Meadow Creek Campground
4.6420 reviews6286 Main Street Bonners Ferry, ID 83805
Meadow Creek Campground
$0.00 - $15.00 / 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$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
The campground charges $15 per night during the peak season (when water is available, Memorial Day to Labor Day). An additional vehicle fee of $5 per night applies. There is no fee during the non-peak season when water is unavailable. The site accepts cash or checks for payment. Interagency Senior/Access Recreation Pass holders receive a 50% discount on single campsite fees, but not on additional vehicles.
About this campground
Tucked away in the heart of Idaho's pristine wilderness, Meadow Creek Campground beckons with 22 intimate campsites that embrace the banks of the sparkling Moyie River. This hidden gem offers an authentic back-to-nature experience where towering pines and graceful white birch trees create a natural cathedral overhead. With essential amenities including fresh drinking water and vault toilets, this primitive retreat strikes the perfect balance between wilderness immersion and basic comfort.
Meadow Creek Campground offers primitive camping with minimal facilities. It is suitable for tent and small vehicle camping with 22 combined sites.
Historical SignificanceThese peaceful grounds whisper stories of a bygone era when the bustling logging community of Meadow Creek stood nearby, its sawmills and homes sheltering up to 400 hardy souls between 1906 and 1975. Today, nature has reclaimed much of the old town site, but observant visitors can still discover remnants of this industrious past—a poignant reminder of the generations who once called these forests home and workplace.
Weather and SeasonsFrom late May through early September, Meadow Creek awakens to welcome adventurers seeking respite in its cool mountain embrace. Summer days here are blessed with gentle temperatures and the refreshing kiss of mountain breezes, though the region's famously changeable weather occasionally brings dramatic afternoon showers that enhance the forest's earthy perfume. As autumn approaches and the campground closes for the season, winter's quiet blanket of snow transforms this riverside haven into a pristine wonderland.
ElevationPerched at 2,400 feet above sea level, Meadow Creek Campground offers a refreshing mountain retreat where crisp air invigorates the senses and cool nights invite deep, restful sleep under a canopy of stars.
Natural Features and SceneryThe Moyie River serves as the campground's liquid heartbeat, its crystalline waters singing ancient songs as they tumble over smooth stones. Several coveted riverside campsites place you mere steps from the water's edge, where the river's gentle murmur becomes your evening lullaby. Above, a dense canopy of evergreen pines mingles with the distinctive white bark of birch trees, creating a dappled tapestry of light and shadow that shifts throughout the day.
Geological RegionMeadow Creek Campground lies within the vast Idaho Panhandle National Forest, a region where ancient geological forces sculpted dramatic valleys and ridgelines now cloaked in dense coniferous forests. The Moyie River corridor represents millions of years of patient carving through bedrock, creating the intimate valley that today provides sanctuary for both wildlife and weary travelers seeking connection with the natural world.
Campsite details
AccessibilityNo specific accessibility features are mentioned. Vault toilets are not wheelchair-friendly.
Sites SizeSites are described as large and private.
Sites PrivacyThe campground is heavily wooded, offering privacy to campers.
Total Campsites22 campsites
Recommended CampsitesChoose campsites near the river for better views and tranquility. Walk-in sites along the river may be preferable for privacy.
Best CampsitesSites 12, 13, and 14 are highly recommended for their proximity to the river.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Open 24 hours.
Check-out
Open 24 hours.
Stay Limit
Maximum stay limit of 14 consecutive nights.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Exact number of guests not specified.
Groups
Group camping is not explicitly supported.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutThe campground features 22 sites, some of which are walk-in and closer to the river. All campsites include picnic tables and grilles.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen seasonally from May 26 to September 10, with the potential for weather-dependent variations.
Reservation PlatformsReservations are not accepted; the campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis.
Walk-in AvailabilityAll sites are first-come, first-served, and there are no reservable sites. The campground may fill during peak periods.
Cancellation PolicyNo specific cancellation policy provided, but reservations are not required as sites are first-come, first-served.
Amenities available
Potable water
Fire rings
Food storage lockers
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
The campground offers opportunities for fishing, picnicking, and enjoying scenic views of the Moyie River. Reviewers have highlighted the peaceful atmosphere and abundant wildlife.
Fishing
Fishing opportunities include Rainbow Trout, Brook Trout, Cutthroat Trout, and Mountain Whitefish in the nearby Moyie River.Boating
Non-motorized boating activities are supported.Wildlife viewing
The heavily wooded environment and proximity to the Moyie River enhance wildlife viewing opportunities. Reviewers mention birdwatching and encountering local fauna.Winter Activities
Not explicitly mentioned, but some reviewers describe the off-season as quieter and suitable for camping.Water Sports
Limited to non-motorized boating activities such as kayaking and canoeing.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Fires are allowed, but specific firewood policies or restrictions have not been detailed.
Hazards
General hazardsPotential hazards include wildlife encounters (e.g., bears) and challenging road access for the last 0.6 miles. Campers are advised to use bear-proof food storage.
Weather forecast
92
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
Humidity: 17%
Very dry conditions, stay hydrated
Wind: 1.8 mph
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
Clear sky
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
Nearest emergency services are in Bonners Ferry, which has a hospital and police station. Bonners Ferry Ranger District can also be contacted at (208) 267-5561.
Good to know
Peak season datesMemorial Day to Labor Day.
Trash and recyclingNo trash and recycling facilities are available; the campground operates on a pack-it-in, pack-it-out basis.
Proximity to water featuresThe campground is located directly along the Moyie River, with some campsites offering direct access.
Common complaintsSome campers have expressed dissatisfaction with the behavior of the camp hosts, particularly regarding inconsistent enforcement of rules such as leashing pets.
HostCamp hosts are present on-site, though user reviews provide mixed opinions on their helpfulness and friendliness.
Campground Map
6286 Main Street Bonners Ferry, ID 83805
Driving directionsTravel north on US 95 from Bonners Ferry Ranger District Office. At US 92 and US 2 junction, turn right. Continue for 2 miles and turn left onto Meadow Creek Road (County Road #34, Forest Service Road #229). Continue for 10.2 miles. Take first right after railroad crossing, road #211. After a short distance, turn east on Forest Service Road #2562, follow 0.5 miles to the campground.
The last 0.6 miles of the approach is on a dirt, single-lane road with few turnouts. This may present challenges for some vehicles.Nearby places
Bonners Ferry (approx. 13 miles, 20–30 minutes depending on the road conditions).
Nearby supplies
Bonners Ferry, ID, approximately 13 miles away, offers gas stations (including a Chevron with a waste station), grocery stores, and camping supply outlets.
Camper Reviews
4.6
20 reviews
Meadow Creek Campground is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews highlight the campground as clean, quiet, and scenic, with friendly but occasionally inconsistent hosts.
Review Summaries
Based on 20 reviews
What Campers Love
Positive aspects include clean vault toilets, scenic riverfront sites (particularly sites 12, 13, and 14), and a peaceful environment. Reviewers have praised the privacy offered by the wooded sites...
Based on 20 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Complaints include inconsistent enforcement of rules by the camp hosts and the lack of trash disposal facilities. Some users mention issues with cell service and the lack of amenities such as showers.
Based on 20 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Campers recommend bringing cash or checks for fee payment and preparing for a pack-it-in, pack-it-out experience. The best riverfront sites are noted as 12, 13, and 14. Campers also advise taking the...
Based on 20 reviewsShow more
Seasonal Insights
The campground is busier during the warm seasons, with the peak season being Memorial Day to Labor Day. The off-season is quieter but colder. Some reviewers prefer the fall for its peaceful...
Based on 20 reviewsShow more
Camper Quotes
"Nice campground, small, surrounded by the river. It is clean, and the Host, Jack is friendly until you don't agree with him." (Cynthia Brandt) "Love this campground. Camp here every year. Clean...
Based on 20 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Sites 12, 13, and 14 are highly recommended for their proximity to the river.
Based on 20 reviewsAccessibility Features
No user reviews specifically addressed accessibility features.
Based on 20 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Mixed experiences with pets. One user reported issues with inconsistent enforcement of leash rules.
Based on 20 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025