Castle Creek Campground
03 reviewsCastle Creek Campground, Anderson Ranch Reservoir, accessed from State Highway 20
Castle 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
Castle Creek Campground is a non-fee campground. No additional costs for entry or camping.
About this campground
Nestled along the pristine west shore of Anderson Ranch Reservoir, Castle Creek Campground offers an authentic wilderness escape where anglers cast their lines for trophy bass and salmon while camping for free beneath towering pines. This hidden gem in Idaho's backcountry rewards adventurous souls who navigate the mixed road conditions with solitude, spectacular reservoir views, and some of the finest freshwater fishing in the region. With minimal facilities that preserve the wild character of the landscape, Castle Creek provides a back-to-basics camping experience where the splash of jumping fish and the whisper of wind through the forest become your evening entertainment.
Castle Creek Campground features a highly limited setup with just 2 individual sites. Official materials emphasize its non-fee status and lack of advanced facilities, appealing to campers seeking minimal, primitive experiences.
Historical SignificanceWhile the recorded history of Castle Creek Campground remains quietly tucked away like the campground itself, the land speaks of centuries of human connection to these waters and forests. The area surrounding Anderson Ranch Reservoir has long served as a crossroads for those seeking sustenance and solace in Idaho's wilderness.
Weather and SeasonsFrom late May through September, Castle Creek Campground awakens from its winter slumber, welcoming visitors to experience Idaho's glorious summer weather. As autumn approaches and the first snows dust the surrounding peaks, the campground prepares for its seasonal closure, with winter's blanket making the access roads impassable until spring's return melts away the barriers to this waterfront paradise.
ElevationPerched at the edge of Anderson Ranch Reservoir, Castle Creek Campground sits at an elevation where mountain air meets water's edge, creating the perfect climate for both comfortable camping and active fish populations. The campground's position provides relief from summer's heat while maintaining accessibility throughout the warm season.
Natural Features and SceneryCastle Creek Campground showcases nature's artistry where the emerald waters of Anderson Ranch Reservoir meet the dense forests of the Boise National Forest. Towering conifers frame stunning reservoir vistas, while the surrounding wilderness creates a living backdrop of wildlife, wildflowers, and ever-changing light that dances across the water. The campground's waterfront location offers front-row seats to spectacular sunrises and sunsets that paint the sky in brilliant hues reflected perfectly in the reservoir's mirror-like surface.
Geological RegionSet within the remarkable geological tapestry of the Boise National Forest, Castle Creek Campground occupies a unique position where ancient granite formations meet the modern marvel of Anderson Ranch Reservoir. This convergence creates a diverse ecosystem where reservoir ecology mingles with montane forest habitats, offering visitors a chance to experience multiple environments within a single campground. The surrounding landscape tells the story of volcanic activity, glacial carving, and human engineering working together to create today's stunning recreational paradise.
Campsite details
AccessibilityNo specific accessibility features are mentioned for Castle Creek Campground in the provided content.
Sites SizeThis campground consists of only 2 sites, implying minimal space and likely compact setups.
Sites PrivacyThe privacy level is not directly addressed in the materials.
Total Campsites2 campsites
Recommended CampsitesUser reviews suggest crossing the dam before turning right for proper access directions.
Best CampsitesNo specific campsites mentioned as better; campground has only 2 sites.
Reserving a campsite
Stay Limit
No explicit stay limit, but typical regulations likely apply.
Guests Allowed Per Site
No explicit details on guest limits.
Groups
No group camping information is available.
Tents
Tents are not allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutThe campground is small, offering only 2 campsites.
Open and Closed SeasonEnd of May to the end of September, unless closed by snow.
Reservation PlatformsNot applicable; first-come, first-serve.
Walk-in AvailabilityFirst-come, first-serve; high demand during peak season.
Cancellation PolicyNot applicable as reservations cannot be made.
Activities you can enjoy
Castle Creek Campground offers excellent fishing opportunities, particularly for bass and salmon, as noted in the official materials. While no other activities are explicitly highlighted, the scenic location near Anderson Ranch Reservoir suggests potential for water-related recreation.
Fishing
"Excellent fishing in the lake for bass and salmon" is a notable highlight of this campground, as emphasized in the official description.Winter Activities
Winter activities are not addressed in the provided materials.Water Sports
Water-based activities like kayaking, canoeing, or paddleboarding are not explicitly discussed, though the proximity to Anderson Ranch Reservoir may suggest opportunities.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Follow Boise National Forest guidelines; no explicit fire policy provided.
- Quiet hours are Not specified.
Hazards
General hazardsBear country; visitors are advised to practice safe food storage techniques. Narrow and unpaved roads may pose access challenges.
Active alertsNo specific active alerts reported.
Weather forecast
66
°F
Aug 26
Tuesday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
Humidity: 61%
Moderately humid conditions
Wind: 3.9 mph
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
Clear sky
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
Mountain Home Ranger District (contact for site-specific questions); Mountain Home for hospital and police.
Good to know
Peak season datesEnd of May to end of September.
Trash and recyclingNo information is provided about trash or recycling facilities. Campers should likely prepare for 'pack it in, pack it out' practices.
Proximity to water featuresLocated on the west shore of Anderson Ranch Reservoir; excellent fishing opportunities.
Common complaintsLimited number of campsites (only 2 available); access directions described as confusing by users.
HostNo campground host reported.
Campground Map
Castle Creek Campground, Anderson Ranch Reservoir, accessed from State Highway 20
Driving directionsFrom Mountain Home, Idaho, travel north 21 miles along State Highway 20 to the Forest Service (FS) road 134 road turnoff. Travel north along the FS road 134 toward Anderson Ranch Dam approximately 6 miles. At the Dam, turn right onto FS road 120 and travel north following along the Reservoir. Go past the Evans Creek Campground and continue approximately 4 miles to the Castle Creek Campground. Alternatively, travel along State Highway 20 for 32 miles to Forest Highway 61, proceed 18 miles to Pine, Idaho, turn south on FS road 128, and follow junctions FS road 113 and FS road 120.
Mixed road conditions. FS roads may be narrow and unpaved; alternate paved route available.Nearby places
Mountain Home (approx. 27 miles, 30 minutes), Pine (approx. 18 miles, 25 minutes)
Nearby supplies
Mountain Home or Pine for groceries, camping supplies, and fuel.
Camper Reviews
0.0
3 reviews
Castle Creek Campground has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews highlight the campground's appeal due to its scenic location and excellent fishing opportunities. Visitors particularly note its proximity to Anderson Ranch Reservoir. However, some reviews mention challenges with finding a spot due to limited availability.
Review Summaries
Based on 3 reviews
What Campers Love
Positive sentiments emphasize the excellent fishing opportunities and scenic location along the reservoir. One user remarked, "Our new favorite spot to camp!"
Based on 3 reviewsCommon Concerns
A key complaint noted in user reviews is the small number of available campsites, which can make it difficult to secure a spot. One user also highlighted that the Forest Service directions were...
Based on 3 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Campers recommend arriving early to secure one of the limited campsites. Additionally, users advise being cautious of the Forest Service directions and suggest an alternative route.
Based on 3 reviewsSeasonal Insights
Reviews do not specifically mention seasonal differences, but the campground's operational period from late May to late September aligns with favorable weather conditions for camping.
Based on 3 reviewsCamper Quotes
"Our new favorite spot to camp!" - Amanda Stewart. "Lots of room for everyone. Campers all know this and drive down to try and get a spot. Great fishing." - James Fournier. "Beware of the Forest...
Based on 3 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
No reviews specify particular campsite numbers due to the campground's small size (2 sites total).
Based on 3 reviewsAccessibility Features
Reviews do not address accessibility features.
Based on 3 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
No reviews directly address pet policies or experiences involving pets.
Based on 3 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025