Bird Creek Campground
4.187 reviews.
Bird Creek Campground
$6.00 - $12.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$6.00
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
Camping fees are $6 per night for single units and $12 per night for the double unit. Fees apply from mid-May to October 31. Interagency Senior/Access Recreation Pass holders receive a 50% discount on single units, applicable only to the site occupied by the pass holder. Payments must be made in cash or check.
About this campground
Tucked away along the pristine waters of the South Fork Boise River, Bird Creek Campground offers an authentic wilderness escape for those seeking solitude and simplicity. This intimate, first-come, first-served campground features just five units—four single sites and one double—creating a peaceful retreat where the modern world feels wonderfully distant. True to its primitive nature, Bird Creek provides an off-the-grid sanctuary where campers can reconnect with nature's rhythms and find respite from the daily hustle.
Bird Creek Campground offers primitive camping sites with no reservations available. It caters primarily to tent campers and small trailers, as noted in user reviews.
Historical SignificanceThis quiet corner of the Sawtooth National Forest has long served as a haven for those who understand that the best destinations are often the hardest to find. The area's untouched character preserves the authentic wilderness experience that has drawn adventurers to Idaho's backcountry for generations.
Weather and SeasonsOpen from May through October, Bird Creek Campground welcomes visitors during Idaho's most inviting months. Spring arrives with wildflower blooms and rushing snowmelt, while summer brings warm, sun-dappled days perfect for riverside relaxation. Early fall transforms the surrounding forest into a tapestry of golden hues, offering crisp mornings and comfortable afternoons before the campground closes for winter's arrival.
ElevationNestled in the river valley of the Sawtooth National Forest, Bird Creek Campground sits at an elevation that provides comfortable camping conditions throughout its operational season, with the surrounding terrain offering both riverside serenity and forested mountain ambiance.
Natural Features and SceneryMajestic ponderosa pines tower overhead, their vanilla-scented bark and sprawling canopies creating a natural cathedral that filters sunlight into dancing patterns on the forest floor. The South Fork Boise River flows steadily past the campground, its crystal-clear waters providing a soothing soundtrack and opportunities for streamside contemplation. This secluded pocket of wilderness offers unparalleled tranquility, where the only interruptions come from the occasional splash of a rising trout or the gentle rustle of pine needles in the breeze.
Geological RegionBird Creek Campground rests within the rugged embrace of the Sawtooth National Forest, where ancient geological forces have carved deep river valleys through granite peaks and volcanic formations. The South Fork Boise River corridor showcases the region's dynamic geological history, with exposed rock faces telling stories millions of years in the making. Towering ponderosa pines thrive in the well-drained soils, their presence indicating the unique intersection of elevation, moisture, and geology that makes this corner of Idaho so spectacular.
Campsite details
AccessibilityNo details on accessibility features are available.
Sites SizeThe site consists of 4 single camping units and 1 double unit.
Sites PrivacyUser reviews highlight the privacy of the sites: 'Sites 1, 2, 4, and 5 sit right on the South Fork of the Boise in their own nature-enclosed spaces.'
Total Campsites5 campsites
Recommended CampsitesFor privacy and scenic beauty, choose Sites 1, 2, 4, or 5, as they are located directly along the river and enclosed by nature.
Best CampsitesSpecific user review indicates Site #2 is highly liked: "Was at #2 and we loved it." Sites 1, 2, 4, and 5 are noted as being next to the river.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
.
Check-out
.
Stay Limit
.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Explicit information not provided.
Groups
No group camping sites are mentioned.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutThe campground consists of 4 single units and 1 double unit, with sites scattered to maintain a secluded and peaceful environment.
Open and Closed SeasonThe campground operates from May to October.
Reservation PlatformsReservations are not available for this campground; all sites are first-come, first-serve.
Walk-in AvailabilityAll sites (4 single and 1 double) are available on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Cancellation Policy.
Amenities available
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Popular activities at Bird Creek Campground include tubing and fishing along the South Fork of the Boise River. Day hikes and picnicking are also commonly enjoyed.
Hiking
Day hikes are available in the area, though detailed trail information is not provided.Fishing
Fishing in the South Fork of the Boise River is a popular activity.Winter Activities
No details on winter recreation options are specified.Water Sports
Tubing is a popular water sport activity on the South Fork of the Boise River.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Campfires are permitted only in Forest Service-provided fire rings.
- Quiet hours are .
Hazards
General hazardsPotable water is not available, and there is no garbage collection, requiring visitors to bring their own water and pack out all waste.
Active alerts.
Weather forecast
73
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Strong wind, exercise caution
Humidity: 48%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 9.3 mph
Strong wind, exercise caution
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
Emergency services can be accessed at the town of Featherville, approximately 4.5 miles away. Specific services are not detailed.
Good to know
Peak season datesFees are applicable from mid-May through October 31.
Trash and recyclingNo trash or recycling facilities are available at the campground.
Proximity to water featuresThe campground is located directly on the South Fork of the Boise River, making it ideal for fishing and river tubing.
Common complaints"Wish the campground had drinking water." Another user noted that online information about closures was inaccurate, leading to inconvenience.
Host.
Campground Map
.
Driving directionsFrom Highway 20, travel north on Forest Highway 61 (Pine-Featherville Road) approximately 30 miles to the town of Featherville. From there, travel east on Forest Road 227 approximately 4.5 miles to Bird Creek Campground.
The roads leading to the campground include a 30-mile drive on Forest Highway 61, followed by 4.5 miles on Forest Road 227. No information about seasonal closures or challenging terrain is provided.Nearby places
Featherville: approximately 4.5 miles, travel time is not specified.
Nearby supplies
Supplies can be obtained in Featherville, approximately 4.5 miles away. Specifics about availability of groceries, camping supplies, or fuel are not provided.
Camper Reviews
4.2
7 reviews
Bird Creek Campground is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews consistently describe Bird Creek Campground as quiet, peaceful, and well-maintained, with a focus on its riverside location and primitive amenities. Several users appreciate the privacy of individual sites and the sanctuary-like atmosphere.
Review Summaries
Based on 7 reviews
What Campers Love
Reviewers praise the campground’s serenity, proximity to the South Fork of the Boise River, and the comfortable setup with fire rings and picnic tables. One reviewer noted: 'Quiet and peaceful spot...
Based on 7 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
The absence of potable water and garbage collection are common complaints. One user said, 'Wish the campground had drinking water,' while another highlighted the lack of garbage collection as a...
Based on 7 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Campers recommend bringing their own water and preparing for off-the-grid conditions. One user suggested, 'Bring drinking water as none is available on site.'
Based on 7 reviewsSeasonal Insights
Reviews suggest that the campground is best experienced during warmer months when tubing and fishing are popular. Fall reviews highlight its quietness and less crowded environment.
Based on 7 reviewsCamper Quotes
- 'I hesitate to write this review as I feel this spot is a private sanctuary.' - John Michael Schert
- 'Quiet and peaceful spot next to the river.' - Krysta Wolfangel
- 'Wish the campground had...
Based on 7 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Site #2 received positive feedback: 'Great little campground. Was at #2 and we loved it.'
Based on 7 reviewsAccessibility Features
No review specifically addresses accessibility features.
Based on 7 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pets must be leashed as per official restrictions, but no user reviews specifically mention experiences with pets.
Based on 7 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025