How much does camping cost at Swinging Bridge?

Camping fees at Swinging Bridge range from $18/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Swinging Bridge first-come first-served or reservation?

Swinging Bridge accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

Can I see photos of campsites at Swinging Bridge before I book?

Yes! Swinging Bridge has 6 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit Swinging Bridge?

Swinging Bridge is open May 23 to September 01, 2025.. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Swinging Bridge?

Swinging Bridge does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

How many campsites does Swinging Bridge have?

Swinging Bridge has 11 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Swinging Bridge?

Yes, pets are allowed at Swinging Bridge. Dogs must typically be kept on a leash (usually 6 feet or shorter) and under control at all times. Be sure to clean up after your pet and check for any breed or size restrictions.

What amenities are available at Swinging Bridge?

Swinging Bridge offers: Restrooms, Potable Water, Pets Allowed. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Swinging Bridge?

Popular activities at Swinging Bridge include Hiking, Fishing, Boating, Wildlife Viewing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Swinging Bridge

Q: Can I have a campfire at Swinging Bridge?

Fire policies at Swinging Bridge: Campfire rings are provided at each campsite. Reviews mention firewood availability for purchase from hosts.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

3.75

51 reviews

BOISE

Featured in:Pet-Friendly Campgrounds Idaho

Real-Time Availability

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April 2026

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Quick Facts

4,000 ft

Price

$18/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

11 campsites

Season

Open May 23, 2025; P...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Book Online Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

April 2026

Compare availability across multiple campgrounds

Quick Facts

4,000 ft

Price

$18/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

11 campsites

Season

Open May 23, 2025; P...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Book Online Official Website

Get Directions

Swinging Bridge

$18.00 - $18.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Facility rates by season vary. Peak season rates are $18 for non-electric RV sites from May 23 to September 01, 2025.

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

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

541-351-1182

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What Campers Say

3.75

Mixed Reviews

Based on 51 reviews

33 Google reviews

Most mentioned

cleanfriendly

Some mention

noiseroad noise

"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."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

BOISE

Swinging Bridge

BOISE

Best Time to Camp at Swinging Bridge

Summer is the primary season, with daytime highs typically 80-90°F and nights cooling to the 40s-50s. The elevation keeps things comfortable during the day, and the region stays mostly dry. This is peak season for river activities: the water is warm enough for kayaking and rafting, trails are accessible, and all campground services are open. Expect crowds on weekends and holiday weeks. Winter brings snow and the campground likely closes.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Peak season May 23–Sept 1; warm days (80–90°F), ideal for river activities and trails.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: May 23 to September 01, 2025.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open May 23, 2025; Peak reservations available starting June 25, 2025; Closes September 01, 2025.

About Swinging Bridge

Swinging Bridge sits in a canyon alongside Highway 55, about 10 miles north of Banks, Idaho, at 4,000 feet. The campground has 11 sites for tents and RVs, with fees at $18 per night. It's clean and well-maintained, with friendly hosts and direct access to the Payette River for whitewater rafting, kayaking, and fishing. Highway noise is constant and significant.

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 is the primary season, with daytime highs typically 80-90°F and nights cooling to the 40s-50s. The elevation keeps things comfortable during the day, and the region stays mostly dry. This is peak season for river activities: the water is warm enough for kayaking and rafting, trails are accessible, and all campground services are open. Expect crowds on weekends and holiday weeks. Winter brings snow and the campground likely closes.

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 SceneryThe canyon walls rise on both sides of the campground, with the Payette River running alongside. Ponderosa and lodgepole pines cover the mountainsides and provide shade throughout the sites. One visitor mentioned "stunning flowers and landscape" during their stay. The river is the main attraction here, with rapids for boating and calmer stretches for fishing. The geology shows layers of rock carved by water over time.

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.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

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 camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutThe 11 sites are arranged in a loop. Most sit on slight slopes. Spacing between sites is tight in places, limiting privacy except for a few outliers. Pines provide shade, but the proximity to Highway 55 means road noise reaches every site.

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.

AccessibilityThe campground is described as "well-maintained," and paved roads and parking spurs may enhance accessibility. Specific features for disabilities are not detailed.

Site 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.").

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 SitesSite #11 is preferred for privacy; however, campers with trailers should avoid campsite #8 due to size and slope issues.

Need help booking Swinging Bridge?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

Find your booking window

Cancellation Alerts

Free alerts for this campground

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

Fishing

Boating

Wildlife viewing

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsNoise from adjacent Highway 55 is a common concern. Additionally, some reviews mention sediment in the water and steep/sloped campsites.

No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.

Fire PolicyCampfire rings are provided at each campsite. Reviews mention firewood availability for purchase from hosts.

Trash & RecyclingTrash facilities are limited; "Needs dumpster on site" and "there is no garbage trash" were common complaints among reviewers.

Water FeaturesThe North Fork Payette River runs nearby, popular for kayaking and fishing. Some user reviews dispute direct access to swimming areas.

Camp HostMultiple reviews praise campground hosts as friendly and helpful. "Our camp host Traci was absolutely fantastic." – User Review

Weather at Swinging Bridge

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Reviews

From Booking Sources

3.8

51 reviews

Mixed 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 51 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 51 reviews

Common 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 51 reviews

Pro 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 51 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer reviews highlight warm days with cool nights. Road noise is more bothersome during peak tourist seasons.

Based on 51 reviews

Camper 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 51 reviews