Fir Creek Campground
01 reviewForest Service Road 579, Bear Valley, adjacent to Frank Church - River of No Return Wilderness, Idaho
Fir 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
Camping at Fir Creek Campground is free of charge. No fees are required to use campsites or facilities.
About this campground
Escape to Fir Creek Campground, where eight pristine campsites await in the heart of Bear Valley's breathtaking high mountain meadow. At 6,400 feet elevation, this hidden gem offers free camping beneath towering Douglas firs and whispering lodgepole pines. Bordering the legendary Frank Church - River of No Return Wilderness, this remote sanctuary promises soul-stirring summer adventures where elk bugle at dawn, wildflowers paint the meadows, and the night sky blazes with countless stars.
Fir Creek Campground offers primitive camping with 8 designated sites on a first-come, first-serve basis. No fees are required.
Historical SignificanceStanding at the gateway to the Frank Church - River of No Return Wilderness, Fir Creek Campground serves as a launching point into America's largest contiguous wilderness area outside Alaska. This storied landscape has drawn adventurers, conservationists, and nature lovers for generations, preserving a slice of the untamed West where the spirit of exploration lives on.
Weather and SeasonsSummer transforms Fir Creek into an alpine paradise with warm, sun-drenched days perfect for exploration, though mountain nights demand a cozy sleeping bag as temperatures dip. Winter blankets the landscape in deep snow, turning the area into a frozen wonderland accessible only to the most intrepid adventurers. Spring and fall bring dramatic weather shifts, with crisp mornings giving way to brilliant afternoons under vast Idaho skies.
ElevationPerched at 6,400 feet in Idaho's rugged backcountry, Fir Creek offers the exhilarating experience of high-altitude camping. Here, the air carries a crystalline clarity that sharpens every view and deepens every breath. While the elevation creates cooler temperatures and requires a moment to adjust, it rewards visitors with unparalleled mountain vistas and an intimate connection with the alpine environment.
Natural Features and SceneryBear Valley unfolds as a pristine tapestry of wildflower-strewn meadows framed by ancient Douglas fir and lodgepole pine forests. The melodic waters of nearby Elk Creek provide a natural soundtrack to your camping experience, while the surrounding peaks create a dramatic amphitheater of stone and sky. This untouched wilderness sanctuary offers endless opportunities to witness nature's grand performance, from golden eagle soaring overhead to deer grazing in misty morning meadows.
Geological RegionNestled within Bear Valley's spectacular high mountain meadow ecosystem, Fir Creek Campground sits cradled by the majestic peaks of the Sawtooth Range. This geological wonderland showcases nature's artistry through dramatic granite spires, glacier-carved valleys, and the life-giving waters of Elk Creek. The interplay of Douglas fir and lodgepole pine forests with open meadows creates a diverse landscape that tells the story of millennia of natural forces shaping this remarkable corner of Idaho.
Campsite details
AccessibilityNo specifics given on accessibility options.
Sites SizeNot mentioned in the provided details.
Sites PrivacyNo specific details on privacy levels of the campsites.
Total Campsites8 campsites
Recommended CampsitesSites are small and more suitable for tent camping or small vehicles. Visitors should avoid bringing large RVs.
Best CampsitesNo specific campsites are noted as the best; all sites are similar in amenities and location.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
No specified check-in time.
Check-out
No specified check-out time.
Stay Limit
No explicit stay limit mentioned but first-come, first-served basis applies.
Guests Allowed Per Site
No specific guest limit mentioned, but campsites are small and likely designed for single-family use.
Groups
No information about group sites provided.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutThe campground consists of 8 individual sites, each with a picnic table and access to restrooms.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen mid-June through end of September.
Reservation PlatformsReservations are not required or available.
Walk-in AvailabilityThe campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis. All sites are walk-up only.
Cancellation PolicyThere is no reservation system; first-come, first-served applies.
Amenities available
Picnic tables
Activities you can enjoy
Fir Creek Campground provides ample opportunities for outdoor recreation year-round. During the warmer months, activities such as hiking, ATV riding, mountain biking, and horse riding are popular. In winter, the nearby groomed trails support snowmobiling, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing.
Hiking
There are numerous trails in the area suitable for hiking. Specific trail details, such as lengths and difficulty levels, are not provided.Fishing
Fishing opportunities are available in nearby rivers and streams, but additional details such as types of fish or specific locations are not mentioned.Biking
Mountain biking trails are available, though their specific features (such as terrain difficulty) are not detailed.Wildlife viewing
The campground is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including deer, elk, moose, lynx, and red squirrels. Seasonal wildlife observations, such as snowshoe hares in winter, add to the experience.Winter Activities
Winter activities in the area include snowmobiling, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing. The backcountry of the Frank Church - River of No Return Wilderness is accessible for skiers and snowshoers, though snowmobiles are prohibited.Water Sports
There are no specific mentions of water sports such as kayaking or paddleboarding.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- No fire policies are explicitly mentioned; consult the local ranger district for fire restrictions.
- Quiet hours are not specified.
Hazards
General hazardsThe area is remote and may have wildlife hazards including coyotes, lynx, and wolves. Motor vehicle access can be challenging for large RVs, and the lack of potable water requires campers to bring their own supply.
Active alertsNo specific alerts mentioned, but visitors should consult the Lowman Ranger District for updates.
Weather forecast
69
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Strong wind, exercise caution
Humidity: 41%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 10.1 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
Closest emergency services are located in Lowman, Idaho, which is approximately 31 miles away. This includes ranger stations and medical facilities.
Good to know
Peak season datesMid-June through September is the peak season.
Trash and recyclingThere are no trash services at the site, and campers are expected to pack out all waste.
Proximity to water featuresThe campground is near Elk Creek, which offers fishing opportunities and scenic views.
Common complaintsUser reviews highlight the difficulty of maneuvering large RVs due to limited turnaround space in the campground.
HostHost information is not provided; inquire with Lowman Ranger District for assistance.
Campground Map
Forest Service Road 579, Bear Valley, adjacent to Frank Church - River of No Return Wilderness, Idaho
Driving directionsFrom Boise, Idaho, travel north along State Highway 55 approximately 38 miles to Banks, Idaho. At Banks, turn right (east) onto State Highway 17 (Banks/Lowman Road) and travel to Lowman, Idaho approximately 31 miles. At Lowman, turn left at the intersection of State Highway 17 and State Highway 21. Proceed northeast towards Stanley, Idaho along State Highway 21 approximately 40 miles. Along the route, you will travel past Banner Summit, Bull Trout Campground, and eventually arrive at the Forest Service (FS) Road 579 turnoff. Turn (west) onto FS Road 579 at Banner Creek/Cape Horn Summit. There is a big parking area and an information board. Proceed along FS Road 579 approximately 7 miles to the Fir Creek Campground.
Visitors must navigate several state highways and a forest service road. The forest road requires careful driving and may not accommodate large RVs easily, as user reviews have noted limited turnaround space for big vehicles.Nearby places
Boise (~109 miles), Banks (~38 miles), Lowman (~31 miles), Stanley (~40 miles from Lowman).
Nearby supplies
Supplies can be purchased in Lowman (~31 miles away). Fuel, groceries, and camping supplies are available in larger towns like Boise or Stanley, but are further from the campground.
Camper Reviews
0.0
1 reviews
Fir Creek Campground has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
Reviews highlight the campground's remote and scenic location, as well as its limitations for large RVs due to the difficulty in turning around. It is appreciated for its rustic and peaceful environment.
Review Summaries
Based on 1 reviews
What Campers Love
The serene and picturesque setting in a high mountain meadow is a major highlight. Wildlife presence, seasonal recreational activities, and the adjacent Frank Church Wilderness are frequent positives.
Based on 1 reviewsCommon Concerns
Lack of potable water and trash services are noted as inconveniences. The area is not RV-friendly, making it challenging for larger vehicles to navigate.
Based on 1 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Campers should bring their own water and be prepared to pack out trash. It's advisable to check the Motor Vehicle Use Map for trail access.
Based on 1 reviewsSeasonal Insights
The campground is most accessible and enjoyable in summer due to its mid-June to September open season. Winter accessibility is limited but offers unique recreational opportunities such as...
Based on 1 reviewsShow more
Camper Quotes
"If you have a big RV I would not recommend camping here. There is not an easy place to turn around."
Based on 1 reviewsSite-Specific Reviews
No detailed reviews are available for specific campsites.
Based on 1 reviewsAccessibility Features
No reviews specifically addressing accessibility features are available.
Based on 1 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
No reviews provided regarding pet policies or pet-related experiences.
Based on 1 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025