Ore Ida Council - Where To Go Camping
Givens Hot Springs
Description: Nice improved campground on the Snake River, with hot springs close into town (Nampa). Has plenty of room for a large troop. Call for fees to swim and camp there is a discount for Scout Troops. Indoor pool.
Phone Number: (208) 495-2000
Notes:
Facilities: Restrooms, Shower Facilities, Fire pits
Special Activities Available: Hiking, Merit Badges, Swimming
Idaho Atlas and Gazetteer page number and reference: Page 24 A:1
Directions: From Nampa, take 12th Avenue South, which becomes Highway 45. Cross the Snake River at Walters Ferry and turn west on Idaho 78 (Marsing-Murphy Road). Follow the signs to Givens Hot Springs (about 8 Miles) on south side of road.
Version 2 update: Another interesting site to visit while at Given’s Hot Springs is map rock. Map rock is a rock with petroglyphs on it. The location of map rock is directly across the Snake River from Given’s Hot Springs. To get to Map Rock use Map Rock Road which is on the north side of the Snake River at Walter’s Ferry.
Gray Back Gulch
Description: Run by the U.S. Forest Service. Fee area. Nice sites available for small groups. Two large group sites.
U.S. Forest Service Reservation Hot Line call MISTIX at 1-800-283-2267 (CAMP)
Close to Warm Springs Resort with natural hot spring swimming pool. Troops like to drop in for a hot swim after camping.
Warm Springs Resort (208)392-4437.
Notes:
Facilities: Potable Drinking Water, Restrooms, Fire Wood
Special Activities Available: Hiking, Merit Badges, Swimming at Warm Springs Resort
Idaho Atlas and Gazetteer page number and reference: Page 35 B:5
Directions: Approximately 4 miles south of Idaho City, just of Highway 21. Turn south on Grayback gulch and follow the signs.
Grimes Creek
Description: Just off Idaho 21, on the way to Idaho City, the Grimes Creek area provides numerous areas along the creek. The area is rich in history (primarily the Idaho gold rush) and there are many things to see and places to visit while in the area. The Idaho City Museum is a great start, and don’t forget to stop in Placerville to visit with the Townsfolk. All camping areas are primitive, but generally well marked and easy to find, right along the creek. Some have ample shade from large trees and other camp sites are situated along the gravel bars and large boulders along the creek.
Notes: Before attempting to gold pan in any area, make sure that you are not on someone’s claim. Claim jumping is still a valid concern in the area and is taken seriously! The best bet is to only pan where you know the owners.
Facilities: Fire Wood
Special Activities Available: Hiking, Merit Badges, Fishing, Gold Panning
Idaho Atlas and Gazetteer page number and reference: Page 35 B:5
Directions: From Boise. Take Idaho Highway 21 toward Idaho City. Approximately 13 miles from the Mores Creek Bridge, take the Grimes Creek turn off (turn left). It is well marked. Camping spots will be located where you can find them along the creek. You can continue up Highway 21 to Idaho City and then backtrack on the Idaho City to Placerville Road, but this will take you a while longer.
Hells Canyon
Description: Idaho Power Company operates three nicely improved campgrounds located in the Hells Canyon. Situated in the low elevations along the Snake River, all three campgrounds are open year round and make excellent camping in the late winter and early spring, when most other campsites are wet and soggy.
Notes: Fee Area. Very popular areas and can be crowded on nice weekends. Get there early. Idaho Power used to accept reservations, but all sires are first come, first served.
Facilities: Potable Drinking Water, Restrooms, Fire Wood, Shower Facilities
Special Activities Available: Hiking, Merit Badges, Swimming, Boating Water Sports
Idaho Atlas and Gazetteer page number and reference: Page 42 A:1 and 50 C:2
Directions: Take I-84 to the Payette exit and drive through Weiser on U.S. Highway 95 . At Cambridge, turn west on Idaho 71. About 3 hour drive from Boise. Woodhead Park is located along Brownlee Reservoir, McCormick Park is at Oxbow Reservoir and the Copperfield and Hells Canyon Parks are located on Hells Canyon Reservoir.
See also Brownlee Dam entry in the Version 2.
Horsethief Reservoir
Description: Horsethief Reservoir has both improved and unimproved campsites. Excellent summer and fall camping. Nicely wooded areas around the reservoir. Campsite areas are in the process of being improved (1995). The reservoir is to be drained and restocked by the Idaho Department of Fish and Game in 1995.
Notes:
Facilities: Restrooms, Fire Wood
Special Activities Available: Fishing, Wildlife Studies, Hiking, Swimming, Water Sports
Idaho Atlas and Gazetteer page number and reference: Page 43 B:5
Directions: Approximately 10 miles east of Cascade. Turn East on Warm Lake Road just past the spillway north of Cascade on Highway 55. Watch for signs and turn south on Horsethief road.
Irish Boat Ramp Arrowrock Reservoir
Description: Just outside of Boise off Highway 21, this is just above Arrowrock Dam. Good location for year round camping close to Boise (check road Conditions in winter and spring). Space for a Troop of approximately 30. No fees required. Hiking trails in the vicinity.
N
otes:
Facilities: Restrooms, Fire Wood (not always available)
Special Activities Available: Hiking, Merit Badges, Plant Identification, Orienteering, Boating, Wildlife
Idaho Atlas and Gazetteer page number and reference: Page 35 C:5
Directions: From Boise, Take Warm Springs Avenue to Highway 21. Take Highway 21 to Mores Creek Bridge and turn to Spring Shores Marina. Continue on past Arrowrock Dam and just past the South Fork of the Boise River. Campsite is located 14 miles from Highway 21.
Kuna Cave
Description: Kuna Cave is a good day trip for Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts, and families. Can also be used as an overnight camp. Not a great place to camp, but makes a good fall back in bad weather, close to town. The cave is slightly improved and relatively safe. In the middle of the sagebrush, the entrance to the cave is a hole in the ground with a metal ladder and tube.
Notes: Bring flashlights. Camping is possible in the cave, but use fires with caution as smoke will fill up the entire cave (not hazardous-just smokey). The cave is known as a party spot for teenagers. They will usually not bother you if you are there first.
Facilities: None
Special Activities Available: Close to Birds of Prey National Wildlife Refuge. Cave exploration. Hiking. Makes a good bike hike from the Boise area, overnight stay and return.
Idaho Atlas and Gazetteer page number and reference: Page 24 A:3
Directions: approximately 7 miles south of Kuna. At Kuna, take Swan Falls Road south until you reach Kuna Cave Road to the west. Turn right approximately 2 miles then one mile south to the cave.
VERSION 2 UPDATE -- FOR A BETTER UNDERSTANDING OF CAVING LOOK INTO THE VENTURE CAVING PAMPHLET
Herrick Reservoir (Skunk Reservoir)
Map Reference (Idaho Atlas and Gazetteer): Page 43 C:5
USGS MAP: Alpha
Directions: Take Hwy. 55 north to past Smith’s Ferry. Turn right on Sixty Lane at the Sportsman Access sign. Turn left on Skunk Creek Road. The reservoir will be down and on the right.
Facilities: Restrooms-north end of lake, Fire Wood
Contact Agency/Person:
Special Activities Available: Fishing, Mountain Biking, Hiking, Boating (No Motors)
Access: Summer, Fall
Notes:: Open camping around the reservoir. Fish and Game usually stocks prior to Memorial Day weekend.
Jennie Lake
Map Reference (Idaho Atlas and Gazetteer): 36 B:1
USGS MAP: Jackson Peak
Directions: From Idaho City, follow Highway 21 north for 18 miles to Edna Creek Campground and FS Rd. #384. Take a right onto road #384 and continue 6 miles to a junction with FS Rd. #348. Keep to the left and drive 7.5 miles to FS Rd. #372. Take a sharp left and go .1 miles where parking is available for 2-3 vehicles. Easy 8 mile hike, 1,850' elevation gain.
Facilities: Primitive camping, Fire Wood
Contact Agency/Person: U.S. Forest Service-Idaho City Ranger Dist.
Special Activities Available: Fishing, Hiking
Access: Summer, Fall
Last Chance Campground
Map Reference (Idaho Atlas and Gazetteer): Page 43 A:4
USGS MAP: Meadows
Directions: Take Hwy 55 from Boise to McCall. Continue on through McCall towards New Meadows. At the bottom of Goose Creek grade look for campground sign on your right. Follow signs to U.S. Forest Service campground. (Approximately 120 miles; travel time 2 ½ hours).
Facilities: Potable Drinking Water, Restrooms, Fire Wood
Contact Agency/Person: U.S. Forest Service
Special Activities Available: Fishing, Mountain Biking, Hiking, Fees: yes
Access: Summer, Fall
Note:: Hot Springs and fishing nearby. Consult a good map to locate.
Lola Creek Campground
Note: 15-mile (one way)hike from Lola Creek Trail Head to Dagger Falls Campground This is the centennial trail.
Loon Lake
Map Reference (Idaho Atlas and Gazetteer): Page 51 C:4
USGS MAP: Loon Lake
Directions: Take Hwy. 55 north to McCall; travel through McCall and turn right onto Warren Wagon Rd. (Just past Shore Lodge); travel north on Warren Wagon Rd. To Chinook Campground a mile beyond where the road crosses the Secesh River. Take Trail #080 from the campground it follows the Secesh river towards Loon Creek. Just above Loon Creek take Trail #084 west; trail #084 becomes rocky and steep with many switch-backs, rising 800' in elevation in 1.3 miles. Trail #084 intersects with trail #081. Here there are two choices. 1. Continue south along #081, leaving the trail to bushwack your way along the east side of the lake. 2. Continue south along #081 to the junction of trail #084. Head west again on trail #084. This trail runs 1.75 miles south along the west side of Loon Lake. Where the trail meets Loon Creek, leave the trail to follow the creek to Loon Lake.
Note: There is wreckage of a B-23 bomber which crashed there on January 29, 1943 located at the Southside of the lake, approximately 150' into the trees.
The hike is approximately 10 miles round trip.
Facilities: Primitive camp, None
Contact Agency/Person: U.S. Forest Service
Special Activities Available: Fishing, Hiking
Access: Summer, Fall
Ore Ida Council - Where To Go Camping
Givens Hot SpringsDescription: Nice improved campground on the Snake River, with hot springs close into town (Nampa). Has plenty of room for a large troop. Call for fees to swim and camp there is a discount for Scout Troops. Indoor pool.
Phone Number: (208) 495-2000
Notes:
Facilities: Restrooms, Shower Facilities, Fire pits
Special Activities Available: Hiking, Merit Badges, Swimming
Idaho Atlas and Gazetteer page number and reference: Page 24 A:1
Directions: From Nampa, take 12th Avenue South, which becomes Highway 45. Cross the Snake River at Walters Ferry and turn west on Idaho 78 (Marsing-Murphy Road). Follow the signs to Givens Hot Springs (about 8 Miles) on south side of road.
Version 2 update: Another interesting site to visit while at Given’s Hot Springs is map rock. Map rock is a rock with petroglyphs on it. The location of map rock is directly across the Snake River from Given’s Hot Springs. To get to Map Rock use Map Rock Road which is on the north side of the Snake River at Walter’s Ferry.
Gray Back Gulch
Description: Run by the U.S. Forest Service. Fee area. Nice sites available for small groups. Two large group sites.
U.S. Forest Service Reservation Hot Line call MISTIX at 1-800-283-2267 (CAMP)
Close to Warm Springs Resort with natural hot spring swimming pool. Troops like to drop in for a hot swim after camping.
Warm Springs Resort (208)392-4437.
Notes:
Facilities: Potable Drinking Water, Restrooms, Fire Wood
Special Activities Available: Hiking, Merit Badges, Swimming at Warm Springs Resort
Idaho Atlas and Gazetteer page number and reference: Page 35 B:5
Directions: Approximately 4 miles south of Idaho City, just of Highway 21. Turn south on Grayback gulch and follow the signs.
Grimes Creek
Description: Just off Idaho 21, on the way to Idaho City, the Grimes Creek area provides numerous areas along the creek. The area is rich in history (primarily the Idaho gold rush) and there are many things to see and places to visit while in the area. The Idaho City Museum is a great start, and don’t forget to stop in Placerville to visit with the Townsfolk. All camping areas are primitive, but generally well marked and easy to find, right along the creek. Some have ample shade from large trees and other camp sites are situated along the gravel bars and large boulders along the creek.
Notes: Before attempting to gold pan in any area, make sure that you are not on someone’s claim. Claim jumping is still a valid concern in the area and is taken seriously! The best bet is to only pan where you know the owners.
Facilities: Fire Wood
Special Activities Available: Hiking, Merit Badges, Fishing, Gold Panning
Idaho Atlas and Gazetteer page number and reference: Page 35 B:5
Directions: From Boise. Take Idaho Highway 21 toward Idaho City. Approximately 13 miles from the Mores Creek Bridge, take the Grimes Creek turn off (turn left). It is well marked. Camping spots will be located where you can find them along the creek. You can continue up Highway 21 to Idaho City and then backtrack on the Idaho City to Placerville Road, but this will take you a while longer.
Hells Canyon
Description: Idaho Power Company operates three nicely improved campgrounds located in the Hells Canyon. Situated in the low elevations along the Snake River, all three campgrounds are open year round and make excellent camping in the late winter and early spring, when most other campsites are wet and soggy.
Notes: Fee Area. Very popular areas and can be crowded on nice weekends. Get there early. Idaho Power used to accept reservations, but all sires are first come, first served.
Facilities: Potable Drinking Water, Restrooms, Fire Wood, Shower Facilities
Special Activities Available: Hiking, Merit Badges, Swimming, Boating Water Sports
Idaho Atlas and Gazetteer page number and reference: Page 42 A:1 and 50 C:2
Directions: Take I-84 to the Payette exit and drive through Weiser on U.S. Highway 95 . At Cambridge, turn west on Idaho 71. About 3 hour drive from Boise. Woodhead Park is located along Brownlee Reservoir, McCormick Park is at Oxbow Reservoir and the Copperfield and Hells Canyon Parks are located on Hells Canyon Reservoir.
See also Brownlee Dam entry in the Version 2.
Horsethief Reservoir
Description: Horsethief Reservoir has both improved and unimproved campsites. Excellent summer and fall camping. Nicely wooded areas around the reservoir. Campsite areas are in the process of being improved (1995). The reservoir is to be drained and restocked by the Idaho Department of Fish and Game in 1995.
Notes:
Facilities: Restrooms, Fire Wood
Special Activities Available: Fishing, Wildlife Studies, Hiking, Swimming, Water Sports
Idaho Atlas and Gazetteer page number and reference: Page 43 B:5
Directions: Approximately 10 miles east of Cascade. Turn East on Warm Lake Road just past the spillway north of Cascade on Highway 55. Watch for signs and turn south on Horsethief road.
Irish Boat Ramp Arrowrock Reservoir
Description: Just outside of Boise off Highway 21, this is just above Arrowrock Dam. Good location for year round camping close to Boise (check road Conditions in winter and spring). Space for a Troop of approximately 30. No fees required. Hiking trails in the vicinity.
N
otes:
Facilities: Restrooms, Fire Wood (not always available)
Special Activities Available: Hiking, Merit Badges, Plant Identification, Orienteering, Boating, Wildlife
Idaho Atlas and Gazetteer page number and reference: Page 35 C:5
Directions: From Boise, Take Warm Springs Avenue to Highway 21. Take Highway 21 to Mores Creek Bridge and turn to Spring Shores Marina. Continue on past Arrowrock Dam and just past the South Fork of the Boise River. Campsite is located 14 miles from Highway 21.
Kuna Cave
Description: Kuna Cave is a good day trip for Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts, and families. Can also be used as an overnight camp. Not a great place to camp, but makes a good fall back in bad weather, close to town. The cave is slightly improved and relatively safe. In the middle of the sagebrush, the entrance to the cave is a hole in the ground with a metal ladder and tube.
Notes: Bring flashlights. Camping is possible in the cave, but use fires with caution as smoke will fill up the entire cave (not hazardous-just smokey). The cave is known as a party spot for teenagers. They will usually not bother you if you are there first.
Facilities: None
Special Activities Available: Close to Birds of Prey National Wildlife Refuge. Cave exploration. Hiking. Makes a good bike hike from the Boise area, overnight stay and return.
Idaho Atlas and Gazetteer page number and reference: Page 24 A:3
Directions: approximately 7 miles south of Kuna. At Kuna, take Swan Falls Road south until you reach Kuna Cave Road to the west. Turn right approximately 2 miles then one mile south to the cave.
VERSION 2 UPDATE -- FOR A BETTER UNDERSTANDING OF CAVING LOOK INTO THE VENTURE CAVING PAMPHLET
Herrick Reservoir (Skunk Reservoir)
Map Reference (Idaho Atlas and Gazetteer): Page 43 C:5
USGS MAP: Alpha
Directions: Take Hwy. 55 north to past Smith’s Ferry. Turn right on Sixty Lane at the Sportsman Access sign. Turn left on Skunk Creek Road. The reservoir will be down and on the right.
Facilities: Restrooms-north end of lake, Fire Wood
Contact Agency/Person:
Special Activities Available: Fishing, Mountain Biking, Hiking, Boating (No Motors)
Access: Summer, Fall
Notes:: Open camping around the reservoir. Fish and Game usually stocks prior to Memorial Day weekend.
Jennie Lake
Map Reference (Idaho Atlas and Gazetteer): 36 B:1
USGS MAP: Jackson Peak
Directions: From Idaho City, follow Highway 21 north for 18 miles to Edna Creek Campground and FS Rd. #384. Take a right onto road #384 and continue 6 miles to a junction with FS Rd. #348. Keep to the left and drive 7.5 miles to FS Rd. #372. Take a sharp left and go .1 miles where parking is available for 2-3 vehicles. Easy 8 mile hike, 1,850' elevation gain.
Facilities: Primitive camping, Fire Wood
Contact Agency/Person: U.S. Forest Service-Idaho City Ranger Dist.
Special Activities Available: Fishing, Hiking
Access: Summer, Fall
Last Chance Campground
Map Reference (Idaho Atlas and Gazetteer): Page 43 A:4
USGS MAP: Meadows
Directions: Take Hwy 55 from Boise to McCall. Continue on through McCall towards New Meadows. At the bottom of Goose Creek grade look for campground sign on your right. Follow signs to U.S. Forest Service campground. (Approximately 120 miles; travel time 2 ½ hours).
Facilities: Potable Drinking Water, Restrooms, Fire Wood
Contact Agency/Person: U.S. Forest Service
Special Activities Available: Fishing, Mountain Biking, Hiking, Fees: yes
Access: Summer, Fall
Note:: Hot Springs and fishing nearby. Consult a good map to locate.
Lola Creek Campground
Note: 15-mile (one way)hike from Lola Creek Trail Head to Dagger Falls Campground This is the centennial trail.
Map Reference (Idaho Atlas and Gazetteer): Page 51 C:4
USGS MAP: Loon Lake
Directions: Take Hwy. 55 north to McCall; travel through McCall and turn right onto Warren Wagon Rd. (Just past Shore Lodge); travel north on Warren Wagon Rd. To Chinook Campground a mile beyond where the road crosses the Secesh River. Take Trail #080 from the campground it follows the Secesh river towards Loon Creek. Just above Loon Creek take Trail #084 west; trail #084 becomes rocky and steep with many switch-backs, rising 800' in elevation in 1.3 miles. Trail #084 intersects with trail #081. Here there are two choices. 1. Continue south along #081, leaving the trail to bushwack your way along the east side of the lake. 2. Continue south along #081 to the junction of trail #084. Head west again on trail #084. This trail runs 1.75 miles south along the west side of Loon Lake. Where the trail meets Loon Creek, leave the trail to follow the creek to Loon Lake.
Note: There is wreckage of a B-23 bomber which crashed there on January 29, 1943 located at the Southside of the lake, approximately 150' into the trees. The hike is approximately 10 miles round trip.
Facilities: Primitive camp, None
Contact Agency/Person: U.S. Forest Service
Special Activities Available: Fishing, Hiking
Access: Summer, Fall
