Bonanza Ccc Group Campground
01 review311 N. HWY 93
Bonanza Ccc Group Campground
$35.00 - $100.00 / 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$100.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Fee rates vary based on group size: $35 per night for groups of 1-25 people, $50 per night for groups of 26-50 people, and $100 per night for groups over 50 people. This fee covers the group use of the campground, including amenities like picnic tables and fire rings.
About this campground
Nestled in a pristine mountain valley at 6,500 feet, Bonanza CCC Group Campground offers an exclusive retreat for groups seeking authentic wilderness experiences. This thoughtfully designed facility features 13 spacious camping spurs, each equipped with sturdy picnic tables and traditional fire rings where stories and s'mores come to life under starlit skies. Modern conveniences blend seamlessly with rustic charm through well-maintained vault toilets and a convenient grey water sink. As a group-only reservation facility without hookups, Bonanza encourages disconnection from the digital world and reconnection with nature and companions. The campground's legacy traces back to the Civilian Conservation Corps, whose careful planning created this perfect balance of accessibility and wilderness preservation.
Bonanza CCC Group Campground is dedicated to group camping, with 13 individual camp spurs and a group area. It is not suitable for individual campers as reservations are required for the entire facility.
Historical SignificanceStep back in time to Idaho's gold rush era with two fascinating ghost towns just minutes from your campsite. Bonanza, merely a mile away, whispers tales of fortune seekers and frontier families through its weathered structures and abandoned dreams. Two miles down the road, Custer stands as another testament to the boom-and-bust cycle that shaped the American West. The crown jewel of local history, the Yankee Fork Gold Dredge, offers captivating interpretive tours during the season, where visitors can explore the massive floating factory that once churned through river gravels in search of precious metals. These preserved sites transform camping into a journey through time, where every trail might lead to remnants of prospectors' cabins or forgotten mine shafts.
Weather and SeasonsSummer transforms Bonanza into an outdoor paradise, with comfortable temperatures that invite endless exploration without the sweltering heat of lower elevations. The high-altitude climate delivers crisp mornings perfect for coffee around the campfire, warm afternoons ideal for hiking, and cool evenings that call for cozy gatherings. While winter occasionally dusts the landscape with light snow, creating a magical wonderland, the prime camping season runs from late spring through early fall when wildflowers paint the meadows and wildlife emerges from winter hideaways.
ElevationPerched at 6,500 feet above sea level, Bonanza CCC Group Campground offers the perfect high-altitude escape where the air is crisp, the stars shine brighter, and the pressures of everyday life fade into distant memory. This elevation provides natural air conditioning during summer months while offering spectacular vantage points of the surrounding peaks and valleys that stretch endlessly into the Idaho wilderness.
Natural Features and SceneryImagine waking to the gentle murmur of the Yankee Fork of the Salmon River, its crystal-clear waters dancing over ancient stones just a short walk from camp. Towering lodgepole pines stand sentinel throughout the valley, their slender trunks creating natural cathedral spaces where sunlight filters through in golden streams. While the pines provide artistic beauty, campers should plan for sun protection as shade can be limited in certain areas. Come summer, the valley explodes in a riot of wildflower colors - Indian paintbrush, lupine, and mountain daisies carpet the meadows, creating Instagram-worthy backdrops and attracting butterflies and hummingbirds that add movement and life to the serene landscape.
Geological RegionThis enchanting valley showcases millions of years of geological artistry, where ancient forces carved a perfect cradle for the Yankee Fork of the Salmon River. Surrounded by peaks that tell stories written in stone, the campground sits in a natural amphitheater where lodgepole pine forests meet flowering meadows. The unique geological composition creates ideal conditions for the spectacular wildflower displays that have made this valley famous among nature photographers and botanists. Each rock formation and river bend reveals chapters of Earth's history, from volcanic upheavals to glacial sculptures, making every hike a journey through deep time.
Campsite details
AccessibilityNo specific accessibility features are mentioned in the source materials.
Sites SizeCamping spurs average 45 to 50 feet in depth. Five spurs are wide enough to accommodate one to two additional vehicles.
Sites PrivacyThe campground is surrounded by lodgepole pines, which provide limited shade and privacy.
Total Campsites13 campsites
Recommended CampsitesCampsites are gravel-based with a depth of 45-50 feet; five spurs can accommodate additional vehicles.
Reserving a campsite
Stay Limit
You may stay up to 14 nights.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Maximum group size varies: 1-25, 26-50, or over 50 people (maximum group size unspecified beyond 50).
Groups
The group camping area features 13 spurs and can accommodate up to 50+ people. The site includes two large fire rings, a grey water sink, and several picnic tables.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layout13 camping spurs with picnic tables, fire rings, and a group area including additional fire pits and picnic tables.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen from Memorial Day through Labor Day.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via Recreation.gov.
Walk-in AvailabilitySites are not available for walk-in camping; reservations must be made prior to arrival.
Cancellation PolicyCancellations made more than 14 days before arrival incur a $10 fee, while cancellations within 14 days of arrival forfeit the first night's use fee in addition to the $10 cancellation fee.
Accomodation available
GroupGroup campsites are offered for larger parties such as families, schools, or organizations. These sites provide space and facilities to accommodate multiple people camping together.
Amenities available
Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Bonanza CCC Group Campground is a hub for outdoor activities, including hiking, fishing, and wildlife viewing. Trails such as the West Fork of Yankee Fork, Crimson Lake Trail, and Lightning Creek Trail are located nearby. The Yankee Fork offers fishing opportunities for rainbow trout, cutthroat trout, and whitefish. Historical attractions and natural beauty enhance the recreational experience.
Hiking
Many miles of trails crisscross the area, including the West Fork of Yankee Fork, Crimson Lake Trail, and Lightning Creek Trail. Trailheads are located near the campground, offering hiking opportunities for various skill levels.Fishing
The Yankee Fork provides good fishing opportunities for rainbow trout, cutthroat trout, and whitefish, making it a strong draw for anglers.Wildlife viewing
The campground is situated in a valley with abundant summer wildflowers and scattered lodgepole pines, providing opportunities for observing local wildlife.Cultural and Educational Programs
The nearby attractions include historical sites such as the ghost towns of Bonanza and Custer, as well as the Yankee Fork Gold Dredge, which offers interpretive tours from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Campfire rings are available; no mention of specific fire restrictions.
- Quiet hours are not specified.
Hazards
General hazardsLodgepole pines provide limited shade, and gravel roads may require caution for vehicles towing trailers.
Weather forecast
75
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 30%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 6.2 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
For emergency inquiries, contact 208-879-4100. Specific locations for hospitals or ranger stations are not specified in the data.
Good to know
Peak season datesMay 23 - September 1 (Peak Season).
Trash and recyclingTrash collection is provided at the campground.
Proximity to water featuresThe Yankee Fork of the Salmon River runs nearby, offering fishing opportunities for rainbow trout, cutthroat trout, and whitefish.
Common complaintsThe campground's lack of individual reservable campsites or hookups may not suit all visitors.
HostNo information provided about campground host.
Campground Map
311 N. HWY 93
Driving directionsFrom Highway 75, turn onto Yankee Fork Road (Forest Road 013) at Sunbeam Dam overlook. Travel approximately seven miles north on Yankee Fork Road and turn left at the Bonanza Guard Station onto Forest Road 074. Continue for approximately half a mile to the campground.
Roads and parking spurs are gravel. Yankee Fork Road and Forest Road 074 provide access, and these roads appear suitable for vehicles towing trailers. There is no indication of seasonal closures or challenging terrain.Nearby places
Stanley, Idaho (23 miles, approximately 40 minutes by car)
Challis, Idaho (Distance unspecified but campground address listed in Challis)
Nearby supplies
Closest supplies are unspecified, though the nearby town of Challis or Stanley may have essential resources.
Camper Reviews
0.0
1 reviews
Bonanza Ccc Group Campground has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
The campground has an overall positive sentiment, with an average rating of 5.0. Reviews highlight the cleanliness and the natural beauty of the area.
Review Summaries
Based on 1 reviews
What Campers Love
"Very clean and a very nice camping." Reviewers appreciate the cleanliness of the facilities and the scenic location.
Based on 1 reviewsCommon Concerns
No complaints are explicitly mentioned in the reviews.
Based on 1 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Ensure to plan the trip during the operational season (Memorial Day through Labor Day) and make reservations in advance.
Based on 1 reviewsSeasonal Insights
The campground is primarily operational from Memorial Day through Labor Day, aligning with the peak summer season when weather conditions are most favorable.
Based on 1 reviewsCamper Quotes
"Very clean and a very nice camping."
Based on 1 reviewsSite-Specific Reviews
There are no detailed site-specific reviews provided, but users have noted the overall cleanliness and appeal of the campground.
Based on 1 reviewsAccessibility Features
No accessibility-specific reviews are mentioned.
Based on 1 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
No reviews related to pets or pet-friendly features are provided.
Based on 1 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025