Smokey Boulder Camping Area

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Smokey Boulder Road #074
Smokey Boulder Camping Area
$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

Dispersed camping is free of charge.
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USFSProvider
208-347-0300

About this campground

Escape into the heart of Idaho's wilderness at Smokey Boulder Camping Area, where adventure seekers find solitude among towering pines and rugged mountain landscapes. Scattered along the winding Smokey Boulder Road #074, these dispersed camping sites offer a true back-to-nature experience for those ready to disconnect from the modern world. While September and October draw hunters to these pristine grounds, the rest of the year promises peaceful encounters with nature's raw beauty. Here, the wilderness sets the rules: bring everything you need and leave only footprints behind. Though amenities are refreshingly sparse—with select sites featuring weathered fire rings and rustic tables—the absence of running water reminds visitors they've truly ventured off the beaten path.
Smokey Boulder Camping Area offers dispersed camping along Smokey Boulder Road. Some sites feature basic amenities such as fire rings and tables, but most do not.
Historical SignificanceWhile the recorded history of Smokey Boulder remains as quiet as its secluded campsites, the land whispers ancient stories through its old-growth forests and weathered peaks. These untouched wilderness areas have served as nature's sanctuary for countless generations, offering the same sense of discovery to modern adventurers.
Weather and SeasonsMother Nature paints a dramatic canvas across the seasons at Smokey Boulder. Winter transforms the landscape into a crystalline wonderland, where snow blankets the forest floor and temperatures plunge into bone-chilling territory. As spring awakens the wilderness, unpredictable weather keeps campers on their toes with cool mornings giving way to warming afternoons. Summer arrives as the star performer, delivering sun-drenched days perfect for exploration and star-filled nights around crackling campfires. The sweet spot for camping stretches from late spring through early fall, when comfortable temperatures and dry conditions create ideal outdoor living.
ElevationNestled high in Idaho's mountain country, Smokey Boulder's elevation creates its own microclimate where thin air meets thick forest, though specific altitude measurements await future documentation.
Natural Features and SceneryDeep within Payette National Forest's embrace, Smokey Boulder showcases nature's architectural mastery. Dense canopies of evergreens create natural cathedrals, while rugged mountain peaks pierce the sky like ancient sentinels. This pristine wilderness sanctuary pulses with life—from the rustling of unseen wildlife navigating the understory to the vibrant tapestry of native wildflowers painting seasonal color across meadows. Every turn reveals another postcard-worthy vista, whether it's morning mist dancing through valleys or golden sunset light filtering through pine boughs.
Geological RegionSmokey Boulder sits proudly within the vast Payette National Forest, a 2.3-million-acre wonderland in west-central Idaho. This geological masterpiece showcases the raw power of ancient tectonic forces, where granite peaks and volcanic remnants tell the story of Earth's tumultuous past. The mountainous terrain creates a complex ecosystem of ridges, valleys, and hidden meadows, all cloaked in dense coniferous forests that have stood sentinel for centuries.

Campsite details

AccessibilityAccessibility information is not provided in the authoritative source materials.
Sites SizeNo specific details about the size of campsites are provided.
Sites PrivacyNo information about the level of privacy offered at campsites is available.
Total Campsites0 campsites

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit
No stay limit mentioned.
Guests Allowed Per Site
No explicit guest limit stated.
Groups
Group camping details, such as capacity or vehicle allowances, are not mentioned.
Tents
Tents are not allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed

Site layoutNo structured site layout; sites are scattered along Smokey Boulder Road #074.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen year-round.
Reservation PlatformsNot applicable; no reservation system available.
Walk-in AvailabilityAll sites are walk-in, first-come-first-served due to dispersed camping rules.
Cancellation PolicyNot applicable as reservations are not allowed.

Activities you can enjoy

The Smokey Boulder Camping Area offers dispersed camping and is located in the Payette National Forest. Recreational activities include picnicking, horseback riding, and off-highway vehicle (OHV) road riding.
Winter Activities
Winter activities are not described in the provided materials.
Water Sports
No information about non-motorized water sports like kayaking or paddleboarding is available.

Campground rules

  • Pets are not allowed
  • Campfires are permitted in designated fire rings at sites containing them.

Hazards

General hazardsPotential hazards include wildlife and cold winter weather.

Weather forecast

77
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%

Strong wind, exercise caution

Humidity: 41%

Comfortable humidity levels

Wind: 11.2 mph

Strong wind, exercise caution

Overcast
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Temperature Trends

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Precipitation Trends

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Weather Summaries

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Emergency Services

New Meadows Ranger District, located at 3674 Highway 95, New Meadows, ID 83654, Phone: 208-347-0300. Temporarily closed until further notice.

Good to know

Peak season datesBusiest during September and October, coinciding with hunting season.
Trash and recyclingNo information about trash or recycling facilities is available in the source materials.
Proximity to water featuresNo nearby water bodies mentioned.
Common complaintsLimited facilities (no water, inconsistent fire rings and tables).

Campground Map

Smokey Boulder Road #074
Driving directionsDrive along Highway 95 to New Meadows, Idaho. Turn onto Smokey Boulder Road #074 to access dispersed camping sites.
Smokey Boulder Road is accessible directly from Highway 95. However, there is no specific mention of road conditions, seasonal closures, or terrain challenges.
Nearby places
New Meadows, ID (approx. 5 miles, 10 minutes)
Nearby supplies
New Meadows is the closest location for groceries, camping supplies, and fuel.

Camper Reviews

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0 reviews
Limited Reviews
Limited Reviews
Smokey Boulder Camping Area has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
No user reviews are provided in the source materials.
Review Summaries

What Campers Love

Positive aspects are not highlighted in user reviews, as this information is missing.

Common Concerns

There are no user complaints available in the source materials.

Pro Tips & Recommendations

User tips and recommendations are unavailable as no user reviews are included.

Seasonal Insights

The source materials do not contain any seasonal trends or user feedback on seasonal camping experiences.

Camper Quotes

No direct user quotes are available.

Site-Specific Reviews

There are no reviews that specify particular campsites or areas.

Accessibility Features

Accessibility feedback from users is not available.

Pet-Friendly Features

There are no user reviews addressing pet policies or experiences.

Last updated August 10, 2025

Campgrounds
Payette National Forest
Smokey Boulder Camping Area