility with gun noise during the day and evening.

Where is South Fork Recreation Site located near the Payette River?

South Fork Recreation Site is located directly along the South Fork of the Payette River. To reach it, continue beyond the Payette River campground and follow South Fork road for a distance until you see several turnouts, often occupied by campers. The site sits in a scenic area surrounded by mountains, offering beautiful riverside camping with the soothing sounds of running water. The location is on either US Forest Service or BLM land (or jointly managed) and is accessible via several turnout areas along the road.

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