Bowns Campground
04 reviewsBowns Campground
$3.00 - $8.00 / 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
Recreation fees vary by location, activity, and reservation method. Service fee: $8 for online/app, $9 via contact center, $3 in-person.
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Recreation.govProvider
About this campground
Tucked away in the heart of Idaho's wilderness, Bowns Campground offers an intimate escape along the babbling waters of Big Smoky Creek. This peaceful retreat sits 25 miles east of Featherville and 18 miles north of Fairfield, where ten thoughtfully spaced campsites—including two spacious double-family units—provide the perfect basecamp for outdoor adventures. Whether you're casting a line into the creek's promising waters, exploring nearby hiking trails, or gathering around evening campfires, this developed campground delivers comfort in the wilderness with essential amenities including picnic tables, fire rings, seasonal drinking water, and clean restroom facilities.
Bowns Campground offers developed sites suitable for families and smaller groups.
Historical SignificanceThis pristine corner of the Sawtooth National Forest has long served as a gateway to Idaho's untamed backcountry, where generations of outdoor enthusiasts have found solace in the simplicity of creek-side camping and the timeless tradition of campfire stories under star-filled skies.
Weather and SeasonsExperience the rhythms of mountain seasons at Bowns Campground, where crystal-clear creek waters run strongest during spring snowmelt and early summer. While drinking water flows seasonally through the campground's systems, the natural beauty remains constant year-round. Plan your visit during warmer months when the campground's full amenities are available and the surrounding forest bursts with life.
ElevationNestled in the mountain valleys of central Idaho, Bowns Campground offers that perfect sweet spot where the air is crisp and clean, the nights are refreshingly cool, and the days are warm enough for comfortable camping and creek-side relaxation.
Natural Features and SceneryBig Smoky Creek serves as the campground's centerpiece, its gentle melody providing a natural soundtrack to your stay. Towering conifers of the Sawtooth National Forest create a verdant canopy overhead, while the surrounding landscape showcases Idaho's rugged beauty with distant mountain peaks, wildflower meadows, and the kind of untouched wilderness that makes every sunrise feel like a private show.
Geological RegionSet within the dramatic landscape of the Sawtooth National Forest, Bowns Campground rests in a region shaped by ancient volcanic activity and glacial carving. Big Smoky Creek has spent millennia cutting through this mountainous terrain, creating the gentle valley that now cradles this serene camping destination amid one of Idaho's most spectacular forest ecosystems.
Campsite details
Sites SizeThe campground consists of 10 sites, including two double-family units.
Sites PrivacyMixed privacy. Specific site 1 was noted as undesirable due to frequent vehicle turnaround, as described: 'Just don't get campsite 1...there are tons of people coming through all day and turning around.'
Total Campsites10 campsites
Recommended CampsitesAvoid Site 1 due to disturbance from road traffic (user review).
Best CampsitesNot specified, but avoid Site 1 due to road access issues per user review.
Reserving a campsite
Guests Allowed Per Site
No details about guest limit provided.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layout10 campsites, including two double-family sites.
Open and Closed SeasonSeasonal water availability; specific open/close season not mentioned.
Reservation PlatformsReservation available via Recreation.gov.
Walk-in AvailabilityFalse; all sites first-come-first-served
Cancellation Policy$10 cancellation fee before reservation starts. Late cancellation forfeits first night's fee.
Amenities available
Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Activities you can enjoy
Activities at Bowns Campground center around outdoor recreation, including camping, fishing, hiking, and picnicking. The nearby Miller Creek Trail (#087) also allows for motorcycle use.
Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- No fire rules provided; fire rings available.
- Quiet hours are Not explicitly stated.
Hazards
General hazardsWater pump handle missing per user review; potential for weeds and low maintenance.
Active alertsNo active alerts noted.
Weather forecast
69
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
Humidity: 50%
Moderately humid conditions
Wind: 3.8 mph
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
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
No emergency services explicitly listed; null
Good to know
Proximity to water featuresLocated along Big Smoky Creek.
Common complaintsMissing water pump handle and lack of maintenance (user review); Site 1 disturbed by road traffic (user review).
HostNo host information provided.
Campground Map
Driving directionsFrom Fairfield, go north 18 miles on Forest Road #094 and west approximately 6 miles on Forest Road #227.
No detailed accessibility challenges explicitly described in the source.Nearby places
Fairfield (18 miles north), Featherville (25 miles east)
Nearby supplies
Supplies available at Smokey Bar Store as per user review. Exact distance not provided. null
Camper Reviews
0.0
4 reviews
Bowns Campground has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews highlight the campground's serene environment but note some maintenance issues and the lack of water availability during certain visits. One user described it as 'deserted,' adding, 'It is located along a small river.'
Review Summaries
Based on 4 reviews
What Campers Love
Positive aspects include its scenic location along Big Smoky Creek and its suitability for activities like camping, fishing, and hiking. One user recommended stopping by the Smokey Bar Store for...
Based on 4 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Common complaints include the absence of water due to a missing pump handle, overgrown campsites, and privacy concerns around site 1 due to frequent vehicle traffic.
Based on 4 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Campers are advised to avoid site 1 due to traffic from people turning around. Visitors are also encouraged to check the availability of water before arrival.
Based on 4 reviewsSeasonal Insights
Reviews suggest that the campground may be less crowded in late summer. One review remarked, 'Deserted. We were the only ones there on a Friday late August.'
Based on 4 reviewsCamper Quotes
- 'Nice little campground, make sure to stop into Smokey Bar Store for supplies and friendly conversation.' - Douglas Ackley
- 'This a neat little campground. Just don't get campsite 1....the old...
Based on 4 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Site 1 is specifically noted as undesirable due to frequent traffic: 'Just don't get campsite 1.'
Based on 4 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025