Swinging Bridge
The campground is currently closed for the season and reopens May 22, 2026. The operating season typically runs mid-May through late September, depending on snow conditions. Reservations available through Recreation.gov.
Red Flag Warning issued August 13 at 1:28PM MDT until August 14 at 6:00AM MDT by NWS Boise ID
...MONSOON MOISTURE WILL BRING SCATTERED THUNDERSTORMS TODAY AND TOMORROW... A push of monsoon moisture will bring a mix of wet and dry scattered thunderstorms to the region this afternoon through Friday evening. Lingering dry surface air will limit the rainfall amounts on Thursday and Friday morning, increasing concern for lightning ignitions. * AFFECTED AREA...In Idaho, Fire Weather Zones 400 Northern Boise BLM, 401 Western Payette National Forest, 402 Eastern Payette National Forest, 403 Northern Boise National Forest, 420 Treasure Valley BLM, 421 Southern Boise/Western Sawtooth NF and including the Camas Prairie. In Oregon, Fire Weather Zones 670 Burns BLM, 671 Steens Mountain and 672 Southern Grasslands. * TIMING...Until 6 AM MDT /5 AM PDT/ Friday. * THUNDERSTORMS...Scattered coverage with abundant lightning. * OUTFLOW WINDS...Gusty erratic winds up to 45 mph. * IMPACTS...Any fire that develops will catch and spread quickly. Outdoor burning is not recommended.
Hydrologic Outlook issued August 13 at 12:43PM MDT by NWS Boise ID
ESFBOI Monsoon moisture will bring a threat of thunderstorms to the region through Saturday evening for much of the area. High atmospheric moisture will allow for isolated thunderstorms producing heavy rain accumulations, leading to an increased threat of flash flooding especially for the recent wildfire burn scars. Friday and Saturday have the highest chance for locally heavy rains, especially near the ID-NV border, and high terrain in southwest Idaho. Burn scars have the highest risk for flash flooding. Several burn scars across the area including the Wapiti burn scar near Grandjean, ID, the Fox burn scar near Richland, OR, the Tartar burn scar near Weiser, ID, the Coleman Creek burn scar near Juntura, OR and the Big Grass Fire burn scar near Jordan Valley, OR are of particular concern for flash flooding and debris flows. Please monitor the latest weather conditions if traveling near these areas.
Weed Free Hay Order 04-2021-03
Prohibited by this order: Possessing, storing, or transporting non-pelletized hay, straw, or mulch in the Intermountain Region, unless it is certified as weed free by the state where the product originated.
About
Swinging Bridge Campground is located 10 miles north of Banks, Idaho along State Highway 55 at an elevation of 4,000 feet. The campground occupies a scenic canyon position just above the highway, with the North Fork Payette River flowing nearby. The surrounding mountains are forested with a mix of Ponderosa and lodgepole pines, providing plentiful shade throughout most of the campground. The North Fork Payette River is renowned as a destination for expert kayaking and extreme whitewater. Additional whitewater rafting opportunities exist nearby on the Main and South Fork sections of the Payette River. Anglers will find good to excellent fishing for whitefish and rainbow trout. Summer temperatures typically reach 80-90 degrees during the day with cooler nights. The campground offers 7 single-family sites with paved roads and parking spurs. Each site includes a picnic table and campfire ring. Vault toilets and potable water are provided. Sites accommodate vehicles up to 30 feet with back-in configuration. Reservations are available through Recreation.gov.
Directions
From Horseshoe Bend, Idaho, take State Route 55 north for 21.5 miles to the campground sign. Turn left after the sign into the campground on the west side of the highway.
Amenities
| Water | Yes |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | — |
| Pets Allowed | — |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | — |
| Price | $18 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | 40ft |
| Max Trailer Length | 40ft |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (541) 351-1182 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
Availability
Photos
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