Canyon Creek Campground
01 review: null
Canyon Creek Campground
$20.00 - $35.00 / 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
"This campground is on a first come, first serve basis. Fee envelopes and a collection box are provided near the entrance. Please bring cash or check. Extra vehicle fees may apply. Fees range between $20 and $35."
About this campground
Nestled in the heart of Idaho's rugged wilderness, Canyon Creek Campground offers an authentic mountain escape just 12 miles north of Banks along the scenic State Highway 55. At 4,000 feet elevation, this riverside retreat puts you right at the doorstep of adventure, with the rushing waters of the North Fork Payette River beckoning whitewater enthusiasts to test their skills against its legendary rapids. Whether you're seeking the thrill of navigating Class III and IV rapids or simply want to fall asleep to the soothing sounds of flowing water, Canyon Creek serves as your perfect basecamp for exploring this untamed corner of the Gem State.
Canyon Creek Campground operates on a first-come, first-serve basis with 6 campsites. It is designed for campers looking for a natural, rustic experience.
Historical Significancenull
Weather and SeasonsSummer transforms Canyon Creek into an outdoor paradise, with golden days stretching long and warm between 80-90 degrees—perfect for river adventures and trail explorations. As evening approaches, the mountain air brings a refreshing coolness that makes for comfortable sleeping under star-filled skies. The contrast between sun-soaked days and crisp nights creates that quintessential mountain camping experience that keeps visitors returning year after year. While winter blankets the canyon in snow and ice, creating a dramatically different landscape, the prime camping season runs through the warm, dry summer months when the river runs high and the forest hums with life.
ElevationPerched at 4,000 feet above sea level, Canyon Creek Campground offers that sweet spot of mountain camping—high enough to escape the valley heat, yet accessible enough for comfortable camping. This elevation brings delightfully cool nights that provide welcome relief after sun-drenched days of adventure, with temperatures dropping just enough to make your sleeping bag feel like a cozy refuge. The mountain air at this altitude carries the fresh scent of pine and the promise of spectacular stargazing once darkness falls.
Natural Features and SceneryCanyon Creek Campground unfolds within a breathtaking canyon carved by time and water, where towering Ponderosa pines and slender lodgepole pines create a natural cathedral of green. The mixed forest provides generous shade throughout most campsites, offering cool refuges during warm summer afternoons. From your campsite, you'll glimpse the dramatic canyon walls rising above Highway 55, while the constant melody of the nearby river creates nature's own soundtrack. This diverse ecosystem supports abundant wildlife, and early risers might spot deer browsing in the morning mist or hear the distinctive call of mountain birds echoing through the canyon.
Geological RegionSet within the majestic Boise National Forest, Canyon Creek Campground occupies a spectacular canyon that showcases millions of years of geological artistry. The North Fork Payette River has sculpted this dramatic landscape, creating steep canyon walls that frame your camping experience with raw natural beauty. The surrounding mountains, cloaked in dense forests of Ponderosa and lodgepole pines, represent the classic Idaho wilderness—rugged, pristine, and endlessly photogenic. This unique setting places you at the intersection of river and forest ecosystems, where the powerful forces of water and stone have created one of Idaho's most scenic camping destinations.
Campsite details
AccessibilityThere is no information provided about accessible options for individuals with disabilities.
Sites SizeNo detailed information about the size of individual campsites is provided.
Sites PrivacyNo specific information about privacy levels at campsites is mentioned.
Total Campsites6 campsites
Recommended Campsitesnull
Best Campsitesnull
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Null
Check-out
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Stay Limit
Null
Guests Allowed Per Site
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Groups
No designated group camping areas are mentioned.
Tents
Tents are not allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutnull
Open and Closed SeasonThis area is accessible for a season that varies between April 20 and October 20 due to snow levels, with higher usage between mid-May and the end of September.
Reservation Platformsnull
Walk-in Availability"No reservations necessary. This campground is on a first come, first serve basis."
Cancellation Policynull
Activities you can enjoy
Canyon Creek Campground offers a variety of outdoor recreational activities centered around its natural features, including proximity to the North Fork Payette River. Common activities include whitewater rafting, kayaking, scenic driving, fishing, and picnicking.
Fishing
"Anglers will find good to excellent fishing for whitefish and rainbow trout" in the North Fork Payette River that runs near the campground.Boating
The campground is close to the North Fork Payette River, which supports non-motorized boating activities such as whitewater rafting and kayaking. The annual 'Payette Whitewater Roundup' is held in July along different river sections.Winter Activities
No specific winter activities are mentioned since the campground is open from spring to fall.Water Sports
The campground supports water-based activities such as whitewater kayaking and rafting on the North Fork Payette River.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
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- Quiet hours are null
Hazards
General hazardsThe lack of potable water is a significant issue for campers.
Active alertsnull
Weather forecast
80
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 43%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 6.1 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
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
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Good to know
Peak season datesnull
Trash and recyclingNo information about trash and recycling facilities is mentioned.
Proximity to water features"The North Fork Payette River flows next to the highway, where whitewater rafting and kayaking are popular activities."
Common complaintsNo potable water availability, as noted in authoritative sources.
Host"Fun host," as mentioned by Timmy Mosso in user reviews.
Campground Map
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Driving directions"From Boise, Idaho travel north along State Highway 55 for approximately 38 miles to Banks, Idaho. From Banks, continue north along State Highway 55 for approximately 12 miles to the campground sign."
This campground is located just off State Highway 55, making it accessible via paved roads. Seasonal closures due to snow levels may occur, as described in the general information section.Nearby places
Banks (12 miles, approx. 15 minutes)
Nearby supplies
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Camper Reviews
0.0
1 reviews
Canyon Creek Campground has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews highlight the scenic view of the river and the engaging campground host. However, there is limited data on additional user feedback.
Review Summaries
Based on 1 reviews
What Campers Love
"Fun host great view of river," according to a user review by Timmy Mosso.
Based on 1 reviewsCommon Concerns
No specific complaints are mentioned in the user reviews provided.
Based on 1 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
No tips or specific recommendations have been offered by users.
Based on 1 reviewsSeasonal Insights
User reviews do not provide sufficient data to analyze seasonal trends.
Based on 1 reviewsCamper Quotes
"Fun host great view of river," - Timmy Mosso.
Based on 1 reviewsSite-Specific Reviews
No specific site reviews or site numbers are mentioned in user feedback.
Based on 1 reviewsAccessibility Features
No user reviews address accessibility features.
Based on 1 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
No user reviews mention pet-related policies or experiences.
Based on 1 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025