Bully Creek Reservoir County Park

This is a basic campground but it sits on a nice lake. There were forest fires burning in the distance so I didn’t have the best timing. That being said, I think it is a good place to stay in the area for a night or two. It was quiet, easily accessible, and reasonably maintained. It would not be a destination for me, but I’d stay there again

This area is devoid of good camping spots, so I’m kind of glad we stopped here. There are a few things to know before you go, though.

• If you’re following geocoords and coming from the west, you’ll be tempted to take a more direct route from Willow Creek. The road is a disaster, don’t do it. It will be faster and much easier on your vehicle to take the tar road from Vale.

• There are incredibly high levels of arsenic in the reservoir. When you check in, you’ll get a packet of information dating back to 2012 on this. I’m surprised no other reviewers mentioned it. You basically shouldn’t touch the water. The campsite does not have shade like you might expect, most sites are in full sun.

• The wind is epic. I was grateful to be in a vehicle with the torrential gale blowing everyone’s tents halfway to Idaho. It’s the kind of wind where you get dirt in your eyes and dust everywhere. I tried to talk to other campers, but we couldn’t hear each other over the wind! It lasts until sundown, at which point it stops and the temperature gets much cooler and the nights are pretty beautiful. Sunset here is very very late in the summer, so keep that in mind.

The camp hosts live in a house nearby and were implementing a no contact check in (apparently reservations are possible if you call, but there was plenty of space on a weekday). They seem very organized and nice, but goodness, the weather made this inhospitable — and given the surrounding environment I feel confident saying that heat and wind are the norm.

There is not much in Vale and this is the perfect escape. Sites are large with electric only. There is water close by or you can fill your reserve at the fresh water hose by the dump station.
Great one or two night stay, lots of birds.

An enjoyable stay with clean facilities and friendly hosts.

We are regulars to tHis campground. The ladies who care for it are amazing and do a beautiful job. We have never had any problems here other than nature being its own amazing unpredictable self. We camp with a large group every year with no mix-ups or crossed wires and the cellular service is slowly starting to creep in. Clean grounds, clean bathrooms always a pleasure