Big Bar Camping Area
Open year-round on a first-come, first-served basis. No reservations required. No fees. No potable water available; bring your own or filter from natural sources.
Air Quality Alert issued August 10 at 8:47PM MDT by NWS Boise ID
* WHAT...Air Quality Advisory because of degraded air quality due to wildfire smoke. Air Quality Index is forecast to be Unhealthy. * WHERE...Ada, Adams, Canyon, Gem, Owyhee, Payette, and Washington Counties. * WHEN...UNTIL 1 PM MDT WEDNESDAY. * IMPACTS...Everyone may begin to experience health effects; members of sensitive groups may experience more serious health effects.
Air Quality Alert issued August 10 at 8:40PM MDT by NWS Boise ID
* WHAT...Air Quality Advisory because of degraded air quality due to wildfire smoke. Air Quality Index is forecast to be Unhealthy. * WHERE...Ada, Adams, Canyon, Gem, Owyhee, Payette,and Washington Counties. * WHEN...UNTIL 1 PM MDT WEDNESDAY. * IMPACTS...Everyone may begin to experience health effects; members of sensitive groups may experience more serious health effects.
Air Quality Alert issued August 10 at 7:21PM MDT by NWS Boise ID
* WHAT...Air Quality Advisory because of degraded air quality due to wildfire smoke. Air Quality Index is forecast to be Unhealthy. * WHERE...Ada, Adams, Canyon, Gem, Owyhee, Payette, and Washington Counties. * WHEN...UNTIL 1 PM MDT WEDNESDAY. * IMPACTS...Everyone may begin to experience health effects; members of sensitive groups may experience more serious health effects.
About
Big Bar Camping Area offers primitive dispersed camping along the scenic Snake River in Hells Canyon, one of the deepest river gorges in North America. Located within Payette National Forest in Adams County, Idaho, this camping area provides a rugged, undeveloped experience for self-sufficient campers seeking solitude and river access. The area has no formal camping units or designated parking spots. Both tent campers and RVs can find space, though the lack of developed sites means campers choose their own spots. The only amenities are a single vault toilet (outhouse) and an informational sign at the pull-in area. No potable water is provided; campers must bring their own supply or treat water from nearby sources. Recreation opportunities include day hiking, scenery viewing, and motorized boating on the Snake River. Allison Creek Trailhead, providing access to Allison Creek Trail #514, is located directly across Hells Canyon Road from the camping area.
Directions
From Cambridge, take Highway 71 approximately 26 miles to the Snake River. Continue on Highway 71 another 30 miles to the entrance of the camping area.
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | — |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | — |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | — |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $0 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | — |
| Pull Through Sites | — |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (208) 634-0700 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
Useful Links
| USFS Big Bar Camping Area | |
| Payette National Forest Alerts |
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