Bench Creek Campground
04 reviewsBench Creek Campground, Highway 21
Bench Creek Campground
$5.00 - $5.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$5.00
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
$5 per night for a single unit campsite. Discounts of 50% available for Senior and Access Pass holders.
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About this campground
Tucked away in a peaceful grove near Highway 21, Bench Creek Campground offers an intimate escape into Idaho's wilderness. This hidden gem remains refreshingly uncrowded, making it perfect for those seeking solitude among towering trees and the gentle murmur of Bench Creek. Adventure beckons with excellent fishing opportunities and a scenic trail that winds southeast to the stunning Stanley Lake, while nearby Bull Trout Lake provides another pristine alpine destination for anglers and hikers alike.
Bench Creek Campground offers traditional camping options tailored to smaller trailers and motorhomes.
Weather and SeasonsOpening its gates on June 15th each year, Bench Creek transforms with the seasons in dramatic fashion. Summer brings brilliant sunshine and comfortable temperatures ideal for casting lines into crystal-clear waters or exploring forest trails. As autumn approaches, crisp air and changing leaves create a photographer's paradise. Winter blankets the area in deep snow, turning the landscape into a frozen wonderland where temperatures plunge and the campground rests beneath nature's quiet white embrace.
Natural Features and SceneryBench Creek creates a natural symphony as it flows past campsites sheltered by a dense canopy of evergreens and aspens. The surrounding forest provides a cool refuge on warm days, while openings in the trees reveal glimpses of the rugged peaks beyond. Two jewel-like lakes—Bull Trout and Stanley—lie within easy reach, their pristine waters reflecting sky and mountains in perfect clarity. Wildlife tracks often crisscross the soft forest floor, and early risers might spot deer browsing in the morning mist.
Geological RegionNestled within the vast expanse of the Salmon-Challis National Forest, Bench Creek Campground occupies a special corner of Idaho's geological wonderland. The creek has carved its way through ancient rock formations, creating a riparian corridor that supports diverse plant and animal life. The proximity to both Bull Trout Lake and Stanley Lake showcases the region's glacial heritage, where pristine mountain waters fill basins carved by ice age giants, offering visitors spectacular vistas and world-class recreational opportunities amid some of the West's most dramatic mountain scenery.
Campsite details
Sites SizeEach site accommodates trailers and motorhomes up to 30 feet long.
Sites PrivacyPrivacy levels not specifically detailed. User reviews suggest the campground is small and likely provides moderate privacy.
Total Campsites5 campsites
Recommended CampsitesUser reviews suggest sites closer to the creek for better access to water and scenery.
Best CampsitesSpecific site recommendations are not stated.
Reserving a campsite
Stay Limit
Stay limits not explicitly stated.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Guests limits not explicitly stated.
Groups
No group camping sites are available.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutThe campground consists of 5 sites, each equipped with picnic tables and fire rings.
Open and Closed SeasonCampground season begins on 6/15. Close dates are not specified.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made in person with a discount for Senior and Access Pass holders.
Walk-in AvailabilityThe campground is described as not heavily used, and walk-up availability is likely good.
Cancellation PolicyCancellation policies are not explicitly stated.
Amenities available
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Bench Creek Campground provides opportunities for fishing in Bench Creek and Bull Trout Lake, hiking on trails near Stanley Lake, and enjoying scenic views. Activities like picnicking are also available.
Hiking
Hiking trails are accessible from the campground, with one leading southeast to Stanley Lake. No specific details about trail length or difficulty provided.Fishing
Fishing is available in the stream near the campground and at nearby Bull Trout Lake. No specifics provided on fish types or regulations.Winter Activities
Not mentioned or available.Water Sports
No water sports mentioned or available.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
Hazards
General hazardsNo potable water is available, and wildlife may be present.
Weather forecast
68
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 52%
Moderately humid conditions
Wind: 7.3 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 likely in Stanley, including medical care, law enforcement, and ranger stations.
Good to know
Trash and recyclingNo mention of trash or recycling facilities. Likely requires pack-in-pack-out camping practices.
Proximity to water featuresThe campground is adjacent to Bench Creek and near Bull Trout Lake and Stanley Lake.
Common complaintsSome user reviews mention hearing highway traffic.
Campground Map
Bench Creek Campground, Highway 21
Driving directionsFrom Stanley: 24 miles NW on Highway 21 on the right side of the highway. From Boise: Approximately 108 miles NE on Highway 21 towards Stanley. Look for the campsite on the left side of the highway, not too far past Banner Summit.
The campground is adjacent to Highway 21, making it easily accessible. However, it may be subject to seasonal road conditions near Banner Summit.Nearby places
Stanley (24 miles NW, approximately 30 minutes), Boise (108 miles NE, approximately 2 hours).
Nearby supplies
Supplies such as groceries, camping gear, and fuel can be obtained in Stanley, 24 miles away.
Camper Reviews
0.0
4 reviews
Bench Creek Campground has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
Reviews indicate Bench Creek Campground is a small, rustic campground with minimal amenities. Opinions vary on the highway noise, with some campers mentioning it is audible but not bothersome.
Review Summaries
Based on 4 reviews
What Campers Love
Users appreciated the creek near the campsites, scenic beauty, and the availability of a bathroom. One user described it as their favorite place to camp.
Based on 4 reviewsCommon Concerns
Some campers noted highway traffic noise as a potential downside.
Based on 4 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
No specific tips were provided in user reviews.
Based on 4 reviewsSeasonal Insights
No reviews provided information specific to seasons; however, the campground operates starting mid-June.
Based on 4 reviewsCamper Quotes
Nancy McHenry: 'Small campground, not heavily used. You can hear highway traffic.' Luke Kolodziej: 'Excellent place to camp. Just off the highway; the road noise is minimal. There is a small creek at...
Based on 4 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
No site-specific reviews available.
Based on 4 reviewsAccessibility Features
No reviews specifically address accessibility.
Based on 4 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
No reviews specifically mention pet policies or experiences.
Based on 4 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025