River Side
Closed — Closed for winter. The campground typically operates late May or mid-June through late September, depending on snowmelt and weather conditions. Access road (FR 579) is closed due to snow.
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.
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.
Atlanta Area Roads 268M & 268MX1 Closure
The purpose of this order is to protect public health, safety and natural resources along two short roadways associated with the community of Atlanta's transfer station.
Granite Creek Seasonal Road Closure for Snowmobile Grooming
National Forest System Road 327 (also known as Granite Creek-Rabbit Creek Road) is closed to wheeled motorized vehicles beginning near its junction with Hwy. 21 and ending at the North Fork Boise River bridge near Deer Park.
Lava Fire Road Closure
Updated closure of National Forest System Road 625, and portions of NFSRs 653 and 624 due to safety hazards resulting from the 2024 Lava Fire. These routes are closed to motorized and mechanized travel, but open to foot and livestock use.
Public Safety Occupancy and Use on all Boise National Forest Lands
This Order applies to all National Forest System lands and roads within the Boise National Forest for purposes of public health and safety.
Flat Fire GNA Salvage Road and Trail Closure
The purpose of this Order is to protect public safety during timber operations near the Flat Fire burn area. These will be in effect from June 20 through December 31, 2025.
Lowman Ranger District Dispersed Camping Area Closure
The purpose of this Order is to protect undeveloped campsites along portions of Highway 21 and National Forest System Roads 582 and 524 from overuse and to let highly impacted areas to recover.
William Pogue and Roaring River Trail Closure Order
Portions of the William Pogue and Roaring River Trails are closed.
South Fork Salmon Road Closure
This order prohibits motor vehicles on the South Fork Salmon River Road having more than 10,000 lbs on the steering axle and tire width less than nine inches, or more than 300 lbs per inch of tire on all axles, from March 15th through June 1st annually.
Rainbow Basin Occupancy and Use
The purpose of this Order is to protect natural resources values and public health and safety within Rainbow Basin.
Grimes Creek Area Closure
The purpose of this Order is to protect public health and safety and natural resources.
Occupancy and Use
Details camping stay restrictions for more than 14 days during any 30-day period throughout the year.
Wilson Creek Trail System Temporary Closure to Motor Vehicle Use
The purpose of this Order is to protect big game during critical life stages.
About
River Side Campground is a primitive, waterfront campground located along the Deadwood River at the north end of Deadwood Reservoir in Boise National Forest. At an elevation of 5,300 feet, the campground offers 8 sites situated in a mixed-growth pine forest with plentiful shade and abundant summer wildflowers. Every site provides views of the river with direct water access. The remote location of Deadwood Reservoir keeps it quiet and unpopulated, creating exceptional fishing opportunities for Chinook and Kokanee salmon, rainbow and cutthroat trout. Boating, water skiing, canoeing, and kayaking are popular activities on the reservoir. A boat ramp is available about 2 miles away at Cozy Cove Campground. The area offers extensive trail networks for hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, and off-road vehicle use. The campground provides basic amenities including vault toilets and drinking water. Roads and parking spurs are dirt. Access to the reservoir requires traveling over Banner Summit on Forest Road 579, which becomes impassable during winter months due to snow. The remote setting means the nearest towns of Stanley or Idaho City require a long trip, so visitors should come well-prepared.
Directions
From Boise, take State Highway 55 north. At Banks, take Highway 17 (Banks-Lowman Highway) east to Lowman. Turn left on Highway 21, then continue over Banner Summit. Turn west on Forest Road 579 and continue to Deadwood Reservoir.
Nearby Campgrounds
Amenities
| Water | Yes |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | — |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $12 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | 100ft |
| Max Trailer Length | 100ft |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (208) 259-3361 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
Availability
Photos
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