Big Hank

Star3.33
26 reviews
IDAHO PANHANDLE NATIONAL FOREST
Big Hank
$24.00 - $24.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Fees reflect the standard nonelectric site rate during peak season. Other potential fees include additional vehicle charges and reservation service...
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Standard Site Fee$24.00
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
Total Campsite Fees$24.00

Share this campground
Recreation Dot Gov
Provider
435-245-6521info@sceniccanyons.com

About this campground

Nestled in the heart of Idaho's wilderness, Big Hank Campground beckons adventurers with 30 spacious sites carved into nature's playground. Here, summer days unfold with the rush of the Coeur d'Alene River, where families float on tubes through sun-dappled waters and anglers cast for prized cutthroat trout. Thrill-seekers navigate Class I-III rapids while hikers discover hidden waterfalls—from the thundering cascade of Centennial Falls to the misty veil of Shadow Falls. Ancient cedars stand sentinel in Settler's Grove, their massive trunks telling stories of centuries past. As evening falls, watch for the graceful silhouette of moose emerging from the forest, mule deer grazing in meadows, and the aerial acrobatics of osprey diving for fish while tiny calliope hummingbirds dart between wildflowers.
Big Hank Campground accommodates primarily tent camping, with no hookups available for RVs. The campground is promoted as a base for outdoor recreation, but recent logging has reduced its quality as a camping destination, as noted in user reviews.
Weather and SeasonsSummer at Big Hank brings nature's perfect balance—crisp mornings give way to pleasantly mild afternoons that rarely exceed 61°F, ideal for outdoor adventures without the sweltering heat found at lower elevations. Gentle breezes whisper through the pines while comfortable humidity levels keep the air fresh and invigorating, creating those magical camping conditions where you'll sleep soundly under star-filled skies and wake refreshed for another day of exploration.
ElevationPerched at 2,800 feet above sea level, Big Hank Campground sits in that sweet spot where mountain air refreshes without leaving you breathless. This moderate elevation offers the best of both worlds—cooler temperatures than the valleys below, yet low enough that families can jump straight into activities without worrying about altitude adjustment. It's high enough to escape summer's heat but gentle enough for comfortable hiking and active pursuits.
Natural Features and SceneryBig Hank Meadow unfolds like a natural amphitheater at 2,800 feet, where the crystal-clear Coeur d'Alene River meets the babbling Big Hank Creek in a confluence of mountain waters. Dense forests of towering evergreens create a protective embrace around the campground, their shadows giving way to sun-soaked meadows painted with wildflowers. This enchanting blend of riverside serenity, alpine meadows, and ancient forest creates a landscape that shifts from intimate forest glens to sweeping mountain vistas with each turn of the trail.
Geological RegionDeep within the Idaho Panhandle National Forest, Big Hank Campground occupies a remarkable geological crossroads where ancient mountain building created today's outdoor paradise. At 2,800 feet, massive evergreen forests dominate the landscape, their roots anchored in soil enriched by millennia of geological processes. The Coeur d'Alene River has carved its path through this terrain over countless years, creating the perfect blend of rushing waters, peaceful meadows, and dense woodland that defines this corner of Idaho's spectacular Panhandle region.
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Campsite details

AccessibilityThe campground features "paved roads" and "accessible sites," though there are no specific mentions of ADA-compliant facilities.
Sites SizeCampsites are described as "spacious" in official descriptions but are reported by some users as too small for groups or tents, likely due to debris and uneven ground left by recent logging operations.
Sites PrivacyCampsites are "moderately wooded" and provide "a little bit of privacy left" according to one review. However, the removal of trees has drastically reduced shade and increased exposure in many areas.
Total Campsites30 campsites
Recommended CampsitesAvoid sites like 007 due to limited space for tents. Consider river-adjacent sites for privacy and scenic views.
Best CampsitesCampsites near the river are highlighted for their views and proximity. Specific recommendations include Site 27 for its shade.

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit
Maximum stay is 14 nights during any rolling 30-day period.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Maximum of two vehicles and up to six guests per site, as indicated by user reviews.
Groups
Group camping details are not specified in the available materials.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed

Site layoutThe campground is paved, with individual parking spurs and tent pads on each site.
Open and Closed SeasonCampground is open May 23, 2025 to August 31, 2025 during peak season; closed during off-season.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via Recreation.gov.
Walk-in AvailabilityUser reviews confirm first-come, first-serve sites may be available. No explicit details on quantities provided.
Cancellation PolicyCancellations made prior to the day of arrival will incur a $10 fee. Late cancellations also forfeit the first night’s recreation use fee.

Amenities available

Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Firewood available
Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

The campground offers a variety of recreational activities, including "tubing on the river," "cutthroat fishing," and "hiking, biking, and horseback riding." Highlights include access to trails leading to "Centennial Falls, Shadow Falls, and Settler's Grove of Ancient Cedars." Additionally, "whitewater rafting enthusiasts enjoy the class I-III rapids along the river." The campground is also noted for its wildlife viewing opportunities, featuring species like mule deer and calliope hummingbirds.
Hiking
Hiking opportunities are plentiful, with access to trails leading to notable spots such as "Centennial Falls, Shadow Falls, and Settler's Grove of Ancient Cedars." These trails are a short drive away from the campground.
Fishing
Shore and cutthroat fishing are popular activities, drawing anglers to the North Fork of the Coeur d'Alene River. Specific details about fish types and fishing regulations are not included.
Biking
Biking trails are described as accessible within a short drive from the campground, but no specific trail details are provided.
Wildlife viewing
The campground is home to impressive wildlife, including "mule deer, moose, osprey, and calliope hummingbirds." This makes it a popular spot for birding and general wildlife observation.
Winter Activities
Winter activities are not discussed in the provided materials.
Water Sports
Tubing on the river is a noted recreational activity, especially during the summer months. However, other water sports like kayaking or paddleboarding are not mentioned.
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Campground rules

  • Pets are not allowed
  • Campfires are permitted in established fire rings. Users are encouraged to burn wood obtained locally to prevent pest spread.

Hazards

General hazardsBears are a significant risk, with tent camping discouraged and hard-sided vehicles recommended. Other hazards include uneven terrain and leftover slash debris from logging activities.
Active alertsPotential hazards include logging debris, burned stumps, and slash piles that have not been cleaned.

Weather forecast

37
°F
Nov 25
Tuesday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%

Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities

Humidity: 70%

High humidity, may feel muggy

Wind: 3.6 mph

Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities

Overcast

7 day forecast

Weather History
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo

Good to know

Peak season datesMay 23, 2025 - August 31, 2025
Trash and recyclingTrash collection is mentioned as an available amenity. However, some user reviews imply a lack of thorough site cleanup, possibly decreasing the overall cleanliness of the campground.
Proximity to water featuresClose to both the Coeur d'Alene River and Big Hank Creek, offering opportunities for fishing, tubing, and rafting.
Common complaintsUser reviews express dissatisfaction with post-logging conditions, including debris-filled campsites, lack of shade, uneven terrain, and limited tent-pitching areas.
HostCamp host availability is inconsistent, with some reviews noting helpful hosts while others report no host presence.

Campground Map

IDAHO PANHANDLE NATIONAL FOREST
Driving directionsFrom Kingston on I-90, take Exit 43 to FH-9 and drive 20 miles north to Prichard, then turn left and continue 17 miles north on FH Road 208 to campground.
The campground is accessible via paved roads, but user reviews highlight challenges for large trailers due to narrow roads.

Camper Reviews

3.3
26 reviews
Mixed Reviews
Mixed Reviews
Big Hank has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews
User feedback is mixed to negative, with a 3.25 average sentiment score in general and a lower score of 2.846 for campground-specific topics. Many reviews lament the campground's degraded state after a recent logging operation, mentioning "slash piles," "burned stumps," and "limited spots for tent camping." However, some praise the "great hosts," "beautiful river views," and "secluded" ambiance.
Review Summaries
Based on 26 reviews

What Campers Love

Several users appreciated the beautiful location, proximity to the river, and the campground's potential if restored. Common positive comments include: "The river is beautiful," "great hosts," and...
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Based on 26 reviews

Common Concerns

Common issues include the campground's condition after logging, with references to "burned stumps," "slash piles," and "uneven or unsafe campsites." Lack of shade, overgrown vegetation, and limited...
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Based on 26 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Visitors recommend checking the site ahead of time, especially for tent campers, as some sites may be challenging to use due to debris and uneven ground. Early or late-season visits may offer a...
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Based on 26 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Late-season visits (e.g., September) are recommended by some users for minimal traffic and better stargazing. Summer months are popular but can be problematic due to the campground's exposed state...
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Based on 26 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. "The campground was mostly deserted, so if you want to avoid neighbors..." 2. "Big Hank used to be a very nice campground, but it is not being managed properly." 3. "Amazing star gazing... no...
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Based on 26 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site 030: "Totally exposed, burned stumps, debris everywhere"; Site 007: "Too small for our group of 6"; Site 027: "Very overgrown, little shade"; Site 014: "Unsafe to walk, holes in the ground, no...
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Based on 26 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessibility is mixed; paved roads suggest some attempt at accessibility, but uneven ground and debris may pose challenges.
Based on 26 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

No specific reviews address pet policies or experiences, leaving this unclear.
Based on 26 reviews

Last updated November 24, 2025
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