Badger Creek Campground
05 reviewsnull
Badger Creek Campground
$0.00 - $0.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$0.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
No fees are required for any sites at the campground.
About this campground
Tucked away along the pristine waters of the Middle Fork Boise River, Badger Creek Campground offers an authentic wilderness escape without the price tag. This intimate, no-fee gem in the Boise National Forest features just five peaceful campsites, each equipped with its own picnic table, campfire ring, and grill – perfect for those seeking solitude beneath towering pines. While the journey here requires navigating some adventurous rough roads, your reward is prime access to the stunning Arrowrock Reservoir and two spectacular trails: the winding Corral Creek Trail #129 and the scenic William Pogue National Recreation Trail #122. Basic amenities include a vault toilet, ensuring a comfortable yet rustic camping experience.
Badger Creek Campground is primarily configured for tent camping, although it also supports OHV camping. The campground includes 5 campsites situated along the river. User reviews mention roominess and cleanliness, but no explicit details on site dimensions or specific features are offered.
Historical SignificanceWhile the recorded history of this tranquil spot remains unwritten, the land whispers its own stories through ancient pines and weathered rocks that have witnessed countless seasons along the Middle Fork Boise River.
Weather and SeasonsThe sweet spot for camping at Badger Creek runs from mid-May through late September, when wildflowers bloom and the river runs full. During these golden months, you'll find yourself basking under clear Idaho skies with perfectly mild temperatures and that crisp, dry mountain air that makes everything feel more alive. Come winter, heavy snows transform this summer paradise into an inaccessible wonderland, with freezing temperatures and road closures keeping the campground in peaceful hibernation until spring's return.
ElevationNestled in the mountain valleys of the Boise National Forest, this riverside retreat sits at an elevation where pine forests thrive and mountain air stays refreshingly cool even on summer days.
Natural Features and SceneryWake to the gentle murmur of the Middle Fork Boise River as it winds past your campsite, creating a natural soundtrack for your wilderness adventure. This riverine paradise serves as a living gallery of Idaho wildlife – watch for majestic elk grazing in meadows at dawn, deer picking their way through the forest, and the breathtaking sight of eagles and osprey soaring overhead. The nearby Arrowrock Reservoir adds another layer of scenic beauty, its blue waters reflecting the surrounding peaks and providing endless opportunities for waterside exploration.
Geological RegionSet within the rugged terrain of the Boise National Forest, Badger Creek Campground occupies a special niche where the Middle Fork Boise River has carved its path through ancient granite formations. The nearby Arrowrock Reservoir showcases the dramatic interplay between water and stone that defines this region. This diverse ecosystem supports an impressive array of wildlife, from graceful deer and powerful elk roaming the forests to magnificent eagles and osprey patrolling the skies above the waterways.
Campsite details
AccessibilityAccessibility features are not discussed in the provided sources.
Sites SizeThe campground includes 5 sites situated along the river, but specific size details are not provided.
Sites PrivacyPrivacy levels of campsites are not detailed in authoritative sources or user reviews.
Total Campsites5 campsites
Recommended Campsites"Campfire rings only, so you may want to pack any propane cooker if it's fire season." - User review by Tracy W.
Best CampsitesNo specific campsites identified as the best.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Null
Check-out
Null
Stay Limit
Null
Guests Allowed Per Site
Null
Groups
Group camping is not explicitly mentioned in the sources.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutThe campground has 5 campsites situated along the river.
Open and Closed SeasonEnd of May - End of September (Operational only during these months unless snow causes closures.)
Reservation PlatformsCamping is first-come, first-served; no reservation platforms are provided.
Walk-in AvailabilityCamping is entirely walk-up/first-come, first-served. No site reservation system is available.
Cancellation Policynull
Amenities available
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Badger Creek Campground offers diverse recreational activities, including hiking, fishing, swimming, hunting, and scenic driving. Official sources emphasize the proximity to Corral Creek Trail #129 and William Pogue National Recreation Trail #122 for hiking enthusiasts. "The Middle Fork Boise River offers excellent rainbow & cutthroat trout fishing," and reviewers also praised the campground for its swimming opportunities, describing it as "great" and "beautiful." OHV camping and riding are also listed as activities, with a user noting the area has "lots of trails to go 4-wheeling or use a side-by-side on."
Hiking
Hiking opportunities are available nearby with specific trails like Corral Creek Trail #129 and William Pogue National Recreation Trail #122 mentioned. Difficulty levels, trail lengths, or other specifics are not provided.Fishing
Fishing is described as excellent near the Middle Fork Boise River, where rainbow and cutthroat trout are commonly found. User reviews confirm high satisfaction with fishing conditions.Swimming
Swimming is noted as an enjoyable activity, with user reviews describing the area as having "good swimming holes" and "a lake to swim in."Boating
Arrowrock Reservoir, located west of the campground, offers boating and waterskiing opportunities. Specific details on allowed boat types or docking facilities are not provided.Wildlife viewing
Wildlife viewing is highlighted with mentions of deer, elk, eagles, osprey, and waterfowl, which are commonly attracted to the river.Winter Activities
Winter activities are not discussed in the provided sources.Water Sports
No details about kayaking, canoeing, or paddleboarding are mentioned.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Campfire rings are present; however, restrictions may apply during fire season.
- Quiet hours are null
Hazards
General hazardsRough and narrow roads leading to the campground. Active gold claims nearby may limit river access outside the campground. Campfire restrictions apply during fire season.
Active alertsActive gold claims restrict some areas along the river outside the campground. Road conditions may be rough and are advisable to check before arrival.
Weather forecast
81
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Strong wind, exercise caution
Humidity: 34%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 12.1 mph
Strong wind, exercise caution
Overcast
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
Idaho City Ranger District (phone: 208-392-6681) is recommended for road condition checks. Details for hospitals and police stations are not provided.
Good to know
Peak season datesMid-May through late September (weather is usually good during this period).
Trash and recyclingTrash and recycling facilities are not mentioned, leaving their availability unclear.
Proximity to water featuresLocated along the Middle Fork Boise River and near Arrowrock Reservoir.
Common complaints"Road to get there is washboard and atrocious." - User review by Tracy W. "The wood we found in the area was like a sponge... campfire smoldered." - User review by Kyle Heisey.
HostDetails about campground hosts are not provided.
Campground Map
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Driving directionsFrom Boise, Idaho, travel north on State Highway 21 to Forest Service (FS) Road 268 (Middle Fork Boise River Road) turn-off. Travel along FS Road 268 road past the scenic Arrowrock Reservoir for approximately 25 miles. You will pass the Arrowrock Dam and several other campgrounds. The campground is located a few miles beyond the Willow Creek Campground.
The campground is accessible via FS Road 268. Road conditions can be rough, narrow, and washboard-like. Checking road conditions with the Idaho City Ranger District before heading out is recommended.Nearby places
Boise, Idaho: approximately 25 miles (travel duration not specified)
Nearby supplies
No specific nearby grocery or camping supplies location mentioned. Boise, Idaho, may serve as the nearest supply center.
Camper Reviews
0.0
5 reviews
Badger Creek Campground has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews are generally positive, noting the campground's beautiful scenery, cleanliness, and friendly atmosphere. However, some complaints were raised about road conditions and restroom facilities.
Review Summaries
Based on 5 reviews
What Campers Love
Reviewers praised the "beautiful scenery," "lots of trails," and "friendly people." They also noted the campground is "roomy" and provides excellent opportunities for swimming and fishing.
Based on 5 reviewsCommon Concerns
Common complaints include rough road conditions described as "washboard and atrocious," issues with vault toilets such as "bullet holes around the exterior," and limited access to the river due to an...
Based on 5 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Pack your own potable water due to its unavailability, and bring a propane cooker in case of fire restrictions. Checking road conditions in advance is advised due to potentially rough and narrow...
Based on 5 reviewsShow more
Seasonal Insights
Camping during the operational months (end of May to end of September) is generally favored for good weather conditions. Snow closures may affect access outside this period.
Based on 5 reviewsCamper Quotes
"Beautiful spot right on the river. Amazing campground." - Adelaide Lyke. "Beautiful scenery and lots of trails around the area to explore. Road to get there is washboard and atrocious though." -...
Based on 5 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
No specific campsite reviews are provided, other than the general mention of 5 sites situated along the river.
Based on 5 reviewsAccessibility Features
Accessibility features and experiences are not discussed in user reviews.
Based on 5 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pet policies and experiences are not mentioned in user reviews.
Based on 5 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025