Open

The campground operates seasonally from May through September. Opening may be delayed in years with heavy snowpack. First-come, first-served only; no advance reservations. Campers must bring their own water and pack out all trash.

Idaho Panhandle National Forests

Northern Region Camping & Target Restrictions, Pallet Prohibition

This order defines the maximum length of occupation at a single location or cumulatively at any number of locations within a calendar year, within the states of Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Idaho

Idaho Panhandle National Forests

Weed Free Forage & Mulch Products Order for the Northern Region

It is illegal to possess, store or transport straw, hay, grain, seed or other forage or mulch products on Forest Service lands without documentation that the product is certified as “weed free” by a state certification process that meets or exceeds the North American Weed Free Forage standards.

Idaho Panhandle National Forests

Twentymile Leonia Forest Service Road 408 Closure

The purpose of this order is for public safety during repair operations on a washed-out section of NFS Road 408.

About

Big Creek Campground sits on the historic site of a former Civilian Conservation Corps camp in the Idaho Panhandle National Forests. This small, primitive campground offers 9 sites along Big Creek, providing excellent access to fishing opportunities on both Big Creek and the nearby St. Joe River. The campground operates first-come, first-served with no advance reservations. The campground caters to a variety of recreationists, with two small corrals across the road specifically for horsemen to use rather than bringing horses directly into the campground. Activities include hiking on National Recreation Trails, wildlife viewing, berry picking, swimming, and hunting. The area is particularly popular in fall as a base camp for hunters, with grouse hunting being a notable draw in the Big Creek area. Facilities are primitive: vault toilets are available but there is no potable water, so campers must bring their own water supply. The campground operates on a pack-it-in, pack-it-out waste management system. Sites accommodate up to 2 vehicles included in the base fee, with a maximum of 3 vehicles allowed per site.

Directions

Drive 24 miles east of St. Maries, Idaho to Calder on the St. Joe River Road. Then follow County Road 5 miles east, then 3 miles north on Big Creek Road #537.

Amenities

Water No
Fires Allowed —
Toilets Yes
Dump Station No
Wifi No
Pets Allowed —
Showers No
Electric Hookups —
Water Hookups —
Sewer Hookups —
Camp Store No
Price $10 - $15

Vehicle

Max RV Length —
Max Trailer Length —
Big Rig Friendly No
Pull Through Sites —

Contact

Phone +1 (208) 245-2531

Cell Service

AT&T None
Verizon None
T-Mobile None

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