South Fork Recreation Site is located near Garden Valley, Idaho, and features terrain with riverbanks and forested areas. Temperatures range from lows in the 20s Fahrenheit during winter to highs in the 80s during summer. Nearby attractions include the Payette River, which offers opportunities for rafting and fishing, and the scenic Boise National Forest.

ALERT - The Swirly Canyon segment of the South Fork Payette River stretch offers opportunities for camping and fishing in a scenic mountain area. The BLM's South Fork Recreation Site is an undeveloped camping spot along the river.

South Fork Recreation Site

Searching for the best camping near Garden Valley, ID? Garden Valley is an adventure-filled destination for those who love the outdoorsy camper lifestyle. But it's also great for those who prefer to spend time near the city, exploring and sightseeing. At The Dyrt, campers like you share their favorite spots, plus tips and photos. No matter where you're headed in Garden Valley, you'll find the best spot for you and your camping crew.

Garden Valley

The Best Camping Near Garden Valley, Idaho

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. 

Scenic fly in campground 

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! 

Perfect mountain with river!

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.

Photos of South Fork Recreation Site

Real photos from real campers