Silver Creek Campground
4.5181 reviews2435 Silver Creek Road
Silver Creek Campground
$15.00 - $150.00 / night
Campsite Fees
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$150.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Peak season rates range from $15 for standard nonelectric tent sites to $150 for group sites. Additional fees apply for extra vehicles ($5/day collected at Silver Creek Plunge General Store). Cancellation and modification fees are detailed under reservation rules.
About this campground
Nestled in the tranquil embrace of Peace Valley, Silver Creek Campground offers an authentic mountain escape where towering lodgepole pines create a natural cathedral overhead. The gentle murmur of Silver Creek provides a soothing soundtrack as it meanders alongside your campsite, inviting anglers to try their luck in its pristine waters. Whether you're seeking adventure on hiking trails, exploring rugged terrain on your mountain bike, or navigating backcountry paths with your OHV, this versatile basecamp serves as your gateway to endless outdoor pursuits. During hunting season, the surrounding wilderness becomes a sportsman's paradise, while nature enthusiasts can simply lose themselves in the serene beauty of this pine-scented sanctuary.
Silver Creek Campground accommodates various camping preferences, including tent camping, RV sites, and group camping. Primitive camping options are not explicitly stated.
Historical Significancenull
Weather and SeasonsPerched at 4,490 feet in the mountains, Silver Creek Campground offers a welcome respite from the scorching valley heat below. While summer days can still climb toward the century mark, the elevation works its magic as evening approaches, transforming hot afternoons into refreshingly cool nights perfect for campfire gatherings and stargazing. This natural air conditioning makes the campground a coveted retreat for those escaping the sweltering temperatures of nearby Boise, where mountain breezes and pine-filtered sunshine create an ideal climate for outdoor adventures.
ElevationAt 4,490 feet above sea level, Silver Creek Campground occupies that sweet spot where mountain air meets accessibility. This elevation blessing means you'll enjoy temperatures that can be 10-15 degrees cooler than Boise's summer swelter, making afternoon hikes more pleasant and ensuring comfortable sleeping conditions when darkness falls. The altitude is high enough to escape the valley's heat dome yet gentle enough to avoid the thin air challenges of higher mountain camps.
Natural Features and SceneryImmerse yourself in a living postcard where stately lodgepole pines stand like ancient sentinels, their straight trunks creating natural pillars that filter golden sunlight into dancing patterns on the forest floor. The campground's partial shade offers the perfect balance—enough coverage to keep you cool during midday while still allowing glimpses of azure sky above. Silver Creek, the campground's liquid lifeline, sparkles and chatters as it winds past campsites, its clear mountain waters reflecting the surrounding forest and providing both a scenic backdrop and recreational opportunities for visitors seeking connection with nature.
Geological RegionPeace Valley cradles this mountain oasis in a diverse ecosystem where mixed-growth lodgepole pine forests create a haven for wildlife and humans alike. The valley's unique geography supports an impressive cast of wild residents—from graceful deer picking their way through the underbrush to majestic elk bugling during autumn months. Sky watchers are rewarded with frequent sightings of soaring bald eagles and red-tailed hawks riding the mountain thermals. Silver Creek threads through this tapestry like a silver ribbon, its presence nurturing the lush riparian habitat that makes this corner of the wilderness so vibrantly alive. The partial shade canopy creates perfect conditions for both wildlife viewing and comfortable camping, making every stay an opportunity for natural discovery.
Campsite details
AccessibilityAll campsites are accessible, including group sites with picnic shelters and ample parking.
Sites SizeCampsites range from single tent sites to group sites holding up to 100 people. Sites are paved, offering level accommodations for trailers, with ample space for larger groups.
Sites PrivacyPrivacy levels vary significantly by campsite. For example, "Campsites are large and fairly well spaced," but some users noted that popular sites near the creek may experience foot traffic and reduced privacy.
Total Campsites32 campsites
Recommended CampsitesAvoid Lower Peace Creek Loop sites that lack shade ('L012') or have heavy foot traffic ('L035'). Upper Peace Creek Loop sites such as 'U014' receive favorable reviews for proximity to water and amenities.
Best CampsitesReview highlights suggest Upper Peace Creek Loop sites for privacy ('U033') and creek access. Group sites offer ample space and facilities ('G001').
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
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Check-out
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Stay Limit
Maximum Consecutive Stay: 14 nights during a visit
Guests Allowed Per Site
- Single campsites can host one vehicle
- double campsites can host two vehicles.
Groups
Two group sites are available: Lodgepole Springs accommodates up to 100 people, and Cabin Creek accommodates up to 80 people. Both sites feature picnic shelters, multiple tables, campfire rings, grills, and ample parking.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutThe campground is organized into multiple loops, including Upper Peace Creek, Lower Peace Creek, and Valley Creek Loops.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen from May 15 to November 01. Individual sites become reservable starting June 25.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via Recreation.gov.
Walk-in AvailabilitySome sites are first-come, first-served. Payment and registration are required at Silver Creek Plunge General Store.
Cancellation PolicyReservations can be canceled any time before arrival. A $10 cancellation fee applies, with additional fees for late cancellations (e.g., forfeiting the first night's fee for individual sites). Changes to reservations incur a $10 fee when altering stay dates entirely.
Accomodation available
GroupGroup campsites are offered for larger parties such as families, schools, or organizations. These sites provide space and facilities to accommodate multiple people camping together.
Cabin lodgingCabin lodging is available for campers seeking a more sheltered and comfortable experience. These enclosed accommodations offer protection from the elements and are ideal for those who prefer not to camp in tents.
Amenities available
Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Water hookups
Activities you can enjoy
Silver Creek Campground offers various recreational activities, including hiking, biking, fishing, hunting, and wildlife viewing. Nearby trails such as Peace Creek Trail, Silver Creek Summit Trail, and Bull Creek Trail provide options for exploration. Fishing opportunities include whitefish and rainbow trout. The campground also supports OHV riding and horseback riding.
Hiking
Hiking trails such as Peace Creek Trail, Silver Creek Summit Trail, and Bull Creek Trail are nearby. User reviews highlight the area's beautiful scenery but note that some trails are challenging and not ideal for children, such as the Rattlesnake Trail.Fishing
Fishing is described as excellent in nearby creeks and rivers, with anglers casting for whitefish and rainbow trout. One user review mentions, "The trout fishing was great - we had fish for dinner!"Swimming
The creek provides opportunities for swimming, and the nearby Silver Creek Plunge hot springs pool offers a warmer alternative. User reviews describe the pool as relaxing, with comments like "The pool is just the right temp to relax and work out sore muscles."Biking
The campground's paved roads are ideal for biking. Reviews indicate, "Paved road around the campground, so dust is minimal. Great for the kids to bike on and such with parent supervision."Wildlife viewing
Peace Valley hosts wildlife such as deer, elk, bald eagles, and red-tailed hawks. User reviews describe the area as "beautiful and fun to explore," with wildlife being a highlight.Water Sports
Non-motorized water sports such as fishing and swimming are popular, but specific details about kayaking or paddleboarding are not provided.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Campfires must be attended at all times and fully extinguished before leaving. Violators may face fines.
- Quiet hours are 11 pm to 9 am. Generators must be turned off by 11 pm.
Hazards
General hazardsWildlife such as deer, elk, and bears may be present. Roads leading to the campground are described as hazardous due to steep inclines and poor maintenance.
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Weather forecast
79
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Strong wind, exercise caution
Humidity: 39%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 8.8 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
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Good to know
Peak season datesMay 15 through November 01.
Trash and recyclingThis is a pack-in/pack-out campground, meaning visitors must take all garbage with them upon departure. Failure to comply will result in fines. Recycling facilities are not mentioned.
Proximity to water featuresAdjacent to Silver Creek, with fishing opportunities for whitefish and rainbow trout. Silver Creek Plunge hot springs are within walking distance.
Common complaintsCommon complaints include proximity of campsites leading to noise and lack of privacy, issues with shade availability, and the challenging gravel road leading to the site.
HostHosts are described as friendly and helpful. However, concerns about insufficient enforcement of campground rules were noted.
Campground Map
2435 Silver Creek Road
Driving directionsFrom Boise, travel north on Highway 55 to Banks. Turn east on the Banks-Lowman Highway and continue east for 8 miles toward Garden Valley. Turn north on Middle Fork Road (Forest Road 698) and pass through Crouch, continuing north on the Middle Fork Road approximately 16 miles to the 'Y' (698 to Boiling Springs and 671 Silver Creek Road). Turn northeast (a right turn) on Silver Creek Road and continue 8 miles to the campground.
Accessibility involves 15 miles of gravel switchback roads. User reviews mention 'the road from Crouch to the campground is the worst' and describe it as 'super wash boarded pretty much the whole way up,' with steep inclines and rough terrain. Several reviewers advise caution, noting the 'dangerous and steep incline,' and one remarked: 'You'll spend an hour on a one-lane road on bumpy gravel.'Nearby places
Garden Valley (25 miles, approximately 45 minutes)
Boise (approximately 65 miles)
Nearby supplies
Silver Creek Plunge General Store offers some essentials, but prices are reportedly high, including firewood bundles. Additional supplies may be found in Crouch, 25 miles south.
Camper Reviews
4.5
81 reviews
Silver Creek Campground is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews provide a mixed sentiment about Silver Creek Campground. Positive aspects include clean facilities, friendly staff, scenic beauty, and family-friendly activities. Negative points highlight issues such as crowded conditions, excessive noise from ATVs, and challenges with the access road.
Review Summaries
Based on 81 reviews
What Campers Love
Clean and well-maintained facilities, friendly staff, scenic views, excellent fishing and swimming opportunities, paved roads for biking, and accessibility to nearby activities like Silver Creek...
Based on 81 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Crowded campsites, excessive noise from motorcycles and ATVs, poor road conditions, lack of shade in certain sites, and occasional cleanliness issues with vault toilets.
Based on 81 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Reserve larger sites in advance if needed. Bring firewood and sunscreen, as some sites have limited shade. Consider visiting during less busy periods for a quieter experience. Avoid reserving sites...
Based on 81 reviewsShow more
Seasonal Insights
Summer visits are popular but crowded, with higher noise levels and hot temperatures. Fall visits are quieter and more peaceful, but users note challenges with the access road and occasional flooding.
Based on 81 reviewsCamper Quotes
"The vaulted toilets are the cleanest I’ve ever been to." "Paved road around the campground, so dust is minimal." "The creek was a great place to cool off and catch some fish." "Saturday night was...
Based on 81 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Site-specific reviews highlight issues with privacy and shade in sites like L035 and L012. Positive reviews mention creekside spots like U014 for convenient access to water and U018 for a peaceful...
Based on 81 reviewsShow more
Accessibility Features
Many campsites are accessible, but specific accessibility issues are not mentioned in user reviews.
Based on 81 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pets are allowed but must be leashed and restrained at all times. User reviews do not elaborate on pet-specific experiences.
Based on 81 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025