Swinging Bridge
3.8229 reviewsBOISE
Swinging Bridge
$18.00 - $18.00 / 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
Facility rates by season vary. Peak season rates are $18 for non-electric RV sites from May 23 to September 01, 2025.
About this campground
Nestled in a breathtaking canyon just 10 miles north of Banks, Idaho, Swinging Bridge Campground offers an intimate escape into nature at 4,000 feet elevation. This pristine, well-maintained hideaway serves as the perfect basecamp for adventure seekers drawn to the rushing waters below. Whether you're navigating the rapids on a whitewater rafting expedition, casting your line into the crystal-clear waters, or gliding through the current in your kayak, this scenic riverside retreat delivers unforgettable outdoor experiences. While the nearby Highway 55 provides convenient access, its presence can be heard echoing through the canyon walls.
Swinging Bridge Campground is primarily designed for single-family camping. It offers sites for both tent and RV camping, but its proximity to the highway and limited site sizes may not suit all RV setups.
Weather and SeasonsSummer transforms this mountain sanctuary into an outdoor paradise, with golden days reaching a comfortable 80-90°F perfect for river adventures and trail exploration. As evening approaches, the elevation works its magic, bringing refreshingly cool nights ideal for campfire gatherings and stargazing. The region's characteristically dry climate means rain rarely interrupts your plans, while winter snow remains a distant memory, creating an extended season of camping perfection from late spring through early fall.
ElevationPerched at 4,000 feet above sea level, this mountain campground offers a natural air conditioning system that transforms warm summer days into crisp, comfortable evenings. The elevation creates a perfect microclimate where campers can enjoy sunny afternoon adventures before retreating to the cool mountain air for peaceful nights under a blanket of stars.
Natural Features and SceneryTowering Ponderosa and lodgepole pines create a living cathedral of shade throughout the campground, their vanilla-scented bark and whispering branches providing a sensory feast for visitors. The forested mountains rise dramatically on all sides, creating an amphitheater of natural beauty that changes with the light throughout the day. Morning mist often clings to the canyon walls, while afternoon sun filters through the pine canopy, and evening brings a golden glow to the surrounding peaks.
Geological RegionThis remarkable campground sits within a dramatic canyon carved by ancient forces, where Highway 55 now winds alongside nature's handiwork. The surrounding landscape tells a story written in stone and forest, where majestic Ponderosa and lodgepole pines have claimed the mountainsides as their domain. The canyon walls reveal layers of geological history while providing a stunning backdrop for outdoor adventures, creating a unique ecosystem where mountain meets river in spectacular fashion.
Campsite details
AccessibilityThe campground is described as "well-maintained," and paved roads and parking spurs may enhance accessibility. Specific features for disabilities are not detailed.
Sites SizeSites are described as "nice and big" by one reviewer, but others noted challenges, such as slopes and difficulty for trailers to fit (e.g., "Most camps are on a slight slope," and "The campsite would not fit our camper at all.").
Sites PrivacyPrivacy levels vary; one reviewer mentioned, "Site 1 feels set apart from all the other campsites so it has a more private feel," while others noted limited privacy between sites.
Total Campsites11 campsites
Recommended CampsitesSite #11 is preferred for privacy; however, campers with trailers should avoid campsite #8 due to size and slope issues.
Best CampsitesSite #11 is noted for its privacy and landscape by user reviews.
Reserving a campsite
Stay Limit
14 days.
Groups
Group camping facilities are not available.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutThe campground has a small number of sites in a loop arrangement.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen May 23, 2025; Peak reservations available starting June 25, 2025; Closes September 01, 2025.
Walk-in AvailabilityMost sites are first come, first served, as noted in reviews. Memorial Day weekend availability noted in user reviews.
Cancellation PolicyCancellations are allowed before the check-in date with a $10 fee. Late cancellations may also incur additional fees, such as forfeiting the first night’s recreation use fee.
Amenities available
Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Firewood available
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Swinging Bridge Campground is situated near the North Fork Payette River, making it a hotspot for water-based activities. "The North Fork of the Payette River is a very popular location for expert kayaking." Anglers can enjoy fishing for whitefish and rainbow trout, described as good to excellent. While there are no hiking trails immediately within the campground, "small hiking trails up the mountain can be found all over the site," according to one review.
Hiking
While official sources do not highlight hiking trails, reviews note, "small hiking trails up the mountain can be found all over the site." These trails seem limited in scope and accessibility.Fishing
Fishing opportunities are rated as good to excellent, with targets including whitefish and rainbow trout. Visitors frequently mention that the North Fork Payette River provides great fishing.Boating
Boating is possible on the Payette River, but no specific details about facilities or boat types are provided.Wildlife viewing
The campground's location in a forested canyon offers opportunities for wildlife viewing, although specific species are not mentioned.Winter Activities
Winter activities are not addressed in the sources.Water Sports
Kayaking on the Payette River is a highlight for expert paddlers, with whitewater rafting nearby on the Main and South Fork sections of the river.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Campfire rings are provided at each campsite. Reviews mention firewood availability for purchase from hosts.
Hazards
General hazardsNoise from adjacent Highway 55 is a common concern. Additionally, some reviews mention sediment in the water and steep/sloped campsites.
Weather forecast
81
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 43%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 6.4 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Overcast
7-Day Forecast
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Daily & Hourly Insights
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Temperature Trends
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Precipitation Trends
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Weather Summaries
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Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Good to know
Peak season datesMay 23 to September 01, 2025.
Trash and recyclingTrash facilities are limited; "Needs dumpster on site" and "there is no garbage trash" were common complaints among reviewers.
Proximity to water featuresThe North Fork Payette River runs nearby, popular for kayaking and fishing. Some user reviews dispute direct access to swimming areas.
Common complaintsRoad noise is frequently mentioned in reviews. Other complaints include lack of dumpsters and unusable vault toilets in certain areas.
HostMultiple reviews praise campground hosts as friendly and helpful. "Our camp host Traci was absolutely fantastic." – User Review
Campground Map
BOISE
Driving directionsFrom Horseshoe Bend, ID, take State Rt. 55 north for 21.5 miles to the campground sign. Turn left after the sign into the campground(on west side of highway).
The campground is just off Highway 55, providing paved access. However, some noise from passing traffic is expected due to proximity to the highway.Camper Reviews
3.8
29 reviews
Swinging Bridge has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews provide a mixed but detailed perspective of Swinging Bridge Campground. Key highlights include its scenic beauty, proximity to the Payette River, and well-maintained vault toilets. However, its location next to a busy highway results in significant road noise, which is a frequent complaint.
Review Summaries
Based on 29 reviews
What Campers Love
Users praised the campground's cleanliness, friendly hosts, and scenic setting. "Stunning flowers and landscape" and "cleanest outhouse so far on this trip" were notable mentions.
Based on 29 reviewsCommon Concerns
Major complaints include loud highway noise, lack of garbage facilities, and challenges with site sizes for trailers. Some reviewers also encountered issues with water quality and availability.
Based on 29 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Arrive early to secure a more desirable site, especially during peak times. Bring potable water and consider earplugs for the road noise. Site 1 is noted for its privacy.
Based on 29 reviewsSeasonal Insights
Summer reviews highlight warm days with cool nights. Road noise is more bothersome during peak tourist seasons.
Based on 29 reviewsCamper Quotes
"The only bad thing is that it is right off the busy touristy highway and VERY noisy with traffic." - Hope McCain. "The outhouse was very clean and smelled relatively decent." - Paul Loeffler....
Based on 29 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Site 1 is noted for its privacy. Site 8 received criticism for being unsuitable for trailers.
Based on 29 reviewsAccessibility Features
No specific feedback from users with disabilities was noted.
Based on 29 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pets are allowed, and one user mentioned walking their dog at the campground.
Based on 29 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025