How much does camping cost at Big Eddy Campground?

Camping fees at Big Eddy Campground range from $15/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Fees are typically paid at the campground entrance.

What is the best time to visit Big Eddy Campground?

Big Eddy Campground is open null. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Big Eddy Campground?

Big Eddy Campground does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

Can I have a campfire at Big Eddy Campground?

Fire policies at Big Eddy Campground: Campfires are permitted within designated fire rings.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

How many campsites does Big Eddy Campground have?

Big Eddy Campground has 4 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Arrive early for the best site selection.

Are dogs allowed at Big Eddy Campground?

Pets are not allowed at Big Eddy Campground. This policy helps protect local wildlife and other campers. Consider nearby pet-friendly campgrounds if traveling with animals.

What activities can I do at Big Eddy Campground?

Popular activities at Big Eddy Campground include Fishing, Swimming, Boating, Beach Activities. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Big Eddy Campground

Q: Is Big Eddy Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Big Eddy Campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis. User reviews confirm that all 4 sites are first-come, first-served and fill quickly due to the campground's popularity.

4.47

81 reviews

SwimmingSummer Destination

Featured in:Beach Camping Idaho

Quick Facts

4,000 ft

Price

$15/night

Booking

First-Come

Sites

4 campsites

Season

Mid-May to end of Se...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

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Get Directions

Quick Facts

4,000 ft

Price

$15/night

Booking

First-Come

Sites

4 campsites

Season

Mid-May to end of Se...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Check Availability Set up an alert →Official Website

Get Directions

Big Eddy Campground

$15.00 - $15.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Single campsites are available on a first-come, first-served basis for $15 per night. Extra vehicle charges may apply. Payment is accepted via fee...

Standard Site Fee$15.00

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

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What Campers Say

4.47

Recommended

Based on 81 reviews

74 Google reviews

Most mentioned

scenerycleanrestroomsbeach

"User reviews convey mixed sentiments about Big Eddy Campground. While many praise its serene location, cleanliness, and proximity to the river, others voice dissatisfaction with the campground host's behavior, describing them as intrusive or rude. The small size of the campground is frequently mentioned as both a positive and negative feature."

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Campground Map

Big Eddy Campground

44.2205, -116.1068

Nearby places

Banks (15 miles north of the campground), Garden Valley (approximately 20 miles south), Boise (38 miles south)

Nearby supplies

null

Best Time to Camp at Big Eddy Campground

Summer brings the most reliable conditions. Daytime highs range from the low 70s to upper 80s, with nights cooling into the 40s and 50s. The campground operates mid-May through September. Spring runoff makes the river high and fast into early summer. Once flows settle by late June, swimming and fishing improve. Winter closes the campground and buries the area in snow.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Open mid‑May–Sept; warm days, cool nights and popular in summer (can be crowded).

Planning Tips

Peak Season: null. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Mid-May to end of September
Current Alerts: null

About Big Eddy Campground

Big Eddy Campground sits along the North Fork Payette River in Boise National Forest, 15 miles northwest of Banks along Highway 55. This small riverside spot has just four tent sites at 4,000 feet elevation, surrounded by Ponderosa and lodgepole pines. Sites cost $15 per night and fill quickly on summer weekends.

Big Eddy Campground is a small and semi-primitive area with only four single-family sites. It operates on a first-come, first-served basis and is suitable for tent camping. RVs are not explicitly supported, and reviews suggest it is not ideal for larger rigs due to limited space and lack of turnaround areas.

Historical Significance

The weathered remains of an old water tower stand across the river, a remnant from the steam engine era when locomotives stopped here for water. The structure is still visible from camp.

Weather and SeasonsSummer brings the most reliable conditions. Daytime highs range from the low 70s to upper 80s, with nights cooling into the 40s and 50s. The campground operates mid-May through September. Spring runoff makes the river high and fast into early summer. Once flows settle by late June, swimming and fishing improve. Winter closes the campground and buries the area in snow.

ElevationPerched at 4,000 feet where mountain air meets river mist, Big Eddy offers the perfect balance of accessibility and alpine atmosphere. This sweet spot elevation gifts campers with delightfully cool summer nights that invite deep sleep under starlit skies, while winter visitors discover a snow-kissed landscape that transforms familiar trails into pristine wonderlands.

Natural Features and SceneryThe campground occupies a narrow strip between Highway 55 and the North Fork Payette River, where canyon walls rise on both sides and the river provides constant background noise. Ponderosa pines mix with lodgepoles to create decent shade. The river runs clear in summer after spring runoff settles, with a small beach area for wading and swimming. Highway traffic is audible throughout the campground, though sites closer to the creek minimize road noise with the sound of rushing water.

Geological RegionDiscover the breathtaking convergence of river and ridge at Big Eddy, where Highway 55 winds through a spectacular canyon carved by time and water. This pocket of Boise National Forest showcases nature's artistry through stands of stately Ponderosa pines mingling with slender lodgepoles, creating the quintessential Idaho forest experience that defines this remarkable region.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in

Null

Check-out

Null

Stay Limit

Null

Guests Allowed Per Site

Null

Groups

No group camping sites are available.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Site layoutFour single-family sites spread along the river, each with a paved parking spur, picnic table, and fire ring. The small footprint means limited spacing between neighbors.

Reservation Platformsnull

Walk-in AvailabilityUser reviews confirm that all 4 sites are first-come, first-served and fill quickly due to the campground's popularity.

Cancellation Policynull

AccessibilityNo accessibility features are mentioned in the source materials.

Site SizeThe campground has four single-family sites, each equipped with paved parking spurs.

PrivacyReviews highlight that the campground has a small and peaceful nature, with limited space and proximity to other campers. Some reviews mention that the site closest to the creek offers the most privacy due to the sound of the rushing river.

Total Campsites4 campsites

Recommended SitesIt is recommended to choose campsites closer to the river for calming water sounds and reduced traffic noise from Highway 55.

Amenities available

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Activities you can enjoy

The campground is ideally located for outdoor activities, including whitewater rafting, kayaking, fishing, and swimming. Nearby attractions include the scenic North Fork Payette River, which offers opportunities for both relaxation and adventure.

Fishing

Swimming

Boating

Beach activities

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsRoad noise from Highway 55 might be bothersome, especially for sites closer to the road. User reviews also highlight potential conflicts with campground hosts over amenities usage.

Active Alertsnull

No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

Fire PolicyCampfires are permitted within designated fire rings.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are null

Emergency Servicesnull

Trash & RecyclingNo information about trash and recycling facilities is provided.

Water FeaturesThe campground is adjacent to the North Fork Payette River, featuring a cozy beach and large eddy suitable for swimming and fishing.

Camp HostMixed reviews about the campground host, with some praising cleanliness of restrooms, while others describe the host as rude and intrusive.

Weather at Big Eddy Campground

Trip Planning Tools

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Reviews

From Booking Sources

4.5

81 reviews

Recommended

Big Eddy Campground is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews convey mixed sentiments about Big Eddy Campground. While many praise its serene location, cleanliness, and proximity to the river, others voice dissatisfaction with the campground host's behavior, describing them as intrusive or rude. The small size of the campground is frequently mentioned as both a positive and negative feature.

Review Summaries

Based on 81 reviews

What Campers Love

Positive aspects noted include: 'clean restrooms,' 'beautiful scenery,' 'excellent fishing opportunities,' and 'proximity to the river and a cozy beach.'

Based on 81 reviews

Common Concerns

Common complaints include intrusive behavior by the campground host, proximity to the highway leading to noise, and the small size of the beach and campsite areas. Specific user complaints include:...

Based on 81 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

User tips suggest arriving early due to the campground's popularity and limited availability of only four sites. It's recommended to bring your own water, as no potable water is available. Campers...

Based on 81 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Spring and summer are mentioned as the best seasons to camp, with warm days and cool nights. Reviews suggest that the campground can get crowded during peak summer months, as it is a popular spot for...

Based on 81 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'The restroom is right next door and was pretty clean and not smelly.' 2. 'Fun place to hang out, swim, and even fish.' 3. 'Proximity to the river and beautiful surroundings make this a hidden...

Based on 81 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site-specific feedback indicates that the site closest to the creek is preferred for its reduced highway noise, as noted by one reviewer: 'The site closer to the creek drowns out the road noise.'

Based on 81 reviews