Bowns Campground
The campground operates seasonally from mid-May through October 31, weather dependent. Potable water is available seasonally and may not be operational early in the season.
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.
Fireworks and Spark Arrestor Order 04-2021-01
Prohibited by this order: Possessing, discharging, or using any kind of firework or other pyrotechnic device. 36 CFR §261.52(t)Operating or using any internal or external combustion engine without a spark arresting device properly installed, maintained and in effective working order as described…
Explosives and Exploding Target Order 04-2021-02
This order prohibits the use of explosives and exploding targets on National Forest System lands within the Intermountain Region.
Fox Creek Temporary Trail & Trailhead Closures
Implementation of the Fox Creek Bridge Replacement Project will require intermittent, temporary trail and trailhead closures. Unscheduled closures may be necessary, but here are some target dates for visitors to keep in mind when planning activities in the area:May 11-14, 2026: Trailhead will be…
Over-Snow Vehicle and Bicycle Prohibitions
This order covers over-snow vehicle and bicycle use on the Fairfield and Ketchum Ranger Districts and the Sawtooth National Recreation Area.
Sawtooth Wilderness Area Occupancy and Use
This order covers occupancy and use requirements for the Sawtooth Wilderness area on the Sawtooth National Recreation Area.
Hemingway-Boulders and Cecil D. Andrus-White Clouds Wilderness Areas - Occupancy and Use
This order covers occupancy and use requirements for the Hemingway-Boulders and Cecil D. Andrus-White Clouds Wilderness Areas on the Sawtooth National Recreation Area.
Forestwide Occupancy and Use
This order covers occupancy and use prohibitions on all National Forest System lands and roads within the Sawtooth National Forest.
Occupancy and Use - Food Storage
This order covers requirements for possessing and storing food while visiting the Sawtooth National Recreation Area.
About
Bowns Campground is a developed Forest Service campground located 25 miles east of Featherville and 18 miles north of Fairfield in Idaho's Sawtooth National Forest. The campground consists of 10 units spread along Big Smoky Creek, with two of those sites configured as double family units suitable for larger groups. Amenities include vault toilets, seasonal potable water, fire rings, and picnic tables at each site. The campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis with no reservations available. Miller Creek Trail (#087), which starts just south of the campground, is open to motorcycles and provides hiking access into the surrounding forest. The area is popular for fishing in Big Smoky Creek, hiking, and enjoying the quiet forested setting. Dogs are welcome but must remain on leash within the developed recreation area. Access is via Forest Road #094 north from Fairfield, then west on Forest Road #227.
Directions
From Fairfield, go north 18 miles on Forest Road #094 and west approximately 6 miles on Forest Road #227.
Amenities
| Water | Yes |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $6 - $12 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | — |
| Pull Through Sites | — |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (208) 764-3202 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
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