Big Hole
00 review102 First Street East Fairfield, ID 83327
Big Hole
$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
Day use site with no fees for usage.
About this campground
Escape the summer heat at Big Hole, a beloved riverside sanctuary where the crystal-clear waters of the South Fork Boise River have carved out nature's perfect swimming pool. This popular day-use area draws families and adventure seekers alike to its refreshing swimming hole, where the river's gentle current creates an ideal spot for cooling off after a morning of fishing. With convenient parking and restroom facilities, Big Hole offers a perfect blend of natural beauty and accessibility for your riverside adventure.
Big Hole is a day-use site with no camping accommodations. It is primarily designed for recreational day activities like swimming, fishing, and picnicking.
Historical SignificanceWhile the recorded history of this site remains unwritten, the smooth river rocks and well-worn paths tell their own story of countless summer days spent by generations of swimmers and anglers who have made Big Hole their secret escape.
Weather and SeasonsSummer transforms Big Hole into an aquatic paradise, with late June through July (weeks 26-28) offering ideal conditions for swimming and riverside relaxation. During these peak weeks, temperatures soar to a comfortable 83°F with minimal rain, creating perfect weather for water activities. Winter brings a dramatic transformation as temperatures plummet to bone-chilling lows of 10-12°F during January and early December, freezing the landscape into a winter wonderland. Spring arrives slowly, with freezing conditions persisting through early March before the gradual warming begins.
ElevationNestled in the river valley where mountain air meets rushing water, Big Hole sits at an elevation that provides both accessibility and that refreshing mountain atmosphere that makes every breath feel cleaner and every swim more invigorating.
Natural Features and SceneryThe South Fork of the Boise River takes center stage at Big Hole, where nature has sculpted a spectacular swimming hole surrounded by sun-warmed rocks and shaded riverbanks. The clear mountain water reflects the sky above while revealing smooth river stones below, creating a natural aquarium effect that mesmerizes visitors. Towering trees provide welcome shade along the banks, their branches creating a natural canopy that filters the sunlight into dancing patterns on the water's surface.
Geological RegionTucked within the majestic Sawtooth National Forest, Big Hole showcases the raw beauty of Idaho's premier wilderness area. Here, the South Fork of the Boise River has spent millennia carving through ancient granite and volcanic rock, creating the dramatic river canyon that defines this remarkable landscape. The surrounding forest represents millions of acres of protected wilderness, where the forces of water, wind, and time continue to shape one of the West's most stunning geological treasures.
Campsite details
AccessibilityNo specific accessibility features are mentioned in the authoritative content.
Sites SizeNo campsites are available as this is a day-use area.
Sites PrivacyPrivacy information is not applicable as this is not an overnight campground.
Total Campsites0 campsites
Reserving a campsite
Groups
This site does not feature group camping facilities.
Tents
Tents are not allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Amenities available
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Big Hole offers recreational opportunities geared toward water-based and riverine activities. According to authoritative sources, visitors can enjoy swimming in the natural swimming hole, fishing along the South Fork of the Boise River, and picnicking. Horse/pack animals are not permitted, and no other recreational opportunities like hiking trails, biking, or cultural programs are noted.
Fishing
Fishing is permitted along the South Fork of the Boise River. The authoritative content, however, does not specify fish species or provide additional details about fishing facilities.Swimming
The site is popular for its natural swimming hole, making swimming one of the primary activities for visitors.Winter Activities
Winter activities are not mentioned in the content.Water Sports
Swimming is the primary water activity available at this site. There is no mention of other non-motorized water sports such as kayaking or paddleboarding.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- No explicit fire policy stated.
Hazards
General hazardsPotential hazards include freezing conditions during colder weeks, minimal amenities, and limited parking.
Active alertsNo active alerts mentioned.
Weather forecast
68
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
Humidity: 54%
Moderately humid conditions
Wind: 1.3 mph
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
Overcast
7-Day Forecast
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Temperature Trends
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Precipitation Trends
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Weather Summaries
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Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
Fairfield Ranger District located at 102 First Street East, Fairfield, ID 83327; phone: 208-764-3202.
Good to know
Trash and recyclingTrash and recycling facilities are not available on-site, and visitors are advised to pack out their waste.
Proximity to water featuresDirect proximity to the South Fork of the Boise River.
Common complaintsLimited parking and absence of restrooms and potable water are notable issues.
Campground Map
102 First Street East Fairfield, ID 83327
Driving directionsLocated 6 miles west (downriver) from the Big Smoky Guard Station area on Road No. 227.
Road No. 227 is the primary access route; conditions and accessibility for this road are not explicitly stated in the authoritative sources.Nearby places
Fairfield, ID (exact distance not provided)
Nearby supplies
Fairfield Ranger District area may provide initial supplies, exact information on nearby grocery or fuel facilities is not provided.
Camper Reviews
0.0
0 reviews
Big Hole has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
There are no user reviews provided in the authoritative data, and thus no aggregated sentiment can be summarized.
Review Summaries
What Campers Love
No user reviews are included in the source content to highlight positive aspects.
Common Concerns
No specific complaints or issues from users are available in the source materials.
Pro Tips & Recommendations
No user-provided tips or recommendations are included in the content.
Seasonal Insights
User reviews are not available to analyze seasonal trends.
Camper Quotes
No direct quotes from users are provided in the source content.
Site-Specific Reviews
No reviews specific to particular areas or features within the site are included.
Accessibility Features
There are no user reviews related to accessibility features.
Pet-Friendly Features
No information or reviews regarding pet policies or pet-friendly features is available.
Last updated August 10, 2025