Garden Creek Campground
00 review721 East Main St Suite 8, Challis, ID, USA
Garden 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
Garden Creek Campground is a free camping site. There are no fees for camping or use.
About this campground
Tucked away in a whispering aspen grove along the banks of the scenic Big Lost River, Garden Creek Campground offers an authentic wilderness escape. This intimate hideaway features five primitive campsites where adventurers can disconnect from the digital world—with no potable water and limited cell service, you'll find yourself truly immersed in nature's embrace. These first-come, first-served sites provide the perfect basecamp for those seeking solitude and simplicity in the great outdoors.
Garden Creek Campground offers primitive camping in a scenic aspen grove along the Big Lost River. It is suited for campers looking for a rustic and natural experience.
Weather and SeasonsGarden Creek transforms with the seasons, each offering its own unique charm. Winter blankets the campground in a pristine layer of snow, with crisp, frigid air and gentle snowfall creating a serene wonderland—though camping during these months requires serious cold-weather preparation. As summer arrives, the campground awakens under warm, dry skies that create perfect conditions for outdoor adventures. The reliable sunshine and comfortable temperatures make summer the prime season for camping, when the aspens shimmer in the breeze and the river runs clear and inviting.
ElevationNestled in the mountainous terrain of the region, Garden Creek sits at a moderate elevation where the air is crisp and clean. This mountain setting provides cooler temperatures than the valleys below, offering refreshing relief during summer months and creating an alpine atmosphere that enhances the camping experience.
Natural Features and SceneryThe campground's setting is nothing short of enchanting—golden aspens create a natural cathedral overhead, their leaves dancing in the mountain breeze and casting dappled shadows across your campsite. The Big Lost River flows alongside, its gentle murmur providing nature's soundtrack while creating a thriving riparian ecosystem. Mountain vistas frame the horizon, and well-worn trails beckon hikers to explore the surrounding wilderness. Wildlife enthusiasts will delight in the diverse creatures that call this area home, from deer grazing at dawn to birds filling the forest with song.
Geological RegionGarden Creek Campground sits at a remarkable intersection of ecosystems where the Big Lost River has carved its path through the landscape at the edge of Challis National Forest. This unique location blends riparian wetlands with mountain forest habitats, creating a diverse natural tapestry. The aspen groves that characterize the area thrive in this transition zone, while the surrounding forested slopes and river corridor provide endless opportunities for exploration and nature observation. It's a place where water meets woodland, creating a rich environment for both wildlife and wonder.
Campsite details
AccessibilityAccessibility features are not detailed in the provided source materials.
Sites SizeThe campground features 5 primitive campsites. The exact sizes of individual sites are not specified.
Total Campsites5 campsites
Recommended CampsitesChoose sites closer to the river for scenic views and easier access for activities like fishing.
Reserving a campsite
Stay Limit
Stay Limit: 14 days
Groups
There is no information about group sites.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutFive sites are dispersed in a primitive layout within an aspen grove.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen year-round, barring seasonal road accessibility issues.
Reservation PlatformsReservations are not available for this campground.
Walk-in AvailabilityThe campground has 5 primitive campsites available strictly on a first come, first served basis.
Cancellation PolicyThis campground operates on a first come, first served basis and does not accept reservations. Cancellation policies are not applicable.
Activities you can enjoy
Activities include hiking and wildlife viewing. The Deep Creek Trailhead, located 3.5 miles south at the border of the Challis National Forest, offers additional hiking opportunities. About 15 miles north on ID-93, visitors can access the Whiskey Springs Wildlife Viewing Area for observing waterfowl.
Hiking
"Scenic hiking opportunities" are available at the campground. The Deep Creek Trailhead, 3.5 miles away, provides further hiking options.Wildlife viewing
Visitors can engage in "nature viewing opportunities" along the Big Lost River. Approximately 15 miles away, the Whiskey Springs Wildlife Viewing Area offers waterfowl observation in the Chilly Slough Wetlands.Winter Activities
There are no specific winter activities described for Garden Creek Campground.Water Sports
No non-motorized water sports are mentioned.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Campfires are allowed in designated fire rings; firewood collection may be restricted.
Hazards
General hazardsPotential hazards include limited cell service and no potable water. Wildlife such as bears may be present.
Weather forecast
72
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 30%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 5.3 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
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 in Challis, ID, approximately 15 miles north. Facilities include medical services, police stations, and a fire department.
Good to know
Peak season datesPeak season is likely summer months when weather is conducive for hiking and outdoor activities.
Trash and recyclingThere is no specific mention of trash or recycling facilities. Campers should plan to pack out what they pack in.
Proximity to water featuresLocated adjacent to the Big Lost River, providing opportunities for fishing and wildlife observation.
Common complaintsNo user reviews are available, but common issues may include lack of potable water and reliance on primitive facilities.
Campground Map
721 East Main St Suite 8, Challis, ID, USA
Driving directionsLocated on the Big Lost River at the border of the Challis National Forest approximately 60 miles from Arco; 13.7 miles west of Highway 93 on Trail Creek Road. From Arco, go northwest 43 miles on US 93, then west 13.7 miles on Trail Creek Road.
Trail Creek Road is unpaved for 13.7 miles west of Highway 93. Limited cell service may make navigation challenging. Seasonal closures may occur, especially during winter months.Nearby places
- Arco: 60 miles, approximately 1 hour 15 minutes drive
- Challis: Approximately 15 miles north on ID-93
Nearby supplies
Closest supplies, including groceries and camping provisions, can be found in Challis, ID.
Camper Reviews
0.0
0 reviews
Garden Creek Campground has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
There are no user reviews available for the Garden Creek Campground.
Review Summaries
What Campers Love
No user reviews are available to highlight positive aspects of this campground.
Common Concerns
As there are no user reviews, no common complaints have been raised.
Pro Tips & Recommendations
No tips or recommendations have been provided by users.
Seasonal Insights
There are no user reviews to determine seasonal trends.
Camper Quotes
No direct quotes from users are available.
Site-Specific Reviews
There are no user-provided reviews for specific sites within the campground.
Accessibility Features
No reviews addressing accessibility features or experiences are available.
Pet-Friendly Features
No reviews discussing pet policies or pet-related experiences are available.
Last updated August 10, 2025